Mr.

Kaisas Piano Lab I Syllabus

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Monday Wednesday Friday 1:26-2:50 AM
Room #21
E-mail: dkaisa@icseastbay.com

Course Overview:
Piano Lab I is a practice lab for students to gain or advance their piano playing ability. Students
spend a majority of this class in private piano practice under the direct coaching of the teacher.
Other aspects of the class include transcribing or "lifting" music by ear, and the development of
proper piano technique.
The Piano Lab class is open to all students without prerequisite and regardless of performance
ability. Students without piano performance ability will start at a basic level and progress. Those
students who already have piano performance ability are also very welcome as the class will
allow them to progress their playing from whatever level they may be at.

Objectives:
Develop life long piano skills for any avenue.
Demonstrate musicianship skills which will facilitate reading music and its transfer to the
piano.
Demonstrate the ability to 'lift' simple melodies by ear.
Demonstrate the ability to 'comp' chord progressions.
Demonstrate the ability to demonstrate proper technique in playing scales: C, D, G, A, E, and
F.
Demonstrate musicianship skills in performance of selected and approved literature (pop and
classical).

Materials needed:

Headphones (w/earbuds recommended)

Electronic Keyboard (recommended)
3-Ring binder w/Notebook (for music)
Pencil or mechanical pencil (No pens!)
Student planner

Mr. Kaisas Piano Lab I Syllabus

Grading Expectations:
Students grades will be determined by combining four factors. Points are earned in each class for
the following:
Students in-class work
Students in-class performances
Students semester projects
Exams and Recital*

*Recitals:
Every quarter/ semester we will combine with the students from the guitar class for a recital at
the school where we can showcase what we have learned throughout the year. Prepare to Be
ready!

Tardy Policy:
Arriving to class on-time is very important, and tardiness will not be a trait of our culture. This
will directly affect your participation grade for the class.
First tardy is a warning
Second tardy and on, you will receive a detention

Grading breakdown:
Exams/projects:
40% of grade
Piano performance:
40% of grade
Worksheets:
10% of grade
Class participation (attendance included):
10% of grade
*Exams will only be made up if the student is ill and notifies the instructor in advance

Grade Scale:
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
59% and below is BAD

Mr. Kaisas Piano Lab I Syllabus

Web-Site Info
Parents and Students:
ICS also has a web-site available for your viewing and parental needs. In this web-site you will
be able to check your students progress and attendance weekly. You will be given an ID and a
password that will allow both you and your parents to check your grades on-line via
gradelink.com. You have the availability to set e-mail alerts and you will receive emails
regarding your students progress. In the event you have checked the site and/or e-mailed me
and your questions are still not answered, please feel free to contact me at the school:
(510) 351-3684
Grading website is: http://gradelink.com You have received a print-out with your log-in
information and we will provide a tutorial at Back-To-School Night if needed.
Tracking your childs progress:
Grades will be updated every Monday at the very minimum
You will receive a progress report every four weeks
You will receive a formal report card every nine to ten weeks.

Mr. Kaisas Piano Lab I Syllabus

***The portion of this syllabus must be signed by both you and your guardian and
returned by Wednesday at the latest. If returned after one day, you will earn 5 extra credit
points. If returned after two days, you will earn 3 extra credit points. No points will be
given after two days! ***

__________________________________________________________
I have read the above class syllabus and understand all rules and expectations.

Student Name:

___________________________

Student signature: __________________________Date:________

Guardian Name:

__________________________

Guardian signature:__________________________ Date:_________

Guardians e-mail:___________________________________________
Phone #___________________________

*** I ask that all guardians would please email me so that I will
have access to your email for future communication.
dkaisa@icseastbay.com