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The Piano Teachers' Course UK

15 years of leading professional development for piano teachers worldwide

Cert PTC

Registration for 2023-24 is now open

10% off course fees for students applying before 30th June 2023 - automatically applied to deposit

A 1-year, part-time course for new and experienced piano teachers. Whether you are just beginning a career, changing from another profession, or have years of experience teaching piano, The Piano Teachers' Course UK has something for you, and the extensive expertise of our tutors will equip you with a world of new teaching tools to grow and continue developing your teaching practice.

It is now possible to take this course entirely online if you are unable to travel to the venue. Please specify this option when you apply.

Final date for applications for 2023-24: Friday 15th September, 2023

For more course information, please contact the course Manager, Rhiana: rhiana@pianoteacherscourse.co.uk

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Course Dates: 2023-24 (exact dates tba)

If enrolling as an online participant, all dates below can be attended virtually or you may watch recordings of the sessions later on. If enrolling to attend in person with single days online, please note the information below.

Saturday, September 2023 - Orientation Day, in person

Saturday - Tuesday, October 2023 - Residential Weekend (3 nights), in person

Sunday, November 2023 - Single Study Day, online

Sunday, January 2024 - Single Study Day, online

Monday - Wednesday, February 2024 - Residential Weekend (2 nights), in person

Saturday - Tuesday, April 2024 - Residential Weekend (3 nights), in person

Sunday, May 2024 - Single Study Day, online

Saturday, June 2024 - Final Performance Day, in person

September 2024 - Awards Ceremony

Minimum Requirements
  • Aged 18 or over

  • Passed Grade 8 piano or equivalent. We will need to see a copy of the certificate;

  • At least two piano pupils throughout the course;

  • Proficient Word-processing skills, email and internet access.

NB: If you have yet to pass your Grade 8 piano, one of the PTC Tutors may be able to help you with pre-course preparation. Just contact the Administrator via the contact page for further advice.

We recommend all students take piano lessons from a teacher who is experienced in preparing students for diplomas in performance. All PTC Tutors can offer such lessons, as required.

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Course Content

The Piano Teachers’ Course UK is holistic in its approach, and is delivered in two modules: Practical Piano Teaching (September-February course days), followed by Pianism and the Piano Teacher (April-June course days).

For a full overview of topics and assignments, please contact Rhiana: rhiana@pianoteacherscourse.co.uk

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:

Where have we come from and where are we going?

- A look at the history of the piano and piano teaching in relation to your own philosophy, principles and practice for teaching in the 21st century

First years at the piano

- Inspiring and creative approaches

- Recommended tutor books

Resources and repertoire

- Beginner, intermediate and advanced pupils, including those with special needs

Multi-sensory teaching methods

- Imagery and imagination

- Dance and Dalcroze

Playing by ear and improvising

- Simple steps

- How to teach both regularly, so your pupils can play with and without notation

Style and interpretation

- Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, 20th Century, Jazz and Contemporary music

Practice tools and techniques

- Beginner, intermediate and advanced pupils

Preparing for performances

- Safe Circle duet, trio and solo performance opportunities

Musical moments

- Inspired and informative performances from the tutors

Practical psychology

- Promoting a positive atmosphere in teaching, learning and performing

Running a teaching practice

- Developing studio policies

- Dealing with difficulty

- Promoting your business

Course Aims

Through a comprehensive programme of lectures, workshops, tutorials, independent study, and practical and written assignments, course students will be guided to:

  • Become self-reflective, and deepen and develop your piano teaching and performing skills

  • Absorb current ideas about good practice in piano teaching from a wide range of music educators and specialists

  • Read, listen to and appraise recommended reading and listening materials

  • Create realistic and well-structured learning programmes

  • Develop your ability to communicate with and assist a wide range of pupils

  • Recognise the value of the teacher’s own experiences as a performer

  • Enhance your pianistic and performing skills, both technical and artistic

  • Understand and develop strategies for dealing with performance tension

  • Develop both general musicianship and study skills

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Course Dates
Requirements
Content
Aims
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