Piano Curriculum

Welcome to the Harrison Piano Department!

The piano department at the Harrison Arts Center is dedicated to providing a quality arts education to each student, according to their individual artistic and academic abilities. Individual goals are acquired through a demanding, but nurturing environment and curriculum, and the dedication of each student.

The piano department is designed to offer students an opportunity of a highly concentrated study in classical literature for the piano and advanced preparation for future artistic and education goals. Enrollment capacity is maintained to provide individualized and group instruction. Various guest artists within the community are contracted for additional Master Classes and performances.

Piano Department audition requirements can be found here

Piano Department Curriculum includes
Keyboard I-IV (Honors for 11th/12th)
Music Theory I-II
Electronic Music 
Instrumental Techniques I 
Music Appreciation (Music History)
Instrumental Ensemble IV: Piano Ensemble
AP Theory
Vocal Ensemble III: World Music Ensemble

Each student must pass a technical "Proficiency Exam" at the conclusion of each semester. This four-year curriculum is designed to establish a secure technical foundation essential for proper artistic development. Failure to successfully complete these requirements will necessitate a student be placed on Artistic Probation until those required elements are achieved. 

Year I
Instrumental Technique I (1/2 Credit)
This course is designed to give the piano student the necessary technical and sight-reading skills, which will enable the student to better evolve into the curriculum of the piano department. This course is individualized to each student's ability level.
Music Theory I (1/2 Credit)
Study will include compositional practices and concepts from c. 1600 - 1900 beginning with rudimental musical principles and culminating in common-practice harmony and four-part vocal writing.
Keyboard (Piano) I
These classes are the core piano instruction classes and focus on preparation of the respective piano repertoire. In addition to concerts, the students also perform in collaboration with the instrumental and vocal departments in numerous activities, such as chamber concerts, jazz band, and accompanying for various competitions and festivals.

 
Year II
Music Theory II
A continuation of Music Theory I, Music Theory II will have students studying compositional practices and concepts from c. 1600 - 1900. These concepts begin with rudimental musical principles and culminate in common-practice harmony and four-part vocal writing.
Keyboard (Piano) II
These classes are the core piano instruction classes and focus on preparation of the respective piano repertoire. In addition to concerts, the students also perform in collaboration with the instrumental and vocal departments in numerous activities, such as chamber concerts, jazz band, and accompanying for various competitions and festivals.

Year III
Electronic Music I
Study in this course will focus on the application of principles gleaned in Theory I and II through original music composition. Students will compose using compositional software as well as synthesizer technology.  
Keyboard (Piano) III or Keyboard Honors III
These classes are the core piano instruction classes and focus on preparation of the respective piano repertoire. In addition to concerts, the students also perform in collaboration with the instrumental and vocal departments in numerous activities, such as chamber concerts, jazz band, and accompanying for various competitions and festivals.  
Music Electives for Year III (students choose one):
World Music Ensemble
The purpose of this choir is to explore through performance the various styles and cultures of different regions of the world.  Students will develop basic fundamental skills in vocal production, choral performance techniques and an appreciation for the influence of the arts upon all cultures.
AP Music Theory
This class serves as a culminating Music Theory experience.  Study will include basic musical principles through advanced harmonic study/composition.  Students will take the AP Music Theory test and may receive college credit, providing a passing score on the test is achieved.

Year IV
Piano Ensemble
This class is designed for senior piano majors to explore the vast repertoire written for piano ensemble. Studies will also include arranging/composition for duets, two piano 4 hands, and two piano 8 hands. 
Music History
Students will develop knowledge of musical styles and historical perspective through the study of master composers and great works of music.  The scope of the course includes the history of Western music from c. 500 A.D. - present. 
Keyboard (Piano) IV or Keyboard Honors IV
These classes are the core piano instruction classes and focus on preparation of the respective piano repertoire. In addition to concerts, the students also perform in collaboration with the instrumental and vocal departments in numerous activities, such as chamber concerts, jazz band, and accompanying for various competitions and festivals.

There are two required public piano concerts each year. The Fall Piano Concert provides a performance venue for students to demonstrate their accomplishments of their first semester's study. The Spring Piano Concert demonstrates a culmination of competitions, required piano literature, and ensemble repertoire.

Supplies
Electronic Music
• Folder
• Journal or notebook
• Flash memory (no more than 1G is needed)
AP Music Theory
• Folder
• Staff Paper (found free online)
• Pencils
Keyboard I-IV/Inst. Tech. III/Piano Ensemble
• Stereo headset
• ¼ ' Stereo adapter
Theory I
• Manuscript paper (8.5"x11")
• 3-ring notebook
• Pencils only
Theory II
• Manuscript paper (8.5"x11")
• 3-ring notebook
• Pencils only
• Stereo headset
• ¼" stereo adapter

Faculty
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M.A.T. Florida Southern College
Rebekah Haubry has been on the faculty at Harrison School of the Arts since its inception in 1989, where she serves as instructor of piano and music theory. She has taught as an adjunct faculty member at Florida Southern College (1981- 2010), teaching applied and class piano. She has also served as piano adjudicator for various local and state competitions. Ms. Haubry received her B.A. degree in Music and her M.A.T. degree in Education, from Florida Southern College.

Alumni
Many of our students have continued their art education at Indiana University, Manhattan School of Music, University of Michigan, Boston Conservatory, New World School of the Arts, Florida Southern College, University of South Florida, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, and Florida State.