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Teaching the beginner piano student can be an exciting yet daunting process. A teacher must decide what skills and techniques the student should develop and how these will be taught. There are countless method books available for beginner students of all ages that aid the learning process. Despite this abundance, there is little written for the teacher that explores holistic learning for the beginner student. In the typical 30-minute beginner lesson, how can one cover technique, repertoire, theory, aural skills and history? Is this even possible? Or is this a concept that authors suggest and teachers struggle to achieve? In this study, thirteen piano teachers in a regional Australian city were interviewed to explore this issue and discuss holistic learning . The findings demonstrate that the majority of teachers are striving to provide the best lesson for their students, but are forced to think creatively and use multiple resources to deliver holistic and inspiring programs for the beginner student.

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Julia Bowden holds a first class Music Honours degree from James Cook University and performance diplomas from the AMEB (A.Mus.A) and TCL (LTCL). In 2008, she spent a semester abroad in North Carolina, USA. At JCU, she is currently studying for a Masters degree in music, is a sessional lecturer, and she also runs a private piano studio.

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