Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program

updated August 15, 2023

The Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program (PPLP) was founded in November, 1983 with a dual purpose: to provide teacher-training for the University of Michigan students enrolled in the Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy and Performance degree, and to provide piano lessons to pre-college age students from the community. Since that time, the PPLP has grown from two beginning classes with a total enrollment of 13 students, to 11 classes with an enrollment of approximately 85 students. All students enrolled in the PPLP receive a unique combination of group and private lesson study during the school year, as well as frequent performing opportunities in departmental recitals, master-classes and in special local events.

Enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year is full. The interview week for the 2024-2025 academic year will take place in May 2024. For inquiries, please contact the Coordinator, Aya Higuchi Hagelthorn, at (734) 647-7245 or ahiguchi@umich.edu.

About the Program

PPLP is a year-round program of continuous study, and each academic year begins in September, finishing at the end of April with an annual Spring Recital in which all students of the program participate. Students are required to take a minimum of 6 private lessons in the Summer Session (May – August). The students receive weekly assignment sheets, detailing what they need to achieve, and what goals they need to maintain. The PPLP has three different types of study, depending on the level of the student: Beginning, Elementary, Intermediate, or Advanced.

Beginning students start their instruction with two weekly, one-hour group lessons. Toward the end of November, when the children have begun reading music on the Grand Staff, one of the group lessons is dropped and a 30-minute private lesson is substituted in its place. From that point until the end of the academic year in April, the beginning students will have a weekly one-hour group lesson and a weekly 30-minute private lesson.

Elementary level students are those in the second through fifth years of study. They receive a weekly one-hour group lesson and a weekly 45-minute private lesson.

Intermediate and Advanced students are those in approximately the sixth year (and higher) of study. Typically, these are children in middle and high school. They receive a weekly one-hour group lesson (alternating between performance and theory classes) and a weekly 45-minute private lesson.

Policies and Procedures

We are proud that you have entrusted your child’s pianistic development to us and want you to know that we take this responsibility very seriously. If you ever have any questions, concerns or comments regarding your child’s study, please feel free to contact us. Your feedback is always appreciated.

Code of Conduct: Participants should understand that their behavior reflects on the entire University of Michigan community and, as such, should behave in an honest, respectful and responsible manner that is consistent with the mission of the University. Participants are expected to treat their fellow students and teachers in a respectful manner at all times, make a good faith effort to progress in their studies and refrain from prohibited conduct including destruction of property and physical violence.

Music needed for study is available through a variety of sources. For RCM publications, materials can be ordered from the online bookstore of the Royal Conservatory of Music at http://bookstore.rcmusic.com. Another excellent source is King’s Keyboard, 2333 E. Stadium (734-663-3381). You may order from online retailers such as Amazon.

Pianos: a tuned acoustic piano is preferred for daily practice. In cases where this is not possible, a digital instrument with high-quality touch sensitivity and a weighted keyboard and pedals that work like those on an acoustic piano is acceptable as well, although students can better develop technical proficiency or the ability to communicate a wide range of sound by using an acoustic piano. Please consult the Coordinator and your child’s teacher. We will be happy to refer you to a qualified tuner/technician if your instrument needs some attention prior to the start of lessons.

Assignment sheets are given out at the weekly class lesson, and provide the student with a handy checklist of materials and pieces that will need daily practice. Parent announcements are always at the top of the assignment sheet. In case of remote lessons and classes, assignment sheets are sent after each class, either by email or in a shared Google folder. Please make sure that you print the assignment sheet out in a timely manner, preferably immediately after the class, so that the student has a handy checklist of materials and pieces that will need daily practice.

Daily practice: an essential ingredient necessary for each student to reach his or her full potential! The amount of practice time will vary, depending on the length of the assignment, student’s level, etc. We ask that our students do as much practice as is needed to perform each item on their assignment sheets with fluency and ease. Parental help might be needed to assist younger students with practice following each lesson. Your family will want to discuss daily practice and determine a regular, convenient time for it to happen. Daily practice will be enjoyable with your loving support, encouragement and praise.

