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Solo Repertoire

Purpose of the Course

The purpose of this piano course is to cultivate a student's creative independence as a performer, while also fostering well-rounded musicianship. Through the development of fundamental knowledge in performing methods and vital tools, such as sound production, technical skills, musicality and sensitivity, analytical and memorization skills, sight-reading skills, and stylistic awareness, students will gain the ability to express themselves artistically through their piano performances. Additionally, the course will focus on continuing motivation for learning by exposing students to new repertoire and performance challenges. This approach will not only enhance their musicianship, but also their enthusiasm for music and learning. As a teacher, I strive to set a high standard for myself as a performer and musician in order to inspire and guide my students on their own paths of self-improvement. Students in this course will be expected to make steady progress toward technical and musical maturity through regular and consistent practice, and will be taught based on their individual level of talent and potential for growth. Through the study of diverse repertoire spanning various style periods, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of piano technique and music as a whole.

Required Materials

The materials required for this piano course include a piano or keyboard for daily practice, a notebook for keeping track of assignments and repertoire, and a metronome for tempo and rhythm exercises. Additionally, each student is required to have a recording device for self-evaluation and progress tracking.

At the end of each semester, students will be asked to submit a repertoire list that includes both assigned repertoire and any additional pieces learned throughout the semester. This list will serve as a record of the student's achievements and will be useful for future application processes such as school, competitions, festivals, and jobs.

Daily practice is an essential component of the course and students should focus on warm-up techniques, assigned literature, and sight-reading exercises during their weekly practice. The development of technical, musical, and stylistic interpretation skills will enable students to become independent learners and perform music at a high level of musicality and artistry.

Each student is required to practice daily, including weekends. While the recommended practice time is at least two hours per day, students should adjust their practice time according to their individual skill level and needs. The course will also include weekly studio lessons where the student will be able to receive guidance, feedback and additional practice tips.

Program Learning Outcome

The primary learning outcome for this piano course is for students to continuously and consistently improve their technique, artistry, and performance ability on the piano. By the end of the course, students will have:

• Acquired a strong familiarity with a wide variety of repertoire from all four stylistic periods of music (Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary)
• Developed advanced piano technique through the study of technical exercises such as those by Czerny, Hannon, Cramer, Heller, Chopin, Liszt, Pischna, etc.
• Achieved mastery of keyboard theory and technical skills through the study of all major and minor scales, arpeggios, chords, and cadences in increasingly difficult configurations
• Acquired fluency and confidence in sight-reading
• Demonstrated excellence as a performer through appearances in the division's Recital Hour, piano studio class, piano studio recital, juries and ultimately presenting required degree recitals.
• Developed familiarity with important pieces in the piano literature through listening to quality recordings of major repertoire.
• Gained critical listening skills and the ability to communicate constructive criticism of performances through participation in weekly studio classes.
• Established a consistent and focused practice routine
• Developed an ability to learn music independently.

By the end of the course, students will have completed a thorough study of repertoire representative of several different style periods, gained a superior knowledge of historical, theoretical, performance practice and pedagogical issues pertaining to the repertoire, demonstrated an increased level of technical and musical maturity, and established a consistent and focused practice routine.
Venezia e Napoli, S. 159 - Franz Liszt
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Dr. Archie Chen is a Sony Classical Recording Artist
Archie Chen records for Sony Classical
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