Piano PDLCs
About Piano PDLCs
The Piano Certification Program is based on the application of Music Learning Theory and preparatory audiation to piano instruction. Research using piano students demonstrates that the sequenced guidelines provided by Edwin E. Gordon in his Learning Sequence Activities provides exemplary models for instruction in audiation and performance skills. The goal is for students to learn to audiate as they develop keyboard performing skills so they will become fully literate musicians.
The Piano Certification Program consists of two parts. Part one is the study of Music Learning Theory to explain the research about how students learn music. Part two is the practical application of Preparatory Audiation and Music Learning Theory to piano instruction.
During the practical application section, teachers learn how to teach piano using an audiation approach, with special attention given to individual differences. Aspects of piano instruction are sequenced to apply MLT for students of all aptitudes and levels, age 4 through adult. Instruction includes the following: 1) how to effectively teach piano using singing, chanting, body movement, and pattern instruction activities, 2) how to perform and create through improvisation and solo and ensemble mediums as well as how to learn rote solos and play by ear, 3) how to use special instructional techniques for different levels of students and with varieties of student groupings, and 4) how to apply MLT to teach reading and writing music notation with understanding.

Courses
Piano Faculty

Jennifer Fisher
eastern michigan university

Krista Jadro
brookline ma music school

Janna Olson
edmonton alberta, canada
Piano, Level 1
Course Description
Participants will study introductory principles of Music Learning Theory and practical applications for young piano students & beginners of any age to develop audiation & pre-reading skills.
Course Content
Theory
Practical Applications
Musicianship Content
Required Materials
Pre-Requisites
Advance preparation is advantageous to successful completion of the PDLC. Before enrolling, participants should be familiar with:
Course Outcomes
Level 1 participants will:
Piano, Level 2
Course Description
Participants will engage in further study of the principles of Music Learning Theory and practical applications for advancing piano students whose chronological & musical ages are appropriate for formal music reading instruction.
Course Content
Theory
Practical Applications
Musicianship Content
Required Materials
Pre-Requisites
To apply for a Level 2 PDLC, Level 1 must have been completed in a previous year. (Levels 1 & 2 cannot be completed during the same year as time is required to put the learning from Level 1 into practice.) Participation in Level 2 requires official acceptance through the application process outlined by the Gordon Institute for Music Learning below.
Entrance Requirements:
Course Outcomes
Level 2 participants will:
About Music Moves for Piano
Music Moves for Piano is an audiation-based piano method of 23 books, authored by Marilyn Lowe in cooperation with Edwin E. Gordon. The entire series encompasses beginning informal piano instruction/classes for preschool children through sequential formal instruction for elementary & high school students. Materials are also appropriate for piano study with transfer students & adults. Teachers guides and free downloadable recordings for each book are available at www.musicmovesforpiano.com. Recordings present a rich folk tune repertoire used throughout the series, duet accompaniments, and rhythm and tonal patterns. On the website are several podcasts discussing audiation-based piano instruction.
Piano faculty Jenny Fisher, Krista Jadro, Marilyn Lowe and Janna Olson have experience teaching audiation-based piano in a variety of settings: group classes, one-on-one lessons and university music curriculum.