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Las Positas College

Certificate of Achievement Commercial Music: Teaching Beginning Piano

 Steinway

The Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music: Teaching Beginning Piano provides those who are current or prospective piano teachers with practical courses focused on the art of teaching beginning students of all ages, a core music theory and technique background, and essential entrepreneurship skills they will need to succeed in self-employment and/or working for a music school. This certificate includes classes from the business department in addition to the music department.

Career opportunities include, but are not limited to: Private Piano Teacher for beginning students of all ages, piano teacher based in a music studio, music school owner/operator, and group piano teacher.

Required Core

MUS 8A Music Theory and Musicianship 1 (4 units)

MUS 8B Music Theory and Musicianship 2 (4 units)

MUS 18A Jazz/Pop Piano 1 (1 unit)

*MUS 25 Teaching Beginning Piano (2 units)

***MUS 38 Applied Lessons (to be taken twice) (2 units)

Electives (Select two)

*BUSN 58 Small Business Management (3 units)

*BUSN 40 Introduction to Business (3 units)

*MKTG 50 Introduction to Marketing (3 units)

*MKTG 61 Professional Selling (3 units)

MUS 26 Methods/Materials/Piano Teachers (2 units)

Total Units 18-19

*available as online DE classes

***To enroll in Applied Lessons MUS 38, students are required to concurrently enroll in Music Theory (MUS 6, MUS 8A, 8B, 10A, or 10B) and a Performing Ensemble. 

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music: Teaching Beginning Piano, students are able to develop, market, and maintain a private piano teaching studio.

Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music: Teaching Beginning Piano, students are able to present new pieces to their students by explaining the form, compositional technique, style and mood of the piece, as well as the intent of the composer.

Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Music: Teaching Beginning Piano, students are able to solve common teaching issues using a variety of approaches.