Cincinnati Christian University, PIANO PEDAGOGY, Spring 2014

PIANO PEDAGOGY

Professor: Dr. Hickman MUED 250p

Home phone # 661-6278 Class meets T & Th 1:30-2:20

Office #268, Phone #244-8186 Classroom #271

Email: melinda.hickman@CCUniversity.edu Two semester credit hours

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

Fourth Finger on B-Flat by Joanne Haroutounian

CCU LIBRARY MATERIALS

Clavier-Companion Magazine (In periodicals section)

How to Teach Piano Successfully by James Bastien (On reserve)

The Independent Piano Teacher's Studio Handbook : Everything You Need to Know for a

Successful Teaching Studio by Beth Klingenstein. (On reserve)

A Symposium for Pianists and Teachers: Strategies to Develop the Mind and Body for Optimal

Peformance edited by Kris Kopff (On reserve)

Nelita True at Eastman. Videos 1, 2, and 4.

COURSE RATIONALE

This course is designed to acquaint the piano major with the basic strategies, materials, and

business practices needed for successful piano teaching. Most pianists with degrees in music

will eventually teach, and a formal introduction to the principles of good teaching will aid the

student in becoming a successful and competent teacher.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this course the student will:

1. Be familiar with standard teaching method books and materials.

2. Understand and apply basic pedagogical principles used in teaching.

3. Be familiar with standard business practices and studio policies.

4. Be familiar with a variety of teachers' philosophies through reading interviews, personal

interviews, and observation of teachers.

ATTENDANCE

1. Absences. Since this class meets twice a week, only four absences will be allowed per

semester. On the fourth absence your final grade will be lowered 10%. On the fifth absence you

will be required to drop the course. If you have a valid, documented reason for missing more

than this allotment, you may apply for readmission to this class through the Registrar's Office.

Save your three "free" absences for serious illness or school trips, as these will come up. You

are responsible to get notes and assignments from classmates if you must be absent.

2. Tardiness. If you are late by five minutes or more, you will be marked tardy. Four tardies

equal one absence.

Cincinnati Christian University, PIANO PEDAGOGY, Spring 2014

ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES

All assignments (except teaching journal) must be typed. Hand in a paper copy by 1:30 on the

due date. Late assignments will only be accepted between 1:35 on the due date and 1:30 the

following class period. Late work will be marked down 20%. Any assignment not turned in by

one class period after it is due will receive a “0” grade. Emailed assignments are unacceptable.

SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS

1. Teaching.

20% Teach one beginning piano student a half-hour lesson once a week for 13 weeks.

Keep a journal of your teaching--the student’s goals, what you assigned, how the

student is doing, and any questions you have. Also include your opinions, e.g., is

your student a slow or a quick learner? Do you have fun teaching this student, or

is there a personality conflict? Do you like the books you are using with the

student? This is the only assignment that can be handwritten.

5% 2. Bring your student into one pedagogy class for me to observe your teaching.

3. Professional Teacher Observations.

20% Ask two piano teachers (other than your own) if you may interview them as well

as sit in on two lessons each (for a total of four lessons observed.) You decide

which questions to ask in the interview. Write down what you liked and did not

like about the teaching you observed. Of the four lessons you observe, at least

one must be of a child, and one of an adult student. Try to observe students of

different levels. Only one of the teachers can be CCU faculty; the other must

teach off-campus. Type and turn in your notes about the interview and observation of the

lessons.

4. Method Book Evaluations.

30% Write a comprehensive evaluation and comparison of at least three different

method book series. Be sure to include introductory approaches, pacing, format,

sequence, scope and breadth, bells and whistles, and more (see p. 67-69). Explain what

the student will have learned upon completion of each method. Do you think the method

is complete, or will supplements be needed? Then in the final paragraphs, it is important

that you compare the methods you just evaluated. Tell me which method you think is the

best and why. This major project should be worked on throughout the semester. Extra

credit will be given for evaluating more than three methods. Type the final copy.

5. Method Book Presentation.

5% Using the criteria on p. 67-69, as well as your own opinions, prepare a 20-25

minute presentation of one method series. Simply show the rest of the class how

the method is laid out and how it proceeds. You should demonstrate some

of the pieces in each level. The method you choose to present can also be one of

the methods included in your written evaluation (see #4 above).

Cincinnati Christian University, PIANO PEDAGOGY, Spring 2014

6. Written Assignments.

10% a. In the CCU Library, look through several issues of Clavier-Companion. Choose two

articles and write a 2--3 page review of each. Include how the subject is applicable to

your own teaching or playing. Does this magazine look as if it would be helpful to you as

a piano teacher? If so, consider subscribing.

b. Short essays will be due periodically on topics having to do with the reading

assignments. One is a video review. These should be approximately 1-2 pages. See Daily

Course Plan for details and due dates.

7. Reading Assignments.

5% Keep up with weekly reading assignments and participate in the class discussions.

8. Notebook.

5% An organized notebook is due on the last day of class. Keep this for future

reference when you teach. It should include the following:

a. All class notes including those from discussions, guest speakers,

videos, etc.

b. All handouts collected during the semester.

c. Teaching Journal ( see #1)

d. Teacher Observations (#3, already graded)

e. Method Book Evaluations (#4, already graded)

f. Written Assignments (see #6)

EXTRA CREDIT can be earned in two ways:

1. Do a fourth Method Book Evaluation.

2. Review Nelita True at Eastman videos volumes 2 and 4.

PLEASE NOTE

Students who require academic accommodations should request assistance from the Academic

Support Director (WM 153, 244-8420), within the first two weeks of class. The Academic

Support Office also offers tutoring and study help to all students.

The professor reserves the right to change any part of the syllabus or course plan as she deems

necessary.