An identification of past influences and current trends in Australian piano pedagogy

This thesis looks at a significant but little studied aspect of piano teaching traditions in Australia: the influence of external traditions and international teachers on the development of piano study in this country. As a country with a relatively short history in the Western musical tradition, many Australian pianists have furthered their music study with international teachers, either abroad or in Australia. There have also been many overseas piano teachers who have chosen to settle in Australia. While there have been similar studies completed that have investigated international influences on piano teaching, including in America, Europe, and Asia, this is expected to be the first study that looks specifically at the influences of international pianists on piano teachers currently living and teaching in Australia. The data collected as part of this study is based on the responses of a selection of highly experienced and well-regarded performers and teachers with most currently linked to various Australian tertiary institutions. Through a survey and interviews conducted with a selection of the whole group of survey participants, this study seeks to define the various ways that these participants perceive they have been influenced. This study will investigate the experiences and perceived influences on Australian pianists who have studied with internationally-trained teachers, either overseas or in Australia. Additionally, this thesis will address the potential impacts that these influences and experiences are having on the next generation of pianists in Australia.