Performance opportunities: Students perform weekly in class. Most classes will have either a Parents’ Day Recital or a more informal in-class recital in December. Continuing students participate in monthly departmental recitals and master classes, a more formal program at the end of the year and other activities throughout the year, such as The Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program. Please refer to the Calendar of Events for specific dates of these events.

Punctuality: Class and private lessons begin promptly at the scheduled time. It is important that students arrive 5 minutes early to the classes and lessons (including Zoom lessons) (with all materials, pencils, and clean hands) so they may get settled and warmed-up prior to the start of class. In remote lessons, we ask that parents of elementary level children sit nearby to assist them with using the devices.

Transitional Curriculum: This special curriculum is for an incoming transfer student who has deficiencies in limited areas, and therefore needs extra time to prepare to join a group class that is most suitable in the following school year, as well as for a current student who has been assessed to move ahead a year. A student can only participate in this transitional program for up to one school year (unless an extension is permitted by the administrators). A student will receive a weekly private instruction of 60 minutes only (and no group classes), in order to join the regular program in the following school year. This curriculum is also permitted in other circumstances on a case by case basis.

Class absences: Regular attendance is essential for progress; there is not enough time in the private lesson to cover all the material that has been presented in a class. If an absence is unavoidable, please notify the class teacher. Assignment sheets for a missed class can be emailed. More than three class absences in one academic year may affect the good standing in the program.

Private lesson absences: Private lessons will be made up if missed due to illness or emergency, and if the teacher or PPLP office has been notified in advance of the lesson time. Lessons missed due to reasons other than those above will only be made up at the teacher’s discretion. Lessons canceled by the teacher will always be rescheduled.

Weather policy: You will be called or emailed if weather conditions force cancellation of classes and lessons. Public school closings in the morning do not necessarily cancel late afternoon lessons. If a remote class can be conducted instead, the instructor will contact you with further instructions.

Hybrid learning: All in-person classes and lessons will resume in 2023-2024. Hybrid learning will be permitted case by case at the discretion of the teachers for temporary circumstances, such as scheduling conflicts, illnesses, and logistics of transportation, and at the discretion of the administrators for long-term circumstances. Please contact the Coordinator for any questions or concerns.

Remote learning environment: You will need a stable internet connection (1.5 Mbps or higher speed) and a device that has a webcam and a microphone (a tablet, a computer, or a phone) with Zoom application installed. There are other optional equipment that might enhance the remote learning environment, such as an external microphone with a USB connection, headphones, a phone holder/mounting arm, and more. Please contact the coordinator or the private teacher for any assistance or recommendations.

Parking: there is a metered parking lot south of the Moore Building. Parking regulations are in effect on weekdays until 5:00 p.m. Parents are welcome to wait in the atrium area during lessons.

PLEASE NOTE: the circle drive in front of the building is for pick-up and drop-off only.

Pick-up and Drop-off: All students under the age of 10 as of 9/1/2023 will need to be escorted by an authorized adult to a lesson or classroom. Please make sure that all authorized adults (including grandparents, babysitters, and siblings) are listed in our system. If another adult that is not listed in our system must pick up a child, please notify the private lesson teacher, group teacher, or the Coordinator immediately.

Entrance to Building: All external doors to Moore Building will be closed after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and weekend days. You will be issued two guest MCard that will allow access to the building after hours: one card is in the name of your child and another for parents. These cards will be distributed during the first week of classes. If you require additional MCard, they can be requested at an additional cost.

Student Progress Reports and Performance Records: Reports on student progress will be emailed to parents at the end of the academic year. A performance record of all pieces completed and memorized during the year will be included.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition covers the following: both group and private lessons, departmental recitals, and master-classes. PPLP has two payment plans: Option 1 is payment in full; Option 2 is payment in 4 installments. All tuition is payable by check or credit card online.

In addition, there is a non-refundable Registration Fee of $50 per student. Please contact the coordinator for more information.

Tuition payments: There is a $50, non-refundable registration fee for all students. We are pleased to offer a choice of tuition payment options. Tuition for the entire 27-week school year for 2023-2024 is $1,920, if paid by September 1, 2023. For the Payment Plan Option (in which tuition is divided into four payments), the cost is $2,000. A $25 late fee will be added for Payment Plan Option. NOTE: if a student withdraws from the program, prorated tuition will be refunded as long as the PPLP office is notified in writing and the withdrawal takes place before November 1, 2023. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER THIS DATE; those who have elected the payment plan option will be expected to complete their payments.

