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

Will you consider group teaching?

Questions?

Pamela D. Pike

pdpike@lsu.edu