Booker T.

Washington High School

Beginning Keyboard Techniques
Course Syllabus

Teacher: R. Burton

Course Name: Beginning Keyboard Techniques

Course Description: Beginning Keyboard is designed to teach the concepts and

fundamentals needed to perform on the piano. The course will increase musical
understanding beyond just reading notes by teaching students a vocabulary of
chords and keys. Students will develop excellent practice habits, learn techniques
to increase muscular agility and flexibility of their hands. We will also find out
how music is constructed and discover the composers and history behind the
music.

Textbooks
Adult All In One Course Alfred
Essentials of Music Theory Alfred
Accelerated Piano Adventures Fabor

Major requirements for each student in this class will be:

1. Daily participation in all learning activities
2. Turning in assignments on time
3. Refrain from using profanity in classroom
4. Refrain from the use of electronic devices during instruction
5. Measurable progress in guitar performance sight reading studies

Required Materials:
No. 2 Pencil ONLY when notating music, and Pen is acceptable on selected
assignments.
Mastery Log: This is a folder or binder with a three-ring holder that holds all
notes taken in class, turned in assignments and projects, and selected copied
music. Mastery logs should be brought to class during every class meeting.
This folder will be checked periodically (announced) and can be used to take
on SELECTED TESTS given.
Learning Activities: The ability to sing chorally is a technical skill, which will be obtained
through a series of carefully designed singing activities. In order to properly master acceptable
singing techniques, it is essential that each student fully participate in all classroom learning
experiences
Vocabulary study of music terminology (word wall) and rhythm drills
Oral testing audio and visually recorded
Proper executions of chord changes
Execution of easy to difficult rhythmic patterns
Written and aural theory assignments
Discussion sessions, research assignments based on composers and historical perspective

Rules & Expectations: Non Negotiables

1. Students must enter class with all supplies (pencil and mastery log folder).
2. Students must enter on time and be on task when bell sounds.
3. Students are expected to enter quietly and complete the sponge (located on
the lesson board).
4. Students who enter late will be marked late. Additionally, students will first
face a verbal or written warning, teacher-student conference, then a phone
call home, and later detention if tardiness continues.
5. Students must be actively engaged in class 100% of the time. Students not
in compliance with this policy will face consequences of a warning, phone
call home, and then detention.
6. Students are expected to come to class in proper uniform.
7. Students must refrain from using personal electronic devices.
8. Students must maintain order and neatness in the choir room.
9. Students cannot leave during the first 20 minutes and the last 20 minutes of
the class.
Failure to follow rules of the chorus classroom can result in after school
teacher detention, and eventually a referral to an administrator.

Evaluation Criteria
Each students final grade will reflect the following
Daily Participation 30%
Final Exam 20%
Projects 20%
Test/Quiz/Class Recitals 20 %
Homework 10%
100%
Students will receive extra credit for participation in Governors Honors, All State, and other
performances outside of school. Students who also attend Fine Arts school performances will
be given extra credit.

STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS AND PROGRESS

Daily Participation 30%

Smart Music
Rhythm Exercises
Sight-Reading
Scale Exercises
Theory Sheets
Final Exam 20%
Test/Quizzes 20%
Post Test 1
Post Test 2
Quartet 1
Quartet 2
Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Projects 20%
Piano Project
Piano Project Two
Homework 10%
Edmodo Assignments
Mastery Log Check

No makeup work will be given unless there is an excused absence given to attendance
office. Make sure that assignments are turned in on time in order to receive full credit for
assignments. This is a performance based class, therefore, the majority of the grade will be
based on daily participation in class.