The first semester is devoted to study of techniques, methods, and materials suitable for pre-school and elementary school level students. Other areas of study include motivational strategies, establishment of effective practice habits, recital preparation, technique, and elementary duet materials. Observation of professional teaching is done in the context of private, class, and Suzuki lessons at the Westminster Conservatory. In the second semester students analyze, evaluate, and demonstrate teaching from three different beginning piano methods. The second half of this semester is devoted to study of materials from all style periods for upper elementary and intermediate level students.
Students perform, analyze, and prepare lesson assignments in music of all style periods.
Observation of private and group lessons appropriate to these levels. This course is devoted to the study and performance of a variety of literature involving pianists and ensemble partners. A study of representative works from 1650-1800 by J.S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach, J.C. Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. A study of representative works from 1800 to the present by Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Brahms, Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev, and Bartok. Emphasis is placed on lesson planning, presentation of concepts, and the relationship between technique and musicianship.