A survey of undergraduate piano pedagogy core course content.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the content of undergraduate piano pedagogy core courses at four-year, National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)-accredited colleges and universities. Data were collected through a questionnaire sent to 321 pedagogy instructors listed in the 2001--2002 College Music Society Directory. The questionnaire sought information on the institution, the pedagogy instructor, the format of the undergraduate piano pedagogy core course(s), the topics covered in the core course(s), and the teaching and observation experiences included in the core course(s).

Data analysis was based on 147 (45.79%) valid responses. The results showed that the typical core course is offered once every two years for 2.19 credits and enrolls 6.29 students. The Well-Tempered Keyboard Teacher (Uszler, Gordon, & Smith, 2000) is the required text. The instructor is a female between the ages of 46 and 55, appointed full-time at the rank of Professor, who holds a doctorate in piano performance. The course focuses on the teaching of pre-college elementary and intermediate students in a private setting. Observation and student teaching experiences are requirements of the course.

Recommendations for further research included: (1) the sequencing of topics in the core course; (2) recent graduates' perceptions of their preparation to teach; (3) independent piano teachers' perceptions of useful skills and understandings; (4) uses of technology by independent teachers; and (5) the development of an internship program pairing independent teachers and pedagogy students.