Piano is taught at Palomar in two ways – in a group setting in what is called class piano, or in the more traditional private lesson format.

Class Piano

The Performing Arts Department Music Area has a state of the art classroom for group instruction in piano.  It is located in room D-11, in the Performing Arts Complex.

In this classroom 23 Yamaha electronic pianos are linked to a central teacher’s instrument.  The teacher can communicate with each student individually, or as a group. The pianos may also be played through speakers, without using the headsets.  There is also a Bechstein acoustic grand piano in the room.

There are four basic courses available to students in piano, corresponding to four semesters (the first two years) of instruction at the undergraduate level.

Here is a brief description of the courses.  For more information, refer to the links for the courses that are being currently offered.  You will see sample syllabi for each of the courses, as well as current course activities and assignments.

Music 115  Basic Keyboard Skills I

This course is designed as a beginning course for people who do not read music.  People who can’t read music and who have never played the piano can start their studies at this level.  By the end of the semester, you will be able to:

         Read both treble and bass clefs

         Play five-finger patterns in all keys

         Play simple pieces at an beginning level.

If you’ve always wanted to play the piano, but don’t know how to read music, then this is the course for you!

Music 117 Basic Keyboard Skills II

This is a continuation of the first semester beginning piano course (Music 115).  You should have completed Mus 115 or its equivalent to take this course.

I assume you already know how to read music, and are ready to advance you piano playing to a higher level.  By the end of the semester, you will be able to:

         Play scales in one octave, hands together

         Play simple chord progressions and accompany melodies

         Play pieces at an elementary level

Music 116 Accelerated Basic Keyboard
This Course is currently being offered in the Fall Semester only.

This is a course primarily for the music major who already plays another instrument and who already knows how to read both treble and bass clefs.

It covers all the material in the Basic Keyboard I and II classes in one semester, but does so rapidly and at a deeper level.  All music majors should take this course before transferring from Palomar. 

Music 119 Piano Skills I

This is the third semester course in our four-semester sequence.  In this course, emphasis is placed on skills specific to the piano, rather than generic to the keyboard.  Students completing the course will be able to play at an intermediate level.  They will learn to play scales in two octaves, hand together, sight read, improvise, and use more complex chord progressions.

Music 225 Piano Skills II

This fourth semester piano course concentrates primarily on repertoire.  However students must still play those scales, this time in four octaves, hands together.  Students choose pieces from an assigned collection of piano works.  In the class, the instructor works with the student in a Master Class format.

In this format, each student presents a piece in front of the class.  The instructor gives feedback, while the other students take notes.  This is an extremely valuable process for acquiring performing skills, and learning to play in front of other people.  And the student who is not playing can very often see his or herself in the mistakes of the person on the “hot seat!”

Private Instruction

Private Instruction at Palomar is offered through the Applied Music Program.  Students receive private lessons in piano after passing an audition, and taking a test for basic music knowledge.  Students are also obliged to practice on campus, and enroll in an ensemble.  They must also enroll in Performance Studies.

Click on the links to learn more about these two subjects.

Other piano courses

Depending on student interest and scheduling, we offer other piano related courses from time to time.  Check the Schedule of Classes for availability.

Music 118 Keyboard Literature, Analysis and Performance

This is a lecture class designed to introduce you to the wide world of keyboard music  particularly that of the piano, but with some emphasis on harpsichord and organ as well.  Students listen to and analyze literature from all eras and styles.  You should be able to play the piano at an intermediate level to get the most benefit out of this course.