Transformational Piano Teaching: Mentoring Students from All Walks of Life examines the concept of the piano teacher as someone who is more than just a teacher of a musical skill, but also someone who wields tremendous influence on the development of a young person's artistic and empathic potential, as well as their lifelong personal motivational framework. The specific attributes of today's students are explored, including family and peer influences from interpersonal relationships to social media. Additionally, students from specific circumstances are discussed, including those with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, and Depression. Finally, motivation of a teacher's students is related to a teacher's own motivation in their work, as a cycle of positivity and achievement will be recommended as a way to keep an instructor's work fresh and exciting.

About the Author
Derek Kealii Polischuk is Associate Professor of Piano and Director of Piano Pedagogy at the Michigan State University College of Music. An enthusiastic supporter of the education of musicians at every age, ability and background, Polischuk has been a featured presenter at the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy and the Music Teachers National Association Conference. Polischuk is the founder and artistic director of the Celebrating The Spectrum Piano Festival at Michigan State, which provides a summer music festival opportunity for pianists on the Autism Spectrum. Polischuk's critically acclaimed recordings of chamber music and music for solo piano appear on the Blue Griffin label.

Reviews
Several thoughtfully constructed "Writing Exercises," prompt the reader with questions and scenarios for re?ection and deeper contemplation. In some ways, this book may be most intended and useful for the graduate pedagogy student or early-career teacher. With a consistently uplifting message throughout, Polischuk focuses on the individual and varied needs of each unique student, and how an in?uential mentor can inspire every student. * Ann Duhamel, Piano Magazine *
Polischuk writes in an engaging and user-friendly style that provides the reader with a combination of strategies for teaching all types of piano students. He recognizes that piano teaching is a 'tremendously challenging profession' and advises piano teachers to continually find ways to keep the joy in their work. An excellent read! * Mary Mountstephen, Founder of KidsCanSucceed *
The books would make an excellent adjunct text for college piano pedagogy classes, and it would help infuse new thoughts into private studio teaching. * D.L. Patterson, CHOICE *
In Transformational Piano Teaching Derek Polischuk presents a comprehensive plan for teaching all types of piano students. Regarding the teacher's role as that of both musical guide and mentor, the author offers clearly-written, practical suggestions throughout, often with documentation from the work of recognized educators and psychologists. This book is a landmark in the field of piano pedagogy. * Stewart Gordon, Professor of Keyboard Studies, Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California, Los Angeles *
From student-centered learning to diverse learners, this book had me interested from the very first page. Dr. Polischuk leads us to imagine a world of piano pedagogy where anyone and everyone is welcome and included in the art and joy of playing the piano. * Dr. Alice M. Hammel, James Madison University *



Book Information
ISBN 9780190664664
Author Derek Kealii Polischuk
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 227g
Dimensions(mm) 137mm * 206mm * 20mm