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When I first started teaching piano, I collected any piano pedagogy books I could find. Now that blogs (like this one!) offer a lot of information on piano teaching, it is easy to forget about books. I still find many books that offer a wealth of information. I keep them on my bookshelf and reference them anytime I struggle with a particular area of teaching.
Here are five of my favorite piano pedagogy books. These books will help keep your piano studio professional and to keep your students engaged.
This book by Beth Klingenstein is a great reference to keep on your bookshelf. Sometimes when I need a little inspiration in a particular area, I open this book. Part 8 of this book is titled “Teaching Skills – Not Pieces.” For each area of rhythm, technique, sight-playing, fingering, pedaling, ear training, she covers ideas for how to teach these elements plus lists of extra resources. I have found these lists to be helpful. It is how I discovered these rhythm blocks.
Philip Johnston offers a variety of ideas to reboot your studio. One of my favorite chapters in this book is about extending the offerings of your studio. It’s what inspired me to start occasional group classes and to make a holiday playlist of my students. There are plenty of ideas for how to engage your students and impress parents.
This was my piano pedagogy textbook in college. Dr. Martha Baker-Jordan has a wealth of information for how to run your piano studio and teach effectively. She covers the business side of teaching plus materials and methods for teaching. Some of the special topics include transfer students and solving other difficult problems.
#4 – Professional Piano Teaching
This is the newest piano pedagogy textbook on the list. It was published in 2016. The first chapter talks about the art of piano teaching. My piano pedagogy professor in college was adamant that piano teaching is indeed a profession (not a hobby)! Although piano teaching may be a part-time job for many, it can be still treated with professionalism. This textbooks also covers teaching elementary students, adults, technique, rhythm, and much more. While you may not be up for reading a textbook, this is a great book to keep on your shelf. You can open it and study one area at a time.
#5 – The Pianist’s Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature
This book is an invaluable resource for teachers! I can’t tell you how many times I check something in this book. I often pick a composer and look for pieces that are appropriate for a student. I do not enjoy teaching the same pieces each year, so this gives me new ideas for my students. Jane Magrath levels the pieces in the book using a number system, which is very helpful.
Lauren teaches piano to students of all ages in New Orleans, LA. Teaching is her passion. She enjoys creating resources for her students and is the author of Ready for Theory®.
