Inspired Piano Teaching (eBooks)

Inspired Piano Teaching by Marvin Blickenstaff brings together a lifetime of wisdom, practical strategies, and artistic insight from one of the most influential piano pedagogues of our time. Drawing from decades of workshops, presentations, and teaching experiences, Blickenstaff offers guidance for nurturing artistry, technique, musical understanding, and inspiration in students of all ages and levels. This comprehensive resource covers proactive teaching, interviewing students, beginning technical instruction, reading and rhythm development, essential technical gestures, practice strategies, interpretation, style, and coaching repertoire from the first lesson through advanced literature. Teachers will feel as though they’ve attended a multi-day workshop with Marvin himself—absorbing ideas, demonstrations, and time-tested teaching approaches that can be immediately applied in the studio. A valuable text for independent teachers, pedagogy students, and collegiate programs, this book helps educators cultivate musicianship, curiosity, and artistic growth in every lesson. Praise for Inspired Piano Teaching: "Marvin Blickenstaff is one of the major figures in all subjects related to the sacred art of music. I first encountered him when I attended one of his lectures. It was not only the content that changed my life but also his manner of communication. His speaking voice made you feel as though his arm was around your shoulder in loving warmth. His playing, like his lectures, probed to the depths of everything he played. He is a treasure and a gift to everyone devoted to music. I feel so privileged to know him." — Seymour Bernstein Pianist, Teacher, Composer New York City "Marvin's heart has always been filled with passion in his teaching and deep joy in spreading his love of making music at the piano. In Inspired Piano Teaching, Marvin writes for teachers, students, amateurs, adults, and yes, for all who cherish the beauty and reward discovered in practicing and playing. He selflessly shares insights, concepts, and techniques that he initially brought to our profession through his countless presentations and commitment over a full lifetime as a master teacher. These pages are filled with his keen insights along with threads of inspiration that he finds in piano teaching." — Jane Magrath Professor Emeritus (Piano and Piano Pedagogy) University of Oklahoma "Marvin's passion for teaching shines throughout this book! I'll never forget the first time I attended one of his workshops. He was playing an intermediate-level piece when suddenly he stopped, leapt off the piano bench, and with a twinkle in his eyes exclaimed how lucky we are as piano teachers to be able to introduce such beautiful music to our students. Marvin reminds us that it is our privilege to help every student discover their own creative voice. From the first lesson to the exploration of advanced literature, Marvin's book is a treasure trove of practical tips and inspirational gems that is destined to become a well-worn, much-loved resource for every piano teacher. Thank you, Marvin." — Elaine Rusk Vice President, Academics & Publishing, The Royal Conservatory of Music "Here is a book that both novice and veteran teachers will find useful. Marvin Blickenstaff shares the insights of his sixty years in the studio, a career most of us can only dream of. I'm sure he has forgotten more than most of us know." — Robert Weirich Professor Emeritus, University of Missouri, Kansas City View Less