Piano Lessons in Your Home

Pedagogy I: Commercial Piano Methods and Supplements

Christie Chiles Twillie, National Artistic Director

Pedagogy I: Commercial Piano Methods and Supplements surveys method series, theory and technique books and specifically details which type of students benefit from specific resources as well as what to use as alternatives. A variety of student scenarios are presented which include diverse profiles and learning styles. This course also addresses students with special needs, the structure of lessons, and the planning of studio classes and recitals. There is a short homework assignment, (3) projects, and a Group Midterm Exam in this class. All of the data presented applies directly to your teaching and can be used immediately with your students. This class is offered in a 10-week format.

Pedagogy II: Teaching Approaches for the Late Beginner to the Intermediate Advanced Student

Christie Chiles Twillie, National Artistic Director

Pedagogy II: Teaching Approaches for the Late Beginner to the Intermediate Student: The goal is to transition students out of method books and get them playing “real music” as the basis of their lessons. This course defines the student’s aptitude as Late Beginner to Intermediate according to the pre-collegiate classifications; shows you how to use the upper levels of a method series as supplemental literature only, reviews several anthologies as well as shows you how to use them in lessons. In Pedagogy II, instructors learn how to teach expansive rhythm and theory concepts through the Intermediate Advanced levels, and practice developing strategies for Standard Teaching Literature. By the end of the Pedagogy II course, instructors are comfortable introducing and teaching the easier Bach Two-Part Inventions and Classical Sonatinas to their students. There are in-class teaching assignments and (1) Project in this class. Participants will occasionally need access to a piano during the class period. This class is offered in a 6-week format.

Pedagogy III: Teaching Advanced Literature and Stylistic Interpretation

Christie Chiles Twillie, National Artistic Director

Pedagogy III: Teaching Advanced Literature and Stylistic Interpretation continues where Pedagogy II left off by going into the greater details of interpreting works of major composers from the Baroque to Early Romantic period and outlining the stylistic traits of each composer and work. This class focuses on Intermediate Advanced literature for pre-collegiate students and helps teachers apply performance practices even if they are only planning to teach up to the Intermediate level. The repertoire for this course includes: Inventions and Sinfonias, Baroque Suites, Preludes and Fugues, Sonatas, and shorter works from the Romantic Period as well as Character Pieces. Pedagogy III is also excellent for teachers who are more interested in brushing up on their own pianism, rather than teaching Intermediate Advanced Students. Music and Art History reading assignments are incorporated for greater comprehension of each historical period. Participants need access to a piano and a metronome during and apart from this course and do plan in class. There are regular playing assignments in this course. This class is offered in a 8-week format.

Pedagogy IV: The Romanic Era and Impressionism

Christie Chiles Twillie, National Artistic Director

Pedagogy IV: The Romanic Era and Impressionism focuses on the more accessible works by Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Chopin, Brahms, and Debussy. In Pedagogy IV, the primary focus is on texture, technique, tone, voicing and pedaling. Instructors will be playing excerpts of the repertoire in this class and will be part of reading-based discussions on Music and Art History. Participants will need access to a piano and a metronome during and apart from this course. There are weekly playing homework assignments, as well as a Final Playing Exam in this class. All of the homework assignments are very manageable and are easy to complete prior to the next class. This class is ideal who teachers who want to revisit their old repertoire or experience Romantic literature themselves for the first time. This class is offered in an 8-week format. Pedagogy III is a pre-requisite prior to enrolling in Pedagogy IV.

Music Theory Course

Dr. Judit Bach, Faculty Member

The music theory course is intended to level the diverse music theory backgrounds PLIYH teachers have. It contains a thorough review of the necessary basics, plus an organization of all scales, modes, various meters, intervals, chords, cadences, transpositions, and analysis of melodies, harmonies, and forms. Upon completion of this course, teachers should feel confident about their music theory background and be ready to incorporate it into their everyday teachings.