GROUP PIANO AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Welcome to the USC Group Piano Program Virtual Classroom. All group piano courses are held in the group piano laboratory, Room 110 in the School of Music. Information on Degree Requirements, Piano Proficiency Examinations, Course Texts, and Course Syllabi is available here. For further information, please contact your individual course instructor.

Degree Requirements
Undergraduate students enrolled in the BA, BM, and BM with Emphasis in Music Education degrees are required to complete MUSC 155 and MUSC 156 to fulfill degree requirements. Undergraduate students enrolled in the BM with Emphasis in Music Education-Choral Track degree must complete MUSC 155, MUSC 156, MUSC 355, and MUSC 356 to fulfill degree requirements. All group piano course work must be passed with a grade of "C" or better for a student to progress through the course sequence. At the discretion of the group piano coordinator, entering students may be placed higher in the course sequence according to their level of ability. At the discretion of the group piano coordinator, those students who possess outstanding keyboard ability may be permitted to take the piano proficiency examination to obtain advanced standing credit in lieu of the group piano course sequence. Completion of the group piano course sequence provides students with the basic requisite beginning keyboard skills for their degree program. After completing degree requirements, it is the students' responsibilitiy to maintain their keyboard skills and to further practice and develop their performance and score reading ability. BM with Emphasis in Music Education-Choral Track students should consult with the choral department faculty for suggested practice beyond the group piano course sequence.

Piano Proficiency Examination
All students enrolled in the BA, BM, and BM with Emphasis in Music Education degrees must pass a piano proficiency examination prior to student teaching and/or graduation.

Students enrolled in the group piano course sequence: Successful completion of course work with a grade of "C" or better satisfies all piano proficiency requirements.

Students not enrolled in the group piano course sequence: At the discretion of the group piano coordinator, those students who possess outstanding keyboard ability may be permitted to take the piano proficiency examination to obtain advanced standing credit in lieu of the group piano course sequence. Piano Proficiency Examinations are administered during Final Examination Week at the close of the Fall and Spring semesters only. Information and Sign-up Sheets will be posted approximately one month prior to the examination. Piano Proficiency Examinations are not administered during the Summer sessions.

Students enrolled in the BA, BM, and BM with Emphasis in Music Education degrees must pass the first portion of the examination prior to student teaching and/or graduation. The first portion of the examination consists of technical requirements, harmonization, transposition, improvisation and sight reading. Specific requirements must be obtained from the Group Piano Coordinator no earlier than one month prior to the examination.

Students enrolled in the BM with Emphasis in Music Education-Choral Track degree must pass both portions of the examination prior to student teaching and/or graduation. The first portion of the examination consists of technical requirements, harmonization, transposition, improvisation and sight reading. The second portion consists of performance of prepared choral accompaniments, open score reading of simple choral arrangements, and sight reading. Specific requirements must be obtained from the Group Piano Coordinator no earlier than one month prior to the examination.

Requirements: Level I

Major Scales and Arpeggios: 2 octaves, hands separately
Harmonic Minor Scales and Minor Arpeggios: 2 octaves, hands separately
Transposition
Modal Scales: transposed
M, m, Aug., Dim. triads in all keys
Seventh Chords: M7, m7, Mm7, half-dim. 7, fully dim. 7 in all keys
Primary and Secondary Chord Progressions in all keys
Harmonization: primary and secondary chords at sight
Improvisation
Sight Reading
Requirements: Level II
1. Major Scales and Arpeggios: 2 octaves, hands separately
2. Harmonic Minor Scales and Minor Arpeggios: 2 octaves, hands separately
3. Transposition
4. Modal Scales: transposed
5. Dominant 7th and Dimished 7th Arpeggios in all keys
6. Secondary Dominant and Augmented Sixth Chords in all keys
7. Chord Progressions: Modulation to Dominat, Subdominant in all keys
8. Accompinament
9. Score Reading
10. Improvisation
11. Repertoire
Course Texts
Required Text: MUSC 155, MUSC 156 for Music Majors
Lancaster, Renfrow. Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 1, 2nd Edition . Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing, Inc., 1995. Alfred 2723/ISBN 0-88284-653-1
Required Text: MUSC 355, MUSC 356 for Music Majors
Lancaster, Renfrow. Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 2. Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing, Inc., 1995. Alfred 14751/ISBN 0-88284-700-7
Required Text: MUSC 155, MUSC 156 for Non-Music Majors:
Lancaster, Renfrow. Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 1, 2nd Edition . Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing, Inc., 2000. Alfred 17193
Course Syllabi
MUSC 155 for Music Majors
MUSC 155 for Non-Music Majors
MUSC 156 for Music Majors
MUSC 156 for Non-Music Majors
MUSC 355 for Music Majors
MUSC 356 for Music Majors

