piano pedagogy

In the early 1920s, the first teachers at Diller-Quaile were selected from among the two founders’ adult students. As the School grew, so did the need for more teachers, and formal teacher training courses evolved. Today, the School continues this tradition through full semester courses in Piano Pedagogy.

Diller-Quaile’s teacher development programs have been approved for Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credit by the New York State Education Department.

Piano Pedagogy Level I

Piano Pedagogy Level I is an intensive program tailored for recent piano graduates eager to embark on their teaching careers and establish their own studios. This course delves into the multifaceted world of piano teaching, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills.

Over a span of 10 weeks, with classes conducted in hour-long weekly sessions, students immerse themselves in the nuances of piano pedagogy. The course begins by introducing the foundational principles of piano teaching, including the historical and philosophical contexts that shape modern pedagogical practices.

Participants learn to assess student abilities, set achievable goals, and adapt teaching methods to suit different learning styles, a crucial skill for teaching a diverse range of students. The course places significant emphasis on developing a solid technical foundation in students, alongside imparting essential music theory and ear training skills.

A major component of the course is repertoire selection and teaching techniques. Students explore how to choose appropriate pieces for various skill levels and teach interpretive and expressive skills. Importantly, the course addresses the unique challenges and strategies for teaching students of different ages, from young children to adults.

Each participant is required to observe three, one-on-one lessons and one group class/Performance workshop. Notes from these observations are discussed during the last two sessions of the course.

Piano Pedagogy Level II

Piano Pedagogy Level II is specifically designed for professional piano teachers seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills in piano teaching. Level I is not a required pre-requisite course. This 10-week course, conducted in hour-long weekly sessions, offers a focused learning environment for those looking to enhance their teaching techniques and stay updated with the latest trends in piano education.

The course aims to equip piano teachers with advanced skills in various aspects of piano pedagogy. It covers a wide range of topics, including advanced piano techniques, a broad spectrum of piano repertoire, and strategies for tailoring instruction to students of different ages. The curriculum is designed to improve overall musicianship among students.

Each participant is required to observe three, one-on-one lessons, one group class/Performance Workshop, and one recital. Notes from these observations are discussed during the last two sessions of the course.

The piano pedagogy curriculum is based on both the rich Diller-Quaile approach and the School’s history. Beyond the traditional teaching skills, the course covers the use of technology in piano teaching, an increasingly important aspect in modern education. The course also guides aspiring teachers on the practical aspects of setting up and managing a private studio, including networking and continuous professional development.

Questions? Please email, apply@diller-quaile.org.