101 Ideas for Piano Group Class

American Music Teacher, April-May, 2005 by Victoria Johnson

101 Ideas for Piano Group Class, by Mary Ann Froehlich. Summy-Brichard, Inc./Warner Bros. Publications (15800 N. W. 48th Ave., Miami, FL 33014), 2004. 84 pp. $16.95.

There is much more to this book than the title suggests. In fact, ideas for piano group classes comprise just slightly more than one-third of this volume. Also presented is information about learning theories, educational philosophies, music therapy and teaching special needs students.

The book is organized into three sections. Part I, "Our Foundation," lays the groundwork for an educational philosophy. This section discusses brain compatible education, principles of cooperative learning and the philosophies of Suzuki, Orff, Kodaly and Dalcroze. All material is presented clearly and efficiently, and is applicable to group piano teaching.

This section would serve as an excellent introduction to learning theories and educational philosophies for piano pedagogy students, or as a refresher for more experienced teachers. However, some of the information will be new to even the most sophisticated teachers.

Part II, "The Piano Group Class," contains a wealth of practical ideas for group teaching. The activities are intended for monthly or bi-monthly group classes that are a supplement to weekly private lessons, and are designed for "an inclusive group made up of a variety of abilities and ages." However, many of the ideas could be used with group-lesson-only or private-lesson-only students. Most of the ideas fall under the categories of listening, music history, creative activities and performance. As Mary Ann Froehlich points out, this is not a theory program. Teachers will especially appreciate the many useful lists in this section: composers' birthdays, educational music videos, music companies and improvisation sources. Sample group lesson plans are provided, as are suggestions for annual recitals, summer creative arts programs and classes for teens and adults. Even the most creative, adventurous teachers will find new ideas to implement in their group classes.

In Part III, "The Inclusive Music Community," the author encourages teachers to "expand your music community with students of all ages and abilities." Music therapy and resiliency are discussed, and parents of special needs students (and some students themselves) share stories about how music has positively impacted their lives. The author does not tell readers how to teach special needs students--that is beyond the scope of the book--but likely will open teachers to the possibility of including these students in their studios.

Throughout the book, Froehlich's unique background in performance, Suzuki teaching, music therapy and pastoral care shines through, as does her personal teaching philosophy: "not to produce professional pianists but human beings who care about others and love to make music." 101 Ideas for Piano Group Class is a goldmine of information, inspiration and practical ideas for novice and expert piano teachers alike. Reviewed by Victoria Johnson, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.