Missouri Classical Music News and Notes

Music Moves for Piano is the first piano method to apply Edwin E. Gordon's Music Learning Theory (theories of audiation) to the teaching of piano. The method is based on folk songs and is non-traditional. Students learn music concepts through tonal and rhythm pattern instruction as well as by participating in singing, chanting, and movement activities. The curriculum of Music Moves for Piano is designed to develop musical thinkers and keyboard performers who will become tomorrow's music leaders, hobbyists, and music advocates.

This method has been tested for more than 10 years and has produced dramatic results. The materials are adaptable and versatile and may be used for beginning and transfer students age K-adult.

In Music Moves for Piano, students learn music as an aural art (before reading notation) by:

• Developing keyboard performance skills; keyboard skills precede reading.
  
• Acquiring a tonal and rhythm pattern vocabulary; music is learned like language is learned.
  
• Singing; singing develops tonal audiation.
  
• Moving and chanting rhythm patterns; body movement is fundamental for rhythm development.
  
• Improvising; while learning to improvise, students also absorb other musical concepts.
  
• Ensemble playing; beat competency and musicianship are developed, and students experience joy performing with others.