Natalie L. Haslam College of Music

Class Piano

Class Piano is a four-semester program designed to help undergraduate, non-keyboard music majors develop essential skills for the keyboard, including technique (scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions), sight-reading, harmonization, transposition, improvisation, solo and ensemble playing, accompaniment, and score reading (both choral and instrumental). The UTK College of Music offers four levels of Class Piano across nine different sections. Each class meets twice weekly for 50 minutes and carries one credit hour. Additionally, the college offers MUKB 100, “Fundamentals of Class Piano,” designed for students with minimal or no prior piano experience. This six-week course meets twice a week for 50 minutes and does not carry credit hours.

  • Music Education with Instrumental Emphasis, Music Performance in Brass, Woodwind, Strings, and Percussion
    • MUKB 110 & 120 (Class Piano I & II)
  • Music Education with Vocal Emphasis, Music Performance in Voice, Music Theory / Composition
    • MUKB 110, 120, 210, & 220  (Class Piano I ~ IV)
  • Music Business, Music and Culture
    • MUKB 110 (Class Piano I)

Required Texts

  • For Class Piano I & II – Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults, Book 1, 2nd Edition, by E. L. Lancaster and Kenon D. Renfrow. Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. Van Nuys, CA, 2006
  • For Class Piano III & IV – Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults, Book 2, 2nd Edition, by E. L. Lancaster and Kenon D. Renfrow. Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. Van Nuys, CA, 2006

If any of your questions are not answered on this page, please contact:

Professor Eunsuk Jung
Coordinator of Class Piano
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, Room 334
Phone: 854-974-0602
ejung1@utk.edu

Courses

MUKB 110: Class Piano I

The student who successfully completes this course will be able to:

  • Play major and minor five-finger patterns and triads in all major and minor keys.
  • Play major scales and arpeggios using traditional fingerings A, B, C, D, E, F, G,, Dᵇ, Eᵇ, Gᵇ, Aᵇ, and Bᵇ.
  • Play triads in root position and inversions in all major and minor keys.
  • Play I-V6/5-I, I-IV6/4-I and I-IV6/4-I-V6/5-I chord progressions in all major keys.
  • Sight-read and transpose melodies in major and minor five-finger patterns.
  • Perform solo repertoire that utilizes major and minor five-finger patterns.
  • Harmonize and transpose melodies with tonic, subdominant and dominant 7th tones as an accompaniment.
  • Improvise a RH melody for the given chord progression.

MUKB 120: Class Piano II

Students who successfully completes this course will be able to:

  • Play natural, harmonic and melodic minor scales and minor arpeggios, using traditional fingerings.
  • Play melodic minor, natural minor, chromatic, whole-tone, and blues scales.
  • Build a triad of the key on any note of the harmonic minor scale and inversions.
  • Play both major and harmonic minor chord progressions of following: I-IV6/4-I-V6/5-I, I-IV6/4-ii-V6/5-I, and I-vi6-IV6/4 -V6/5-I, I-vi-IV-ii6-I6/4-V7-I.
  • Play five types of 7th chords and inversions.
  • Play Lydian, Mixolydian, Dorian and Phrygian scales.
  • Sight-read and transpose music in minor keys.
  • Create an accompaniment from chord symbols as well as pop chords.
  • Create two-hand accompaniments from chord symbols.
  • Improvise melodies over tonic, subdominant, and dominant 7th chords in major and minor keys.
  • Perform solo repertoire.

MUKB 210: Class Piano III

Students who successfully completes this course will be able to:

  • Play all major and harmonic minor scales and arpeggios, using traditional fingerings.
  • Play major, minor, augmented, and diminished chords beginning on any key.
  • Play triads of the key and inversions in major and harmonic minor keys.
  • Sight-read music that uses intervals, broken chords.
  • Sight-read hymn style texture.
  • Transpose melodies for Bᵇ instruments, Eᵇ alto saxophone and F horn to concert pitch.
  • Play two-part and three-part choral scores.
  • Identify characteristics of musical style periods.
  • Play inversions of V7 chords.
  • Harmonize and transpose music with secondary chords.
  • Harmonize music with different accompaniment styles: Block chords, Broken chords, Alberti bass, and Waltz style.
  • Play chord progressions of following: I-ii6-I6/4-V7-I, I-vi-IV-ii6-I6/4-V7-I, and I-V7/IV-IV-V7-I.

