101 Ideas for Piano Group Class.(Book Review)

101 Ideas for Piano Group Class, by Mary Ann Froehlich. Summy-Brichard, Inc./Warner Bros. Publications (15800 N. W. 48th Ave., Miami, FL 33014), 2004. 84 pp. $16.95.

There is much more to this book than the title suggests. In fact, ideas for piano group classes comprise just slightly more than one-third of this volume. Also presented is information about learning theories, educational philosophies, music therapy and teaching special needs students.

The book is organized into three sections. Part I, "Our Foundation," lays the groundwork for an educational philosophy. This section discusses brain compatible education, principles of cooperative learning and the philosophies of Suzuki, Orff, Kodaly and Dalcroze. All material is presented clearly and efficiently, and is applicable to group piano teaching.

This section would serve as an excellent introduction to learning theories and educational philosophies for piano pedagogy students, or as a refresher for more experienced teachers. However, some of the information will be new to even the most sophisticated teachers.

Part II, "The Piano Group Class," contains a wealth of practical ideas for group teaching. The activities are intended for monthly or bi-monthly group classes that are a supplement to weekly private lessons, and are designed for "an inclusive group made up of a variety of abilities and ages." However, many of the ideas could be used with group-lesson-only or private-lesson-only students. Most of the ideas fall under the categories of ...