Level One Syllabus

Course number; MUFB 111
Required Text: Class Piano Resource Materials, Level I

Weekly Assignments:

These will be specific assignments made on the first class period of the week and due the following week. The second class period of the week will be spent answering questions and giving individual help. In general, assignments will consist of repertory, scales, and other material related to the requirements for secondary piano (see REQUIREMENTS FOR PIANO SECONDARY PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION, p. 9 of your Class Piano texbook).

Practice Log:

Regular practice is essential to progress in the study of piano. Therefore, a weekly practice “log” will be required to be filled out and turned in when the assignment is played for the instructor. Each student is required to practice a minimum of 3 hours per week and a pro-rated grade will be given based on the amount of time indicated on the practice log: 3 hrs. = A; 1 1/2 hrs. = C, etc.

Class Attendance:

Consistent attendance is required for this class. Consequently, strict attendance requirements will be instituted by the instructor. Each student will be allow a maximum of 3 cuts. Any unexcused absences over 3 will result in the lowering of the final letter grade by ONE LETTER GRADE, i.e., from A to B. In addition, Belmont College requires that a student will be dropped from class with a WF when total absences (excused or unexcused) exceeds 25% of the total class period. For this class, the total number of maximum absences that will be allowed is 8. Any absence over 8 will result in an automatic WF.

Grading Procedure:

The overall grade will be determined by the average of the weekly grades (both the assignment grade and the practice log grade) PLUS a final examination. These grades will be averaged together according to the following weights:

Weekly Assignment 70%
Practice Log Grade 10%
Final Assignment (Wk. #15) 20%

Letter Grade Equivalents. The following scale will be used for converting letter grades to percentages:

 

The individual parts of the weekly assignments will be averaged using a 12 point system (i.e., A+ = 12, F = 0).

Excuses for Absences:

To be excused for an absence so that it will not affect your final grade, ALL absences must be accompanied by an “official” excuse. Belmont College has official forms for excused absences and these are obtained from the appropriate person: school nurse, your ensemble director, etc. Absences not accompanied by an official excuse may not be credited by your instructor. Conflict with work schedule (including “gigs”, auditions, etc.) will not constitute a legitimate excuse. Check with your instructor for further details on excused absences.

Making Up Missed Assignments:

The only assignments that can be “made up” are those accompanied by an official written excuse. In addition, if an assignment is allowed to be made up, it must be done so within one week from the time it was missed or the missed assignment will automatically result in the weekly grade of F. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for the make up.