Harding University Department of Music PIANO PRINCIPAL HANDBOOK (rev. 08-18-2015) Intended for those music majors whose principal instrument is piano, this handbook provides more specific details than are available in the online catalog. Consult the online HU catalog, which is the official statement of the University, for courses and other degree requirements. Currently, the Music Department offers three degrees for which piano is a principal instrument: Bachelor of Music Education, Vocal / Piano Principal Bachelor of Arts, Major in Music, Piano Principal Each of these degrees has its own curriculum, requirements, and expectations. TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Bachelor of Music Education, Vocal / Piano Principal page 2 Audition requirements Auditions - examples of appropriate literature PIA 102, 1 hour credit (lower-level study) - expectations 3 PIA 302 barrier PIA 302, 1 hour credit (upper-level study) - expectations MUS 380 Junior Recital 4 Senior Recital II. Bachelor of Arts, Major in Music, Piano Principal 5 Audition requirements Auditions - examples of appropriate literature PIA 102, 1 hour credit (lower-level study) - expectations Capstone Project (recital) 6
I. BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION, VOCAL / PIANO PRINCIPAL 2 AUDITION REQUIREMENTS To gain music major status, an audition in voice and in piano is required of all students in this degree. For piano, this audition consists of two contrasting pieces of advanced level which demonstrate technical and musical readiness for collegiate study. (See the examples of appropriate piano literature at the end of this document.) Acceptance into this degree program indicates that, in our judgment, you have the potential to meet the minimum expectations; it does not guarantee that you will be able to fulfill all requirements for this particular degree. Requirements for graduation include 4-5 semesters of PIA 102 (1 hour credit each semester), successful completion of the appropriate Piano Proficiency Exam, and 2-3 semesters of PIA 302 (1 hour credit each semester); it is strongly recommended that the Exam and other elements be completed by the fourth semester to allow promotion to upper level study (PIA 302 credit). AUDITIONS EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE LITERATURE These are suggested examples. Please consult with the Coordinator of Piano Studies regarding your audition selections. Baroque J. S. Bach Sinfonias (Three-Part Inventions) Movements from Suites Classical Beethoven any sonata (excluding Op. 49) Haydn Sonata in F, Hob. XVI/23 or Sonata in e, Hob. XVI/34 Mozart any sonata (excluding K. 545) Romantic Brahms any piece from Op. 116, 117, 118, or 119 Chopin Mazurkas, Op. 7 or Op. 17 Nocturnes, Op. 9 No. 2, or Op. Posth. in e Waltzes Etudes, Op. 10 No. 5 or 12 Liszt Liebestraum No. 3 Consolation No. 3 Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, Op. 19 Nos. 1, 3; Op. 30, No. 1; Op. 38 No. 1 Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 14 Schubert Impromptus, Op. 90 Schumann Kinderscenen, Op. 15, Nos. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Fantasiestücke, Op. 12, Nos. 2, 3, 4 Modern Barber Excursions Bartok Mikrokosmos, Vol. 6 Debussy Suite Bergamasque Children s Corner Copland Four Piano Blues Gershwin Three Preludes Ginastera Argentinian Dances Prokofiev Visions fugitives, Op. 22 Rachmaninoff Preludes, Op. 23
(Bachelor of Music Education, Vocal / Piano, continued) 3 PIA 102, 1 HOUR CREDIT (LOWER LEVEL STUDY) -- EXPECTATIONS Although the student s ultimate goal in this degree is K-12 vocal music education, the student may choose piano as their principal instrument, in combination with voice. Generally, the student has had significant pre-college piano preparation (six or more years of lessons). One purpose of study at this level is the continued development of technical and musical artistry through a variety of literature. A second purpose is the continued development of fundamental keyboard skills necessary for the competent music educator; these skills including technique, literature and musicianship are specified in the Piano Proficiency Exam and are available from the Coordinator of Piano Studies. The student is expected to perform in the Piano Studio Hour each semester, and to perform in the departmental Music Forum Student Recitals as directed by the instructor. A performance jury will be held at the end of each semester, evaluated by the piano faculty; the student must perform three pieces of contrasting style and era, two of which must be memorized. Technique, musicianship skills, and other literature may also be required in the semester. The student is expected to practice a minimum of 60 minutes each day to make sufficient progress. PIA 302 BARRIER To advance to upper-level piano study, the student must pass a barrier which demonstrates readiness for the greater demands of upper-level study. The barrier requirements are as follows: 1) completion of the appropriate Piano Proficiency Exam 2) demonstration of mastery of a variety of piano literature (repertoire list from all piano juries) 3) successful performance jury of 15 minutes length which includes: a Classical sonata-allegro movement (excluding Mozart, K. 545, and Beethoven, Op. 49) an etude by Chopin, Liszt, Scriabin, or Rachmaninoff a contrasting work an assigned work, to be self-prepared, memorized, and performed in 1 week Individual units of the Piano Proficiency Exam may be attempted and passed during different semesters, but the entire Exam must be completed for 302 consideration. The Barrier performance jury is normally held at the conclusion of the fourth semester of 102 study. PIA 302, 1 HOUR CREDIT (UPPER LEVEL STUDY) -- EXPECTATIONS Upper level study involves the continued study of technical and musical artistry, advanced literature and the preparation of a Junior recital. The student must pass the PIA 302 Barrier in order to enroll in PIA 302 lessons. The student is expected to perform in the Piano Studio Hour each semester, and to perform in the departmental Student Recitals as directed by the instructor. A performance jury will be held at the end of each semester, evaluated by the piano faculty; the student must perform three pieces of contrasting style and era, two of which must be memorized. Technique, musicianship skills, and other literature may also be required in the semester. The student is expected to practice a minimum of 60 minutes each day to make sufficient progress.