Need-based Scholarships: A limited number of need-based awards are available. If a financial need arises, and the student is in good standing, the administration of PPLP will request and review documentation related to the particular situation. Any decisions on partial or full tuition assistance, the duration of the assistance, and other conditions for receiving the assistance (i.e. attendance, passing examinations or auditions, etc.) will be at the discretion of the administration of PPLP. Please contact the Coordinator, if you would like to apply for the scholarship.

Nurturing Performance

We have many different types of performance opportunities for our students. These include informal performances, in group classes, and playing in front of their peers; we want students to feel comfortable performing in front of peers first. This supportive environment helps them feel confident in formal piano recitals that take place in several different performance venues at the School of Music. In addition, many students participate in master classes presided over by the director of the program.

For the recital schedule, please visit PPLP Events.

PPLP Events

RECITAL DATES

Saturday, October 21, 2023 12:30 p.m. Britton Recital Hall
Saturday, November 11, 2023 12:30 p.m. Britton Recital Hall
Saturday, December 9, 2023 12:30 p.m. Britton Recital Hall
Saturday, January 27, 2024 12:30 p.m. Britton Recital Hall
Saturday, February 17, 2024 12:30 p.m. Britton Recital Hall
Saturday, March 23, 2024 12:30 p.m. Britton Recital Hall
Saturday – Sunday, May 4-5, 2024 Recitals for all classes, times TBA

DATES FOR OTHER EVENTS

MTNA Competitions
November 10-12, 2023
Michigan State University

Bach Festival
December 9, 2023
Schoolcraft College

Sonatina/Sonata Festival
February 10, 2024
Schoolcraft College

Honors Recital Audition
March 15-16, 2024
Schoolcraft College

RCM In-person Practical Examinations
April 27-28, 2024 (tent.)
University of Michigan

CLASS WEEKS
Week 1: September 11-15
Week 2: September 18-22
Week 3: September 25-29
Week 4: October 2-6
Week 5: October 9-13
Week 6: October 16-20
Week 7: October 23-27
Week 8: October 30 – November 3
Week 9: November 6-10
Week 10: November 13-17
No classes November 20-24: THANKSGIVING RECESS
Week 11: November 27 – December 1
Week 12: December 4-8
No classes December 12 – January 6, 2024: WINTER RECESS

Week 13: January 15-19 (we have classes on MLK Jr. Day)
Week 14: January 22-26
Week 15: January 29 – February 2
Week 16: February 5-9
Week 17: February 12-16
Week 18: February 19-23
No classes February 26 – March 1: UM WINTER RECESS
Week 19: March 4-8
Week 20: March 11-15
Week 21: March 18-22
Week 22: March 25-29
Week 23: April 1-5
Week 24: April 8-12
Week 25: April 15-19
Week 26: April 22-26
Week 27: April 29 – May 3

Faculty

The PPLP faculty consists of faculty and staff at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, as well as the Graduate Student Instructors (GSI’s) currently enrolled in the Master of Music and the Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy and Performance degree. Class and teacher assignment for each student will be determined by the coordinator.

John Ellis, Director (private teacher)

Aya Higuchi Hagelthorn, Coordinator (group and private teacher)

Taeyoon Ahn (private teacher)
Jenna Braaksma (group and private teacher)
Melissa Coppola (private teacher)
Trinity Fan (private teacher)
Lois Kim (private teacher)
Ceren Su Sahin (group and private teacher)
Ayunia Saputro (private teacher)
Rong Sui (private teacher)
Mira Walker (private teacher)
Jacob Wang (private teacher)
Jasmine Wong (private teacher)

Resources for Teachers

Treasures for Piano – a database of information for piano pedagogical repertoires for Elementary to Early Advanced levels.
Royal Conservatory Of Music
Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)

Class Resources

Beginning Year Class

Weekly class days and times: Mondays at 5:00 p.m. in Room 61 and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 361 with Dr. Aya Hagelthorn. Parent Orientation on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 5:00 p.m. in Room 61. The FIRST CLASS will be on Monday, September 11, 2023.

