Syllabus for
Piano, Strings, and Guitar Classes
McKinley Middle 2022-2023

All Classes:

Required class fee is $15 to be paid  no later than August 26.  Parents can pay online on the McKinley Middle Website.  The class fee will pay for one method book per student and contribute to instrument maintenance.

• Piano students will use the Alfred Complete Book 1 or 2 for the Older Beginner. Other options are available to students already using another method book.

• String students will use the Essential Elements for Strings book 1 (beginning strings class) or book 2 (advanced strings class).   Additional string ensemble music will be added to the repertoire throughout the year.

• Guitar students will be using the Essential Elements for Guitar method book this year. Supplemental music from different genres will be introduced throughout the year.

Learning to play a musical instrument should be fun! That is our primary goal for signing up for a music class!  The majority of the class period will be spent actually playing the student's chosen instrument.  Students can expect to learn how to hold, take care of and play their instrument. Additionally, a focus will be on playing technique, note reading and performance skills. Music theory lessons will also be part of most music classes.  All students are expected to practice at least 10 to 30 minutes daily at home and be ready to play the following class. 

Written assignments will be given at least once per week. Assignments not completed and turned in will result in a zero in the grade book.  Written assignments will be posted on Google Classroom and expected to be turned back into the program. I will contact a parent after the third missing assignment.  Please encourage your child to complete all work in all classes in a timely manner.  Elective grades can help or hurt an overall GPA. 

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Instruments

• Piano students should have a practice keyboard at home.  An inexpensive practice keyboard needs a minimum of 32 keys to learn and practice correct fingering and note reading.   Practice keyboards can be found online for under $100. Full-sized (88 keys) keyboards are provided for use at school.  For a student with a true interest in playing piano long-term, actual pianos and electronic keyboards can be rented or purchased at O’Neill Pianos or Music and Arts here in Baton Rouge.

• Headphones or earbuds (no bluetooth): All piano students will be required to provide their own headphone or earbuds for use with the class pianos when classes at school begin.  No sharing!  An extra set is a good idea.  Headphones break easily or are often lost.  

• String students (violin, viola, cello, bass and guitar)  have the option of providing their own instrument through purchase or rental from a local store.  Music and Arts or Guitar Center are in Baton Rouge and Sola Violin is in Lafayette.   If you prefer to purchase online through a reputable music store, I can recommend Shar Music, Southwest Strings and Fiddlershop.com.

• Strings Instruments are also available for a fee through the school.  There will be a $50 instrument user fee which will cover use for the school year.  An instrument user form and fee must be completed and paid before an instrument can be assigned to a student.  Availability is limited so instruments are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact me by email at mwilkinson1@ebrschools.org to let me know if you need a school instrument.  I will send you an electronic copy of the form at that time.

Highly recommended for strings:​

• Tuners: Generally, all string instruments need an electronic tuner to help with tuning.  Tuners can be purchased online for $15-$35 or can be downloaded as an app on a smartphone.

• Spare set of strings: Is a very good idea.  Strings do break when students first learn to tune their instruments.

• Rosin: is required by violin, viola, cello and bass instruments. 

• Shoulder rests:  are essential to comfortable and correct posture when playing violin or viola.  Foam padding will be available to use in substitution.  We can talk about an extra purchase order after school starts.

• Practice Pencils:  All students are required to have a pencil with them in class.  All written work will be accepted in pencil only.

The best way to reach me is through email at mwilkinson1@ebrschools.org.   I will be checking throughout the school day and at the end of the school day. Parent feedback and questions are always welcomed!  

Sincerely,

Michelle Wilkinson-Nelson

Aka Mrs. Nelson

McKinley Middle Academic Magnet

Strings/Piano Specialist

This syllabus is a living document that is subject to change at any time as information becomes available from MMAM, EBRPSS, and LDOE due to COVID-19.