The Intermediate Course: Continuing Pianistic Growth

The Intermediate Course: Continuing Pianistic Growth and Development

This course is designed to introduce important concepts and material related to the teaching of intermediate students playing at approximately Levels 3-7.

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Course curriculum

Topics include: An introduction to intermediate teaching and learning, Motivation and learning, Curriculum assessment, Lesson planning, Foundational technique including warm-ups, scales, arpeggios, chords, and exercises and etudes, Music reading and sight reading, Rhythm and pulse, Music theory and ear training, Harmonization and chord progressions, Composition and improvisation, Standard Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth-Century intermediate piano literature, Intermediate piano literature by educational composers, Repertoire maintenance and practice techniques, Memorization, Coaching and preparing for performance, Performance success, and more!

1. Video: Navigating the Course
1. Module Contents
2. Introductory Video (with transcript): "Course Welcome and Introduction" with Jane Magrath and Pamela Pike
3. Course Syllabus
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4. Welcome Survey
5. Video Demonstration 1: Lesson Segment with Marvin Blickenstaff
6. Reading: "The Challenges and Joys of Intermediate Teaching" by Jeanine Jacobson
7. Video Demonstration 2: Lesson Segment with Aubrey Faith-Slaker
8. Reflection Activities
9. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Motivation and Learning - Reading: "Learning Theories for Piano Teachers" by Pamela Pike
3. Motivation and Learning - Video (with transcript): "Motivation and Cognition" with Pamela Pike
4. Motivation and Learning - Handout: "Motivation and Cognition" by Pamela Pike (PDF)
5. Curriculum and Assessment - Reading 1: "Fresh Impressions: The Interview Process" by Rebecca Pennington
6. Curriculum and Assessment - Reading 2: "Developing a Curriculum for the Intermediate Transfer Student" by Jane Magrath
7. Curriculum and Assessment - Reading 3: "Teaching the Transfer Student" by Elvina Pearce
8. Reflection Activities
9. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Reading 1: "Planning the Lesson Assignment" by Frances Clark
3. Reading 2: "Activities for Concept Preparation" by Craig Sale
4. Reading 3: "Assigning a New Piece" by Frances Clark
5. Reading 4: "Before Practice Begins" by Frances Clark
6. Video 1 (with transcript): "Presentation of Repertoire" with Craig Sale
7. Reading 5: "Presenting a New Piece in a Limited Amount of Time" by Frances Clark
8. Video 2 (with transcript): "Presentation of Kabalevsky Toccatina" with Elvina Pearce
9. Reflection Activities
10. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Foundational Technique - Video 1 (with transcript): "The Challenge of Teaching Technique" with Craig Sale
3. Foundational Technique - Reading 1: "Motivating Students to Practice Technique" by Jed A. Galant
4. Foundational Technique - Reading 2: "Technique—Tips for Teaching and Practicing" by Elvina Pearce
5. Warm-ups - Video 1 (with transcript): "Five-Finger Patterns" with Marvin Blickenstaff
6. Warm-ups Video 2 (with transcript): "Warm-ups and Rotation" with Marvin Blickenstaff
7. Scales - Reading: "Aspects of Teaching Scales" by Frances Clark
8. Scales - Video 1 (with transcript): "Major Scale Fingerings: Sameness and Difference" with Craig Sale
9. Scales - Video 2 (with transcript): "Scales, Part I" with Marvin Blickenstaff
10. Scales - Video 3 (with transcript): "Scales, Part II" with Marvin Blickenstaff
11. Scales - Video 4 (with transcript): "Teaching Scales" with Sara Ernst
12. Arpeggios - Reading: "Teaching Arpeggios" by Frances Clark
13. Arpeggios - Video 1 (with transcript): "Arpeggio Fingering" with Marvin Blickenstaff
