Just as musical etudes focus on the development of skills and address the technical problems encountered in keyboard literature, the "etudes" in Stewart Gordon's new book also focus on ideas which prepare piano teachers for meeting the problems encountered in piano performing and teaching. This major new collection on the piano teacher's art opens with an assessment of the role of the piano teacher, and goes on to explore various types of students and the challenge each presents: the moderately talented, but ambitious, student; the late beginner; the unusually gifted. Drawing on thirty years of teaching and performing, Gordon then bring fresh ideas to bear on the often-discussed areas of inner-hearing, pulse regulation, improvisation, sight-reading, and collaborative music making. There are sections on performance procedures, memorizing, pedalling, and historical performance practices; a carefully-balanced consideration of the role of the piano student and teacher; and
realistic looks at the problems facing the profession today, the dynamics of a performing career, and the stages through which musicians' careers often pass. Designed to open up new avenues of inquiry, to provoke discussion and creative thinking, and to challenge and motivate students, these essays will be vital reading for all serious piano students and teachers.
Industry Reviews
"Through it all and behind every phrase, the author's enthusiasm for life and abiding belief in the rejuvenating power of art make these disparate topics cohere in a way that ultimately uplifts the reader, especially if that reader is a (frequently demoralized yet idealistic) piano teacher."--American Music Teacher
"Inspiring and challenging...this important book is compelling reading for students, pianists, and teachers at all stages of development. Highly recommended."--EPTA Piano Journal
"Gordon's extensive personal experience as performer, teacher, educator and writer over 30 years or so is clearly shown....Offer[s] the reader...a refreshingly honest, lucidly written and down-to-earth look at the real art of teaching the piano. I urge all those involved in the game (at whatever level) to read it."--Classical Piano
"Excellent recommended reading..."--Hal Mark McDonald, Professor of Music, Three Rivers Community College
"...an immensely readable and practical book written by a perceptive and honest teacher and musician with a realistic outlook....this is a straightforward, no-nonsense book reflecting considerable knowledge and experience, and offering a fair degree of motivation and challenge to the reader. It makes a welcome addition not only for the experienced teacher who may be interested to see in print various thoughts, problems and solutions already met, but also for
younger teachers and students."--RNCM Magazine
"Through it all and behind every phrase, the author's enthusiasm for life and abiding belief in the rejuvenating power of art make these disparate topics cohere in a way that ultimately uplifts the reader, especially if that reader is a (frequently demoralized yet idealistic) piano teacher."--American Music Teacher
"Inspiring and challenging...this important book is compelling reading for students, pianists, and teachers at all stages of development. Highly recommended."--EPTA Piano Journal
"Gordon's extensive personal experience as performer, teacher, educator and writer over 30 years or so is clearly shown....Offer[s] the reader...a refreshingly honest, lucidly written and down-to-earth look at the real art of teaching the piano. I urge all those involved in the game (at whatever level) to read it."--Classical Piano
"Excellent recommended reading..."--Hal Mark McDonald, Professor of Music, Three Rivers Community College
"...an immensely readable and practical book written by a perceptive and honest teacher and musician with a realistic outlook....this is a straightforward, no-nonsense book reflecting considerable knowledge and experience, and offering a fair degree of motivation and challenge to the reader. It makes a welcome addition not only for the experienced teacher who may be interested to see in print various thoughts, problems and solutions already met, but also for
younger teachers and students."--RNCM Magazine