MUKB 220: Class Piano IV

Students who successfully completes this course will be able to:

  • Play all major and harmonic minor scales and arpeggios, using traditional fingerings.
  • Play chord progressions that modulate to the dominant and subdominant in selected major and relative minor keys.
  • Sight-read music.
  • Play chord progressions that use augmented sixth chords.
  • Play diminished 7th arpeggios.
  • Play instrumental scores.
  • Perform solo repertoire that modulates to the dominant.
  • Play three-part (SAT and SAB) and four-part (SATB) choral scores.
  • Sight-read piano repertoire.
  • Create a two-hand accompaniment from chord symbols.
  • Improvise melodies over chords.
  • Perform ensemble repertoire with partners.
  • Play modes related to major and minor.
  • Harmonize and transpose music that uses secondary dominant chords.

Proficiency Exams

Proficiency in Keyboard skills is usually acquired in the four-semester series of Class Piano (MUKB 110, 120, 210, & 220).

To receive credit for Class Piano, students must register for, take, and pass each class. Students who are enrolled in Class Piano will be prepared to meet the proficiency requirement throughout the course of study. However, students who have some background in piano may want to take a proficiency exam to receive credit for Class Piano in lieu of regular enrollment. The exam includes the skills listed above. Detailed information about the proficiency exam for each level can be found on pages 12-15 in this handbook. If you have any questions regarding the exam, please contact Professor Eunsuk Jung at ejung1@utk.edu.

Click a course below to find out all materials for each proficiency exam.

Class Piano I (MUKB 110 )

Study Textbook: Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults, Book I

Technique (2 octaves,hands together at a steady tempo)
You should be able to play scales and arpeggios in all the following major keys.

  • You should be able to play scales and arpeggios in all the following major keys; A, B, C, D, E, F, G, Dᵇ, Eᵇ, Gᵇ, Aᵇ, and Bᵇ major
  • You will be asked to play scales and arpeggios in 2-3 keys selected by the instructor.

Chord progression  

  • You should be able to play the following chord progression; I-IV6/4-I-V6/5-I in all major and minor keys (p. 170 and p. 210)
  • You will be asked to play the chord progression in random keys selected by the instructor.

Sight-reading

  • You will be asked to play at sight one piece selected by the instructor. (a piece similar to pp. 174-175)

Harmonization

  • You will be asked to harmonize a piece selected by the instructor using I, IV, and V chords (For example, pp. 178-179 with block chord accompaniment)

Transposition

  • You will be asked to transpose above harmonization piece in a key selected by the instructor.

Performance

  • You will be asked to perform 2 solo pieces.
  • You can select from pp.129, 151, 160, 172-173, 328, 329, 331 or other pieces at a similar level.

Class Piano II (MUKB 120)

Study Textbook: Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults, Book I

Technique (2 octaves, hands together at a steady tempo)

  • You should be able to play scales and arpeggios in all the following major keys; A, B, C, D, E, F, G, Dᵇ, Eᵇ, Gᵇ, Aᵇ, Bᵇ major and harmonic minor keys.
  • You will be asked to play scales and arpeggios in 2-3 keys selected by the instructor.

Chord progression (hands together)
You will be asked to play each chord progression in major keys and minor keys. The notation of the chord progression is on p.242 no.1.

  • I – IV6/4 – ii – V6/5  – I in all major & harmonic minor keys

Sight-reading

  • You will be asked to play 1 random piece (8-measures) selected by the instructor at sight (For example. pp. 256-257)

Harmonization

  • You will be asked to harmonize a piece selected by the instructor at sight (For example, pp. 248-249 with broken-chord accompaniment)

Transposition

  • You will be asked to transpose the above harmonization piece in a key selected by the instructor.


Performance

  • Prepare to play 1 piece selected from pp. 276-277, p. 317, p. 334, or p. 335
  • Perform one other solo piece of your choice at a similar level.

Class Piano III (MUKB 210)

Study Textbook: Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults, Book II

Technique (2 octaves, hands together at a steady tempo)
You will be asked to play scales and arpeggios.

