Dr. Claire Wachter
Director of Piano Pedagogy Studies
2004-2005 ACADEMIC YEAR
INTRODUCTION
The University of Oregon Piano Pedagogy Program is part of a graduate degree program offering piano teacher training. This program is recognized as one of the top piano teacher training schools in the country. Many of the School of Music piano pedagogy graduates have outstanding university jobs or have started their own independent music schools. All graduates of the University of Oregon’s pedagogy program are successful piano teachers throughout the United States and in Asia.
For information about the University of Oregon degree programs in piano pedagogy, see Graduate Degrees in Piano Pedagogy.
The current teachers for the Piano Pedagogy Program are undergraduate and graduate students studying piano pedagogy at the University of Oregon under the guidance and supervision of Professor Claire Wachter. Piano lessons are offered to beginning and intermediate level students of all ages--from children age 6 and up, to young and older adults.
All lessons are 45 minutes and include basic musicianship skills and theory. Parents are invited to attend the lesson with their child, or they may wait for their child in the School of Music lobby. Registration.
Adult students who wish to study piano at the University of Oregon may take group piano lessons (MuP 100) or a studio (private) lesson for credit. (See Piano Lessons for Credit.) Adult students may take studio (private) piano lessons at the University of Oregon for credit and/or not for credit. (See Piano Lessons Not for Credit.)
PIANO LESSONS
Lessons are scheduled Monday through Saturday in room 205 or at other locations at the School of Music. Students receive 45-minute lessons. Theory lessons are included as part of the student's private lesson. Two public performances are scheduled for the students during the academic year: a Holiday Recital in early December, and a Spring Recital in early June. No lessons are offered during the summer months by the Piano Pedagogy Program. Students are encouraged to continue lessons independently with their teachers.
TUITION
Tuition includes ten lessons for each term. Music expense is extra and is the responsibility of the student and/or parents. Students are encouraged to attend all lessons. Only one lesson per term can be rescheduled if missed by the student. Any lesson missed by the teacher will be rescheduled by the end of each term. All tuition from participants is used to purchase books, music, and other reference materials for the Piano Pedagogy Program and Library.
45 minute lesson: $125 per term
Tuition is required at the first lesson and is non-refundable. All checks should be made payable to The University of Oregon Piano Pedagogy Program. Please give the check to the teacher, or place it in Dr. Claire Wachter’s faculty mailbox at the main desk in the School of Music. Please include your name and your child's name on the check.
SCHEDULE 2004-2005
Fall 2004
Lessons begin the week of October 4
Lessons end the week of December 6
Holiday Recital: Saturday, December 4 in Room 198, 1 p.m.
Winter 2005
Lessons begin the week of January 3
Lessons end the week of March 7
Spring 2005
Lessons begin the week of March 28
Lessons end the week of May 30
Spring Recital: Saturday, June 4 in Room 198, 1 p.m.
REGISTRATION
You may contact Dr. Claire Wachter at the School of Music to discuss your child's or your participation in the Piano Pedagogy Program. Please call 346-3758 or E-mail.
Please send your completed application form to: Piano Pedagogy Program c/o Dr. Claire Wachter . School of Music, 1225 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1225
PIANO TEACHERS
(Contact by phone or email to Dr. Wachter)
Sarah Botterill*
Ann Chen*
Gayle Chinnock*
Shaunna Eberhard*
Crystal Zimmerman*
Mindy Smith
Mayta Lerttamrab
Maykin Lerttamrab
Christina Yue
*Graduate Teaching Fellow in piano pedagogy
PIANO LESSONS FOR CREDIT
MuP 100 Class Piano: Beginner (2 credits)
This group piano course is for students who have no keyboard experience. Students will learn to read notes, understand rhythm, learn basic music theory and learn to play standard repertoire hands together. The course is taught in a state of the art Yamaha Clavinova Lab. No audition required.
MuP 100 Class Piano: Beginner/Intermediate (2 credits)
This group piano course is similar to the MuP 100 Beginner course, but will move at a faster pace. Students in this section have had some study on other instruments, can understand notes and rhythm, but cannot play well hands together. The course will increase keboard skills and basic music understanding. The course is taught in a state of the art Yamaha Clavinova Lab. No audition required.
MuP 100 Class Piano: Intermediate (2 credits)
This group piano course is for piano students who can play easy piano music hands together. The course will include keyboard theory, technical studies, repertoire and ensemble work. The course is taught in a state of the art Yamaha Clavinova Lab. Audition recommended.
MuP 141 Basic Piano (2, 3, or 4 credits)
This course combines one individual piano lesson each week with one group masterclass in Beall Hall. Students must be able to perform works such as Clementi sonatinas or Anna Magdelena Bach pieces. Students will study repertoire, technical exercises, including scales and arpeggios, and sight reading. Most students will have had a minimun of two or more years of study.Email Dr. Wachter for an interview (required).
