The Classroom
The YPAS Piano Classroom is fully equipped with high-end Roland digital pianos newly purchased in 2017 through a partnership between The Prpoducers (a non-profit organization supporting YPAS) and Gist pianos. Students perform on a a Yamaha C1 conservatory grand, a Hubbard French double harpsichord and a Flemish Zuckerman harpsichord. There is also a practice organ in the class room. Students work on individual assignments during class, listen to professional recordings, study and research selected keyboard literature, and reflect on audio and video recordings of performances.
Piano Curriculum
The YPAS Applied Piano curriculum is modeled after traditional college course requirements for Piano majors. Students are assigned a standard solo repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, and Modern Eras. Keyboard theory and technique are studied through scale and arpeggio practice, chord progressions, and various études. Performance classes are held throughout each semester, and students perform two evening recital programs each school year. In addition to these keyboard requirements, students complete four units of the study of piano literature, including the development of the piano, period composers and their works, and the evolution of various forms of music. Intermediate Piano and Keyboard Lab courses focus on the development of basic skills in the areas of music reading, music theory, and piano repertoire and technique. Students are also encouraged throughout their time at YPAS to participated in collaborative piano options available to them, including performing on harpsichord with instrumental or choral ensembles, accompanying soloists, performing in student chamber groups, and collaborating with dance, theater and musical theater. Students have the options of electing a year long course in collaborative piano (Chamber Ensemble for Pianists), which focuses on these skills. Students who take advantage of these unique opportunities are well-positioned to earn scholarships in music programs and well-paying positions as collaborative pianists.
Performance Opportunities
In addition to our yearly recitals, YPAS Piano students are regularly invited to provide music for civic and community events, including the annual WHAS11 Excellence in Classroom Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Awards dinner, the Mayor’s Outstanding High School Senior Banquet, the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour, Jefferson County Teachers Association functions, School Board Meetings, benefit events and various charitable and corporate organizations. Piano students also have the opportunity to develop their skills as accompanists through small and large ensemble performances as described above. Upperclassmen are eligible for the YPAS Music Department Solo Competition. Winners perform with the YPAS Orchestra as scheduling permits. The YPAS Piano Program includes six levels of classes for Piano majors and elective students. Appropriate placement is determined by audition or instructor approval. Students pursue a largely individualized program of study within the curriculum as appropriate for their own level.
Course Offerings:
Music Theory (electives)
Other Music Electives:
Noteworthy Achievements:
YPAS Piano alumni have pursued advanced training at such prestigious institutions as the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in New York, the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, New York University, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Others have attended summer programs at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Interlochen Arts Camp, and Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts.
The YPAS Piano Classroom is fully equipped with high-end Roland digital pianos newly purchased in 2017 through a partnership between The Prpoducers (a non-profit organization supporting YPAS) and Gist pianos. Students perform on a a Yamaha C1 conservatory grand, a Hubbard French double harpsichord and a Flemish Zuckerman harpsichord. There is also a practice organ in the class room. Students work on individual assignments during class, listen to professional recordings, study and research selected keyboard literature, and reflect on audio and video recordings of performances.
Piano Curriculum
The YPAS Applied Piano curriculum is modeled after traditional college course requirements for Piano majors. Students are assigned a standard solo repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, and Modern Eras. Keyboard theory and technique are studied through scale and arpeggio practice, chord progressions, and various études. Performance classes are held throughout each semester, and students perform two evening recital programs each school year. In addition to these keyboard requirements, students complete four units of the study of piano literature, including the development of the piano, period composers and their works, and the evolution of various forms of music. Intermediate Piano and Keyboard Lab courses focus on the development of basic skills in the areas of music reading, music theory, and piano repertoire and technique. Students are also encouraged throughout their time at YPAS to participated in collaborative piano options available to them, including performing on harpsichord with instrumental or choral ensembles, accompanying soloists, performing in student chamber groups, and collaborating with dance, theater and musical theater. Students have the options of electing a year long course in collaborative piano (Chamber Ensemble for Pianists), which focuses on these skills. Students who take advantage of these unique opportunities are well-positioned to earn scholarships in music programs and well-paying positions as collaborative pianists.
Performance Opportunities
In addition to our yearly recitals, YPAS Piano students are regularly invited to provide music for civic and community events, including the annual WHAS11 Excellence in Classroom Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Awards dinner, the Mayor’s Outstanding High School Senior Banquet, the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour, Jefferson County Teachers Association functions, School Board Meetings, benefit events and various charitable and corporate organizations. Piano students also have the opportunity to develop their skills as accompanists through small and large ensemble performances as described above. Upperclassmen are eligible for the YPAS Music Department Solo Competition. Winners perform with the YPAS Orchestra as scheduling permits. The YPAS Piano Program includes six levels of classes for Piano majors and elective students. Appropriate placement is determined by audition or instructor approval. Students pursue a largely individualized program of study within the curriculum as appropriate for their own level.
Course Offerings:
- Applied Piano I - IV
- Intermediate Piano (elective class)
- Chamber Ensemble for Pianists
Music Theory (electives)
- Music Theory I
- Music Theory II
- AP Music Theory
Other Music Electives:
- Jazz Improvisation
- Other instrumental ensembles (by audition)
Noteworthy Achievements:
YPAS Piano alumni have pursued advanced training at such prestigious institutions as the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in New York, the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, New York University, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Others have attended summer programs at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Interlochen Arts Camp, and Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts.