My thesis is based on my studies in Lisbon (Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa), I bring deeper insight into the Portuguese piano pedagogy in the territory of Lisbon. The work is based on the system of Portuguese music education and describes the significant educational institutions of music. Piano pedagogy is defined in the historical development well - founded on available literature, more attention is given to some important personalities of teachers and composers in the field of piano music. Part of the work is dedicated to my personal reflection of Portuguese piano pedagogy and my own experiences with teachers, especially consultations with professor Miguel Henriques, who summarized pedagogical principles in his book The (Well) Informed Piano. KEY WORDS: piano pedagogy, Lisbon, Portugal, Miguel G. Henriques, The (Well) Informed Piano, Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa.

The two major research questions were: “What is the current status of 20 prominent piano pedagogy programs?” and “what is the vision of an ideal future piano pedagogy program from the perspective of 20 piano pedagogy leaders?” Subjects were the leaders of the top 20 US university piano pedagogy programs. A survey study with interview questions was used as the instrument for the study. The results showed that faculty, curriculum, and teacher training were three top factors that contributed to the quality of the programs. Most interviewed subjects held a doctoral degree in music. The curricular content and degree options were diverse across the selected programs. The content of teacher training included private and group teaching. The perceived best qualifications of a piano pedagogy instructor were to have a balanced education. Most programs had small or little to no budget, however, the preparatory program was perceived to be an enhancement to teacher training program finances. The greatest challenges were faculty acquisition and financial limitations. Gaining more money was the most common improvement priority for programs. To envision an ideal future piano pedagogy program, most leaders stated that an ideal program should contain encourage: (1) collaborating with other divisions' faculty members for developing a diverse curriculum, (2) providing multiple types of teacher training, (3) offering knowledge that is highly pertinent to students' future careers, (4) continually adjusting topics in the curriculum, and (5) utilizing all the possible resources to establish up-to-date facilities. The chief obstacle was a lack of money. However, finding a major donor, and developing a preparatory program to generate money may help to overcome the obstacles. Having administrators with positive attitudes toward pedagogy could help programs to gain more resources. Encouraging students to participate in workshops and conferences could enrich the training. Several recommendations may help emerging pedagogy programs, such as : (1) raising faculty's visibility in public, (2) developing a diverse curriculum and collaborating with other faculty from different divisions, (3) establishing a preparatory program, (4) offering diverse degree options, (5) developing a general pedagogy degree, and (6) educating administrators on the importance of piano pedagogy.

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.

It is often challenging for early advanced piano students to move from intermediate level repertoire to standard repertoire because the techniques and difficulties present in the new repertoire are simply too overwhelming for them. "A Holy Night: 10 Arrangements of Timeless Carols" can help bridge the gap between the two repertoire categories by introducing several advanced techniques and combinations of techniques to early advanced students in a non-overwhelming way. Several standard techniques that were widely used by composers of different styles are addressed in the arrangements: legato and chord playing, orientation in different keys, pedaling, dynamics and octave playing. The topic of fingerings is also covered since using correct fingerings is a key for any technique to work. The arrangements help to prepare early advanced students for standard repertoire by allowing them to learn, practice, and perform a variety of standard repertoire techniques in short and engaging pieces. This dissertation is intended to demonstrate to private piano teachers ways in which this arrangement of mostly well-known seasonal tunes can be used to assist in the transition to more advanced repertoire.

