The Tyranny of Tradition in Piano Teaching - by Walter Ponce (Paperback)

About the Book

""The strict traditions of piano teaching have remained entrenched for generations. The dominant influence of Muzio Clementi (1752-1832), the first composer-pedagogue of the instrument, brought about an explosion of autocratic instruction and bizarre teaching systems, exemplified in the mind-numbing drills of Hanon's "The Virtuoso Pianist." These practices considered absurd or abusive by many-persist today at all levels of piano education. This book critically examines two centuries of teaching methods and encourages instructors to do away with traditions that disconnect mental and creative skills."-Provided by publisher"--

Book Synopsis

The strict traditions of piano teaching have remained entrenched for generations. The dominant influence of Muzio Clementi (1752-1832), the first composer-pedagogue of the instrument, brought about an explosion of autocratic instruction and bizarre teaching systems, exemplified in the mind-numbing drills of Hanon's "The Virtuoso Pianist." These practices--considered absurd or abusive by many--persist today at all levels of piano education. This book critically examines two centuries of teaching methods and encourages instructors to do away with traditions that disconnect mental and creative skills.

Review Quotes

"This is one of the most informed and thought-provokng books about piano playing and education to have appeared in recent years."-International Piano.

About the Author

Concert pianist and pedagogue Walter Ponce received his doctorate from Juilliard. A distinguished professor emeritus and former director of keyboard studies at UCLA, and for many years under the Wilford Division of Columbia Artists Management, he has performed around the world in every genre of the solo and chamber music repertoire.