Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Group Piano II presents practical tools to further the development of basic piano skills. During class, students perform as an ensemble while following a tempo given by the instructor. Curriculum examines piano theory concepts, practicing habits, and various stylistic nuances. At the end of the term, students are encouraged to perform a solo piece in the presence of the instructor.

Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:

• Accurately perform major scales in all 12 keys (one/two octaves, separate hands) and selected minor scales and modes.
• Interpret and perform triads and seventh chords using pop chord notation.
• Construct and perform common seventh chord arpeggios (hand over hand, ascending and descending, diatonic & chromatic).
• Identify common seventh chords built on any major or minor scale degree and construct inversions of triads and seventh chords.
• Read, interpret and perform a basic- to intermediate-level piano composition and transpositions of five-finger pieces.
• Successfully perform blues scales, riffs, basic improvisational techniques and a basic piano composition at sight.

Material for the course will be presented in a lecture format but also includes demonstrations, and question/answer sessions.  Instruction will take place in an electronic piano lab.

• Instructor demonstrations of exercises, scales and pieces from workbook and other sources
• Student execution of exercises, scales and pieces from workbook and other sources
• Homework Assignments (assigned pages and chapters from workbook)
• Ear Training of diatonic and chromatic intervals, triads and seventh chords
• Classroom jam sessions
• In-class quizzes (written and aural)
• Class participation and discussion
• Final piano performance of a piece chosen by instructor in collaboration with student

Procedures used to evaluate student progress will be presented at the beginning of the course, with clarification of the instructor's expectations. Competency and grades will be determined according to the student's ability to perform assigned keyboard tasks during scheduled examinations. Written quizzes, homework assignments, creativity, participation, and regular attendance will also serve to gauge the outcome of a student's final grade.

• Reading by Sight, Scales, Cadences and Studies, Roman Numerals
• Major Scales, Rhythm Training, Arpeggios, Chord Blocks
• Pedal Studies, Finger Dexterity, Melodies Harmonized With Three Chords
• Dominant Seventh Cycles, Varieties of Touch, Key Signatures
• Minor Scales, Seventh Chords, 12 Bar Blues Progressions
• Chromatic Exercises, Chord Drills, Inversion Exercises
• Reading Lead Sheets, Transposition, Modes, Whole Tone Scale
• Shifting Hand Positions, Accompaniments, Simple Bass Lines
• Harmonizing Melodies, Memorization Techniques
• Final Exam (Written and Performance)