PIANO PEDAGOGY · MUSIC EDUCATION · STUDIO MANAGEMENT
The Art and Science
of Teaching Piano
A university-level course designed to transform accomplished pianists into skilled, confident, and effective piano teachers — guiding students from beginner instruction through advanced pre-college training.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Master the Craft of Piano Instruction
This comprehensive course in piano pedagogy equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become master piano teachers. Covering principles of piano instruction from beginner through advanced high school level, the course serves both piano majors and non-piano majors alike.
Through lectures, readings, and hands-on teaching experience, students gain a thorough understanding of teaching methods, materials, student assessment, and strategies for learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Taught by Dr. Archie Chen — a concert pianist with over 15 years of university-level teaching at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and TU Dublin, and founder of the Dublin International Piano Festival — this course blends rigorous academic training with real-world studio experience.
“Effective piano teaching is itself an art form — one that requires deep musical knowledge, empathy, and the ability to communicate the ineffable. This course trains not just competent teachers, but inspiring ones.”
— Dr. Archie Chen
✦ Suitable for piano majors & non-majors
✦ University-level pedagogy training
✦ Practical in-class teaching experience
✦ Studio management & business skills
WHY PIANO PEDAGOGY
Why Train as a Piano Teacher?
Piano pedagogy is one of the most rewarding and in-demand specialisations in music — combining deep musical artistry with the transformative power of teaching. A structured pedagogy course prepares you for a lasting, independent career.
🎹
Build a Thriving Teaching Studio
Learn how to attract students, set studio policies, manage scheduling, and build a financially sustainable independent practice — from your first student to a full waitlist.
📚
Master Repertoire & Literature
Develop deep knowledge of graded piano literature across all levels — from beginner method books to early-advanced solo repertoire — so you can assign the right music at the right time.
🧠
Understand How Students Learn
Study the psychology of learning, developmental stages, practice habits, and motivation so you can tailor your teaching to every unique student.
🎯
Teach Technique with Confidence
Move beyond “just play it again” — gain the vocabulary and framework to diagnose technical issues and prescribe effective solutions in posture, touch, pedalling, and phrasing.
🎼
Integrate Theory & Ear Training
Discover how to weave music theory, rhythm, and aural training naturally into every lesson — producing students who are not just performers, but complete musicians.
💼
Career Prospects & Independence
Graduates go on to careers as independent studio teachers, conservatory faculty, music school directors, and curriculum developers.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
What You Will Learn
Upon completion, students will have developed nine core competencies spanning teaching practice, studio management, repertoire knowledge, and professional research.
01
Evaluate Teaching Methods
Recognise and critically evaluate effective teaching methods for pre-college piano students across all ability levels.
02
Demonstrate Teaching Skills
Demonstrate strong teaching skills through in-class experience, peer observation, and structured feedback sessions.
03
Administer a Teaching Studio
Develop plans for establishing and managing an independent piano teaching studio — including policies, scheduling, and finances.
04
Communicate Effectively
Build clear, empathetic communication skills for students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and learning needs, and their families.
05
Assess Intermediate Literature
Examine and evaluate intermediate and early-advanced piano literature for pedagogical value, technical demands, and musical content.
06
Teach Intermediate Students
Develop specific strategies for navigating the challenges of teaching intermediate-level piano students, including technical plateaus.
07
Use Professional Resources
Become proficient with leading method books, professional journals, and technology tools available to the independent piano teacher.
08
Address Wellness & Technique
Understand technical approaches and wellness issues — including injury prevention, healthy posture, and sustainable practice habits.
09
Conduct Pedagogical Research
Design and carry out original research in piano pedagogy, culminating in a portfolio of reflective writing and teaching documentation.
14-WEEK CURRICULUM
Course Schedule
The course progresses from the foundations of teaching philosophy through advanced stylistic and performance pedagogy, concluding with a comprehensive pedagogy portfolio.
Week 1
Establishing a Teaching Philosophy and Studio Policies
Week 2
Building Effective Teacher-Student Relationships
Week 3
Curriculum Planning for Beginner Piano Students
Week 4
Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners
Week 5
Teaching Adults and Special Considerations
Week 6
Developing Musicianship and Problem-Solving Skills
Week 7
Designing and Implementing Effective Practice Techniques
Week 8
Developing Technique in the Studio
Week 9
Teaching Artistic Touch and Phrasing
Week 10
Integrating Theory, Rhythm, and Ear Training in the Studio
Week 11
Utilizing Technology in Piano Instruction
Week 12
Developing Stylistic Understanding and Performance Techniques
Week 13
Group Piano Instruction and Collaborative Learning
Week 14
Submitting a Final Pedagogy Portfolio
Final Examination
The final exam consists of a written component and a practical teaching assessment evaluating the student’s understanding and application of all course materials.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Course Texts & Resources
Students are required to obtain the following texts before the course begins. These represent the core canon of contemporary piano pedagogy literature referenced throughout all 14 weeks.
01
“Fourth Finger on B-flat: Effective Strategies for Teaching Piano”
Joanne Haroutounian
02
“Hal Leonard Student Piano Library: Piano Lessons Book 1”
Barbara Kreader, Fred Kern, Phillip Keveren & Mona Rejino
03
“How to Teach Piano Successfully, Third Edition”
James W. Bastien — Kjos Music Company
04
“The Well-Tempered Keyboard Teacher, 2nd Edition”
Marienne Uszler, Stewart Gordon & Scott McBride Smith — Schirmer Books
05
“The Pianist’s Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature”
Edited by Jane Magrath — Alfred Publications
📰 Clavier Companion Magazine
Print & digital subscription — approximately $18/year. Essential reading for staying current with piano teaching research, trends, and repertoire reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions
Who is this piano pedagogy course designed for?
This course is designed for university-level music students — both piano majors and non-piano majors — who wish to develop the skills needed to teach piano professionally. It is equally valuable for practising musicians who wish to formalise their teaching practice at any stage of their career.
Do I need prior teaching experience to enrol?
No prior teaching experience is required. The course is designed to take students from foundational principles through to practical, hands-on teaching experience. Students will have the opportunity to teach beginner piano students under supervision as part of the curriculum.
What career paths does piano pedagogy training open up?
Graduates go on to successful careers as independent piano studio teachers, faculty members at music schools and conservatories, arts programme directors, and music curriculum developers. With the growing demand for high-quality piano instruction — particularly in cities like Spokane — trained pedagogues are consistently in demand.
How is the course assessed?
Assessment is ongoing through written assignments, in-class teaching demonstrations, peer observation reports, and oral presentations. The course culminates in a comprehensive Pedagogy Portfolio and a final examination with both written and practical components.
Can this course be taken online or remotely?
Dr. Chen offers educational consulting and pedagogy mentoring services remotely and is available worldwide. Please use the contact form to enquire about current course offerings, private pedagogy mentoring, or consulting services tailored to your teaching context.
PIANO PEDAGOGY · DR. ARCHIE CHEN
Ready to Begin Your Journey
as a Piano Teacher?
Whether you are a university student, a practising musician, or an educator looking to formalise your pedagogy credentials, Dr. Chen’s course provides the rigorous, practical training you need to build a rewarding and lasting teaching career.