Piano Pedagogy Podcast Episode 4: Memorization and Piano Syllabuses
Episode Overview
Jacqueline Beckoff and Arianne Lakra, in this engaging episode of the Piano Pedagogy Podcast, explore in-depth discussions on memorization techniques for piano students and provide insights into various piano examination syllabi, including the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), and Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). They offer their unique
perspectives on teaching strategies, the benefits and challenges of piano exams, and the importance of fostering a holistic musical education.
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Episode Notes
Memorization Techniques
Approaches to Memorization: Jacqueline shares comprehensive strategies for teaching memorization, emphasizing the importance of analytical memory and the integration of visual, aural, and kinesthetic memory types. The discussion highlights the need for early and consistent practice of memorization skills across all levels of learning.
Personal Experiences and Strategies: Arianne reflects on her reliance on memorization due to weak sight-reading skills during her early learning years, contrasting it with Jacqueline's structured approach to teaching memorization through various memory types.
Innovative Teaching Methods: The hosts discuss creative methods to enhance memorization skills, including the use of the AAA Club (Anywhere, Anytime, Anyone) to motivate students to maintain a repertoire of memorized pieces, fostering confidence and readiness for performance opportunities.
Insights into Piano Examinations
Comparing Syllabi: The episode delves into the specifics of the MTAC, RCM, and ABRSM syllabi, comparing their focus on repertoire selection, technical requirements, and musicianship. Each syllabus's approach to fostering musical skills, including ear training and sight-reading, is discussed, with Arianne expressing a personal preference for the RCM syllabus due to its comprehensive musicianship requirements.
Diversity in Repertoire:
A significant emphasis is placed on the inclusion of diverse composers and musical styles within the syllabi, particularly highlighting the ABRSM for its wide range of repertoire choices that accommodate contemporary and lesser-known composers.
Flexibility and Personalization: Both hosts advocate for using the syllabi as guidelines rather than strict frameworks, emphasizing the importance of tailoring teaching approaches to meet individual student needs and interests. They discuss the potential pressures and motivations associated with piano exams, offering insights into how exams can serve as benchmarks for progress without overshadowing the joy and personal growth found in musical learning.
Episode Highlights
Humorous and Reflective Moments: Throughout the discussion, Jacqueline and Arianne share humorous anecdotes and reflective insights into their teaching experiences, including the challenges and rewards of implementing memorization techniques and preparing students for exams.
Philosophy on Teaching and Exams:
The conversation also explores the broader implications of piano exams on students' musical journeys, questioning the balance between achieving technical proficiency and nurturing a lifelong love for music. The hosts contemplate the role of exams in a student's development, advocating for a balanced approach that values personal expression and musicality alongside technical skills.
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