For two semesters we studied piano pedagogy with Timothy Shafer in these classes we learned teaching techniques for beginner- through advanced-level piano students, and also learned about many different method series of books for students.
We studied in Kiel, Germany for a semester as part of that degree. At the same time, we decided to take on a second major in German Literature, as we had already been studying the German language for 4 years just for our own enjoyment. So after 4 years of Music Ed, we decided to switch to a BA in Music with emphasis in piano pedagogy. In addition to learning solo harpsichord repertoire, we enjoyed many opportunities to accompany other instrumental students who wanted to perform renaissance or early baroque music at their recitals or juries.Īll these teaching and performing experiences were very valuable to us, and they also helped us realize what we loved the most: playing and teaching piano.
We learned Harpsichord with June Miller, which was excellent fun and allowed us to experience a very different keyboard repertoire and technique. We were also members of the Early Music Ensemble, in which we played Renaissance music on soprano, alto and tenor recorders, and occasionally the Krumhorn. Throughout our years at Penn State, we sang in the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. Our training included giving a few General Music lessons in elementary and middle schools in the State College area. This gave us a very brief but interesting look at what it was like to play a broad range of musical instruments at a very elementary level. We were delighted that part of the requirements included learning 2 instruments from each family in the orchestra, for half a semester each. We stayed with the Music Ed program for those years, fulfilling the requirements for band, choir and general music teaching up to the point of Student Teaching. While we switched our main focus to piano after the first year, we continued studying voice for 4 years. We’ve always loved singing, and were active in the show choir and concert choir in our junior and senior high school years.Īt Penn State University, we began as Music Education majors with double emphasis in piano and voice. We also took flute and guitar lessons in high school, and played piccolo as well as tenor and baritone saxophones in the marching band and concert band.
We began taking piano lessons at the age of 8, going on to study with Katsuko Ochiai of Juniata College through our middle school and high school years. All our experiences in college showed us that teaching piano is what we were born to do, and we’re overjoyed to have a career that we love so much! Here is a little history of our education and experiences that led us to this conclusion….
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