INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI fihns the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer prmter. 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 reproductioiL 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., m ^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 of 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 Bell & Howell Infomiation Compaiy 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor MI 48106-1346 USA 313/761-4700 800/521-0600 THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA GRADUATE COLLEGE MARGUERITE MILLER'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO PIANO PEDAGOGY A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE FACULTY in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY By BARBARA R. FAST Norman, Oklahoma 1997 UMI Number: 9726713 UMI Microform 9726713 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 MARGUERITE MILLER’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO PIANO PEDAGOGY A DISSERTATION APPROVED FOR THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC By Dr. E. L. Lancaster, Major Professor ^ f Dr. Roger Rideout Dr. Edward Gates Dr. MicMfel Rogers Dr. Trent Gabert © Copyright by Barbara R. Fast 1997 All Rights Reserved ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Among Marguerite Miller's memorabilia was a letter from Fred Kem with the following statement written after completing his doctorate: "A dissertation is a project that is ultimately done alone, but cannot be completed by one's self ..." In that spirit, I am indebted to a great many individuals for their contributions and assistance to this project. My sincere gratitude is extended to Dr. E. L. Lancaster for his support and counsel while monitoring the dissertation process, and for the mentoring provided through the doctoral program at the University of Oklahoma. My appreciation is extended to the other members of my graduate committee for gracious flexibility with their personal time and careful consideration of the document: Dr. Roger Rideout, Dr. Edward Gates, Dr. Michael Rogers, and Dr. Trent Gabert. A special thank-you is extended to Marguerite Miller, a forward- looking pedagogue always ready for the next adventure. 1 am grateful she took the time to engage in this project and look back. Comments from Marguerite's former students and colleagues regarding her teaching, leadership, and personal character were a constant source of inspiration. I also want to thank Mary Nelson at WSU's Ablah Library, Special Collections, who patiently assisted many long-distance inquiries. Within the WSU School of Music, special thanks to Dr. Sylvia Coats for access to KMT A files, and Dr. J. William Thomson, Chair, and Joanne Goodman IV and Tina Payne, Administrative Assistants, for assistance in locating and examining WSU School of Music documents. Appreciation is extended to the University of Northern Iowa for the award of a Project Grant that aided the research. To many Mends, colleagues, and family members who provided constant support, 1 want to say thank-you. A special Mbute is extended to Maxine Fast who transcribed and compiled a great deal of material, providing invaluable assistance to this project. TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments i v List of Figures.............................................................................................................x Abstract.................................................................................................... xi Chapter L INTRODUCTION ....................... 1 Purpose of the Study .......................................................................... 6 Need for the Study ........................................................................................ 7 Procedures ...................................................... 10 Limitations ................................................................................................... 15 Review of the Literature ........................................................................... 16 Organization of the Study .........................................................................23 n. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH........................................................................25 Early Years ....................................................................................................25 Important Teachers ....................................................................................31 Willie Emerson Murray ................................................................ 31 E. Robert Schmitz ...........................................................................33 Piano Study Beyond High School ........................................................... 35 Experience in Business ..............................................................................37 Marriage........................................................................................................39 Early Teaching and Performing Career .................................................. 41 Career Years: 1970-1984 ..............................................................................49 "Retirement"...............................................................................................53 ni. CONTRIBUTIONS TO WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY................. 57 Introduction .................................................................................................57 WSU Piano Teacher Training, 1895-1946 ...............................................58 Music and Piano Pedagogy at WSU, 1946-1970......................................63 Piano Pedagogy Degrees at WSU ............................................................. 71 Piano Proficiency .........................................................................................78 Keyboard Department Administrator .................................................... 95 VI IV. MILLER’S TEACHING ......................................................................102 Background to Student Questionnaires ........................................102 Teaching Style and Personality ...............................................................104 Teacher of Studio Piano ...........................................................................I l l Teacher of Piano Pedagogy .......................................................................113 Structure of Piano Pedagogy Courses ....................... 114 Professionalism ................................... 118 Eclectic Teaching ...................................................................121 Learning Styles ...............................................................................122 Sequencing of Musical Concepts ................................................123 Contributions to the Profession ..................................................124 V. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES BEYOND THE UNIVERSITY 126 Comprehensive Musicianship ...............................................................127 History ..............................................................................................127 Contemporary Music Project (CMP) ..........................................130 CMP Applied To Piano Teaching ...............................................132 World of Piano Workshops ....................................................................146 History of National Piano Foundation .....................................147 World of Piano Tours Project Director .....................................149 Activities in Music Industry ....................................................................164 Senseney Music Company...........................................................166 Baldwin Piano and Organ Company .........................................170 D. H. Baldwin Fellowship ..................................... 172 KTV Video-Conferences ............................................................. 175 Workshops for Alfred Publishing Company ...........................183 Summary of Additional Workshops ....................................................191 State, and Local Professional Organizations ........................................195 Kansas Music Teachers Association ..........................................195 Wichita Area Piano Teachers League ........................................200 Wichita Metropolitan Music Teachers Association .............. 202 VI. PUBLISHED WORKS, EDITOR AND COLUMNIST........................ 206 Pedagogy Materials ................................................................................... 206 Piano Teaching