14. Arpeggios - Video 2 (with transcript): "Teaching Arpeggios" with Sara Ernst
15. Chords - Reading: "Teaching Chords" by Frances Clark
16. Chords - Video (with transcript): "Teaching Chords" with Marvin Blickenstaff
17. Exercises and Etudes - Reading 1: "Other Technical Issues" by Frances Clark
18. Exercises and Etudes - Video (with transcript): "Finger Independence" with Marvin Blickenstaff
19. Exercises and Etudes - Reading 2: "What is the Role of 'Etudes' in a Pianist's Development? Which Ones Do You Use and When?" by Nancy Bachus, Seymour Fink, and Marilyn Neeley
20. Reflection Activities
21. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Musicality - Reading: "Finding Musical Messages in a Piece of Music – Kabalevsky Novelette, Op. 27, No. 14" by Joyce Cameron and Janis Combs
3. Music Reading and Sight Reading - Reading 1: "Comments on Music Reading" by Richard Chronister
4. Music Reading and Sight Reading - Reading 2: "Sight Reading for All Students" by Susanne Baker
5. Music Reading and Sight Reading - Reading 3: "How Do You Teach Students to Read Who Already Play By Ear?" by Dennis Alexander
6. Rhythm and Pulse - Video 1 (with transcript): "Questions and Answers" with Trevor Thornton, Andrea McAlister, Craig Sale, and Scott Donald
7. Rhythm and Pulse - Reading 1: "Rhythmic Security in Student Performances" by Frances Clark
8. Rhythm and Pulse - Video 2 (with transcript): "Internalizing Rhythm" with Marvin Blickenstaff and Jane Magrath
9. Rhythm and Pulse - Video 3 (with transcript): "Feeling the Pulse in a New Piece" with Ivan Hurd
10. Rhythm and Pulse - Video 4 (with transcript): "Discovering Appropriate Tempo" with Susanne Baker
11. Rhythm and Pulse - Reading 2: "How Do You Teach Fluent Rhythm Reading?" by Connie Arrau Sturm
12. Reflection Activities
13. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Music Theory and Ear Training - Reading 1: "Questions and Answers on the Basics of Teaching Music Theory" by Frances Clark
3. Music Theory and Ear Training - Reading 2: "Relating Music Theory to Students' Repertoire" by Ann Milliman Gipson
4. Music Theory and Ear Training - Reading 3: "Apps for Teaching: Acing Theory Tests without Theory Books" by Leila Viss
5. Music Theory and Ear Training - Video 1 (with transcript): "Identifying Chords in a New Piece" with Ivan Hurd
6. Music Theory and Ear Training - Reading 4: "Ear Training Questions and Answers" by Frances Clark
7. Music Theory and Ear Training - Video 2 (with transcript): "Ear Training - Chord Identification" with Angela Triandafillou
8. Music Theory and Ear Training - Video 3 (with transcript): "Rhythmic Ear Training - Clapbacks" with Angela Triandafillou
9. Harmonization and Chord Progressions - Video 1 (with transcript): "Harmonization for the Intermediate Student" with John Patrick Murphy
10. Harmonization and Chord Progressions - Video 2 (with handout): "Demonstration of Harmonization Patterns" with John Patrick Murphy
11. Harmonization and Chord Progressions - Video 3 (with transcript): "Chord Progressions for the Intermediate Student" with John Patrick Murphy
12. Harmonization and Chord Progressions - Video 4 (with handout): "Demonstration of Chord Progressions" with John Patrick Murphy
13. Harmonization and Chord Progressions Handout - Resources and References compiled by John Patrick Murphy
14. Harmonization and Chord Progressions - Reading: "Going Further with Lead Sheets" by Bradley Sowash
15. Composition and Improvisation - Reading 1: "Teaching Composition to Intermediate Students" by Elvina Pearce
16. Composition and Improvisation - Reading 2: "Training Healthy Brains: Benefits of Using Improvisation in Music Lessons" by Olivia Hancock
17. Composition and Improvisation - Reading 3: "The Flavors and Style of Chords" by Forrest Kinney
18. Composition and Improvisation - Reading 4: "Understanding Chord Symbols" by Bradley Sowash
