Making Music at the Piano: Learning Strategies for Adult Students. . - Books - book review

Making Music at the Piano: Learning Strategies for Adult scholars by Barbara English Maris. Oxford University Pres (198 Madison Ave., novel York, NY 10016), 2000. 227 pp plus appendixes, notes and index.

Barbara English Maris, professor emerita of the Catholic University of America, draws upon her extensive experience to write an engaging, well-organized resource dedicated to adults who have made a place for piano in their busy lives. This volume is designed for adult pupils of all levels. She emphasizes that there are "many pathways to musically satisfying experiences." It contains a wide variety of ideas upon how to set realistic expectations, evolve technical skills and value the proces of learning. Maris make knowned the suggestions and activities in this work during her experiences with her learners She encourages adults to discover which of these techniques will bring them the greatest in quantity satisfaction. Furthermore, she is a part model of how to teach adults. Maris's true copy offers teachers added insight into the special communication skills and strategies that work with all horizontals of the adult learner.

Although written for scholars this book also is a valuable resource to piano teachers who desire to understand the unite of contemporary and traditional pedagogical techniques, straited when working with adult students; for example, analogies are an extremely effective teaching tool when working with adults. Humor is another tool known to relieve tension. This author effectively uses the two of these techniques. Maris also makes the point that conceptual and kinesthetic learning involve different answers and adults will get frustrated when they do not succe at their pieces immediately. This volume will aid teachers in understanding what strategies to tender adult students to help them increase the effectiveness of their practice time and to be patient with themselves. For instance, productive practice sessions must include time for silent research of the music and time to assess what will be played. Teachers are proffered many suggestions to engage adults, of that kind as by encouraging them to participate in the selection of the music they play. Points to help adults avoid the pitfalls that will delay their progres also are offered

This work is divided into two main parts. In Part I, the author focuses upon "Pianists and Pianos." It discusses realistic goals for the adult pupil and how one can acquire a fine faculty of perception of musicianship regardless of a student's horizontal This theme of playing musically is addressed completely through the book and this idea is extremely important in maintaining pupil interest. The chapter on pedaling techniques for the couple acoustic and digital pianos is valuable for pupils of all ages to read. Pedaling techniques have always been individual of the most misunderstood skills for learners This chapter presents a step-by-step approach to the use of all pedals that demystifies this area. In Part II, the author writes about "Pianists at Pianos: Productive Practice." flat the most motivated adults have limited practice time because of the demands of their careers and family. The author at hands a large variety of effective practice techniques that will help scholars realize their goals, both mentally and physically. There also are many interesting and valuable activities providing guidelines in mastering rhythmic situations that will lead to the learner acquiring the right listening skills.

Each of the thirteen chapters in this volume is divided into four categories of material, including conceptions to Consider, Activities to Explore, contemplations About Words and Additional Resources. The volume is organized sequentially, and greatest in quantity situations an adult student will experience are described. Solutions and activities are presented to address these situations to create a positive learning experience for the scholar Differences in learning and teaching mode of expressions also are addressed. Clear terminology, wide margins with caseed highlights, frequent topical headings and the overall layout of the work is very user-friendly for browsers

The appendixes tender suggestions for sight reading, beginning a of recent origin piece and many other technical aides. The resource volumes provided are well recognized as being crack in their area.

I am personally impressed with the thoroughness of this volume The teacher will gain many pedagogical insights from this work Adult students will gain reinforcement of tasks and supportive guidelines that will make their musical journey an exciting and assured path.

Lillian Livingston, Princeton, fresh Jersey.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Music Teachers National Association, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group