Kimberly Daniel,Piano Instructor

Daniel Webster Middle School and S.T.E.A.M. Magnet Center

11330 W. Graham Place

Los Angeles, CA 90064

Conference: Period 3

310- 235-4600

Welcome to Piano class!

I am thrilled to guide you on your piano musical journey. Expect to learn much about piano and even more about yourself. Expect to overcome obstacles and enjoy the deep satisfaction after accomplishing a new skill at your pace.

Course Description

The major emphasis of this Mastery Learning and Grading based piano course is to develop student achievement through beginning study of the piano. Mastery Learning and Grading strategy with growth mindset is the exciting environment in which you will demonstrate understanding of learning targets (music standards and learning objectives). Although students have a weekly benchmark the curriculum is differentiated and allows for advancement according to skill level and extra support for students who need a little more time to reach weekly benchmark. Students are given multiple opportunities to develop and demonstrate mastery. Students work cooperatively with other students in the musical organization and serve the school by participating in select performances.

  1. You will develop the skills necessary to play beginning level piano literature accurately and with good tone quality, including pedal technique and skills in reading music notation.
  2. You will also experience opportunities for growth in the understanding of musical elements (rhythm, tempo, melody, dynamics, articulation, form, harmony, expressive elements, and style).
  3. You will also study various composers and pianists (keyboardists), the history of keyboard instruments and develop discrimination and critical judgment in music that is heard or produced. The course also encourages interest in music from diverse cultures and historical periods. May repeat for credit.

Course materials

This Mastery Learning and Grading based course primarily utilizes The John Thompson piano series and Ipads for accessing additional lessons, resources, and activities.

Beyond the classroom

The integration of technology for the piano class allows extended study via online resources and activities for review and deeper understanding as well as acceleration as needed. After school rehearsal on designated days is another opportunity for students to receive assistance from the teacher and/or peer mentors, or more practice time outside of class.

Mastery Learning and Grading Policy

The piano course and the grading policy are designed to emphasize the idea that growth is possible and supported by giving students the opportunity to see what they are doing well and where they can improve. The goal is to elicit more meaningful responses to feedback and more accurately reflect students’ progress towards mastery.

Grades are determined by using multiple assessments (performance, oral, reflections, research, short answer, essay, multiple choice, etc.) to gauge mastery of each learning target. Graded assignments include rubrics and students are given multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery and growth throughout the semester. Grades are not averaged instead I will look at the body of evidence to determine student proficiency levels at the end of the semester.

Learning Targets

  1. Rhythm (play, read and write music notation)
  2. Pitch (play, read and write notation)
  3. Tempo
  4. Dynamics
  5. Articulation
  6. Harmony
  7. Balance and blend
  8. Analysis of listening selections
  9. Historical context of keyboard/piano
  10. Applications - integration of technology and cross curricular connections

Piano Mastery Rubric
4 -Level Rubric / Description
4 - Mastery / The student demonstrates complete and detailed understanding of the learning target
3 - Proficiency / The student demonstrates considerable understanding of the learning target
2 - Partially proficient / The student demonstrates basic understanding of the learning target
1 - Not Yet / The student has partial but incomplete understanding of the learning target or has multiple misconceptions about the learning target

Piano Grading Scale

Grade / Description
A / Demonstrated mastery in at least 80% of learning targets 8/10 and proficiency in the rest. Mostly 4’s, nothing lower than a 3.
B / Demonstrated proficiency in at least 80% of learning targets 8/10 and basic ability in the rest. Mostly 3’s and nothing lower than a 2.
C / Demonstrated at least Partial Proficiency in all learning targets. At least a 2 in everything.
D / Demonstrated at least partial proficiency in half the learning targets. At least a 2 in half the learning targets.
F / Does not demonstrate at least partial proficiency in half the learning targets.

Behavior Pact

  • Be respectful, safe, and prepared
  • Speak with permission
  • Complete and submit class and homework on time
  • Be punctual - 4 or more unexcused tardies will result in a “U” in cooperation

Suppliesneeded everyday

  • Students will need headphones or earbuds and an adapter for use with synthesizer.
  • The adapter costs $8 at the student store. Headphones which cover the entire ear are preferred and the most effective.
  • Students who wish to purchase a personal copy of the piano book may order online. See me for me details.
  • Students also need a 3 ring binder 2 to 3 inches
  • a set of dividers
  • notebook paper
  • pens and pencils

______detach and return______

Dear Ms. Daniel,

I have read and understood the class requirements and policies. I agree to abide by the class behavior pact and procedures.

Student Name (Print)______Period ______

Student Signature ______

Parent/Guardian ______Date ______

Best phone number to call______.Parent email ______