Piano Education of Children in China

Abstract

This thesis offers an overview of the development of the piano in China, the popularization of piano education, and the specific pedagogical methods and materials used in the piano education system. With detailed explanations and illustrations, it traces the history of the piano as an instrument in China from its earliest introduction and its gradual spread to its highly popular status of today, from which one can obtain a clear picture of how this Western musical instrument has become a household favorite in China. The increasing popular demand of the piano as an instrument in Chinese households has also changed the face of pedagogical methods and materials in the last thirty years. This thesis will examine current pedagogical methods and materials used in Chinese piano study from the beginning to intermediate levels.