Pedagogy & Teaching Methodology Flashcards

How should a teacher handle a student who is resistant to practicing slowly during the learning phase of a new piece?

Answer: Demonstrate the specific errors that arise from fast practice and explain the neurological basis for slow work

Demonstrating concrete consequences of fast practice and explaining how the brain builds motor patterns gives students rational motivation to practice slowly.

In teaching organ registration to intermediate students, what concept should be introduced when building a plenum registration?

Answer: Build from largest to smallest: 8', 4', 2', then Mixtures

The classic plenum is built from the foundation (8') upward through 4', 2', and Mixtures to create a balanced chorus.

A student consistently rushes through cadences and phrase endings. Which instructional approach is most effective?

Answer: Isolate cadential passages and use a metronome with subdivision clicks to enforce exact note values

Isolating the problematic passage with subdivision-level metronome work directly addresses the rhythmic inaccuracy at its source.

What is the pedagogical rationale for requiring organ students to study at least one Baroque, one Romantic, and one contemporary work each year?

Answer: Exposure to multiple style periods develops versatile technique and stylistic awareness

Multi-period repertoire builds stylistic flexibility, since each era demands distinct approaches to articulation, registration, and phrasing.

When a student asks why organ music often has no dynamic markings, what is the most accurate and pedagogically useful response?

Answer: The organ historically produced limited dynamic change per stop, so composers used registration and texture instead

Traditional pipe organs lacked swell boxes on many divisions, so composers shaped dynamics through registration changes and textural density rather than touch.

Which approach to fingering best serves organ technique as opposed to piano technique?

Answer: Substitution, sliding, and non-thumb-under position changes to maintain legato without arm motion

Organ fingering relies on substitution and finger sliding rather than thumb-under passing because lateral arm motion creates audible gaps on the sustained organ tone.

In AGO pedagogy, what is meant by 'terraced dynamics' and how should it be taught?

Answer: Abrupt level changes achieved by adding or removing stops, characteristic of Baroque style

Terraced dynamics refers to the Baroque practice of achieving dynamic contrast through sudden registration changes rather than gradual swell.