  • You should be able to play scales and arpeggios in all the following major keys; A, B, C, D, E, F, G, Dᵇ, Eᵇ, Gᵇ, Aᵇ, Bᵇ major and harmonic minor keys.
  • You will be asked to play scales and arpeggios in 2-3 keys selected by the instructor.

Chord progression
You will be asked to play the following chord progression.

  • I-ii6-I6/4 -V7-I in all major & harmonic minor keys (p. 82)

Sight-reading

  • You will be asked to play 1 random piece (8-measures) selected by the instructor at sight (a piece similar to pp. 176-177)
  • You will also be asked to play open vocal score reading (a piece similar to p. 132)

Harmonization

  • You will be asked to harmonize a piece selected by the instructor at sight (For example, p. 166 with broken-chord accompaniment)

Transposition

  • You will be asked to transpose the above harmonization piece up a half step and down a whole step


Performance

  • Prepare to play 1 piece selected from p. 108, p. 121, p. 137, pp. 162-163, p. 346, pp. 348-349, pp. 356-357
  • Perform one other solo piece of your choice at a similar level.

Class Piano IV (MUKB 220)

Study Textbook: Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults, Book II

Technique (2 octaves, hands together at a steady tempo)

  • You should be able to play scales and arpeggios in all the following major keys; A, B, C, D, E, F, G, Dᵇ, Eᵇ, Gᵇ, Aᵇ, Bᵇ major and harmonic minor keys.
  • You will be asked to play scales and arpeggios in 2-3 keys selected by the instructor.

Sight-reading

  • Choral (hymn) style reading: play at a steady tempo
  • Play 1 random piece (8-measures) selected by the instructor at sight (a piece similar to pp. 234-235)

Harmonization

  • You will be asked to harmonize a piece selected by the instructor at sight (For example, pp. 236 with broken-chord accompaniment)

Transposition

  • You will be asked to transpose the above harmonization piece in a key selected by the instructor.

Transposing Instrument

  • You will be asked to transpose a melody for Bᵇ, F or E instrument to concert pitch.

Performance

  • Prepare to perform 1 piece selected from pp. 275-277, pp. 306-307, pp. 335-337, pp.  350-353, pp. 354-355, pp. 356-357, pp. 358-360, p. 363
  • Prepare to perform one other solo piece of your choice at a similar level.

Students who are ready to take the proficiency test in order to test out of class piano need to do the following:

  1. Students who are ready to take the proficiency test in order to test out of class piano need to do the following:
  2. Fill out the UT Application for Proficiency Form and send it electronically to Professor Eunsuk Jung (ejung1@utk.edu). She will then contact you with the exam information.
  3. When you are ready to take the exam, respond to Prof. Jung to set up a time.
  4. If you pass the exam, Prof. Jung will send your proficiency form and a supplementary change of grade form to the Director for Undergraduate Studies.
  5. The Director for Undergraduate Studies will send it electronically to the Bursar’s Office, copying the student. A $5 per credit hour fee will be placed on the student’s account. Once the payment has been made, the student must email studentaccounts@utk.edu to inform the Bursar’s Office that the payment is done. Once the payment has been verified, the application form will be signed/dated and forwarded to the Registrar’s Office, who will apply the credit.

Piano Lab Policies

  • No food or drinks are allowed in the Piano Lab.
  • When you come early for your class, please use the headset to practice/warm up.
  • No talking or playing when the instructor is giving information.
  • Do not tamper with the plugs or headphone jacks. If you find a problem with any of the equipment, notify your instructor.
  • At the end of every class period, make sure the piano is turned off, close the cover, and push in the bench.
  • This lab is reserved for practicing Class Piano skills. Do not use this room for personal activity when a GTA is not present.
  • The instructor keyboard is reserved for instructor use only. Do not play on that keyboard.
  • Do not tamper with the projector.
  • You may use the supplementary materials in the bookshelves at the corner of the lab for sight-reading, harmonization, and solo repertoire. After using a book, return it to where you found it.

Guidelines for Effective Practice

Class Piano requires mindful daily practice. You should make a plan to practice not only piano performance pieces but also other functional skills for keyboard that you learn in class. Please refer to the instruction below.

