Weaver Academy Piano


The Arts Academy is a full-time high school option for grades 9-12. Students may apply to their area of interest by completing the application process and audition requirements. Program Instructor
		Mark Freundt freundm@gcsnc.com
Piano Curriculum
	The Weaver Academy Piano Department is committed to in-depth study of piano performance that will inspire and sustain a lifelong passion for making music. By providing a learning environment that is creative, nurturing, yet challenging, students develop into well-rounded piano artists. They are engaged in a variety of approaches ranging from individually tailored lesson plans to large group study. Students will focus on development of Technical Studies (scales and arpeggios), music reading skills, and a comprehensive study of solo and ensemble performance skills. Typically, there are six (6) different piano performances per year including traditional solo recitals, large multiple keyboard ensemble concerts and informal “café’s” featuring improvisation. Principle Area Courses and Projects Piano Principles will successfully complete the following courses with an unweighted “B” as a final semester grade or higher: Freshmen year -- Piano I (2 semesters) • A comprehensive skill and artistic development course that strives to reach beyond Early Intermediate level through individual repertoire development, study of major and natural minor scales and related arpeggios, level appropriate collaborative ensemble work and introduction of a multitude of performance skills. Lessons will be centered on themes derived from Dr. Stewart Gordon’s work Memorization in Piano Performance. Sophomore year -- Piano II (2 semesters) • Building from foundations in Piano I, this course strives to reach beyond Intermediate level through individual repertoire development, study of major contrary and harmonic minor scales and related arpeggios, level appropriate collaborative ensemble work and refinement of a multitude of performance skills. Lessons will be centered on themes derived from Madeline Bruser’s The Art of Practicing. Junior year -- Piano III (2 semesters) • Building on skills and concepts in Piano II, this course strives to reach beyond Late Intermediate level through individual repertoire development, study of harmonic contrary and melodic minor scales and related arpeggios, level appropriate collaborative ensemble work and refinement of a multitude of performance skills. Lessons will be centered on themes derived from Alfred Publishing’s Performance Practice series. Senior year -- Piano IV (2 semesters) • Building on skills and concepts in Piano III, this course strives to reach beyond Early Advanced level through individual repertoire development, study of harmonized major and harmonic minor scales and related arpeggios, level appropriate collaborative ensemble work and refinement of a multitude of performance skills. Lessons will be centered on themes derived from Aaron Copland’s What To Listen For In Music. Senior Solo Piano Recital (Capstone Art Project) (2nd semester Senior year-part of Piano IV) • Designed to prepare students for undergraduate auditions with 15-20 minutes of material representing Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary styles, memorized. (Note: This is in addition and not related to Senior English class “Graduation Project”) Assessments • Student’s artistic work will be assessed by faculty at the end of each semester. This is viewed as “real world” experience in the form of a professional interview or audition. Supporting Courses In addition, Piano Principles will successfully complete the following courses with an unweighted “C” as a final semester grade or higher: Basic Musicianship (1 semester) (typically Freshman or Sophomore year) • This course serves as an introduction to fundamentals in music. Students will experience critical listening, introduction to classical literature, instrumental and vocal identification, basic theoretical knowledge, and music reading skills. The student will be challenged to take an in-depth look at music’s importance and relevance to society. This course will also include the explorations of music halls, recitals, concerts and performance procedures and etiquette. This course is meant to provide a solid foundation and stepping stone to music theory, music history, and the serious study of music performance at the Weaver Academy. Music History (1 semester) (typically Junior year) • This course seeks to foster an appreciation of Western European and alternative forms of music as well as a familiarity with trends, terms, and musical personalities associated with them. Listening to a wide variety of music, within each style period, will be emphasized. Students will be trained to listen to music with a critical ear to detect musical elements (melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, form) that are associated with different stylistic periods and musical genres. A college-level Music Appreciation text is used. Music Theory (1 semester) (typically Senior year, first semester) • This course emphasizes a thorough review of music fundamentals as a precursor to AP Music Theory. Attention is given to the areas of key signatures, scale construction, and triad construction/inversion. Rudimentary exercises in four-part figured bass realization will be assigned throughout the course. The course will also include the development of sight singing as well as melodic/harmonic dictation skills within the common-practice tonal tradition. AP Music Theory (1 semester) (typically Senior year, second semester) • The students will master those aspects of Music Theory which will enable them to be successful in taking the College Board examination in this topic area. Emphasis will be given to the areas of harmonization/part writing, aural dictation, and sight-singing skills. Melodic, form, and harmonic analysis assignments as well as creative composition exercises will be assigned throughout the course. The course will also include the development of listening skills using standard (common practice) Western tonal repertoire. Select one of the following: • Studio Guitar • Vocal Music (by audition) • Intro to Recording • Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology (prerequisite: Honors Chemistry)
Application Process Application must be hand-written by the student. Parent/Guardian signature is required on the last page. Rising 9th graders should include a copy of their most recent 8th grade report card and documentation of computer competency tests that have been taken. Rising 10th graders should include a transcript along with proof that all 8th grade end-of-grade and computer competency skills have been passed. A copy of your child’s immunization records is required. Two letters of recommendation must be included in the packet: one from your school administrator, counselor, or a teacher and one from an instructor in your specialized area who can address your talents, abilities, and potential. Applicants with an IEP must have parent/guardian secure a copy of the IEP and include it in the packet. Only completed application packets will be reviewed by the Weaver Academy Admissions Committee. Only candidates with complete application packets will be contacted to schedule an audition and personal interview. Weaver Academy only offers an honors curriculum, therefore, students will be selected who exhibit characteristics necessary for success. Following the interview, students will be notified of their acceptance/non-acceptance into the program. All acceptances are contingent on applicant providing proof that all EOGs and Algebra I End-of-Course test have been passed. *Click here for complete PVA Curriculum and CAMY Award requirements*
Auditions Piano students should:
Be prepared to perform two pieces of music, one from memory. Selections should demonstrate technical proficiency and focus on musicality at an intermediate level or higher. Be prepared to demonstrate two major scales (two octaves) of your choice (except C Major) hands together in parallel motion. Be prepared to demonstrate sight-reading. A personal interview will be conducted at the time of audition.