Richard Chronister was one of the pedagogy greats of his time. During the last forty years of the 20th century, he was a driving force for better piano teaching and better training of piano teachers. His influence reached from large universities to small independent studios, and his name was linked with both the most basic principles and the most recent research. His accomplishments were legendary. He started the first university degree program in piano pedagogy, served on six different faculties, and developed a new piano method. He was co-founder of the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy and the founder and editor of Keyboard Companion magazine. All his professional life he asked searching questions, such as: How can I build on children's innate love of music? How can I teach so that my students keep learning, practicing and making music? How can I teach my students to become independent learners? What can I apply to my teaching from discoveries of the past and of my own time? How can I become an acute observer of what my students are doing? And of what teachers whom I observe are doing? And of what I am doing as a teacher? This compendium contains Chronister's best answers to these questions and many more. They come from his articles, addresses and lectures. Whether speaking or writing, his style is always lucid, informal and engaging. He never pretends to have the final answer, and invited his audience to consider his advice and reach their own conclusions. This book deserves a place in the library of every serious piano teacher!

A Piano Teacher's Legacy

Arts & Photography

Chronister, Richard

Music

Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, The

For over 26 years piano teachers relied on Frances Clark's column in Clavier magazine for insightful, inspiring answers to their questions. Some of her best advice on subjects ranging from repertoire to fingering appears in this informative volume for piano teachers. Topics include: Lesson Plans, Rhythm, theory, Ear Training, Memorizing, Phrasing, Group Lessons, Recitals, Adult Students, and Transfer Students. "Frances Clark's 'Questions and Answers' in Clavier has been a monthly source of inspiration for piano teachers since its inception. This compilation will serve as a special pedagogy text for both new and experienced teachers." --E.L. Lancaster "With the same morning dash reserved for Ann Landers, it has been ritual for me to open the latest issue of Clavier to the back page first for 'Questions and Answers.' The mail usually arrives minutes before my first student of the day, and it is amazing how often I have found immediate relevance in one of Frances Clark's timely topics." --Suzanne Guy "Those of us who value teaching value the words and thoughts of Frances Clark. She is a continuing inspiration to us and our students." --Tony Caramia

Questions and Answers: Practical Advice for Piano Teachers

Clark, Frances

Instructional book for beginning piano students

From Rote to Note: Elementary Piano Pieces That Reinforce Theory and Technique Designed to Be Taught without Traditional Notation

Lancaster, E.L.

Olson, Kevin

Piano technique book for early intermediate- to intermediate-level students

Technique through Repertoire, Book 1: Excerpts from Standard Piano Literature that Develop Essential Technical Skills

Madden, Christopher

Parsons, Jani

From Rote to Note, Book 2 contains twelve studies that reinforce keyboard theory and technique. Each study is based on a theoretical or technical concept that students encounter at late elementary to early intermediate levels of study and is designed to be taught from a musical map without the aid of traditional notation. Once students can play from the abstract representation, they can examine the notated score. They move intellectually from rote to note, experiencing musical elements before relating them to notation.This book is geared toward students of varying age groups and can easily be adapted into existing curriculums. It is especially useful for students who play other instruments and are familiar with rhythm notation. Students who are not familiar with rhythm notation can learn the rhythms by ear after hearing teacher demonstrations.Each study includes the following:? An abstract that maps the piece to aid with memory and practice at home? Traditional notation of the piece? A teacher section that identifies the piece's concept, gives steps for introducing the musical map, and outlines strategies for teaching the study by rote

From Rote to Note, Book 2: Late Elementary to Early Intermediate Piano Studies That Reinforce Theory and Technique Designed to Be Taught without Traditional Notation

Roy, Omar