Scales & arpeggios

  • Watch the fingerings! Make your muscles memorize the fingering patterns.
  • Practice hands separately at first, saying the finger numbers out loud, until you feel comfortable without looking at the keyboard.
  • After separate hand practice, practice both hands opposite direction and parallel motion in two octaves.
  • Play with different rhythmic patterns.
  • Start at a slow tempo that you can play without hesitation, and then speed up little by little.

Chord progression

  • Practice hands separately first.
  • Watch your fingerings. Using correct fingering is very important!
  • Remember how your fingers move when you change the chords (Think about intervals of one chord to the next)
  • When you feel comfortable playing a chord progression in C major, play up a half step all the way to octave C. Now you can play a chord progression in all major and harmonic minor keys.

Sight reading

  • Study the score before you play at sight.
  • Find out the key, form, range for each hand, repeated sections, phrasing, dynamics, articulations, chord progressions, etc. Remember what you observe from the score (especially any repeated pattern)! That will definitely make sight-reading a lot easier.

Harmonization

  • Play the melody a couple of times first.
  • Write down the Roman numeral numbers with any inversion symbols.
  • Play block chords with L.H.
  • Play both hands.
  • If you feel comfortable with block chord accompaniment, try different accompaniment styles such as broken chords, waltz, and Alberti bass. For two-hand accompaniment, record a melody on your phone or other recording devices, then play two-hand accompaniment along with your recording.

Transposition

  • Play a harmonization piece a half step up and a whole step down.
  • Play a five-finger pattern or a scale in a transposing key.
  • Play L.H. chords first then add R.H.
  • Remember the key signature! (Accidentals!)

Solo piece

  • Learn pieces correctly from the very first (fingerings, rhythms, notes, etc.).
  • Practice separate hands in sections.
  • Write things down: fingerings, chord symbols, inversions, etc.
  • Pay attention to musical elements: key, form, dynamics, articulations, chords, patterns, repeated sections, phrases, accompaniment patterns, and rhythmic patterns – anything you can find.
  • Practice the problem spots first (hands separately and repeatedly). Fix the problem spots first.
  • Don’t play from the beginning every time you play!
  • Record your performance and be a teacher for yourself. You don’t need to wait until you’ve mastered a piece. You will find different stages of your playing along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why take Class Piano?

Class Piano develops comprehensive musicianship skills, not only keyboard skills.  It involves the practical application of skills learned in Music Theory, Ear Training, and Music History (in terms of styles and characteristics) in one course in order to allow students to understand the importance of these skills and sharpen their ability to apply them in diverse situations.

What is the class piano proficiency exam?

Students who are required to take class piano either 2 semesters or 4 semesters may test out by passing a proficiency exam. There are four levels of proficiency exams, and these exams are the same as the finals in each level of class piano. For example, If you pass proficiency exam I, you can register for class piano II. If you have had a great deal of piano experience, you can test out of the level you want to skip. The details for each proficiency exam are on pp. 12-15.

When do I take the exam?

The proficiency exam is administered throughout each semester up to two weeks before finals week. You need to contact the Class Piano Coordinator to schedule your exam at least two weeks before you take the exam.

What happens if I don’t pass the exam?

If you don’t pass the exam, you need to take the Class Piano course that is recommended by the Class Piano Coordinator.

How do I sign up for the proficiency exam?

Students who are ready to take the proficiency exam need to contact the Class Piano Coordinator via email (ejung1@utk.edu).

What do I need to prepare to take the proficiency exam?

You need to fill out the proficiency exam form and bring the form (find the appropriate level on pp. 16-23) when you take the exam. All materials are available in the keyboard proficiency test requirements pages (pp. 12-15) in the class piano handbook.

When will I be notified of the results?

You will receive an email from the Class Piano Coordinator with the results of your exam. The Class Piano Coordinator also informs the music office of your exam results.

What if I don’t demonstrate mastery of all of the skills?

If you don’t pass all of the skills, you will need to retake the skills that you didn’t pass. The Class Piano Coordinator will talk with you after your exam about the next step you need to take.

Do I need to take a proficiency exam in order to skip a Class Piano course?

No, you are only required to take it if you want the credit. If you have years of piano skills, you can register for an upper level class piano course without taking a proficiency exam. You have to talk to the Class Piano Coordinator prior to or during the first week of the semester to determine your eligibility for this option.

I am not a music major. Can I take a Class Piano course?

Yes. If there are available seats once the semester has started, then you can register for a class.