The Advanced Certificate in Piano Pedagogy (ACPP) provides a structured curriculum focusing on those elements of piano pedagogy that are foundational to strong teaching practices. The program focuses on teaching strategies that meet the needs of individual students while preparing teachers to work with a wide range of ages and abilities.
Courses and activities allow participants to:
- Discover new performance skills
- Develop comprehensive teaching strategies
- Analyze and evaluate piano methods
- Study and apply developmental theories
- Network with other piano professionals
Why ACPP?
The program is intended to provide training in piano pedagogy for musicians who want credentials to teach piano both in private lessons and groups. Professionals currently teaching, along with those musicians already holding undergraduate or graduate degrees in music who wish to teach piano, will benefit from the curriculum that is offered, including intensive instruction in the methodology and materials necessary for a successful piano studio.
Now with Online Options
Online options for all courses allow pianists and teachers from any location to participate in a dynamic interactive learning community. A hallmark of the Advanced Certificate in Piano Pedagogy program is the wealth of resources available online to students, including online music scores, readings, performance videos, and access to master teachers. Our experienced piano faculty will be available on a daily basis, guiding the learning process with a balance of individual assignments, collaborative work, and timely instructor feedback to ensure that each student achieves personal as well as course objectives.
Course Work
Course work is based upon an exploration of instructional materials, repertoire, musical styles and performance. Participants will examine current and historical pedagogical research, the foundations of a healthy and efficient piano technique, and practice strategies and learning theories critical to the growth of students. Students will learn the business aspects of independent piano teaching and develop studio promotional materials. At the completion of the ACPP, they will have created materials to support the MTNA Certification application.
This program is registered with the New York State Education Department. Nazareth College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Requirements
For admission into the ACPP program, a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in music, or in another discipline with courses equivalent to the requirements of a B.A. in Music, is required. Prospective students complete a program application, an interview with the program director and an audition. The Certificate program must be completed within three years, although many students develop a plan to complete it within one academic calendar year. Some courses will be offered online.
Note: Students earn 15 credits in this advanced certificate program, however, only pay for 12 credits. There are no tuition charges for the final three one-credit courses (MPED 601 Applied Piano I, MPED 602 Applied Piano II, MPED 680 Piano Pedagogy Practicum).
AC students are also eligible to apply for Graduate Assistantship positions. For more information on financing graduate studies visit the Financial Aid website at www.naz.edu/dept/finaid/gradaid/cfm
Program Director
Dr. Beverly Smoker
Department of Music, Nazareth College
4245 East Avenue
Rochester, New York 14618
585-389-2696
bsmoker5@naz.edu
On-line Application
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