Materials needed for class on September 11

Music
Music Pathways Discoveries, A Level (Carl Fischer)
Music Pathways Activities, A Level (Carl Fischer)
Music Pathways Solos, A Level (Carl Fischer)

Materials needed in November
Bastien Flashcards
Accent on Solos, Level 1 – Gillock (Willis)
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level Preparatory B (RCM)

Supplies
3-ring binder with inside pocket
3-hole pencil case attached to binder
Sharpened pencils

2nd Year Class

Weekly class days and times: Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m., in Room 61. The FIRST CLASS will be on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Materials needed for class on September 12
Music
Music Pathways Discoveries and Activities, B Level (C. Fischer)
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level Preparatory B (RCM)
Celebration Series: Piano Repertoire, Level Preparatory B (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Bastien Flashcards (from last year)
Other music as assigned by private teacher

Supplies
3-ring binder with inside pocket
3-hole pencil case attached to binder
5 sharpened pencils with erasers
Lined notebook and manuscript paper
Music dictionary, metronome for home practice

3rd Year Class

Weekly class days and times: Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. in Room 61 with Dr. Jenna Braaksma. The FIRST CLASS will be on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

Materials needed for class on September 13
Music
Music Pathways Discoveries and Activities, C Level (C. Fischer)
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 2 (RCM)
Celebration Series: Piano Repertoire, Level 2 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Celebration Series: Piano Etudes, Level 2 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Duet: Kaleidoscope Book 1 by Jon George (Alfred)
Other music as assigned by private teacher

Supplies
3-ring binder with inside pocket
3-hole pencil case attached to binder
5 sharpened pencils with erasers
Lined notebook and manuscript paper
Bastien Flashcards (from last year)
Music dictionary, metronome for home practice

4th Year Class

Weekly class days and times: Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. in Room 61 with Dr. Jenna Braaksma. The FIRST CLASS will be on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Materials needed for class on September 12
Music
Music Pathways Discoveries and Activities, D Level (C. Fischer)
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 3 (RCM)
Celebration Series: Piano Repertoire, Level 3 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Celebration Series: Piano Etudes, Level 3 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Duet: Terrific Tunes for Two, Book 1 by Mier (Alfred)
Other music as assigned by private teacher

Intermediate A Class

Weekly class days and times: Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. in Room 61 with Dr. Ceren Su Sahin. The FIRST CLASS will be on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Materials needed for class on September 14
Music
Celebration Series: Piano Repertoire, Level 4 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Celebration Series: Piano Etudes, Level 4 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests (RCM) (confirm current level with private teacher)
Duet: Treasures for Two, Book 1 by Mier (Alfred)
Celebrate Theory, Level 4 (RCM, Sixth Edition)

Supplies
3-ring binder with inside pocket
3-hole pencil case attached to binder
5 sharpened pencils with erasers
Lined notebook and manuscript paper
Music dictionary, metronome for home practice

INTERMEDIATE A CLASS DATES 2023-2024

Intermediate B Class

Weekly class days and times: Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. in Room 363 with Dr. Jenna Braaksma. The FIRST CLASS will be Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Materials needed for class on September 12
Music
Celebration Series: Piano Repertoire, Level 5 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Celebration Series: Piano Etudes, Level 5 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests (RCM)
Treasures for Two, Book 2 by Mier (Alfred)
Celebrate Theory, Level 5 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Other music as assigned by private teacher

Supplies
3-ring binder with inside pocket
3-hole pencil case attached to binder
5 sharpened pencils with erasers
Lined notebook and manuscript paper
Music dictionary, metronome for home

INTERMEDIATE B CLASS DATES 2023-2024

Intermediate C Class

Weekly class days and times: Mondays at 5:00 p.m. in Room 363 with Dr. Jenna Braaksma. The FIRST CLASS will be Monday, September 11, 2023.

