Incorporating Comprehensive Musicianship into Late Intermediate to Early Advanced Piano Lessons

Abstract

Private Piano instruction in Malaysia is generally taught within a system that is primarily motivated by music examinations and assessment adopted from the West. These music assessments have become the sole benchmark for formal musical achievement in this country. Hence, it is commonly construed that the primary objective of this private form of music education industry is centered on meeting the syllabus requirements as prescribed by the foreign music examination boards. The misused of these music examinations as a curriculum by many instructors has resulted in the production of musicians that lacks exposure in various aspects of music for instance, group/ensemble performance and repertoire development. This paper presents the procedure and results of a pilot study that incorporated the use of the Comprehensive Musicianship (CM) through an eclectic approach to teaching and learning. Participants comprised of music students at the Universiti Sains Malaysia. This initial test was administered within a timeframe of 12 weeks in the context of three individual piano lessons and one group lesson conducted on a monthly basis. Both pre and post surveys were distributed to ascertain feedback from participants. The data collected indicated that participants were generally in agreement that the inclusion of CM in their lessons has produced a positive experience in learning, comprehension and tangible achievement.