Piano Teaching Notes by Lois Benson
I began learning piano from my grandma when I was five years old. It
became the foundation for all the music I enjoy...playing trumpet,
piano, and drums.
Lois taught thousands of students how to play piano over 78 years of
her life. That's a lot of experience! At the age of 90, Lois died peacefully
on September 15, 2002.
These
are some articles she has written about teaching piano. They were originally
published in Schmitt Music Center's quarterly newsletter called Musical
Circles (Minneapolis, MN) in 1995-1996. (The SMC code on piano selections
refers to Schmitt's catalog number.) Anyone that teaches piano will
find these notes helpful. They may be used for teaching purposes if
credit is given to the author.
Lois Benson (my grandma) and her daughter Sandy Cimbura (my mom)
Teaching Philosophy
Introducing
just the right piece to a student and seeing that piece of music becomes
a cherished friend for years to come.
The study of piano should be exciting and rewarding. The pupil
should be motivated to spend time at the keyboard. Music should
be selected that will be of interest to the individual. Sheet
music has many advantages to keeping the interest of the pupil
and can provide satisfaction and fun. A short unit (usually just
two to four pages) can be finished in just a few weeks. Thus,
in a rather short time, the pupil can have the thrill of a new
piece as well as the satisfaction of completing an entire musical
unit. Sheet music may be assigned on a regular basis, such as
once every four or five weeks and can be tailored to the needs
of the individual.
Whenever possible, let the student have a voice in the selection
of a piece of sheet music. For example, offer two or three pieces
(at the same level) that might interest the individual. Play
them for the student and allow the student to look them over
briefly. When the student makes the selection, he or she usually
will show greater enthusiasm and more interest in the music.
If the student enjoys the piece, this should keep the student
practicing.
Some Basic Criteria for Evaluation of New Piano Music
1. Attractiveness
2. Purpose (study/recital)
3. Pianistic (does it lie well under the hands)
4. Length
5. Grade level
Articles by Lois Benson:
Dan Cimbura (my brother), Lois Benson, Tim (me), and Sharon Gerlach (my sister)
We performed a skit and played piano at my grandma's annual program to celebrate
her 75 years of teaching this April 2000.
Celebration cake at piano program on April 16, 2000
Piano
Teaching FAQ
Do I need to be a virtuoso pianist to teach piano?
You do not have to be an accomplished pianist to be a good piano teacher.
Check to see if you are you able to get any of the teaching materials
referred to in her comments in her articles.
Start with brand new beginners. Don't take transfer students. Then
you can do it your way from the beginning and will learn how the
materials
work. Piano teaching does take prep time...especially in the learning
stages for you. See if there are any piano teachers groups in your
area. That would give you a good support group, and they would have
guest composers,
clinicians etc. that you could learn from by attending piano teacher
workshops.
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Biography
of Lois Benson
Born
in Detroit, Michigan, Lois started teaching piano at age 12 under the
direction of her mother. Later she studied at:
- Jean Goldkette College of Music
- Detroit College of Music
- Detroit Conservatory of Music
- Detroit Institute of Music
She also studied: Two summers at Washington University, St. Louis, MO. One summer American Conservatory, Chicago, IL (methods for
children ages three through seven). Scholarships for Master Session at:
- Tobias Matthay School in London, England
- Royal Conservatory in Leipzig, Germany
- University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria
She took many private music/ teaching lessons and attended many workshops
offered at Schmitt Music Centers.
Music Composed by Lois Benson
In addition to actively teaching private piano lessons for many years,
Lois had a brief career in composing music. She completed about 11
piano solos of various musical styles. They are now available free
of charge for your teaching and playing pleasure. (The solos remain
the copyrighted property of the composer.)
01
Blue Nocturne-Lois.pdf
02 Make Mine
Jazz-Lois.pdf
03 Kaleidoscope-Lois.pdf
04 Autumn Splendor-Lois.pdf
05 Indian Lament-Lois.pdf
06 Sparkling
Fountain-Lois.pdf
07 Fingers
A Jazzin-Lois.pdf
08 Winter Musings-Lois.pdf
09 A Beautiful
Dream-Lois.pdf
10 Just A Jazzin-Lois.pdf
11 Hawaiian Sunset-Lois.pdf
To listen, and preview her music click on one of the covers below.
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Speaking & Consulting