19. Composition and Improvisation - Reading 5: "Finding the Time to Be Creative" by Leila Viss
20. Composition and Improvisation - Reading 6: "Behind the Music: Finding a Common Theme in Creative Composition and Performance" by Michael Rushing and Benjamin Williams
21. Composition and Improvisation - Reading 7: "Improvisation: The Classical Way" by Alexander Kato Willis
22. Composition and Improvisation - Reading 8: "Create to Motivate: Using Repertoire to Incorporate Creativity in Lessons" by Chee-Hwa Tan
23. Reflection Activities
24. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Leveling Chart for Standard Repertoire
3. Standard Classical Intermediate Piano Literature - Video 1 (with transcript): "Baroque Teaching Literature" with Jane Magrath
4. Standard Classical Intermediate Piano Literature - Video 2 (with transcript): "Classical Teaching Literature" with Jane Magrath
5. Standard Classical Intermediate Piano Literature - Video 3 (with transcript): "Romantic Teaching Literature" with Jane Magrath
6. Reflection Activity
7. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Standard Classical Intermediate Piano Literature - Video 1 (with transcript): "Contemporary Literature 1900-1950" with Jane Magrath
3. Standard Classical Intermediate Piano Literature - Video 2 (with transcript): "Contemporary Literature 1950 - Present" with Jane Magrath
4. Reflection Activity
5. Developing Style - Reading: "Using Recordings to Develop Style and Stimulate Listening" by Mary Jane Clarke
6. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Video 1: Composer Vignettes - Dennis Alexander
3. Video 2: Composer Vignettes - Carol Matz
4. Video 3: Composer Vignettes - Christopher Norton
5. Video 4: Composer Vignettes - Catherine Rollin
6. Video 5: Composer Vignettes - Wynn-Anne Rossi
7. Video 6: Composer Vignettes - Chee-Hwa Tan
8. Slide Presentation (downloadable PDF): From the Composer’s Pen
9. Educational Composers - Project Sheet
10. Handout: Educational Composer Vignettes (recommended collections and solos)
11. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Repertoire Maintenance and Practice Techniques - Video 1 (with transcript): "Boiling It Down - Musical Performance" with Craig Sale
3. Repertoire Maintenance and Practice Techniques - Reading 1: "Behind Closed Doors: What Our Pre-College Students Really Do During Practice . . . And How We Can Empower Them to Improve!" by Pamela Pike
4. Repertoire Maintenance and Practice Techniques - Reading 2: "Time Spent vs. Mind Spent" by Elvina Pearce
5. Repertoire Maintenance and Practice Techniques - Reading 3: "Practicing Alongside Our Intermediate Students" by Sara Ernst
6. Repertoire Maintenance and Practice Techniques - Video 2 (with transcript): "Teaching Students to Practice" with Marvin Blickenstaff and Jane Magrath
7. Repertoire Maintenance and Practice Techniques - Video 3 (with transcript): "Teaching Students to Practice" with Susanne Baker
8. Practicing Reinforced - Reading 1: "A 'Practice Toolbox' for Students" by Steve Rosenfeld
9. Practicing Reinforced - Reading 2: " A Teachers' Roundtable on Solutions to Common Practice Problems" by Elvina Pearce, Editor
10. Practicing Reinforced - Reading 3: "What to Do about Fingering Issues?" by Elvina Pearce
11. Practicing Reinforced - Reading 4: "Plateaus in Learning" by Frances Clark
12. Working out a Piece - Video 1 (with transcript): "Coaching Phrasing" with Marvin Blickenstaff and Jane Magrath
13. Working out a Piece - Video 2 (with transcript): "Identifying Errors, Part 1" with Susanne Baker
14. Working out a Piece - Video 3 (with transcript): "Identifying Errors, Part 2" with Susanne Baker
15. Working out a Piece - Video 4 (with transcript): "Identifying Errors, Part 3" with Susanne Baker
16. Working out a Piece - Video 5 (with transcript): "Developing Artistry and Ownership" with Marvin Blickenstaff
17. Reflection Activities
18. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Guiding Students to Successful Performance - Video (with transcript): "Memorization" with Craig Sale
3. Teaching Students to Memorize - Reading 1: "Fundamentals of Memory" by John Ford
4. Teaching Students to Memorize - Reading 2: "A Choice to Be Made" by Stewart Gordon
5. Reflection Activities
6. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Developing Diagnostic Skills and Coaching - Video (with transcript): "Developing Diagnostic Skills" with Craig Sale
3. Inspiring Artistry - Video (with transcript): "Inspiring Artistry Project Introduction" with Jane Magrath
4. Inspiring Artistry - Project Sheet
5. Performance Anxiety - Video (with transcript): "Performance Anxiety" with Craig Sale
6. Performance Anxiety - Reading 1: "Preparing the Mind and Body for Performance: Conquering Stage Fright through Effective Practice" by Allison Maerker Garner
7. Performance Anxiety - Reading 2: "Strategies for Successful Performances" by Gail Berenson
8. Performance Anxiety - Reading 3: "Convert Performance Anxiety into Performance Energy" by Julie Jaffee Nagel
9. Videos of Progressive Lesson Development - Video 1 (with transcript): "Lesson 1 - Student Plays Piece and Identifies Errors" with Susanne Baker
10. Videos of Progressive Lesson Development - Video 2 (with transcript): "Lesson 2 - Student Works on Selecting Tempo" with Susanne Baker
11. Videos of Progressive Lesson Development - Video 3 (with transcript): "Lesson 3 - Listening, Aural Discernment, Self-Coaching, Expressivity" with Susanne Baker
12. Videos of Progressive Lesson Development - Video 4 (with transcript): "Lesson 4 - Final Coaching, Review, and Performance" with Susanne Baker
13. Videos of Progressive Lesson Development - Video 5 (with transcript): "Lesson 1 - Identifying Chords" with Ivan Hurd
14. Videos of Progressive Lesson Development - Video 6 (with transcript): "Lesson 2 - Creating a Story to Develop Interpretation" with Ivan Hurd
15. Videos of Progressive Lesson Development - Video 7 (with transcript): "Lesson 3 - Reviewing and Refining" with Ivan Hurd
16. Videos of Progressive Lesson Development - Video 8: "Student Performance"
17. Reflection Activities
18. Module Resources
1. Module Contents
2. Video 1 (with transcript): "Perspectives on Teaching Going Forward" with Jane Magrath
3. Video 2 (with transcript): "Guiding Students to Successful Performance" with Craig Sale
4. Video 3 (with transcript): "Finding Inspiration in Teaching" with Marvin Blickenstaff
5. Reading 1: "In Praise of Ignorance: The Teacher as Student" by Robert Mayerovitch
6. Reading 2: "Further Insights" by Frances Clark
7. Videos of Our Students at their Best in Performance
8. Reflection Activities
9. Recommended Supplementary Reading: "The Many Faces of Music" by Marvin Blickenstaff
10. Module Resources
11. Exit Survey

About this course

$129.00
164 lessons
8.5 hours of video content
Self-guided, designed to be completed at your own pace
Each session may include: video teaching demonstrations, video lectures (with downloadable transcript), readings, reflection activities

Course Leader

Dr. Jane Magrath

Senior Editor: Dr. Pamela Pike. Special lecturers and demonstration teachers include: Dr. Susanne Baker, Marvin Blickenstaff, Dr. Ivan Hurd, Dr. John Patrick Murphy.

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Testimonials

“This course has been of great help to me. I graduated in piano performance over 20 years ago and wanted to find ways to improve my teaching. There were many things that brought new light to me and I am excited to implement them into teaching. Thank you!”

Melissa K.

“It has been very fruitful learning with a lot of insightful sharing, especially sharing, demonstration, and illustration by the presenters. Their passion towards teaching and nurturing young artists has been very inspiring.”

Jiaxian L.