MUED 155: GROUP PIANO (Music Majors)
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the group piano program for non-keyboard music majors at the University of South Carolina is to develop functional keyboard skills (sight reading, harmonization, accompanying, transposition, improvisation and creative activities) that will allow students to cope with practical situations within the School of Music and in their chosen career field.
REQUIRED TEXTS: * Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 1, 2nd Edition .
*Texts are available at the University Bookstore located in the Russell House. Failure to purchase the course text will result in a grade of "F".
CLASS MEETINGS: consult current master schedule of classes.
GRADING*: 30% - Six Week Examination - Scheduled during sixthweek of class and heard by class instructor. 30% - Eleven Week Examination - Scheduled during eleventh week of class and heard by class instructor. 40% - Final Examination - Scheduled during Finals Week and heard by Dr. Price and graduate assistant.
* Students must pass each required level of the group piano course sequence with a cumulative grade of "C" or better. The final examination serves as the proficiency examination for that level.
ATTENDANCE: Functional keyboard skills are obtained through a cumulative process. Regular attendance at class is required. More than one unexcused absence from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by one letter. Two unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by two letters. Three unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by three letters. Tardiness is not acceptible. Every three tardies will result in the student's grade being lowered by one letter.
PRACTICE: Class preparation and practice are the responsibility of the student. All students will appear in class having practiced and prepared the previous lesson. A general estimate of 30 minutes of practice per day is recommended.
TUTORING: A class tutor will be assigned during the fourth week of class for those students in need of extra assistance. Students may not use tutoring sessions to make up class absences.

MUED 155: GROUP PIANO (Non-Music Majors)
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the group piano program for non-music majors at the University of South Carolina is to allow students to develop functional skills to enable them to play for their own enjoyment.
REQUIRED TEXTS: * Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 1, 2nd Edition .
*Texts are available at the University Bookstore located in the Russell House. Failure to purchase the course text will result in a grade of "F".
CLASS MEETINGS: consult current master schedule of classes.
GRADING*: 30% - Six Week Examination - Scheduled during sixth week of class and heard by class instructor. 30% - Eleven Week Examination - Scheduled during eleventh week of class and heard by class instructor. 40% - Final Recital Examination - Scheduled during Finals Week and heard by graduate assistant.
* Students must pass each required level of the group piano course sequence with a cumulative grade of "C" or better. The final examination serves as the proficiency examination for that level.
ATTENDANCE: Functional keyboard skills are obtained through a cumulative process. Regular attendance at class is required. More than one unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by one letter. Two unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by two letters. Three unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by three letters. Tardiness is not acceptible. Every three tardies will result in the student's grade being lowered by one letter.
PRACTICE: Class preparation and practice are the responsibility of the student. All students will appear in class having practiced and prepared the previous lesson. A general estimate of 30 minutes of practice per day is recommended. The Group Piano Laboratory will be open for use during times to be announced by the instructor.
TUTORING: A class tutor will be assigned during the fourth week of class for those students in need of extra assistance. Students may not use tutoring sessions to make up class absences.

MUED 156: GROUP PIANO (Music Majors)
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the group piano program for non-keyboard music majors at the University of South Carolina is to develop functional keyboard skills (sight reading, harmonization, accompanying, transposition, improvisation and creative activities) that will allow students to cope with practical situations within the School of Music and in their chosen career field.
REQUIRED TEXTS: *Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 1, 2nd Edition.
*Texts are available at the University Bookstore located in the Russell House. Failure to purchase the course text will result in a grade of "F".
CLASS MEETINGS: consult current master schedule of classes.
GRADING*: 30% - Six Week Examination - Scheduled during sixthweek of class and heard by class instructor. 30% - Eleven Week Examination - Scheduled during eleventh week of class and heard by class instructor. 40% - Final Examination - Scheduled during Finals Week and heard by Dr. Price and graduate assistant.
* Students must pass each required level of the group piano course sequence with a cumulative grade of "C" or better. The final examination serves as the proficiency examination for that level.
ATTENDANCE: Functional keyboard skills are obtained through a cumulative process. Regular attendance at class is required. More than one unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by one letter. Two unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by two letters. Three unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by three letters. Tardiness is not acceptible. Every three tardies will result in the student's grade being lowered by one letter.
PRACTICE: Class preparation and practice are the responsibility of the student. All students will appear in class having practiced and prepared the previous lesson. A general estimate of 30 minutes of practice per day is recommended.
TUTORING: A class tutor will be assigned during the fourth week of class for those students in need of extra assistance. Students may not use tutoring sessions to make up class absences.