(Bachelor of Music Education, Vocal / Piano, continued) 4 MUS 380 JUNIOR RECITAL The student must perform a department-approved Junior Recital of approximately 20 minutes to fulfill as a requirement for this degree. To ensure that the student is prepared technically and musically for a public performance, the student must pass a pre-recital hearing to be held three weeks in advance. The program should be comprised of solo piano literature, memorized. During the senior year, a student may elect to perform an optional Senior Recital, of approximately 40 minutes and which follows the same guidelines as the Junior Recital. Sample Program for a Junior Recital: Haydn Sonata in E-flat, Hob. XVI/49, Mvt. I Chopin Polonaise in A, Op. 40 No. 1 Ravel Pavane for a Dead Princess Bolcom Graceful Ghost Rag
III. BACHELOR OF ARTS, MAJOR IN MUSIC, PIANO PRINCIPAL 5 AUDITION REQUIREMENTS To gain music major status, an audition in piano is required of all students in this degree. This audition consists of two contrasting pieces of advanced level which demonstrate technical and musical readiness for collegiate study. (See the examples of appropriate piano literature at the end of this document.) Acceptance into this degree program indicates that, in our judgment, you have the potential to meet the minimum expectations; it does not guarantee that you will be able to fulfill all requirements for this particular degree. Six semesters of PIA 102 and successful completion of the appropriate Piano Proficiency Exam is required for graduation; it is strongly recommended that the Exam and other elements be completed by the fourth semester to allow promotion to upper-level study. (PIA 302 credit will substitute for PIA 102 in the degree plan.) AUDITIONS EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE LITERATURE These are suggested examples. Please consult with the Coordinator of Piano Studies regarding your audition selections. Baroque J. S. Bach Inventions or Sinfonias (Two-Part or Three-Part Inventions) Movements from Suites Classical Beethoven any sonata (excluding Op. 49) Haydn Sonata in F, Hob. XVI/23 or Sonata in e, Hob. XVI/34 Mozart any sonata (excluding K. 545) Romantic Brahms Waltzes, Op. 39 Chopin Mazurkas, Op. 7 or Op. 17 Nocturnes, Op. 9 No. 2, or Op. Posth. in e Waltz, Op. 64 No. 1 Liszt Liebestraum No. 3 Consolation No. 3 Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, Op. 19 Nos. 1, 3; Op. 30, No. 1; Op. 38 No. 1 Schumann Kinderscenen, Op. 15, Nos. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Modern Debussy Arabesque No. 1 Copland The Cat and the Mouse Gershwin Three Preludes Grieg Lyric Pieces PIA 102, 1 HOUR CREDIT (LOWER LEVEL STUDY) -- EXPECTATIONS Students who choose piano as their principal instrument may exhibit a variety of career goals, which might include teaching, performing, arranging, composition, recording, and other musicrelated activities. Generally, the student has had significant pre-college preparation (six or more years). One purpose of study at this level is the continued development of technical and musical artistry through a variety of literature. A second purpose is the continued development of fundamental keyboard skills necessary for the competent music educator; these skills including technique, literature and musicianship are specified in the Piano Proficiency Exam and are available from the Coordinator of Piano Studies.
6 (Bachelor of Arts, Major in Music, Piano Principal, continued) The student is expected to perform in the Piano Studio Hour each semester, and to perform in the departmental Music Forum Student Recitals as directed by the instructor. A performance jury will be held at the end of each semester, evaluated by the piano faculty; the student must perform three pieces of contrasting style and era, two of which must be memorized. Technique, musicianship skills, and other literature may also be required in the semester. The student is expected to practice a minimum of 60 minutes each day to make sufficient progress. CAPSTONE PROJECT An inter-disciplinary, capstone project is required for this degree, as specified in the university catalog. Many students elect to perform a Junior Recital as part of their capstone project and are strongly encouraged to work toward and pass the PIA 302 Barrier as well as take PIA 302 level lessons. There are many benefits, musically and personally, to working at this level. Questions or concerns regarding the Piano Handbook should be directed to the Coordinator of Piano Studies.