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.
Photo credit: Courtesy Oberlin College
Program Facts
- Program Type: Minor
- Division: Pedagogy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement
Program Director
Andrea McAlister,
Professor of Piano Pedagogy
Quick Links
A rehearsal of the college’s Musical Union choir.
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 EnsemblesPiano 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.
Piano Pedagogy News
Conservatory Celebrates Standout Students for 2024
May 13, 2024
Annual reception held May 13 in Stull Recital Hall.
Andrea McAlister Named Yamaha Master Educator
March 23, 2021
Oberlin keyboard pedagogy professor among select group chosen in program’s inaugural year.
