Course Description

Music 9A Beginning Voice

Instructor: Joshua Law

Office: A146D; Office hours: W3 -5 pm, R 2-4 pm. and by appointment; Phone (415) 239-3366

 

Prerequisites: 

Having five normally functioning fingers on both hands, ability to have access to a full size keyboard and the discipline to practice at least 45 minutes per day recommended; (Recommended pre-requisite courses: music fundamentals, music appreciation, or the equivalent) or consent of instructor.  Recommended courses can be taken con-currently.

Attendance Requirement: 90%

        Any absences more than 10% without credible and legitimate excuses will jeopardize at least a letter grade. Students should call 415-239-3366 to report/request permission to be absent at least a day and to follow that by one legitimate verbal or written excuse.  

 

Required Text:

    1. Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Lesson Book, Level One by Willard A. Palmer  with CD

    2.  J. LAW'S Music Slide Rule, by Joshua Law, Pub. DMCI, 1992

    3.  J. LAW'S Music Slide Rule, Keyboard Edition, by Joshua Law, Pub. DMCI, 2006

    Mr. Law will be handing out notes for the course.

 

Semester Requirements: Maximum of 4 songs, two must be from the text.

        1.     To learn to direct personal piano practice

        2.     To learn basic music theory and harmony from the keyboard

        3.     To learn to play simple piano pieces

        4.     To learn piano solo pieces and some simple improvisations

        5.     To perform songs from different periods and styles

        6.     To perform from memory up to ten and not less than five beginning level solo piano pieces.

 

General Philosophy of Instruction:

        Mr. Law's piano classes are designed for learning purposes where students are taught to perform at class level simple piano literatures.  The student is required to design and arrange their daily practices as a enjoyable routine. They must be able to insert practice times everyday freely and comfortably.  Piano music can only be pleasurable when the player can enjoy the daily practices.

 

Class Rules:

1. Keep talking to each other to the minimum.
2. Turn off all speakers while doing personal practice.
3. Participate and keep up with group practice time.
4. Return all equipments back to their rightful places after class before you leave.

        

Recommended Equipment:

        Keyboard at home or place of practice

Performance Schedule:

1. Concerts: It is required that selected songs are performed from memory
2. First Trial-Concert of one song - sixth week of instruction
3. Second Concert of up to two songs - video taped and CD's made for reference and personal evaluation - the eleventh week of instruction
4. Final Recital of up to two songs - week before final examination week, audience will be invited
5. Outside performance may be arranged and required.

Printed Materials 

Useful for keyboard players:

 

J.LAW'S Music Slide Rule

Based on the equal tempered scale this copyrighted slide rule creatively teaches music theory.

Suggested donation of  US$12.00 including mailing costs

 

 

   (Click on image to download full size picture of this music slide Rule)

 

J.LAW'S Music Slide Rule Keyboard Edition

A visual aid for keyboard students. Picture shows original design of page 2. Get two so you can place one for the left hand. 

Suggested donation of  US$10.00 including mailing costs.