Making Music at the Piano: Learning Strategies for Adult Students. (Books).

Making Music at the Piano: Learning Strategies for Adult Students, by Barbara English Maris. Oxford University Press, (198 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016), 2000. 227 pp., plus appendixes, notes and index.

Barbara English Maris, professor emerita of the Catholic University of America, draws on her extensive experience to write an engaging, well-organized resource dedicated to adults who have made a place for piano in their busy lives. This book is designed for adult students of all levels. She emphasizes that there are "many pathways to musically satisfying experiences." It contains a wide variety of ideas on how to set realistic expectations, develop technical skills and value the process of learning. Maris developed the suggestions and activities in this book during her experiences with her students. She encourages adults to discover which of these techniques will bring them the most satisfaction. Furthermore, she is a role model of how to teach adults. Maris's text offers teachers added insight into the special communication skills and strategies that work with all levels of the adult learner.

Although written for students, this book also is a valuable resource to piano teachers who desire to understand the blend of contemporary and traditional pedagogical techniques, needed when working with adult students; for example, analogies are an extremely effective teaching tool when working with adults. Humor is another tool known to relieve tension. This author effectively uses both of these techniques. Maris also makes the point that conceptual and kinesthetic learning involve different responses, and adults will get frustrated when they do not succeed at their pieces immediately. This book will aid teachers in understanding what strategies to offer adult students to help them increase the effectiveness of their practice time and to be patient with themselves. For instance, productive practice sessions must include time for silent study of the music and time to assess what will be played. Teachers are offered many suggestions to engage adults, such as by encouraging them to participate in the selection of the music they play. Points to help adults avoid the pitfalls that will delay their progress also are offered.

This book is divided into two main ...