Degree Name
Master of Music
Department or Program
Music
Advisor
Reifinger, James L.
Abstract
With the purpose of helping other piano teachers diversify teaching approaches, this research paper will explore one of the most famous Russian piano methods – The Russian School of Piano Playing by Alexander Nikolaev. The findings will cover the structure of the Russian Music Education system and its purpose before discussing the method’s introduction and evolution of pertinent components, such as: proficient musical memory; ability to read music notation fluently; development of solid proper technique; general musicality; and the cultivation of expressive playing based on mindful interpretations. These elements are developed simultaneously and with calculated balance.
This method was first published in 1951, during the era of the USSR, and it serves as an introduction to the Russian music school.