Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title MUSC 1401: Beginning Class Piano

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts, Literature and Philosophy

Course Description

Basic knowledge of piano technique will include note reading in both Treble and Bass clefs, with emphasis on rhythmic reading; playing and transposing simple pieces in the keys of CFGDAE; and harmonizing with tonic and dominant 7th chords. Composition of simple pieces and the history of keyboard literature will also be introduced.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2026

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Acquisition of correct body/hand posture at the keyboard
  2. Performance of basic piano repertoire with moderate fluency
  3. Study of musical terminology and basic theory concepts applied to the piano
  4. Composition of simple pieces after the understanding of basic architecture in music
  5. Understanding the technical and esthetical changes in the history of keyboard literature
  6. Awareness of the technical problems in the score
  7. Application of the proper techniques in challenging passages to obtain an efficient private practice

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Identify note names in treble and bass clefs in the staff and the keyboard.
  2. Identify the most common rhythmical figures and perform basic rhythms.
  3. Demonstrate understanding of meter and key signature.
  4. Demonstrate understanding of major and minor triads, seventh chords, and their inversions.
  5. Play basic chord progressions and scales in basic tonalities.
  6. Analyze and evaluate recorded performances and students’ performance.
  7. Compose songs after the analysis and comprehensions of various styles of writing.
  8. Analyze through discussions and projects of the most significant works in piano literature.
  9. Develop interest on playing four hands among the students in the class.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts, Literature and Philosophy

The student will be able to:

  1. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  2. Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
  3. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None