Diss.--Düsseldorf, 2004--Robert-Schumann-Hoschschule. / Bibliogr. p. 325-338.

The First Month at the Piano by Mana-Zucca, published in 1935, is a pioneering piano method to be taught by rote, supporting sound before sight learning theories, to the pre-school student. It differs from the Suzuki method in that The First Month at the Piano uses short, repetitive patterns, intrinsic to the Edwin Gordon Music Learning Theory. The First Month at the Piano has been compared to educational theories and has been found to follow Lev Vygotsky's theory of scaffolding and Jerome Bruner's principles of structure, readiness for learning, and motivation. The First Month at the Piano has been shown to provide a wide variety of sensory experiences for the pupil and establish a comfort and familiarity with the instrument. After completing the method, the pupil will have a solid aural foundation at the piano and will be fully prepared for primer level notation. It is a highly adaptable method and modified versions were made from the originals which would be of interest to today's teachers of pre-school piano students. Incorporation of interactive MIDI with electronic keyboards would enhance the students' learning experiences and be a direction to follow for future use of this method.

My thesis concerns the life of Clara Schumann (1819 - 1896), a major German concert pianist of the 19th century. It includes a list of her compositions and it describes her activities in piano pedagogy. Through the life of this extraordinary woman, her friends and contemporaries, the thesis provides deeper insights into the overall musical atmosphere of the 19th century. The thesis illuminates the importace of Clara Schumann and her lasting influence on European pianism.

It is well known that Clara Schumann was educated by her father Friedrich Wieck who published his pedagogical essay Clavier und Gesang in 1853. What is less known is that Clara Schumann was not only trained as a pianist, but also as a singer. Furthermore, she had a deep affinity to singers throughout her life. Her own singing competence, her singendes Spiel and the dialogue between Clavier und Gesang – piano and song – which characterized her programme, is also reflected in the piano arrangements of Clara Schumann’s songs.

Zugl.: Düsseldorf, RSH, Diss., 2004.