Course Description

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Learners in this course will develop basic music skills through playing the piano. We will focus on “Recreational Music Making,” fostering a love for music in a learner-paced, low-stress environment. Step-by-step, hands-on facilitation from the instructor will help learners to develop skills at a well-sequenced pace, building the necessary skills to continue to learn and make music at the piano well beyond the course. Music learning for adults has proven physiological and cognitive benefits, as well as emotional aids to combat stress and promote well-being. This course will provide an excellent complement to professional careers and an enriching pastime for retirees.

Course Outline

• Session 1: Introduction to the Playing the Piano
• Session 2: Learning to Read Music
• Session 3: Playing Hands Together
• Session 4: Moving Across the Keys
• Session 5: Basic Chords
• Session 6: Playing Faster Notes
• Session 7: More Basic Chords and Familiar Tunes
• Session 8: Sharps, Flats and Familiar Tunes

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the basic principles of professional-looking photography, including composition, light, and color
  Work one-on-one with Professor Piland and in small groups to improve their photo techniques
  Edit professional-looking photos from the palm of your hand
  Deconstruct photos with a critical eye for light, composition, and shooting techniques
  Receive feedback on photos taken and continually iterate to advance photography skills
  Develop a professional portfolio of photos to share
  Approach the piano as an independent learner, with the basic skills needed to interpret beginner written music, analyze personal performances to identify problems, and discover potential solutions to difficulties. 
• Carefully choose new pieces to learn on their own that are at the appropriate skill level.
• Manage stress and personal challenges through an emotional outlet that edifies the soul.
• Develop the confidence to play an appropriately leveled solo piece at performance quality for family and or friends.

Instructor Information

Eden Esters Brown ‘07 is a pianist and music teacher in Elon, NC. Raised in New Jersey, she received classical and jazz training from the late, Mr. Morris Nanton, a nationally renowned jazz artist and Julliard graduate. She holds a B.A. in Piano Performance from Elon University, and a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Louisiana State University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Education with piano pedagogy emphasis at LSU.

Eden serves on the music faculty at Elon University where she teaches applied and group piano, piano pedagogy, music theory and aural skills. Eden is experienced in teaching students of all ages and ability levels, in private and group settings. In addition to pursuits in academia, Eden keeps a small private studio of beginner piano students in the local community.

Eden continues to be active in professional associations, including the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) with national certification and the North Carolina Music Teachers Association. Making and sharing music at is a true passion, and Eden is dedicated to increasing the availability of music education for people of all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.