• Prerequisites: Teacher approval through an audition process

• Two credit course (one credit per semester)

• In conjunction with Wind Ensemble & Orchestra

• An Indiana Academic Honors Diploma course

• Students may take successive semesters of this course for credit

• Fulfills Visual and Performing Arts Credit                                

Students taking Advanced Piano Studies  develop skills through music proficiency & musicianship through ensemble and solo playing. Mastery of piano technique must be evident. Instruction creates the development of the highest caliber in the diverse styles of piano literature appropriate in difficulty for the students. Instruction is designed so that students are able to connect, examine, imagine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into their other subject areas. Students: (1) compose and improvise melodic and harmonic material; (2) create and perform simple accompaniments; (3) listen to, analyze, sight-read, and study the literature performed; (4) study the elements of music as exemplified in a variety of styles; and (5) make interpretive musical decisions. By the completion of semester course students would have been assessed in advanced theory, rhythm, reading, technique exercises and performance with a (portfolio) of 1-2 solo and 3-4 ensemble selections that will be developed and performed in a mid-term and term ending class piano recital.  Attendance of live performances will be a part of the class.  Local or visiting pianists will be invited to class for hands-on musical discovery and insight.  Students will be encouraged to register in Group I in the Indiana State School Music Associations’ solo and ensemble contest in January/February.