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Piano Classes for Non-Music Majors

Welcome to the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance! We offer a range of piano courses for non-music major students to enhance your musical journey. Below, you’ll find details about our piano courses, how to register, and how to sign up for private lessons.

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Piano Courses

PIANO 110: Beginning Piano

  • Description: This course is designed for students with no prior piano experience. It will cover fundamental skills such as reading music, basic rhythm, and playing simple pieces, providing a strong foundation for further study.
  • Credits: 2
  • Schedule: Multiple sections available in Moore Building (North Campus) or Burton Memorial Tower (Central Campus). Please refer to the official course schedule.
  • Distribution Credit: Counts towards LSA Creative Expression distribution credit.

PIANO 111: Intermediate Piano

  • Description: This course is intended for students with some piano experience, equivalent to having completed PIANO 110 or 1-2 years of prior piano studies. The course focuses on enhancing technical skills, introducing more complex repertoire, and honing interpretative abilities.
  • Prerequisites: Completion of PIANO 110 or 1-2 years of prior piano study.
  • Credits: 2
  • Schedule: Multiple sections available in Moore Building (North Campus) or Burton Memorial Tower (Central Campus). Please refer to the official course schedule.
  • Distribution Credit: Counts towards LSA Creative Expression distribution credit.

PIANO 150: Advanced Piano for Undergraduate Students

  • Description: This course is for students who have had 3 or more years of piano experience. It covers advanced techniques, in-depth interpretation, and a diverse repertoire from various musical periods.
  • Credits: 2
  • Schedule: Private lessons will be scheduled with the instructor at the beginning of the term.

PIANO 500: Advanced Piano for Graduate Students

  • Description: Graduate students with 3 or more years of piano experience will be assigned course number PIANO 500. The course content includes advanced techniques, in-depth interpretation, and a diverse repertoire from various musical periods.
  • Credits: 2
  • Schedule: Private lessons will be scheduled with the instructor at the beginning of the term.

Registration Process (PIANO 110 and 111)

To enroll in any of these piano courses, follow the steps below:

  • Check Prerequisites: Ensure you meet the necessary prerequisites for the desired course.
  • UM Registration Portal: Log into the University of Michigan Registration Portal with your university credentials.
  • Course Search: Use the course codes (PIANO 110, PIANO 111) to find the relevant piano classes. Be sure to enroll in sections designated for non-SMTD students (i.e., courses that meet 2 days a week).
  • Enroll: Add the course to your schedule by placing yourself on the waitlist first. The Registrar will grant you overrides to enroll in the course at the beginning of the semester.

For detailed information on taking SMTD classes, visit the Taking SMTD Classes page.

Private Lessons (PIANO 150 and 500)

Students interested in private piano lessons can follow these steps:

  • Review Private Lessons Information: Visit the Private Lessons section on the SMTD website for initial guidelines.
  • Sign-Up Form: Complete the private lessons sign-up form available on the Academic Procedures page under the ‘Application for Private Instruction or Secondary Lessons’ menu. 
  • Submit the Form: Submit the form and wait for confirmation from the instructor.