Perspectives on Teaching

from the Authors of Alfred's Premier Piano Course

» Dennis Alexander

As teachers, we live in such an exciting time. The pairing of new technology with the wealth of music available for study and performance gives us so many options to tailor our teaching to every type of student. Nothing is more gratifying than seeing a young student's eyes light up, accompanied by a big smile when he or she masters a favorite piece and then performs it with a CD or MIDI "orchestra" for the first time! I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to contribute to the quality of the compositions and accompaniments in this exciting new course.

Dennis is one of North America's most popular and prolific composers of educational music for students of all levels. He has authored or co-authored more than 250 publications and recordings for Alfred.

» Gayle Kowalchyk
As a teacher and mother, I know that children's interests are different than they were 10 years ago. Subjects that used to be covered in school in 4th grade are now taught in 2nd, and activities that used to interest 8-year-olds now interest 6-year-olds. As piano teachers, we need to be aware of these changes. The teaching methods we choose today should, of course, provide a comprehensive music education. But at the same time, for music to be truly integrated into students' daily lives, the lyrics, subject matter and style of music being played must relate to what students are hearing, seeing and doing today.

Gayle, Alfred's Senior Keyboard Editor, has co-authored more than 150 educational piano books for Alfred. Dr. Kowalchyk formerly operated an independent piano studio in Norman, OK.

» E. L. Lancaster
One of my primary objectives when teaching piano is to make sure that students read music well, so they can enjoy playing for the rest of their lives. Most teachers teach note reading by patterns. Rhythm can also be taught in a similar manner. As soon as basic notes have been introduced, students can be taught to see rhythm patterns. Additional patterns can become part of their "reading vocabulary" as other note values are introduced. Reading rhythm patterns is a very important new feature in Alfred's Premier Piano Course.

E. L. is Vice President and Keyboard Editor-in-Chief of Alfred. Previously, Dr. Lancaster was Professor of Music at the University of Oklahoma, where he established the graduate programs in piano pedagogy.

» Victoria McArthur

I encourage students to become artistic performers by including listening activities as a regular part of their lessons and practice. From the first lesson, students can be taught various musical styles by listening attentively to attractive teacher accompaniments while performing simple melodies or rhythm patterns. Performing with CDs or MIDI disks also allows students to develop the listening skills required for sensitive ensemble playing. I am so excited about this new course because listening, ensemble playing and ear training play such an important role.

Vicki is Program Director of Piano Pedagogy at Florida State University in Tallahasee and has owned a piano studio for more than 30 years. A keyboard editor for Alfred, Dr. McArthur has worked in the music publishing field for more than 15 years.

» Martha Mier

I find a special joy in composing new music for piano students. My goal is to inspire students to WANT to play by providing them with pieces that are fun, exciting to hear, and pedagogically sound. Music has always been important to me. It gives expression to feeling and emotions as nothing else can. I loved my job of adding original music and arrangements to this outstanding new course. To be able to introduce a young child to the wonderful world of music is one of the greatest pleasures of my life.

Martha is an internationally recognized composer and clinician. Her top-selling Jazz, Rags & Blues series is Alfred's #1 piano supplementary series and her compositional skills are known world-wide.