The curriculum in piano pedagogy strives to develop undergraduate students to their fullest potential as teachers and performers while preparing students for independent studio teaching or for further professional study at the Master's level. The program emphasizes piano pedagogy, piano performance, jazz piano improvisation, and piano ensemble. The faculty advisor for undergraduate studies focusing on piano pedagogy is Christos Tsitsaros . The Master of Music curriculum in Piano Pedagogy prepares students for careers in college teaching, college preparatory or community music school teaching, independent studio teaching, or for further work at the doctoral level. In addition to performance, the M.M. stresses piano literature, studio technology, and piano teaching practica involving student teaching of adults and children in both individual and small group situations.
Candidates receive training in piano laboratory techniques as well as conventional studio methods.
Candidates also experience co-teaching pupils in the Piano Laboratory Program under faculty supervision and prepare pupils for recitals and teaching demonstrations. The Master of Music Degree in Piano Pedagogy at UIUC is one of the most respected piano pedagogy degree programs in the United States and annually attracts candidates from throughout the North America and abroad. Students pursuing the D.M.A. in piano may develop a minor in piano pedagogy which stresses college and university teaching. Students pursuing the Ed.D. in Music Education may also develop a similar specialization in piano pedagogy. Candidates for either degree may pursue doctoral research projects in the area of piano pedagogy.