Materials needed for class on September 11
Music
Celebration Series: Piano Repertoire, Level 6 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Celebration Series: Piano Etudes, Level 6 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests (RCM)
Masterwork Classics Duets, Level 6 (Alfred)
Celebrate Theory, Level 6 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Other music as assigned by private teacher

Supplies
3-ring binder with inside pocket
3-hole pencil case attached to binder
5 sharpened pencils with erasers
Lined notebook and manuscript paper
Music dictionary, metronome for home practice

INTERMEDIATE C CLASS DATES 2023-2024

Advanced I Class

Weekly class days and times: Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. in Room 353 with Dr. Ceren Su Sahin. The FIRST CLASS will be Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

Materials needed for class on September 13
Music
Celebration Series: Piano Repertoire, Level 7 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Celebration Series: Piano Etudes, Level 7 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Celebration Series: Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 7 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests (RCM)
Masterwork Classics Duets, Level 7 (Alfred)
Celebrate Theory, Level 7 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Other music as assigned by private teacher

Supplies
3-ring binder with inside pocket
3-hole pencil case attached to binder
5 sharpened pencils with erasers
Lined notebook and manuscript paper
Music dictionary, metronome for home practice

ADVANCED I CLASS DATES, 2023-2024
PERFORMANCE | THEORY
September 13 | September 20
September 27 | October 4
October 11 | October 18
October 25 | November 1
November 8 | November 15
December 6* (In-class Recital Day) | November 29*
* Please note the theory and performance classes are switched in December, in order to accommodate a Performance Day.

Advanced II Class

Weekly class days and times: Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in Room 61 with Dr. Ceren Su Sahin. The FIRST CLASS will be Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

Materials needed for class on September 13
Music
Celebration Series: Piano Repertoire, Level 8 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Celebration Series: Piano Etudes, Level 8 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Celebration Series: Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 8 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests (RCM)
Masterwork Classics Duets, Level 8 (Alfred)
Celebrate Theory, Level 8 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Other music as assigned by private teacher

Supplies
3-ring binder with inside pocket
3-hole pencil case attached to binder
5 sharpened pencils with erasers
Lined notebook and manuscript paper
Music dictionary, metronome for home practice

ADVANCED II CLASS DATES, 2023-2024
PERFORMANCE | THEORY
September 13 | September 20
September 27 | October 4
October 11 | October 18
October 25 | November 1
November 8 | November 15
December 6* (In class recital day) | November 29*
* Please note the theory and performance classes are switched in December, in order to accommodate a Performance Day.

Advanced III Class

Weekly class days and times: Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. in Room 363 with Dr. Jenna Braaksma. The FIRST CLASS will be Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Materials needed for class on September 14
Music
Celebration Series: Piano Repertoire, Level 9 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Celebration Series: Piano Etudes, Level 9 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests (RCM)
Masterwork Classics Duets, Level 9 (Alfred)
Barron’s AP Music Theory: 2 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online (Fourth or Fifth Edition)
Other music as assigned by private teacher

Supplies
3-ring binder with inside pocket
3-hole pencil case attached to binder
5 sharpened pencils with erasers
Lined notebook and manuscript paper
Music dictionary, metronome for home practice

ADVANCED III CLASS DATES, 2023-2024
PERFORMANCE | THEORY
September 14 | September 21
September 28 | October 5
October 12 | October 19
October 26 | November 2
November 9 | November 16
December 7* (In-class Recital Day) | November 30*
* Please note the theory and performance classes are switched in December, in order to accommodate a Performance Day.

Advanced IV Class

No weekly class time, 1-hour private lessons only. Theory materials are supplied to you biweekly.

Materials needed for class on September 11
For Everyone
Barron’s AP Music Theory: 2 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online (Fourth or Fifth Edition)

Music
Celebration Series: Piano Repertoire, Level 10 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Celebration Series: Piano Etudes, Level 10 (RCM, Sixth Edition)
Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests (RCM)
Other music as assigned by private teacher

Supplies
3-ring binder with inside pocket
3-hole pencil case attached to binder
5 sharpened pencils with erasers
Lined notebook and manuscript paper
Music dictionary, metronome for home practice

Questions?

contact the Coordinator, Aya Higuchi Hagelthorn