MUED 156: GROUP PIANO (Non-Music Majors)
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the group piano program for non-music majors at the University of South Carolina is to allow students to develop functional skills to enable them to play for their own enjoyment.
REQUIRED TEXTS: * Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 1, 2nd Edition .
*Texts are available at the University Bookstore located in the Russell House. Failure to purchase the course text will result in a grade of "F".
CLASS MEETINGS: consult current master schedule of classes.
GRADING*: 30% - Six Week Examination - Scheduled during sixthweek of class and heard by class instructor. 30% - Eleven Week Examination - Scheduled during eleventh week of class and heard by class instructor. 40% - Final Recital Examination - Scheduled during Finals Week and heard by graduate assistant.
* Students must pass each required level of the group piano course sequence with a cumulative grade of "C" or better. The final examination serves as the proficiency examination for that level.
ATTENDANCE: Functional keyboard skills are obtained through a cumulative process. Regular attendance at class is required. More than one unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by one letter. Two unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by two letters. Three unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by three letters. Tardiness is not acceptible. Every three tardies will result in the student's grade being lowered by one letter.
PRACTICE: Class preparation and practice are the responsibility of the student. All students will appear in class having practiced and prepared the previous lesson. A general estimate of 30 minutes of practice per day is recommended. The Group Piano Laboratory will be open for use during times to be announced by the instructor.
TUTORING: A class tutor will be assigned during the fourth week of class for those students in need of extra assistance. Students may not use tutoring sessions to make up class absences.

MUED 355: ADVANCED GROUP PIANO (Music Majors)
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the group piano program for non-keyboard music majors at the University of South Carolina is to develop functional keyboard skills (sight reading, harmonization, accompanying, transposition, improvisation and creative activities) that will allow students to cope with practical situations within the School of Music and in their chosen career field.
REQUIRED TEXTS: *Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 2.
*Texts are available at the University Bookstore located in the Russell House. Failure to purchase the course text will result in a grade of "F".
CLASS MEETINGS: consult current master schedule of classes.
GRADING*: 30% - Six Week Examination - Scheduled during sixth week of class and heard by class instructor. 30% - Eleven Week Examination - Scheduled during eleventh week of class and heard by class instructor. 40% - Final Examination - Scheduled during Finals Week and heard by Dr. Price and graduate assistant.
* Students must pass each required level of the group piano course sequence with a cumulative grade of "C" or better. The final examination serves as the proficiency examination for that level.
ATTENDANCE: Functional keyboard skills are obtained through a cumulative process. Regular attendance at class is required. More than one unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by one letter. Two unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by two letters. Three unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by three letters. Tardiness is not acceptible. Every three tardies will result in the student's grade being lowered by one letter.
PRACTICE: Class preparation and practice are the responsibility of the student. All students will appear in class having practiced and prepared the previous lesson. A general estimate of 30 minutes of practice per day is recommended.
TUTORING: A class tutor will be assigned during the fourth week of class for those students in need of extra assistance. Students may not use tutoring sessions to make up class absences.

MUED 356: ADVANCED GROUP PIANO (Music Majors)
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the group piano program for non-keyboard music majors at the University of South Carolina is to develop functional keyboard skills (sight reading, harmonization, accompanying, transposition, improvisation and creative activities) that will allow students to cope with practical situations within the School of Music and in their chosen career field.
REQUIRED TEXTS: *Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 2.
*Texts are available at the University Bookstore located in the Russell House. Failure to purchase the course text will result in a grade of "F".
CLASS MEETINGS: consult current master schedule of classes.
GRADING*: 30% - Six Week Examination - Scheduled during sixthweek of class and heard by class instructor. 30% - Eleven Week Examination - Scheduled during eleventh week of class and heard by class instructor. 40% - Final Examination - Scheduled during Finals Week and heard by Dr. Price and graduate assistant.
* Students must pass each required level of the group piano course sequence with a cumulative grade of "C" or better. The final examination serves as the proficiency examination for that level.
ATTENDANCE: Functional keyboard skills are obtained through a cumulative process. Regular attendance at class is required. More than one unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by one letter. Two unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by two letters. Three unexcused absences from class will result in the student's final grade being lowered by three letters. Tardiness is not acceptible. Every three tardies will result in the student's grade being lowered by one letter.
PRACTICE: Class preparation and practice are the responsibility of the student. All students will appear in class having practiced and prepared the previous lesson. A general estimate of 30 minutes of practice per day is recommended.
TUTORING: A class tutor will be assigned during the fourth week of class for those students in need of extra assistance. Students may not use tutoring sessions to make up class absences.

© 2001 by the University of South Carolina.

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Website maintained by Dr. Scott Price, Coordinator of Group Piano: sprice@mozart.sc.edu
Last update: August 21, 2002

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