M.M. in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy

Overview

If you are an accomplished pianist with curiosity and an open mind to delve into the study of piano pedagogy to further performance and teaching aspirations, then the Frost School of Music is the place for you.

The Master of Music in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy consists of 30 credit hours of graduate study beyond the Bachelor of Music degree in piano-related degrees, such as solo performance, pedagogy, or collaborative piano. This degree program prepares students for advanced teaching as independent studio teachers or for continued doctoral-level study in related disciplines.

Consistent with our school-wide belief in the value of “experiential” learning, our graduate curriculum in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy (KPED) is uniquely designed to integrate theoretical studies with performance to the maximum extent possible.  All KPED students have the opportunity to request performance study with any one of our outstanding piano faculty members.  Furthermore, our flexible curriculum affords a customized program of pedagogical study based on the background and interests of each student.

Our innovative curriculum includes both traditional and progressive offerings.  Our traditional pedagogy offerings cover topics such as historical and modern private teaching methodologies, didactic repertoire and sequencing, group piano teaching, injury prevention, and peak performance strategies.  To help students acquire and maintain a competitive edge, our curriculum also addresses relevant knowledge in other disciplines, such as latest findings about the cognitive process or sport psychology, while providing every opportunity possible to guide students through the process of professional preparation.

A wide variety of options exist for hands-on teaching and learning, and our Preparatory Division provides the platform for those interested in a teaching internship for young students. Research ability is deemed an essential skill for graduate-level study. Students have the opportunity to hone their skills in critical thinking and independent research both through various courses in addition to the Master’s Thesis.

The competitive reality of the market for performers and teachers has never been more demanding. We are proud that many of our piano students (both KPED and MKP) have gone on to DMA studies, won awards at national and international piano competitions, or invited to publish in recognized periodicals or present at conferences.
If you would like to know the latest on our current and past students, please visit and Like us on our Facebook page.

For more information about the program, please contact:
Naoko Takao, DMA
Program Director, Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy
n.takao@miami.edu

Admission Requirements

All applicants to the Frost School must submit the following items:

·       An online application

·       Application fee

·       Resume

·       Three letters of recommendation

·       Official transcripts from every post-secondary school attended

This graduate degree program also requires submission of certain supplemental materials, including:

·       Teaching Sample

·       TOEFL/IELTS score, as applicable

·       Prescreen/Performance

For more detailed information, please visit our Graduate Admission website.

Curriculum Requirements

**May be a performance or a lecture recital

Plan of Study 

* This is a suggested Plan of Study.  Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings.  Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.

** May be a performance recital or a lecture recital.

Mission

The mission of Master of Music degree in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy is to educate students in:

• Teaching strategies for private and group piano lessons
• Knowledge of methods, materials, and standard teaching repertoire for beginning and intermediate students
• The use of music technology available for use in teaching
• The performance of piano, building musicianship, technical ability, and the ability to assimilate a large cross-section of recital repertoire
• Research skills on original topics in the field of keyboard pedagogy.

Goals

The Master of Music degree will prepare students for careers as performers, private music teachers, entry-level positions in community colleges and some four-year institutions, and to pursue advanced degrees in music-related fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will learn teaching strategies for private and group lessons, and will be able to successfully teach in these arenas.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge and proficiency with “method” books and standard teaching repertoire for beginning and intermediate students.
• Students will build musicianship and technical ability and will assimilate a large cross-section of recital repertoire.
• Students will be able to appropriately assign repertoire and etudes with clear understanding of challenges inherent in the material and according to the need of each student.
• Students will develop skills researching an original topic in the field of keyboard pedagogy.