Date of Graduation
2004
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Piano instruction forms an important part of the music curricula at colleges and universities in Korea. While the content and format of piano classes vary among different institutions, many Korean colleges and universities offer specialized piano courses that focus either on performance as a minor instrument or on one specific functional keyboard skill such as harmonization, accompanying, or sight reading. Such courses allow students to master specific skills more thoroughly, but may not promote the development of a wider scope of keyboard skills and abilities. The purpose of this study is to suggest a more standardized approach to class piano instruction and modifications to Korean class piano curricula that widen the focus of the course content, without sacrificing the development of the specialized keyboard skill that forms the core of the class. Specifically, this study has four main goals: (1) to describe current curricula of selected college and university piano classes for non-piano music majors in Korea and in the United States, (2) to summarize the views of selected class piano teachers in both countries regarding curricula most relevant to the needs of future non-keyboard music professionals, (3) to analyze the strengths of some Korean and American curricula based on the development of knowledge and skills most relevant to the needs of future non-keyboard music professionals, and (4) to suggest possible modifications for those Korean piano classes that focus on keyboard harmony, based on the views of class piano teachers and on the strengths of curricula in both countries. This study discusses class piano teaching and curriculum in Korean colleges and universities as follows: Chapter I provides an introduction to the topic, and discusses the purpose of the study, the need for the study, the limitations of the study and relevant terms. Chapter II reviews dissertations related to class piano programs in the United Sates and in Korea. Chapter III summarizes information about Korean class piano programs gained from examinations of Korean college websites and correspondence or interviews with some Korean piano faculty members. Chapter IV suggests possible modifications for first and second-year Korean piano classes that focus on keyboard harmony, based on recommendations from the dissertations reviewed in Chapter II, on the existing strengths and weaknesses in the curricula outlined in Chapter III, and on the goal of developing knowledge and skills most relevant to the needs of future non-keyboard music professionals. Chapter V summarizes the study, offers conclusions, and suggests avenues for future research.
Recommended Citation
Jung, EunSuk, "Promoting comprehensive musicianship in keyboard harmony classes: Suggestions for university piano instructors of non -keyboard music majors in Korea." (2004). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 9134.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/9134