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Technology Tools for Group Piano: Enhancing group-piano classes for
all ages through innovative
technology
Pamela D. Pike, Ph.D., NCTM
Louisiana State Music Teachers Association
Annual Convention
14 October 2011
What is group piano?
What is group piano?
Pioneers of Group Piano
Categories of group teaching:
Performance (master) Class
Group Lessons as Adjunct to Private Lesson
Occasional Group Lesson
Group Lessons Only
Group Lessons as Adjunct to Private
Lessons:
3 weeks private; 4th week group
4 weeks private; 4th week group too
Private & group (or partner) lesson every
week
Private & group lessons on alternating weeks
Occasional Group Camps:
Offered at pivotal points throughout the year
“Boot” camp prior to start of semester
Summer camps
Seasonal Camps
Group lessons Only:
Benefits of Group Piano:
Students progress more quickly
Opportunities to gain performance
experience, poise & composure
Students hear a greater variety of repertoire
Students hear questions and comments of
others
Students can work in small groups or pairs
and learn from each other
Benefits of Group Piano:
Opportunity to explore functional skills in
diverse ways (using technology and group
environment)
Opportunity for greater creative exploration
Students have stronger sense of internal
pulse & rhythm
Students stimulate & energize each other
Peers serve as role models & motivators
Teacher benefits of group piano:
More efficient use of teaching time
A fun teaching challenge to reach students
with different learning styles in a group
setting
Potentially more income
Potentially more students
Rewarding to watch the group learn together
Stimulating to work in a piano lab
Considerations for the group-piano
teacher:
Classes can have only as many students as space & equipment permit
Considerable preparation time
Ability to multi-task imperative!
Ability to disseminate information effectively to various types of learners
Must be able to keep all students engaged
Be able to facilitate interactions between students
Considerations for the group-piano
teacher:
Classes for younger students should be
smaller
Need to have enough students at the same
level for the group to be effective
Groups past elementary level may not be
economically viable
All students must work from same basic text
If a student progresses quickly and outgrows
group, must reassign to an appropriate group
Teacher must believe that:
Group is best for every
member of class
She can engage each
student in active
learning
She can avoid pitfalls of
group teaching
Some students may need
to progress or regress
to different group
Group teaching is about:
Musical listening
Musical thinking
Musical performance
How might my studio look?
How might my studio look?
The Group-Piano Studio:
Digital Lab Necessities:
Student keyboards with headsets
Teaching console with Controller
Visualiser
Music Tutor (or on-board MIDI sequencer
and playback device)
White Board (with staff)
Technology…
Should enhance the teaching experience
Be sure not to allow the technology to distract
the student
Technology…
Be sure technology use has higher
educational/musical purpose (not simply used
for it’s own sake):
Ensemble work
Small group interactions
Allowing student to hear teacher model (not other
students playing incorrectly)
Motivational (with accompaniment tracks;
recording, working with peers, etc.)
Other Considerations:
Student computers at each station
Student monitors only at each keyboard
Onboard disc drive & sequencers
Teaching computer with projection
Sound equipment (for compact discs)
Video equipment
Big table for group work
Big space for games & movement activities
Other Considerations:
Acoustic piano as well for performance
Rhythm instruments
Games
Is there ample space in the waiting area?
Video
Segments of
Group Piano…
Recap:
You can reach great numbers of students
Students progress quickly & enjoy musical
experiences with peers
Students learn how to listen & discuss music
Students learn how to cooperate & support
each other
A fun challenge for the instructor with lots of
diversity