Instructor: Caleb Fontenot

Email: fontenotco@lamarpa.edu

Phone:

Office Hours:

Additional Contact Information:

Private instruction in piano with goals related to commercial music.

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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.

Note taking materials (paper, pencil, pen, etc.), blooket.com, Blackboard access, LSCPA email, Office 365 access, staff paper 

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A. Demonstrates a professional tone quality by playing with proper piano posture and technique.

B. Demonstrates a secure and accurate rhythm for the style of music being performed.

C. Demonstrates pitch accuracy.

D. Demonstrates dynamic levels that are appropriate for the style of music being performed. 

E. Demonstrates phrasing that is appropriate for the style of music being performed. F. Performs correct notes as required. 

G. Performs music from memory. 

H. Demonstrate proficiency in chord playing and chart reading.

I. Perform scale techniques, repertoire and basic improvisation skills, produce five finger patterns in major and minor keys, play major and minor scales in selected keys, construct and play chords of different qualities, harmonize a melody, perform selected compositions.

J. Demonstrates a commitment to the profession with attendance, persistence in the program, and timeliness to classes, rehearsals, and performances.

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

PSLO 2: Applies commercial music performance skills 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 profession.

Week 1: Evaluation and Discussion 

Week 2: Specific to Student. 

Week 3: Specific to Student. 

Week 4: Specific to Student. 

Week 5: Specific to Student. 

Week 6: Specific to Student. 

Week 7: Specific to Student. 

Week 8: Mid-term and student                                                                                               

Week 9: Specific to Student. 

Week 10: Specific to Student. 

Week 11: Specific to Student. 

Week 12: Specific to Student. 

Week 13: Specific to Student. 

Week 14: Specific to Student. 

Week 15: Jury Recitals, Final Exam

Week 1: Evaluation and Discussion 

Week 2: Specific to Student. 

Week 3: Specific to Student. 

Week 4: Specific to Student. 

Week 5: Specific to Student. 

Week 6: Specific to Student. 

Week 7: Specific to Student. 

Week 8: Mid-term and student                                                                                               

Week 9: Specific to Student. 

Week 10: Specific to Student. 

Week 11: Specific to Student. 

Week 12: Specific to Student. 

Week 13: Specific to Student. 

Week 14: Specific to Student. 

Week 15: Jury Recitals, Final Exam

November 30, - December 4, 2026

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

Lesson Preparation of Major Assignments 40% 

Professional Attitude 20%

Midterm 20%

Performance Jury (final exam) 20%

Juries are a professional performance in front of a panel of commercial music instructors and all applied students participate. Midterm may be a combination of written, aural and/or performance. Technical Studies: listening exercises, studying both visual and audio versions of performers in many genres of music. 

Style Studies: Memorization and preparation of ensemble pieces, including styes of pop, rock, country, reggae, r&b, soul, funk, latin, jazz, gospel, etc. 

Melodic Studies: learning, listening to and applying skills of harmonizing with both recorded and live performances. 

Repertoire: application to both solo and ensemble selections, as a lead and background performer. 

Final (Jury): Prepared work to be performed at the scheduled Jury Recital date

Lessons begin promptly at the start time. Students are expected to arrive to the Performing Arts Center at least 15 minutes before their lesson, to warm up in a practice room, and to knock on my office (PAC 124) door at their lesson time. If a student knows that they will be late or absent, they must notify me via email. If a student arrives 5 minutes late or departs 5 minutes early, they will receive half attendance credit for the lesson. Two late arrivals/early departures will culminate in a full absence. If a student arrives more than 20 minutes late to their lesson, they will receive a zero for their lesson, a zero for attendance, and will not receive an opportunity to make up their lesson.  

Any student who accumulates more than 3 unexcused absences will automatically receive a failing final lesson grade (F). An absence is only excused if a student presents a valid medical excuse or experiences a severe emergency.  

If a student misses a lesson and wants to make it up for credit, they must schedule a make-up lesson with me AND complete a scholarly article reading and summary assignment. This is applicable if a student is sick or experiences a minor issue and must miss their lesson.

Students are encouraged to utilize the resources provided by LSCPA Student Services (https://www.lamarpa.edu/student-services/index.html) such as tutoring, counseling, career coaching, and The Nest. Students may also choose to use TimelyCare- Medical and Mental Health Support and Tutor.com (both links located in Blackboard, some restrictions may apply). 

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 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.

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 Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

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.

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

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.

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.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

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.