Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

DMA

College

College of Creative Arts

Department

School of Music

Committee Chair

Peter Amstutz

Committee Member

Lucy Mauro

Committee Member

Matthew Heap

Committee Member

John Goldwasser

Abstract

This research document aims to help diversify the pedagogical piano repertoire by featuring four contemporary composers living in the United States: Emma Lou Diemer, Dianne Goolkasian Rahbee, Karen Tanaka, and Chee-Hwa Tan. Their commitment to the creation of pedagogical works at the elementary, intermediate, and early-advanced levels gives students the opportunity to develop their piano technique while learning beautifully crafted pieces. The present document covers the life, formal education, important influences, and the compositional style of each composer. Additionally, it includes selected pieces at the late-elementary and early-intermediate levels where a discussion about their pedagogical benefits is included. Lastly, a list of pedagogical piano works by each of the composers is provided.

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