PIano pedagogy and performance
Research
Our instructors conduct research specializing in a variety of topics including group piano pedagogy, underrepresented composers, healthy technique, efficient practice, and more. Read about our research below.
To schedule a workshop, email staugustinepianoacademy@gmail.com
The Lady of Les Six: Discovering the Piano Duet and Two-Piano Repertoire of Germaine Tailleferre
The only woman of Les Six, Germaine Tailleferre composed a remarkable piano duet and two-piano repertoire ranging from elementary to advanced levels. This presentation seeks to expand the pianist’s repertoire by highlighting these underrepresented works.
Presenters: Dr. Mach and Dr. Zhang
Sustainable Performance: A Holistic Approach to Fatigue Prevention and Injury Management
Preventing injury is vital to career longevity as a professional musician. This presentation seeks to provide inclusive and easy-to-apply strategies to protect and strengthen the whole musician, both in and out of the practice room. The presenter will include a survey of injury statistics, musculoskeletal mechanics of muscle fatigue, common injuries amongst pianists, and habits of prevention.
Presenter: Dr. Zhang
Unveiling Ortmann: A Guide to Kinesthetic Awareness through Physiology
The Physiological Mechanics of Piano Technique by Otto Ortmann describes piano technique with science. This presentation includes activities to demonstrate technical concepts from Ortmann’s text to encourage increased kinesthetic awareness for pianists.
Presenter: Dr. Mach
What I Learned in Kickboxing Class Applied to Group Piano
This workshop extracts from the world of group fitness to inform, improve and energize group piano classes! Topics include anticipatory cueing, lesson planning, practice psychology, group psychology, motivation and adherence.
Presenter: Dr. Zhang
Manuel Pone’s Viente Piezas Fáciles: A Window Into Post-Revolutionary Mexico
Manuel Ponce’s compositions promoted Mexican
folk music internationally. This workshop demonstrates how his Veinte Piezas Faciles for solo piano can b e used as a gateway into Mexican history and music
in elementary piano lessons.
Presenter: Dr. Mach
Ding Shande: China’s Pioneering Composer
Ding Shande (1911-1995) was a pioneering composer, pianist, pedagogue and music theorist. Setting the stage for Chinese pianism, Ding was first to perform a public solo piano recital in China. His style is a blend of French Impressionism, western romanticism and Chinese Folk song. This workshop explores Ding Shande’s solo piano output ranging from elementary to early advanced levels.
Presenter: Dr. Zhang
America’s Forgotten Futurist: George Antheil’s Music for the Developing Pianist
George Antheil was an American pianist, composer, futurist, surrealist, and iconoclast. This workshop explores his forgotten piano compositions for the intermediate and advance piano student.
Presenter: Dr. Mach