Fall 2026

MUSI 1181-01

Piano Class I

Course Information

Department
CASP
Instructor
Fontenot, Caleb
Description
Class instruction in the fundamentals of keyboard technique for beginning piano students.
Last Updated
Friday, September 4, 2026 9:01 AM
Course Syllabus
Published Structured Syllabus

MUSI 1181-01

Piano Class I
Term
Fall 2026
Instructor
Fontenot, Caleb
Department
CASP
Meeting Pattern
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM · PAC 122

Instructor Information

Instructor: Caleb Fontenot


Email: fontenotco@lamarpa.edu


Phone:


Office Hours:


Additional Contact Information:

Course Description

Class instruction in the fundamentals of keyboard technique for beginning piano students.

Required Textbook & Materials

Alfred's Group Piano for Adults Student Book 1 Lancaster, E.L. Alfred Music; 2nd edition (2004) ISBN: 9780739053010 

Textbook Purchasing Statement

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Additional Materials/Resources

none

Pre-requisites/Co-requisites

none

Learning Outcomes

1. Produce five finger patterns in major and minor keys.

2. Play major and minor scales in selected keys.

3. Construct and play chords of different qualities.

4. Harmonize a melody.

5. Perform selected compositions.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

PSLO 1: Applies commercial music performance techniques to professional practice. 

PSLO 2: Applies commercial music performance skill to support sound engineering practice. 

PSLO 3: Applies basic music industry principles to professional practice. 

PSLO 4: Demonstrates professional behavior as characterized by a commitment to the

Lecture Topics Outline

Week 1: Course introduction; syllabus review; posture/hand position 


Week 2: Chapter 1, Intro to keyboard and music notation, "Summer Night" 


Week 3: Chapter 2, Intervals, Keyboard Basics, "Miniature Waltz" or "Minuet" ** (Review Worksheet #1)** 


Week 4: Chapter 3, major 5-finger patterns pt. 1, "Dance" ** (Review Worksheet #2)** 


Week 5: Chapter 4, major 5-finger patterns pt. 2, "Little Scherzo" ** (Review Worksheet #3)** 


Week 6: Exam #1 


Week 7: Chapter 5, minor 5-finger patterns pt. 1, "Etude" 


Week 8: Chapter 6, minor 5-finger patterns pt. 2, "Toccatina" ** (Review Worksheet #4)** 


Week 9: Chapter 7, Chord Qualities, "Topsy-Turvy"  


Week 10: Chapter 8, Major scales pt. 1, "Dream Echoes"  


Week 11: Exam #2  


Week 12: Chapter 9, Major scales pt. 2, "Morning Salute" or "German Dance"  


Week 13: Chapter 9 cont., Major scales pt. 2, "Morning Salute" or "German Dance" **(Review Worksheet #5)** 


Week 14: Chapter 10, Major scales pt. 3, triad inversions, "Etude"  


Week 15: Final Exam Practice  


Week 16: Final Performance/”Duet” Exam 

Major Assignments Schedule

Week 1: Course introduction; syllabus review; posture/hand position 


Week 2: Chapter 1, Intro to keyboard and music notation, "Summer Night" 


Week 3: Chapter 2, Intervals, Keyboard Basics, "Miniature Waltz" or "Minuet" ** (Review Worksheet #1)** 


Week 4: Chapter 3, major 5-finger patterns pt. 1, "Dance" ** (Review Worksheet #2)** 


Week 5: Chapter 4, major 5-finger patterns pt. 2, "Little Scherzo" ** (Review Worksheet #3)** 


Week 6: Exam #1 


Week 7: Chapter 5, minor 5-finger patterns pt. 1, "Etude" 


Week 8: Chapter 6, minor 5-finger patterns pt. 2, "Toccatina" ** (Review Worksheet #4)** 


Week 9: Chapter 7, Chord Qualities, "Topsy-Turvy"  


Week 10: Chapter 8, Major scales pt. 1, "Dream Echoes"  


Week 11: Exam #2  


Week 12: Chapter 9, Major scales pt. 2, "Morning Salute" or "German Dance"  


Week 13: Chapter 9 cont., Major scales pt. 2, "Morning Salute" or "German Dance" **(Review Worksheet #5)** 


Week 14: Chapter 10, Major scales pt. 3, triad inversions, "Etude"  


Week 15: Final Exam Practice  


Week 16: Final Performance/”Duet” Exam 

Final Exam Date

December 7, 2026 - 10:00 - 10:50a

Grading Scale

 90 - 100 = A   80 - 89 = B   70 - 79 = C   60 - 69 = D   Below 59 = F

Determination of Final Grade

  • Class Attendance 10% 
  • Written Assignments 15% 
  • Chapter Solo Repertoire 25% 
  • Exam #1 20%
  • Final Exam 15%
  • Duet Assignment 15%

Instructor Policies

  • No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.
  •  Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.
  •  Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, MP3 players, and laptops) shall not be used during examinations unless specifically allowed by the instructor. 
  • Recreational use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time.
  •  Instructors have an obligation to reduce such disruptions.
  •  Turn your cellphones to vibrate when you enter the classroom.

Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy: This is a 1 credit course that is required to meet 3 hours per week. You get one "free" absence before your tardies/absences start to count against your grade in the "Attendance" category. After that, each absence deducts two percentage points from your final grade (max of 10). Three tardies will count as one absence. 

Additional Information

*Keyboard Lab Policy - The equipment in the keyboard lab must always be treated with respect and care. Headphones should be used at all times and an acceptable volume level must be maintained. Please notify the instructor immediately if there is a problem with the equipment. Students who show disregard for the instruments/equipment will be asked to leave the class session and will be counted as absent for the day. In addition, a grade of "zero" will be recorded for any assignments/quizzes that are due that day. Any further violation of this policy will result in the student being dropped from the class at the instructor's discretion. 

MyLSCPA

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

ADA Considerations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

Facility Policies

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

HB 2504

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

Grievance / Complaint / Concern

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.