Program Overview

Piano Pedagogy

We offer courses as both electives and as part of the minor in piano pedagogy. Students interested in the minor must be a piano major pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree. Prior approval from piano department and piano pedagogy faculty is required. Our courses are designed to help pianists develop competence for effective private and group teaching at any age or level. You will study sequencing of materials, learning theories, lesson planning, and business skills.

The program encourages the development of musical and verbal communication skills as well as the foundation for technical growth and personal artistic performance.

two pianos in classroom
Photo credit: Courtesy Oberlin College

Program Facts

Program Director

Andrea McAlister,
Professor of Piano Pedagogy

Contact

Jeanne Rosecrans, Administrative Assistant
440-775-8297
choir
A rehearsal of the college’s Musical Union choir.
Photo credit: John Seyfried

Performance Ensemble

The 140-voice Musical Union (MU) brings together voices from the conservatory as well as the community at large to sing the great works for chorus and orchestra. MU is the second oldest continuing choral tradition in the country. The group presents a concert at least once a year, along with the Oberlin Arts and Sciences Orchestra. MU is one of several conservatory-based vocal ensembles available to students pianists and vocalists.

Performance Ensembles

Piano Pedagogy Faculty

Conservatory faculty maintain active performance schedules while remaining accessible and committed to their students. Individual instruction is paramount to helping students develop their mechanical, technical, stylistic, psychological, and musical skills.

I find the students here bright, intelligent. They are entrepreneurs. They are artistic. That keeps me on my toes as an educator because I want to be sure my skills and my knowledge base is always expanding and reaching to excellence.

Jody Kerchner, Professor of Music Education

Piano Pedagogy News