MuP 171B Intermediate Piano (2, 3, or 4 credits)
This course combines one individual piano lesson each week with one group masterclass in Beall Hall. Students must be able to perform works such as Bach short preludes or inventions, easy sonatinas of Beethoven, and Chopin’s easier waltzes. Students will study repertoire, technical exercises, including scales and arpeggios, and sight reading. Audition required: three contrasting works, all major and minor scales at four octaves at moderate tempo, and sight reading. Email Dr. Wachter for an more information.
PIANO LESSONS NOT FOR CREDIT
Students may take one 45 minute lesson each week through the Piano Pedagogy Program. University students may use the school of music’s practice facilites (upright pianos only). See Piano Pedagogy Program.
GRADUATE DEGREES IN PIANO PEDAGOGY
M.Mus. in Music: Piano Pedagogy
D.M.A., supporting area in Piano Pedagogy
Faculty: Claire Wachter (chair)
Piano Pedagogy is a comprehensive program that includes study of various teaching methods, learning theories, sequencing of repertoire, piano technique, performance practices, and the business of operating an independent piano studio. Students are provided studio, class, and group teaching experiences with many different age groups. In addition, the pedagogy program looks to the 21st century with its creative and practical applications of electronic keyboards, Disklaviers, and computers.
MASTER'S
The objective of the Master of Music degree in piano pedagogy is to prepare University students to be proficient performers and knowledgeable musicians who are ready for professional careers as teachers of keyboard instruments. One of the focuses of the two-year program is the teaching-learning process and its application to studio instruction. Students examine materials and techniques appropriate to all levels of study, from pre-piano to advanced college teaching.
Pedagogy students have many opportunities to observe and to participate actively in both group and private lessons at all levels of advancement. Teaching experience is gained first by assisting master teachers in various piano classes and studio piano instruction. Additional opportunities for graduate students include graduate teaching fellowships, accompanying, and work-study assignments.
Credits
Piano Literature (MUS 564, 565, 566) 9
Piano Pedagogy I: Teaching Beginners (MUE 571)3
Piano Pedagogy II: Teaching Groups (MUE 572) 2
Piano Pedagogy III: Teaching Intermediate Levels (MUE 573) 2
Advanced Pedagogy: Piano (MUE 591) 3
Practicum (MUE 609), three terms 3
Research Methods in Music (MUS 611) 3
Performance studies in piano (MUP 641 or above)
Minimum of 12
Appropriate ensemble, at least three terms 3-6
Seminars or courses in music history or literature at the 500 levelor above 6
Electives at the 500 level or above and chosen in consultation with an adviser 6
Research (MUE 601) project and short recital consisting of at least thirty minutes of music
performance 3
A total of at least 52 graduate credits
Final oral examination reviewing the project and degree course work
Pedagogy Course descriptions:
471/571 Piano Pedagogy I: Teaching Beginners (3) In-depth study of beginning methods and materials for children and adults. Studio teaching experience. Wachter.
472/572 Piano Pedagogy II: Teaching Groups (2) Methods and materials for group instruction of all ages and levels. Survey of learning theories and new technologies. Studio and group teaching experience. Prereq: MUE 471/571; coreq: MUE 409 or 609. Wachter.
473/573 Piano Pedagogy III: Teaching Intermediate Levels (2) Study of repertoire, technique, and teaching methods appropriate for intermediate-level piano students. Studio and master-class teaching experience. Prereq: MUE 472/572; coreq: MUE 409 or 609. Wachter.
491/591 Advanced Pedagogy: [Topic] (3R) Sections in piano and other topics. R twice in different sections for maximum of 9 credits.
DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS, SUPPORTING AREA IN PIANO PEDAGOGY
The University of Oregon offers a doctoral supporting area in piano pedagogy. This program offers comprehensive training for the graduate student who plans to teach more advanced levels both independently and at the university level. Areas of study include the history of the great 19th and 20th century piano teachers (Czerny, Kullak, Deppe, Chopin, Brahms, C. Schumann, Leschetizky, Schnabel, Perry); the development of piano technique (Czerny, Cortot, Pishna, Philip, Hanon, Schmitt, Taubman); standard teaching methods for the early levels (Suzuki, Pace, Yamaha, Clark, Faber, Bastien, Alfred); intermediate and advanced repertoire; group teaching and functional keyboard skills.
PIANO PEDAGOGY LIBRARY
The University of Oregon Piano Pedagogy Library contains important books and piano music necessary for the program. The most recent editions of standard repertoire and piano method books are housed in the Piano Pedagogy Library in room 205 in the School of Music. The Piano Pedagogy Program is fortunate to receive most of the materials through generous private donations from many individuals and music publishers such as Alfred, FJH, Frederick Harris, Kjos and Warner Bros. Publications.
STUDIO EQUIPMENT
Lessons are given in room 205 which has a Steinway “L” grand piano, a Yamaha Clavinova, computers, music, books and other audio/visual materials which contribute to the learning environment.
Additional lesson locations can be found throughout the School of Music.
