Applied Piano Syllabus

Private Lessons
A normal semester consists of 14 applied lessons. Lessons are catered to the learning style,
skill level, and motivation of the student. In order to provide a well-rounded education
students will be instructed in piano technique, music theory, functional keyboard skills, and
performance. Repertoire will reflect the students learning needs and interests within the
framework of the university classical literature standard.

Correspondence
The purpose of the private lesson is to work at the piano. Questions regarding scheduling,
progress, etc. should occur outside of the lesson time via email or by appointment. For
same-day emergencies students must call or text 614-260-5717, otherwise send an email.

Materials
Students should expect to spend around $40 on materials for the semester. Materials must
be brought to every lesson. Xerox copies are not permitted.

Grades
Students who do not receive a grade of C or better must re-audition for lesson space for the
following semester. If students are given a second semester and fail to make a minimum
grade of C, they will not be awarded lesson space for future semesters.
60% Practice and preparation for weekly lessons
10% Participation in studio classes and mock jury
30% Midterm and final jury

Attendance
Students are expected to attend all lessons during the semester with the exception of
university holidays, which will not be made up. Students should avoid scheduling events
that will conflict with their lesson time. If a conflict is unavoidable then the student may opt
to swap lesson times with another student in the studio using the swap list. Students must
provide 24-hours notice of any swap they have arranged or any lesson they cannot attend.
Lesson will be rescheduled when possible and only in the case of illness or emergency.
Written document must be provided within 24-hours of the missed lesson in order for it to
be made up. Students should also arrive promptly to lessons. Three tardy lessons will equal
one missed lesson. More than one unexcused absence will result in the final grade being
lowered by one-third of a letter grade per absence. Four missed lessons (excused or
unexcused) will result in an automatic “F” for the semester.
Practice
Students are encouraged to practice on an acoustic piano. Practice pianos are located in
Donald Reynolds Performing Arts Center. Students should contact the School of Music
Office (Catlett Music Center 138) concerning any access problems. Students may

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occasionally practice on a digital piano as long as it has 88 keys, weighted touch, and a
damper pedal. Practice time varies depending on the level of the student. Each student will
be given achievable goals and should use the accomplishment of these goals to define how
much they should practice. Ideally, students should aim for 5-6 days of practice each week
for the same amount of time as their lesson. Short, daily practice sessions are more
effective than one or two long practice sessions. Studies have shown that retention of new
knowledge drops to just 60% after 24-hours. Therefore, the most important time to
practice is right after the lesson. To allow for proper keyboard development students must
keep fingernails trim.

Studio Classes
Studio classes provide an informal opportunity for students to perform and develop
rapport with a small group of peers. Students are expected to attend a total of three studio
classes and perform at two of the three. In addition, students must participate in the mock
jury the week prior to the final jury. A schedule will be provided later in the semester.

Midterm
The midterm occurs during the lesson time and includes technique, sight-reading, and solo
repertoire.

Final (Jury)
Jury exams occur at the end of the semester during the first three days of finals week. Sign-
up sheets are posted on the top floor bulletin board in Carpenter Hall two weeks prior.
Students are typically expected to play two to three pieces. The jury committee is also
presented with a record of all work completed during the semester.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him/her from fully
demonstrating, his/her ability should contact the instructor personally as soon as possible
to discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and education.