The course focuses on exercises which improve sight reading skills and rhythmic control as well as techniques which develop heightened awareness of the soloist in terms of following skills and tonal balance.
Literature is covered which helps strengthen the student's grasp of varying styles.
Much of the literature studied is coordinated with the students' assigned accompanying requirements. Other literature is coordinated with the Rehearsalnet midi library so that students can hone their listening skills by hearing pre-recorded solo lines to help prepare for the 'real thing'. Study of figured bass, keyboard harmony, transposition and score reading are additional areas of training. An elective for piano majors of all levels, this course helps to delineate the many factors which one uses to read music, isolate them for detailed attention and development, ultimately leading to improved ability to read music. The improved reading skills help students to gain mastery of their solo and collaborative literature more quickly, enabling larger repertoires to be built through their academic and subsequent professional careers.