The purpose of this investigation is to show how class piano can meet the needs and interests of the child. Research was made to discover the development of piano from its very beginning to the present time, thereby showing the value of class piano and how old and new methods can be used to meet the needs and interests of the child.

The purpose of this study is to develop a fourteen-week program for teaching beginning music reading through rhythmic and pitch notation to pre-school children in piano classes. The historical background for the study discusses man's learning abilities in the group process in music education with the particular reference to class piano and its development and publications by leading authorities concerning class piano and rhythmic training in the classroom. The second chapter contains analyses and summaries of five selected texts pertinent to the study. The findings of research of the five selected texts serve as the groundwork for the development of the program which is contained in the third chapter.

Thesis (MMus) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South African education is currently moving in a new direction that is aimed at representing all the cultures of the country. Music education is grouped as part of the Arts and Culture learning area of Curriculum 2005 and the implication is that instrumental music teaching is being marginalized at the expense of general music teaching. In the past these two were regarded as separate subjects that each had its own dedicated syllabus. This thesis is geared toward the preservation of instrumental music teaching (in this case piano) as part of the Arts and Culture learning area of Curriculum 2005 by means of a complementary teaching program whereby general music teaching and instrumental music teaching can be taught in conjunction with each other. This approach is based on Gane (1996) who suggests activities and approaches to music education that can support the co-operation between these two areas of music teaching. This thesis is an exploratory study to determine if co-operation between prescribed music curricula and the suggestions for music activities and approaches as proposed by Gane (1996), have the potential to bridge the gap between general music teaching and instrumental music teaching. At the onset of this study it was not to test a predetermined hypothesis, but rather to establish the possibility of a complementary teaching model for music teaching. This research project was done according to the qualitative research methodology as it was done it was done in a social setting. This research project was done over a period of six months with a group of ten learners whose progress ranged from beginner to grade 2 level. A variety of music compositions was selected and applied in the practice of the music lesson to demonstrate the application of the music activities as suggested by Gane (1996). The ultimate goal of the use of the music compositions was to indicate how prescribed and additional music can be explored to optimize the learners' knowledge from the two fields of music learning. The following syllabi were used for this thesis: the British National Curriculum (1995), as well as these South African syllabi: Curriculum for Extra-Curricular Music - piano (1993), the Interim Syllabus for Classmusic (1995), and Curriculum 2005 (1997). The reasons for the focus on these specific syllabi in this research project are as follows: firstly the British National Curriculum serves as framework for Gane's (1996) article "Instrumental performance and the National Curriculum: a possible partnership?" and this forms the foundation for this thesis; secondly the Curriculum for Extra-Curricular music (piano) deals with instrumental music teaching and the Interim Syllabus for Classmusic deals with general music teaching and these are the two aspects of music teaching in South Africa which this thesis aim to bring together; and lastly the Curriculum 2005 (1997) is the curriculum whereby education is currently being practiced in South Africa. The most important finding of this study is that the proposed teaching method is workable for music education if certain conditions as is discussed in chapter 4 are in place. It has also been found that because this is an exploratory study, there is room for more empirical research in this regard. In conclusion it can be said that since this study revealed the possibility for an exploratory teaching method for music teaching, this teaching method does have merit. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In Suid-Afrika is opvoeding tans besig om in 'n nuwe rigting te beweeg wat daarop gemik is om verteenwoordigend van al die land se kulture te wees. Musiekopvoeding word as deel van Kurrikulum 2005 se Kuns en Kultuur leerarea gegroepeer en die implikasie is dat instrumentale musiekonderrig ten koste van algemene musiekonderrig ter syde gestel word waar dit voorheen as aparte vakke geag was wat elk volgens 'n afsonderlike sillabus onderrig was. Hierdie tesis poog vir die behoud van instrumentale musiekonderrig (in hierdie geval klavier) as deel van Kurrikulum 2005 se Kuns en Kultuur leerarea by wyse van 'n komplementêre onderrigprogram waarbyalgemene musiekonderrig en instrumentale musiekonderrig in wisselwerking met mekaar onderrig kan word. Hierdie benadering word op Gane (1996) se voorstelle vir aktiwiteite en benaderings tot musiekonderrig gebaseer aangesien hierdie skrywer ook 'n samewerking tussen die twee areas van musiekonderrig beywer. Hierdie tesis is 'n verkenningstudie om te bepaal of voorgeskrewe musiekkurrikula in samewerking met Gane (1996) se voorstelle vir aktiwiteite en benaderings tot musiekonderrig toegepas kan word om die oorbrugging tussen algemene musiekonderrig en instrumentale musiekonderrig, wat as twee aparte afdelings van musiekonderrig beskou word, te bewerkstellig. Die aanvang van hierdie tesis was nie om 'n voorafbebaalde hipotese te toets me, maar eerder om die moontlikheid van 'n komplementêre onderrigmodel vir musiekonderrig te bepaal. Die studie is volgens die kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetode gedoen aangesien dit in 'n sosiale opset plaasgevind het. Hierdie navorsingsprojek is oor 'n tydperk van ses maande en met 'n groep van tien leerders gedoen wie se vorderingstadia van beginner tot graad twee strek. Verskeie komposisies is geselekteer en in die musieklespraktyk uitgetoets wat daarop gemik is om algemene musiekonderrig by instrumentale musiekonderrig te laat aansluit, ter illustrasie van Gane (1996) se voorgestelde raamwerk vir musiekonderrig. Die uiteindelike doel met die gebruik van die gekose repertorium is om aan te dui hoe voorgeskrewe en aanvullende onderrigmateriaalontgin kan word om leerders se kennis vanuit die twee onderrigvelde bymekaar te bring en aan te vul. Die volgende sillabusse is in hierdie tesis uiteengesit: Die British National Curriculum (1995) en ook verskeie Suid-Afrikaanse kurrikula - dit wil sê die Kurrikulum vir Buitekurrikulêre musiek (klavier) (1993), die Tussentydse sillabus vir Klasmusiek (1995) en Kurrikulum 2005 (1997). Die redes waarom die voorafgenoemde sillabusse in die navorsingsprojek ingesluit is, is soos volg: eerstens dien die British National Curriculum as raamwerk vir Gane (1996) se artikel "Instrumental performance and the National Curriculum: a possible partnership?" en dit is waarvolgens hierdie tesis geformuleer is; tweedens handel die Kurrikulum vir Buitekurrikulêre musiek (klavier) oor instrumentale musiekonderrig en die Tussentydse sillabus vir Klasmusiek oor algemene musiekonderrig - hierdie twee onderrigvelde is juis die twee aspekte van Suid-Afrkaanse musiekonderrig wat hierdie tesis poog om by mekaar te laat aansluit; en laastens word Kurrikulum 2005 ingesluit omdat dit die onderrigprogram is waarvolgens opvoeding tans in Suid-Afrika gepraktiseer word. Die belangrikste bevinding van hierdie studie is dat hierdie voorgestelde onderrigmetode vir musiek werkbaar is indien daar sekere voorwaardes soos in hoofstuk 4 bespreek, in plek is. Ter afsluiting is daar ook bevind dat aangesien hierdie tesis as 'n verkenningsstudie gedoen was, daar ruimte vir meer empiriese navorsing in hierdie verband is. Die gevolgtrekking is dat aangesien hierdie studie die moontlikheid vir 'n ontginnende onderrigmetode vir instrumentale musiekonderrig aandui, hierdie metode wel meriete het.