Antônio de Sá Pereira é um dos pioneiros da Pedagogia do Piano no Brasil. Seu tratado Ensino Moderno de Piano (1933) aborda a técnica pianística cientificamente e abrange questões diversas como a leitura à primeira vista e o desenvolvimento da audição crítica do aluno. Esta obra refere-se pela primeira vez no Brasil à fisiologia dos movimentos pianísticos, sistematiza o emprego da técnica de peso do braço na execução, aplica estratégias racionais de estudo e visa ensinar o aluno a pensar e a ouvir por conta própria. A pesquisa analisa o tratado relacionando-o com as principais teorias que o fundamentaram. Ao mesmo tempo aponta seu pioneirismo em relação ao meio musical brasileiro da época, o grau de originalidade de seu conteúdo e a atualidade das ideias que defende. A obra é circunstanciada por dados biográficos de Sá Pereira, material documental e bibliográfico. Sá Pereira consegue através de um trabalho de síntese e objetividade, tornar acessível e compreensível uma visão da técnica até então praticamente desconhecida no Brasil. Embora haja grande afinidade entre suas ideias e as dos principais teóricos da época, a adesão de Sá Pereira aos princípios que norteiam a moderna técnica pianística não é dogmática, pois Sá Pereira encontra o equilíbrio entre a abordagem técnica que utiliza o peso do braço e a técnica de dedos. Ao considerar que ambas se completam, demonstra uma visão atual da técnica pianística. Mais do que um tratado de técnica pianística, o Ensino Moderno de Piano buscou transformar e modernizar o ensino pianístico praticado no Brasil. / Antônio de Sá Pereira was a renowned scholar and a pioneer of Piano Pedagogy in Brazil. His treatise on piano teaching and technique, Ensino Moderno de Piano (Modern Piano Teaching -1933), encompasses several related subjects such as sight reading and critical listening. This is the first time a Brazilian work describes the physiology of piano playing movements and systematizes the use of the arm-weight technique. The work also applies rational strategies toward practice in order to teach the students to think and listen by themselves. This thesis analyzes Ensino Moderno de Piano relating it to the theories on which it was based and pointing out its originality in the context of related Brazilian works on piano technique. This thesis also verifies the modernity of its ideas. Biographical, documental and bibliographical data on Sá Pereira contextualize the treatise. Sá Pereiras work synthesizes the modern piano technique theory using an accessible and objective language. At that time, arm-weight technique was a barely known subject in Brazil. On the other hand, Sá Pereira does not follow the principles of Modern Piano Technique in a dogmatic way. Although there is great affinity with his ideas and those of the great theorists of the period, Sá Pereira still finds a balance between the two different types of piano technique approach the arm-weight and the finger technique. He considers them complementary to each other, a contemporary perspective on piano technique. More than a treatise on piano technique, the work Modern Piano Teaching aims to transform and to modernize piano teaching methods employed in Brazil.

A presente tese teve como motivação inicial a confecção de um método de ensino de piano em grupo para utilização nos cursos de piano complementar das universidades brasileiras. Neste trabalho, relatam-se as etapas e processos reflexivos percorridos por este autor durante esta empreitada. Primeiramente, foi feita uma pesquisa histórica a respeito do surgimento do piano em grupo na Europa e nos Estados Unidos, chegando-se até às tecnologias utilizadas atualmente, assim como uma análise do cenário relativo ao ensino do piano em grupo e da disciplina de piano complementar nas universidades brasileiras. No segundo capítulo, apresenta-se uma análise crítica e comparativa dos mais importantes métodos de ensino em grupo existentes atualmente. O capítulo final descreve a organização do método considerada ideal para uma proposta de método de ensino de piano em grupo nas universidades brasileiras e apresenta parte dos exercícios confeccionados para o desenvolver cada uma das habilidades funcionais que são trabalhadas nos diversos capítulos do método elaborado ao longo desta pesquisa, assim como o porquê das escolhas envolvidas em sua confecção. / This thesis had as its impetus the development of a group piano method designed for college level piano classes in the universities of Brazil. The purpose of this work is to reflect upon the process used in this endeavor. The first chapter presents a historical background from the beginnings of group piano instruction in Europe and the United States until its culmination in the technological era. It also examines group piano teaching in the secondary piano courses among Brazilian universities. The second chapter is a comparative analysis of the most important group piano methods currently in use. The final chapter describes the format and function considered ideal as a basis for the method of group piano teaching in Brazilian universities. Furthermore, it presents a sample of the exercises composed to develop each of the piano skills that are presented throughout the chapters of the method produced alongside with this research, as well as the rationale involved in its creation.

