Teacher Training

Piano Pedagogy - Teacher Training

"The Piano Pedagogy course at
BC Conservatory of Music is a program
of studies of value to both new teachers
as well as the more experienced teacher

who wishes to update their training."

Rita Attrot - Instructor

Classes start:	September 22, 2010 through to April 2011
Class time:	Wednesdays 8:00 - 9:30 pm
Examination Date:	April 20, 2011
Course fee:	$145 per month based on a 4-week month
Registration:	Registration Form

Piano Pedagogy Certificate Program

The emphasis is on the practicalities of teaching and includes varied topics such as Studio Management, Performance
Practices, Curriculum Studies, Learning Theories, and Teaching Strategies. Sessions will be reinforced with periodic
written examinations based upon topics currently being discussed and researched.

Those students who have the BCCM or RCM Teachers Written Examinations as their goal will find this course to
be helpful in their preparation since the examinations will reveal their strengths and weaknesses. It is important to
remember that this examination requires the student not only to have accurate information, but also to be able to communicate
information and ideas in a clear and concise manner. Suggestions will be given during the class to assist the student in
understanding questions and using appropriate wording in writing the answers.

Above all, a pedagogy course should be an experience both interesting and satisfying to the teacher and of benefit
to the student.

Course Outline
Sept 22	Getting Started
	Definition of pedagogy
	The Teacher
	Code of ethics Being a professional Characteristics and personality Philosophy of teaching Professional organizations Assessing their own personality and character to be a succesful teacher

Sept 29	Studio Management
	Advertising and self-promotion Location / equipment Record keeping / finances / studio policies / makeup lessons Types of lesson
Oct 6	Types of students
	Pre-school / average-age / older / adult / transfer The interview / assessment of abilities of prospective students Role of the parent Types of instruction other than individual piano lessons
Oct 13	Reading Approaches
	Music notation : pitch / rhythm / ways of counting
Oct 20	Method Books
	Beginner Methods Historical development / evaluation of current publications Complementary Teaching Technologies
Oct 27	Lesson Planning and Structure
	a young beginner: format of first and second lessons with practice suggestions / rote teaching First year objectives and long term planning
Nov 3	First Exam
	Based on all previous class material
Nov 10	How We Learn and How We Teach
	Modes of Learning: visual, aural, kinesthetic, tactile, and analytical Compatibility of learning styles of teacher and student
Nov 17	Teaching Strategies
	Psychology Analytical skills and problem solving Body language Rote teaching
Nov 24	Develop a first-lesson lesson plan
	Using any of the methods evaluated in class plus practice suggestions
Dec 1	Technique Building, Part I
	Physiological posture Physical approach / finger movements / arm movements / arm weight / coordination
Dec 8	Technique Building, Part II
	Touch and tone production / legato / staccato Mechanics / scales / chords / arpeggios / octaves Creative exercises Problem solving / weak joints / proper and improper hand position Tension in body Basic exercise books
Dec 15	Supplementary Materials
	Special occasion pieces / "Pupil Savers" Teaching an unfamiliar piece Popular Selections
Dec 22	Basic Skills
	Rhythmic Considerations Fingering Articulation
Jan 5	Tonal Considerations
	Tone Production Phrasing and Musicality
Jan 12	How to...
	Practice motivate, set goals Have your students play with confidence Nurture Artistry and Creativity
Jan 19	Developing the Memory Muscle
	How to memorize Pros and cons
Jan 26	Performance
	Preparing for exams, recitals and festivals The value of preparing for exams, recitals and festivals Performance anxiety Organizing practice Choosing repertoire Mental and physiological issues
Feb 2	The Piano
	History and development Care of the piano New technology
Feb 9	The Art of Pedaling
	How to teach pedaling Functions and uses of the pedals
Feb 16	Historical Styles
	Baroque style Articulation / tempo / ornaments / dynamics / fingering
Feb 23	Historical Styles
	Classical style Articulation / ornaments / use of damper pedal / editions Intermediate repertoire / sonatinas
Mar 2	Romantic Style
	Rubato / voicing / pedaling
Mar 9	Assignment
	To edit 1-2 pieces for style, articulation, etc.
Mar 16	Styles continued
	Impressionism Twentieth Century Canadian composers Jazz / pop

Mar 23	Musicianship
	Ear training / sight reading / theory Relating theoretical concepts to repertoire
Mar 30	Assignment
	Book report
Apr 6	Learning Disorders and Special Needs
	Students with perceptual difficulties and/or poor physical coordination Handicapped students Gifted students
Apr 13	Dealing with injuries
	Recognition Self-help Medical help Prevention Duets and Ensembles

Apr 20	The Teacher's Written Exam
	Categories of questions Types of questions
Apr 27	Exams Returned
	Problem solving and question period