Contemporary Approaches to Elementary Piano Pedagogy: A Study of Original Pedagogical Pieces and Representative Elementary Learning Scenarios with a Study on the Integration of Visual Art and Literature into Music Instruction

Abstract

This thesis presents four original compositions for solo piano, each representing one of four elementary-level learning stages. These learning stages may be defined as the pre-reading level, the preparatory level, and Royal Conservatory Grades 1 and 2. Each composition introduces basic musical skills representing standard pedagogical requirements for the given level. An analytical essay describes the pedagogical significance of these compositions, also detailing how each may be taught to an elementary-level student of typical abilities. Three lesson plans and corresponding evaluations demonstrate lesson planning, presentation, and evaluation in elementary-level teaching scenarios; two further lesson plans for hypothetical students at the Grade 1 and Grade 2 levels represent slightly more advanced teaching scenarios. The research demonstrates that students retain information in a more comprehensive and meaningful way when art forms other than music reinforce musical experiences by combining visual, aural, and kinesthetic learning.