The purpose of this paper is to establish a need for more accessible fine arts courses offered to adults and more specifically in music, to design a series of programs that would give an introduction to beginning functional piano through the use of educational television. The paper includes ten lesson outlines for thirty minute program segments including a pilot script. This educational television series is designed to stimulate the student's continued playing of the piano with guided instruction through class or private lessons. A particular method of piano pedagogy used for educational television is explored. Procedures followed in order to be able to film the project are also covered, It is suggested that a survey in the particular viewing audience area be conducted and tests given to a cross-section of adults before implementation of the program.

The problem was to investigate current thoughts concerning the beginning piano class at the college level, Data were collected from published and unpublished materials from 1964 to 1976. It was found that class piano instruction usually occurs in a three- to four-semester sequence, with classes meeting from two to five periods per week, containing from four to twenty-five students. Classification of students is by interview, placement test, and/or audition. Varying room arrangements are used with either conventional or electronic pianos, plus a variety of audio-visual equipment, Course content, with varying emphases, includes sight-reading, functional skills, technique, and repertoire. Teaching techniques used are numerous and varying. Recommendations were submitted for administrators, teachers, and researchers.

This study placed specific emphasis on the motor-skills and practice strategies employed by piano players when practising and performing in relation to playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). The survey questionnaire-instrument was designed by the researcher to investigate the prevalence of PRMDs among both professional and non-professional piano players. Five hundred and five respondents completed the self-administered survey questionnaire. Out of the total 505 participants, 42% of the players reported PRMDs. The professional players (72%) reported a significantly higher incidence (p < 0.05) of PRMDs in comparison with the non-professional group. The professional players with piano as their major instrument, using predominantly neutral wrist posture (i.e., open-kinetic chain playing technique), reported a significantly higher incidence of PRMDs. Although the present study showed a greater number of years of playing was associated with greater risk of PRMDs, the result also showed that the years of playing had no significant effect on the incidence of PRMDs (p > .05) when it was analyzed with the practice hours within seven days. Moreover, analyzing the practice hours over seven days with the piano major/non-major instrument, the various grade levels and PRMDs; the results showed that the practice hours had no significant effect on the groups with and without PRMDs (p > .05). Although women reported a significantly higher percentage of PRMDs (p < 0.05) than men, there was no significant association between the groups with and without PRMDs when analyzing practice hours over seven days by grade levels and gender. The PRMDs seem to arise when overuse is compounded by misuse and/or adverse playing conditions. The best and safest practice would be to minimize consumption of musculoskeletal force production and combine this with effective practice-breaks between sessions to achieve the optimum goal of daily practice. Keywords: hand injury, PRMDs, wrist pain, hand-span size, playing-technique, and piano player.