Antônio de Sá Pereira é um dos pioneiros da Pedagogia do Piano no Brasil. Seu tratado Ensino Moderno de Piano (1933) aborda a técnica pianística cientificamente e abrange questões diversas como a leitura à primeira vista e o desenvolvimento da audição crítica do aluno. Esta obra refere-se pela primeira vez no Brasil à fisiologia dos movimentos pianísticos, sistematiza o emprego da técnica de peso do braço na execução, aplica estratégias racionais de estudo e visa ensinar o aluno a pensar e a ouvir por conta própria. A pesquisa analisa o tratado relacionando-o com as principais teorias que o fundamentaram. Ao mesmo tempo aponta seu pioneirismo em relação ao meio musical brasileiro da época, o grau de originalidade de seu conteúdo e a atualidade das ideias que defende. A obra é circunstanciada por dados biográficos de Sá Pereira, material documental e bibliográfico. Sá Pereira consegue através de um trabalho de síntese e objetividade, tornar acessível e compreensível uma visão da técnica até então praticamente desconhecida no Brasil. Embora haja grande afinidade entre suas ideias e as dos principais teóricos da época, a adesão de Sá Pereira aos princípios que norteiam a moderna técnica pianística não é dogmática, pois Sá Pereira encontra o equilíbrio entre a abordagem técnica que utiliza o peso do braço e a técnica de dedos. Ao considerar que ambas se completam, demonstra uma visão atual da técnica pianística. Mais do que um tratado de técnica pianística, o Ensino Moderno de Piano buscou transformar e modernizar o ensino pianístico praticado no Brasil. / Antônio de Sá Pereira was a renowned scholar and a pioneer of Piano Pedagogy in Brazil. His treatise on piano teaching and technique, Ensino Moderno de Piano (Modern Piano Teaching -1933), encompasses several related subjects such as sight reading and critical listening. This is the first time a Brazilian work describes the physiology of piano playing movements and systematizes the use of the arm-weight technique. The work also applies rational strategies toward practice in order to teach the students to think and listen by themselves. This thesis analyzes Ensino Moderno de Piano relating it to the theories on which it was based and pointing out its originality in the context of related Brazilian works on piano technique. This thesis also verifies the modernity of its ideas. Biographical, documental and bibliographical data on Sá Pereira contextualize the treatise. Sá Pereiras work synthesizes the modern piano technique theory using an accessible and objective language. At that time, arm-weight technique was a barely known subject in Brazil. On the other hand, Sá Pereira does not follow the principles of Modern Piano Technique in a dogmatic way. Although there is great affinity with his ideas and those of the great theorists of the period, Sá Pereira still finds a balance between the two different types of piano technique approach the arm-weight and the finger technique. He considers them complementary to each other, a contemporary perspective on piano technique. More than a treatise on piano technique, the work Modern Piano Teaching aims to transform and to modernize piano teaching methods employed in Brazil.

A presente tese teve como motivação inicial a confecção de um método de ensino de piano em grupo para utilização nos cursos de piano complementar das universidades brasileiras. Neste trabalho, relatam-se as etapas e processos reflexivos percorridos por este autor durante esta empreitada. Primeiramente, foi feita uma pesquisa histórica a respeito do surgimento do piano em grupo na Europa e nos Estados Unidos, chegando-se até às tecnologias utilizadas atualmente, assim como uma análise do cenário relativo ao ensino do piano em grupo e da disciplina de piano complementar nas universidades brasileiras. No segundo capítulo, apresenta-se uma análise crítica e comparativa dos mais importantes métodos de ensino em grupo existentes atualmente. O capítulo final descreve a organização do método considerada ideal para uma proposta de método de ensino de piano em grupo nas universidades brasileiras e apresenta parte dos exercícios confeccionados para o desenvolver cada uma das habilidades funcionais que são trabalhadas nos diversos capítulos do método elaborado ao longo desta pesquisa, assim como o porquê das escolhas envolvidas em sua confecção. / This thesis had as its impetus the development of a group piano method designed for college level piano classes in the universities of Brazil. The purpose of this work is to reflect upon the process used in this endeavor. The first chapter presents a historical background from the beginnings of group piano instruction in Europe and the United States until its culmination in the technological era. It also examines group piano teaching in the secondary piano courses among Brazilian universities. The second chapter is a comparative analysis of the most important group piano methods currently in use. The final chapter describes the format and function considered ideal as a basis for the method of group piano teaching in Brazilian universities. Furthermore, it presents a sample of the exercises composed to develop each of the piano skills that are presented throughout the chapters of the method produced alongside with this research, as well as the rationale involved in its creation.

