Favorite Reference Books and Journals

(For a more complete list, go to:  MusicLink: Library Guides: Piano Literature and Pedagogy  .)
 

If you want to begin a library and you want a bare bones recommended list, these come to mind first:

Books
    Bastien. J.   How To Teach Piano Successfully

                Carefully lays out first two years of study, group piano teaching, valuable appendices, and classic interviews.
                (See:  bn.com - Book Search   .)
 

    Uszler, M.    The Well-Tempered Keyboard Teacher

                I had the chance to thank Ms. Uszler for this fabulous book; it really fills a void.  She, together with colleagues Gordon and Mach really lay out clear guidelines for teaching students who are merging out of method books like Bastien, Alfred, Faber, etc.  I fashion my Studio Policy letter to parents after the model in this book.  (See: bn.com - Book Search  .)
 

    Hinson, M.    Guide To the Pianists Repertoire

                Hinson has several valuable resources, but this is the classic.  (See:bn.com - Book Search  .)
 

    Slonimsky, N.    Baker's Biographical Dictionary

                The classic on composer biographies. (See:  bn.com - Book Search     .)
 

    Apel, W.       Harvard Dictionary of Music

                    There are many editions, but spring for the big heavy hardback version.  It's a classic and it is bound well enough to last for a long time.  The articles like "sonata-allegro", "rondo", or "character piece" are fabulous.
(See:  bn.com - Book Search  .)
 
 

Journals/Periodicals

    American Music Journal                For members of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
                                                        (See:  Music Teachers National Association Homepage  )
 

    Keyboard Companion                     A real favorite.  The kind of practical magazine one reads from cover to cover.  I especially like the Technology Column.  The format is wonderful: there are various departments, each with its own editor.  They each pose one question to various experienced folk.  The answers are always varied and helpful.
(See: Keyboard Companion Magazine Home Page  ).