INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter 6ce, while others may be from any type o f computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., nuq)s, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back o f the book. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6” x 9” black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI A Bdl & Howell Information Company 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor MI 48106-1346 USA 313/761-4700 800/521-0600 UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA GRADUATE COLLEGE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CLARENCE A. BURG TO PIANO PEDAGOGY A Dissertation SUBMTITED TO THE GRADUATE FACULTY OF THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education By LINDA JOYCE OWEN Norman, Oklahoma 1997 ÜMX Number: 9722746 UMI Microform 9722746 Copyright 1997, by UMI Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. UMI 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CLARENCE A. BURG TO PIANO PEDAGOGY A Dissertation APPROVED FOR THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC By Lancaster, Chairman JaiW Magrath ideout Ken Stephenson I La-> - ^ v7 < Regina Sullivan © Copright by LINDA JOYCE OWEN 1997 AU Rights Reserved ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Many people have assisted me with this project. Clarence Burg's widow, Dorothy Burg, and his daughters, Jean Burg McKean and Nan Burg Phillips (1922-1996), have been generous in sharing their time and information. Other relatives, former students, and colleagues have helped me by providing information, photographs, and additional memorabilia. My profound thanks also go to every former student of Clarence Burg who took time to respond to my questionnaire. There is no doubt this dissertation could not have been done without them. Several of them even made the effort to find their class or lesson notes to quote or refer to them. Dr. E. L. Lancaster has been my mentor throughout my entire doctoral program. Both practical and wise in his advice, he has been patient, cheerful, efficient, and available, and I appreciate all his efforts more than I can say. The assistance of the other members of my doctoral committee—Drs. Jane Magrath, Roger Rideout, Ken Stephenson, and Regina SuUivan-is also much appreciated. IV Many of my relatives, friends, students, and colleagues have given their encouragement through the process of completing my degree. This encouragement has kept me going. Especially to my family I must give my deep appreciation. Words cannot express my gratitude to my husband, Harry Miller, for his help, encouragement, and understanding. His loving concern has sustained me through this long and sometimes discouraging endeavor. My mother, Elsie Pratt, has never failed to provide support of every kind, from my first piano lessons through the present project. Her love and support mean so much. My brother. Dr. James Pratt, has been an important source of strength. The wonderful sense of humor of my son, Topher Owen, has delighted and cheered me, and my pride in him has been returned to me: for years, he has boasted in introducing me to his friends, "This is my mom. She's getting her Ph.D." I dedicate this work to the memory of my father. Ward Pratt (1909- 1977), ever a champion of education and of his daughter. He would be so proud. TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ..................................................................................... iv ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................... xi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................ 1 Background ............................................................................................... 1 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................ 4 Need for the Study .................................................................................... 5 Procedures ................................................................................................. 8 Limitations ............................................................................................... 11 Survey of Related Studies...................................................................... 12 Organization of the Study...................................................................... 24 CHAPTER 2: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH ...................................................... 27 Early Years ............................................................................................... 27 Post-High School Education.................................................................. 29 Teaching in Arkansas ............................................................................ 34 Professional and Community Activities in Arkémsas .................... 36 Career at Oklahoma City University .................................................. 38 As Teacher .................................................................................... 38 As Administrator ........................................................................ 41 Professional and Community Activities in Oklahoma .................. 46 Honors and Awards................................................................................ 52 VI Travel ........................................................................................................ 54 Final Years ................................................................................................ 56 CHAPTERS: TEACHER OF PIANISTS ........................................................ 59 Early Teaching Experiences .................................................................. 59 Piano Teaching at Oklahoma City University .................................. 60 Master Classes .......................................................................................... 60 Questionnaire Responses on Burg's Piano Teaching...................... 63 Teaching Style and Personality ................................................ 65 Technique and Tone Production ............................................ 76 Practicing And Memorizing...................................................... 83 Musical Interpretation ................................................................ 93 Sightreading And Ear Training................................................ 100 Motivation .................................................................................... 103 Piano Pedagogy ............................................................................ 108 Burg's Influence on His Piano Students ................................ 116 Most Influential Teaching Techniques ...................... 116 Influence on His Students' Playing ............................ 125 Influence Beyond the Piano Lesson ............................ 131 Burg's Strengths as a Piano Teacher........................................ 137 Burg's Weaknesses as a Piano Teacher .................................. 146 CHAPTER 4: TEACHER OF TEACHERS ...................................................... 151 High Standards for Music Teachers .................................................... 151 vii Piano Teachers' Workshops .................................................................. 152 Junior Master C lasses.............................................................................. 157 Questionnaire Responses on Burg's Piano Pedagogy Teaching ... 159 Teaching Students of Different Ages and Stages of Development ........................................................................ 160 Young Children .............................................................. 163 Older Children ................................................................ 164 Teenagers .......................................................................... 165 Advanced Students, Including College Students ... 166 Adult Hobby Students .................................................... 167 Teaching Fundamentals of Music .......................................... 167 Teaching Piano Technique and Tone Production................ 170 Teaching Fingering .................................................................... 175 Teaching Rhythm ........................................................................ 177 Teaching Dynamics .................................................................... 179 Teaching Phrasing ...................................................................... 181 Teaching Pedaling .....................................................................