While many music educators learn how to teach through teacher training programs, the standard mode of transmission in which piano teachers learn to teach applied piano is through proficiency of the instrument under the guidance of a master teacher. This tacit development of pedagogical knowledge occurs through the master-apprentice model of pedagogy. The purposes of this study were (a) to explore how piano teachers learn how to teach from, and independent of, piano pedagogy coursework, overcome challenges, and continue to add to their pedagogy knowledge, and (b) to explore topics that would be most useful in a piano pedagogy course or program. This exploratory research design consisted of a series of semi-structured interviews. Piano teachers of varying ages, educational levels, and years of teaching experience (N = 12) were interviewed as to their experiences as students, autonomous transition into the teaching role, and the informal or formal learning opportunities which contributed to their development as piano teachers. Upon reflecting on their experiences in higher education compared to their professional lives as piano teachers, interviewees were asked to make suggestions for the future of piano pedagogy and the piano curriculum in general. In analyzing the data, 11 major themes emerged in the interview transcripts which revealed aspects of the interviewees' transition into the teaching role and development as piano teachers: (1) piano teachers were autonomously resourceful when transitioning into the teaching role, (2) experiential learning (i.e., learning by doing, gaining experience, and trial-and-error), (3) piano teachers evoke memories (of former teachers, materials played, and experiences as students) in transitioning into the teaching role, (4) piano teachers emulate former teachers + a mix of elements in developing their teaching style, (5) overcoming challenges and seeking out resources, (6) formal learning experiences (including piano pedagogy coursework), (7) partnership of learning and teaching (apprenticeship and cognitive apprenticeship), (8) support in the field (including the role of professional activities), (9) teaching confidence, (10) reflective practice, and (11) reflections and suggestions for the future. The pianists interviewed experienced an autonomous transition into the teaching role as they received no formal teacher-training and very little guidance when beginning to teach. Although the master-apprentice model is often attributed as the primary means in which piano teaching is disseminated, experiential learning (e.g., learning by doing, gaining experience, and trial-and-error) factored just as prominently into the pianists' transition into the teaching role and early development as piano teachers. Additionally, apprenticeship (i.e., guided teaching) and cognitive apprenticeship (i.e., formal learning combined with authentic hands-on teaching experiences) were two facilitative modes of learning to teach experienced by some of the interviewees. The pianists interviewed demonstrated incredible personal initiative in navigating their autonomous transition into the teaching role and development as piano teachers (e.g., teaching style, teaching confidence, teaching identity, and reflective practice) by deriving meaning through the process of overcoming challenges, seeking out resources and support in the field, monitoring and correcting their own performance, and finding measures to continually refine their teaching. The importance of pedagogical coursework and increased teacher-training experiences in the higher education setting were emphasized by all piano teachers interviewed, especially when combined with opportunities to observe expert piano teaching and gain authentic hands-on teaching experiences. Similarly, some piano teachers described teaching while pursuing their degree(s) as a means of learning from an academic and career standpoint, as they could immediately apply what they were learning to their own teaching. Piano teachers emphasized the need for business skills for running a successful studio, performance skills beyond the traditional classical repertoire, functional skills to make a viable living (e.g., accompanying, improvisation, harmonizing melodies, and playing for church services), as well as techniques, materials, and special considerations for teaching across the entire lifespan (i.e., "cradle to grave") for a wider variety of learners (e.g., beginning, intermediate, advanced, pre-school age through mature adult, and those with special needs). This exploratory study provided a detailed perspective as to the induction experiences of the piano teacher. It is proposed that further exploration into the pianist's transition into the teaching role could inform the development and restructuring of pedagogical coursework and a wealth of pedagogical materials for practitioners in the field as well as the framework for piano teacher training.

I contend that young students should be introduced to intercultural contemporary music, as this exposure brings benefits to their artistic development and fosters appreciation of other cultures. Variations sur un thème populaire coréen by Sung-Ki Kim (b. 1954) and Six Pieces for Piano ‘Nori' by Chung-Sock Kim (b. 1940) are effective pedagogical works that fit perfectly into the intercultural mold mentioned above, and both are suitable for late intermediate or early advanced level students. A detailed comparison of these two works can help instructors understand the ways by which these composers incorporate Korean folk materials and blend them with Western contemporary techniques. An analysis of Sung-Ki Kim's Variations sur un theme populaire coréen and Chung-Sock Kim's Six Pieces for Piano ‘Nori' can be divided into three categories: harmony, rhythm, and performance-related aspects. By analyzing these two pieces, these study illustrates in greater depth their intercultural aspects, showing the way by which both composers merged traditional Korean folk idioms through the inclusion of traditional Korean rhythms, and the imitation of sounds of several traditional Korean instruments with Western contemporary technique such as non-traditional sounds and use of sostenuto pedal. Finally, this study provides some practicing suggestions and listing exercise on how to practice musical and technical challenges.