To be successful and be effective in teaching, one must be familiar with a variety of methods in instruction and teaching strategies. This also includes becoming aware of any challenges that student and teachers might confront at all levels. Advanced-level piano students, such as those who are at the collegiate level, study the masterpieces of the great composers. However, they may still be in need of developing certain technical and musical skills which should have been covered at the late intermediate level. This study focuses both on exercises and on late intermediate-level repertoire. This study examined the methodical approaches of Russian technical school primarily through the exercises of Theodor Leschetizky, Isabelle Vengerova, and Heinrich Neuhaus and compared these exercises with passages from appropriate great literature suitable for late intermediate-level students. This may not only in preparing for more advanced piano repertoire but also broadening general piano techniques. All together, this may further promote in prevention of musical problems that might occur at a more advanced-level of piano study.This study focuses both on exercises and on late intermediate-level repertoire. This study examined the methodical approaches of Russian technical school primarily through the exercises of Theodor Leschetizky, Isabelle Vengerova, and Heinrich Neuhaus and compared these exercises with passages from appropriate great literature suitable for late intermediate-level students. This may not only in preparing for more advanced piano repertoire but also broadening general piano techniques. All together, this may further promote in prevention of musical problems that might occur at a more advanced-level of piano study.

The Federal education system has 12 nationally accredited and portable qualifications issued by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) which cover three sectors; Higher Education, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Schools. A mandatory minimum bachelor qualification together with education units, state registration and ongoing professional development is imposed for all classroom music teachers. In direct contrast, however, Australian studio piano teachers and school instrumental teachers may or may not have formal qualifications, registration with professional associations, or ongoing professional development. All teachers must be registered with State registration boards for Working With Children (WWC) but no monitoring controls exist for studio teachers. Qualifications are available from public examination boards, private enterprises and state Music Teacher Associations (MTAs) but these are not recognised within the national system and consequently have no status or portability, although they are used and recommended within the industry and higher education institutions as course prerequisites. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether a National Accreditation System (NAS) for Australian studio piano teachers could be a viable system, adding unprecedented professionalism to the field and drawing upon the existing systems of government, private industry and educational institutions. In the thesis, current systems of accreditation, education and training available for classroom music teachers, school instrumental music teachers and other recognised professions such as lawyers, engineers, accountants, health professionals and sports coaches were reviewed as a comparative basis upon which to assess similar contexts for studio piano teachers. Results are combined with a survey of Australian piano teachers' perceptions, from which the study ascertained the extent to which studio piano teachers' needs were being catered for and met in available systems of accreditation and training.

It is the teacher's responsibility to guide students in building an effective and injury-free piano technique. Improper technique, poor training and bad posture at the instrument all may cause problems such as lack of muscle control, weakness, or tension in the hands. Many teachers are interested in finding information about specific exercises dealing with finger strengthening, stretching, and warm-up strategies, as well as guidelines for safe practicing. It is therefore important for both teachers and students to understand how to build a technique from the earliest years of instruction. Carl Tausig (1841-1871) and Alfred Cortot (1877-1962) both contributed to the development of piano technique by writing books that include a significant number of exercises and excerpts. Their books incorporate detailed instructions on how to play each exercise effectively and without fatigue. Subsequently, Heinrich Ehrlich (1822-1899) collected and systematically arranged Tausig's notes, complementing them with detailed information on how to play Tausig's exercises without causing injury. This dissertation compares and contrasts the exercises found in Alfred Cortot's book, Rational Principles of Pianoforte Technique, and Carl Tausig's book, Daily Studies for the Pianoforte. The latter is based on the practical guidebook, How to Practise on the Piano: Reflections and Suggestions, written by Heinrich Ehrlich. Included in this study are references to the performing arts medical literature dealing with pianists' injuries. By comparing two different historical piano methods and considering their effectiveness in light of modern medical performance research, this dissertation aims to help teachers to determine which methods might be better for students to build a solid piano technique without injuring themselves.

The early stage of piano students' training is one of the most important, because it is then that they establish their habits for life. Those who teach beginners need clear principles for developing a solid technical foundation and for preventing bad technical habits. One of the most difficult principles to inculcate in young students is that of tone production and quality. The primary purpose of this study is to provide a pedagogical guide to help piano teachers teach tone production to elementary-level students. To accomplish this purpose, the strategies of the twentieth-century pedagogues Josef Lhévinne, Josef Hofmann, and Heinrich Neuhaus are examined, and applied to the elementary-level piano literature. This study offers practical training suggestions to teachers of elementary piano students as well as musical examples from high-quality piano literature to accompany these suggestions.