Supporting Educators • Promoting Learning
Written by ANDREW EALES
Last year’s roundup of the most essential piano teaching resources proved one of the most widely popular of the year, which makes perfect sense. It can be overwhelming keeping track of all the latest and best resources, and a handy annual roundup is actually just as helpful to me as it is for other teachers reading this.
As we approach another academic year, I am therefore once again sharing my list of some of the most essential educational resources and piano music publications of the recent months (and years). The idea is that we can all bookmark this page, and refer back through the year.
To read my in-depth evaluations of each publication shared below, and to get a better understanding of whether it will suit your and your students’ particular needs, simply click on the titles to open the full reviews. Better still, right-click to open in a new tab.
Before we go further…
I am delighted to be associated with the following publications, all of which have proven invaluable in my teaching studio; please consider using them in yours:
Developing Skills and Understanding
Here are some of the resources which I am finding especially good for helping students learn scales, develop their playing technique, sight reading ability and music theory knowledge:
Exam Materials
Trinity College London have just released their 2023 Piano Syllabus publications, but the 2021 Syllabus also remains available indefinitely. Both reviews, and those of the other main boards, are shown below:
Spotlight on Adult Learners
Here’s some of the top resources that I have found hugely popular with the many adult learners I work with:
Expanding the Repertoire
The last year has seen a run of stunning sheet music publications, and I feel we can plan ahead with a richer repertoire available, from past and present, that at any previous time in my teaching.
Here are just a few of my favourite highlights from the past 12 months, elementary to early advanced, and I hope you enjoy exploring them:
Browse the full library by level:
For Teachers • Essential Reading
With everything from business advice right through to teaching technique, here’s some reading to support your career:
FREE Curriculum advice and a huge array of lesson activities for all levels can be found here: A COMMON APPROACH 2022
The Pianodao website includes a growing series of articles written to support piano teachers which you can explore here:
The following two Pianodao articles challenge our understanding of piano teaching, and represent important watersheds in my own development and philosophy. They are free to read, and I hope you find them helpful catalysts for personal and professional growth:
Putting the PLAY back into Playing the Piano
Are you bored by method-based teaching, disappointed by the exam system, and perplexed to find that piano teaching isn’t proving more fulfilling?
If so, then this radical new manifesto for piano teaching in the 21st Century is for you!
The Three-Dimensional Pianist
Understanding the importance of the three dimensions of musical learning, Musical Mind, Musical Body and Musical Soul, empowers us to teach, learn and practise music holistically, and make more effective and lasting progress at the piano…
New reviews are regularly added to Pianodao, and I am aware of several very exciting releases in the pipeline. Remember to subscribe and keep reading!
Wishing you every success with your teaching this year!
Pianodao earns a small commission on qualifying purchases made using retail links.
Pianodao Music Club members receive discounts on sheet music from select partners.
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