The purpose of the incentive program is to keep students motivated throughout the school year in a fun and rewarding way. Students will be rewarded during each semester and special awards will be presented at the recitals.

Chart of Stars
The Chart of Stars is a system for rewarding students for working on their assignments, attending lessons and classes, practicing, performing, and learning about music and musicians.

The Chart of Stars consists of blocks which are filled with stars as students are rewarded for their work. Every 15 stars earned will be rewarded by a visit to the treasure chest. Those students who earn 60 stars during the fall semester or 80 stars during the spring semester will be in a select group called the Piano Stars. Piano Stars will have a special outing to be determined by the group and approved by the teacher and parents. The student with the most stars each semester will be recognized at the semester recital.

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Stars are earned in the following way:
a. Attend the lesson - 1 star
b. Complete all lesson assignments - 1 star
c. Do additional work above assignments - 1 star
d. Practice a minimum of 2 hours per week - 1 star
e. Practice additional hours each month - 1 star for each hour over 8 hours
f. Attend Music Activity class - 2 stars
g. Give a part in the Music Activity class - 2 stars
h. Participate in a DSMTA activity - 3 stars
i. Compose an original composition - 1 star for every 8 measures
j. Observe lessons of other students - 1 star
k. Perform for your family/friends - (minimum of 4 pieces and program) - 1 star
l. Perform on the piano in the community or church service - 2 stars
m. Attend or perform in a musical or concert - 1 star
n. Write a report on Baroque/Classical periods or composers (1-2 pages) - 2 stars
o. Read a book about music or a musician - 1 star
p. Listen to a classical cassette/CD - 1 star
q. Draw a picture with a music theme - 1 star
r. Extraordinary work - 1 star
   (The teacher reserves the right to reward exceptional work by the student.)

Attendance Award
Attendance at the activity classes and recitals is required. However, occasionally there may be a conflict of scheduling and an absence may be excused. Students who make attendance a priority will be rewarded. Each student who attends all activity classes and both recitals will receive an Attendance Award. The student will have a choice of a gift card from either a local book or video store.

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Baroque Music Award
This year the music activity class will study the Baroque period of music. During the spring semester, students will be given an opportunity to earn the Baroque Music Award. A study sheet will be provided which recaps the information discussed in the activity classes along with a cassette tape containing the most famous compositions of the Baroque era. To earn the Baroque Award, a student must (1) learn the information on the study sheet and cassette tape; (2) pass an oral exam given by the teacher with a knowledge of at least 90% of the material; (3) recognize the tunes (name title and composer) to the most famous Baroque music compositions; and, (4) attend the activity classes. The award will be a certificate and a $10 gift card to a local bookstore.

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Foundations of Technique: Scales, Arpeggios, and Chords
Scales, arpeggios and chords are the building blocks of tonal music. The student with a solid foundation can play any level of music. The following detail explains how the student can progress through learning technique. Reaching the advanced level of this chart will take years of study. Each level and numbered sub-level will receive a ribbon upon completion. Students who complete all levels will receive a trophy and studio recognition. A chart will be maintained in the studio so students can watch their progress.

Primary
1. 5-finger patterns in all major keys and corresponding major chord
2. 5-finger patterns in all minor keys and corresponding minor chord

Intermediate
1. All major scales, 1 octave hands together, parallel and contrary motion
   All key signatures
   Broken chords hand over hand, 5 octaves

2. All major scales, 2 octaves hands together, parallel and contrary motion
   Chromatic scale, hands separately, 2 octaves
   Chord progressions in all major keys, I-IV-I-V-V7-I
   Arpeggios for all major scales, hands together 2 octaves

3. All major scales, 4 octaves hands together
   Arpeggios for all major scales, hands together 4 octaves
   All natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, hands together 1 octave, parallel and contrary    motion

Advanced
1. Natural, Harmonic, and Melodic minor scales, hands together 4 octaves
Chord progressions for minor scales, i-iv-i-V-V7-I
Arpeggios for minor scales, hands together 4 octaves
All major scales played hands together in intervals of 3rds, 6ths, and 10ths

2. All harmonic minor scales played hands together in 3rds, 6ths, and 10ths
All major scales played in major 3rds (each hand), hands together 2 octaves
Chromatic scale in broken major 3rds, right hand, 2 octaves