Applied Study
Applied Piano at Butler
The Piano area is committed to producing a well-rounded
musician. This means every piano major has ample opportunity to
learn all aspects of musicianship, from solo and collaborative
repertoire to chamber music.
Private Lessons
Each student participates in private lessons, which include a
weekly one-hour session concentrating on solo repertoire.
Studio Class
During weekly studio class, students perform works in progress
in consultation with their teacher in a master class setting, and
are offered feedback by their peers. This allows students to gain a
comfort level performing in front of others, as well as gain skills
in teaching and critiquing other performers.
Board Exams
At the end of each semester, a final exam will take place in the
form of a 10-20 minute board. This consists of a performance of at
least two contrasting pieces, both of which must be memorized.
Technical exercises in consultation with the instructor will also
be a part of the examination.
Applied Piano for Non-Majors
The goal of the applied area for non-majors is to help students
acquire piano skills that will help them in their future musical
careers.
Students who do not need keyboard classes to fulfill a specific
degree requirement may register for non-major piano lessons or
piano class by audition only.
During early registration, incoming music students who will be
receiving non-major piano instruction will take a placement
audition. Based on their previous piano experience, they will
either be placed with a private teacher or into a Keyboard Skills
class.
Private lessons
Each secondary piano student participates in private lessons,
which consist of weekly half-hour sessions concentrating on solo
repertoire and technique-building exercises.
Keyboard Skills
This 4-semester class meets in a piano lab with up to 10
students per class. Students learn piano skills using
electronically linked keyboards and headphones. This class covers
harmonization, sight reading, transposition, and elementary
accompanying.
Board Exams
At the end of each semester, a final exam will take place in the
form of a 10-minute board. This consists of a performance of at
least two contrasting pieces, one of which must be memorized.
Technical exercises in consultation with the instructor will also
be a part of the examination.