CHINA’S PIONEERING COMPOSER: A STYLISTIC AND PEDAGOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED SOLO PIANO COMPOSITIONS BY DING SHANDE

Abstract

Ding Shande (1911–1995) was a pivotal figure in 20th century China, pioneering the development of Chinese piano pedagogy, music education, and piano performance. This document aims to analyze a selection of pedagogical solo piano works of Chinese composer, Ding Shande: First Lessons in Piano (1957) and Eight Piano Pieces for Children, op. 28 (1987). Through the comprehensive review of these works, this study reveals Ding Shande’s approach to piano teaching, composition, and music education, underscoring his profound influence on the development of Chinese piano pedagogy and music education in the 20th century. Chapter One includes an overview of the topic, the purpose, need, and limitations of the study, and a review of related literature. Chapter Two provides a biographical overview of Ding Shande’s life and works, including a summary of his important contributions to piano pedagogy, composition, research, and performance. Chapters Three features a pedagogical analysis of Ding Shande’s pioneering composition, First Lessons in Piano, the first Chinese piano method composed for elementary pianists. Chapter Four includes a performance and pedagogical analysis of Ding Shande’s late work, Eight Piano Pieces for Children, op. 28. Stylistic, formal, performance, and pedagogical information will be provided for each work in op. 28. Chapter Five features a brief conclusion and includes suggestions for further study.