Piano teacher training: Perceptions of the efficacy of learning experiences in baccalaureate piano pedagogy programs

Bastian, Lindsay Anne

Item

Piano teacher training: Perceptions of the efficacy of learning experiences in baccalaureate piano pedagogy programs

Bastian, Lindsay Anne

Date

2025-04-18

Abstract

University piano pedagogy programs have developed largely in the last sixty years. Today, many university piano programs offer pedagogy training, either in the form of coursework or degrees at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. This study surveyed professors of piano pedagogy at NASM-accredited universities that offer undergraduate degrees in piano pedagogy, as well as graduates of these programs. This study, conducted via an online survey, investigated the types of learning experiences required by piano pedagogy courses in undergraduate music programs in the United States and examined the opinions of professors and graduates of these programs regarding the efficacy and impact of various learning experiences. In several cases, the experiences reported to take the most time differed from the experiences participants valued the most; some significant differences were also found between the professors’ perceptions and those of graduates. Based on the survey results, this document makes recommendations for ensuring that the content and structure of undergraduate piano pedagogy programs are effective for training future teachers.