ATP Course
We are delighted to introduce you to The Art of Teaching the Piano Course (ATP Course), designed to enhance the skills of piano teachers and award them with a professional and globally recognised qualification. This course will provide you with the techniques, strategies, and insights necessary to inspire your students and improve your teaching effectiveness.
The ATP Course spans 44 weeks (19 modules), offering a flexible, hybrid learning format with a mix of self-paced learning, online study days and in-person residential weekends (see following page). The ATP Course has been accredited for delivery, structure and content source by the CPD Standards Office (CPDSO).
Developing this course and resources has been a long process involving various contributors and participants from 2020 to 2024. This course is the final product of intensive testing and refinement over the last four years.
By the end of the ATP Course, students will have studied the essential aspects of piano teaching, including lesson planning, student engagement, and skills such as:
- How to assess and give feedback
- How to develop your own curriculum
- How to teach technique, aural, rhythm, listening, repertoire
- Lesson planning for different ages and stages
- Mentorship and mentoring
- Music and theory examinations and examination bodies
- Observation of lessons
- Pedagogical techniques
- Performance skills
- Psychology of music learning
- Recommended resources
- Sample lesson plans, templates, outlines, integration
- Stages student of growth and development
- Student engagement
- Teacher’s music theory and practice skills
- Teaching methods and method books
- Technology integration
Objectives
The objective of the ATP Course is to equip aspiring piano teachers with knowledge of current best practices and pedagogical approaches, as well as to guide them in creating effective lesson plans tailored to learners of all ages and abilities. This will be achieved through:
Pedagogical Techniques
Providing teachers with the tools to develop and/or analyse effective teaching methods and strategies based on emerging research.
Curriculum Development
Guiding teachers in creating curricula and then structured lessons plans that align with educational standards and student goals.
Music Theory and Practice
Assessing then enhancing the teachers’ own understanding of music theory and how to teach it.
Performance Skills
Helping teachers develop their own fundamental then advanced performance skills to ensure that when passing on these skills to their students, their students can perform pieces with stylistic and expressive accuracy.
Student Engagement
Understanding the stages of children’s growth and development and therefore offering strategies to motivate and engage students, fostering a positive learning environment that encourages engagement and improvement.
Assessment and Feedback
Training teachers on how to assess student progress effectively and provide constructive feedback to support their development, as well as strategies on how to address progress deficits.
Technology integration
Familiarising teachers with modern teaching tools and technologies that can enhance the learning experience, such as digital pianos, music apps, online resources, and record keeping.
Overall, the ATP Course aims to enhance the quality of piano education, ensuring that teachers are well-prepared to inspire and guide their students in their musical journeys.
Minimum Requirements
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older (proof of age must be submitted with your expression of interest).
- Must hold a minimum Grade 3 qualification in Piano from any recognized music examination body or demonstrate equivalent proficiency through an audition conducted during the interview process. Candidates should also be prepared to complete a minimum of two additional piano grades and two theory grades during the course.
- Have proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
- Have fundamental skills for using a computer including using word processing, managing files and folders, using email, browsing the internet.
- Access to reliable internet and an electronic device (such as a computer or tablet) is necessary.
- Students are required to take piano lessons, either online or in person, from an APT-approved instructor with experience in preparing students for piano and theory examinations. If you do not have an instructor, we can assist in connecting you with a qualified teacher. Please note that the costs for these lessons are separate from the course fees and will be negotiated directly between the student and the instructor.
- Participation in residential weekends will incur an additional cost, based on current prices for travel, accommodation, and meals at the time.
- Full course fees must be paid upon registration.
Cost: Price available upon application.
Students will be assigned a mentor to monitor and guide them through the course and various assessments. One-on-one sessions with their assigned mentor will occur as needed.
At the end of each module there will be either an online seminar for all participants via live video or a residential weekend. These will alternate as per the schedule on the following page. There will also be a closed Facebook group available to mentors, students and tutors to pose and answer questions, and give additional guidance as needed.
The course is delivered in English via blended learning (worksheets, research, video tutorials, quizzes, online sessions) and experiential learning (residential weekends for face-to-face and/or live practice).
Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Piano Teaching (accredited by CPDSO) and internationally recognised. Students will be equipped with the following:
- A comprehensive understanding of how to set then achieve the performance goals for each student in the teacher’s practice/studio.
- Applied knowledge of the syllabus from a variety of pedagogies and examination bodies.
- A clear understanding of technical work, aural, sight reading and analysis and their roles in both performance and practice.
- A broad knowledge of repertoire across various grades/levels, along with a detailed awareness of the learning challenges presented by key works.
- Two certificates in Theory of Music from a recognised examination body.
- Two or more certificates in Practice of Piano from a recognised examination body.
- The ability to prepare and implement lesson plans for their students that includes current best practices and pedagogical approaches as well as structured, evidence-based teaching strategies to effectively engage students.
- A broad knowledge of small business needed skills.
We look forward to supporting your development as an effective, professional and inspiring piano teacher!
Modes of Learning
Learners with receive a Welcome Pack which will include course objectives, an outline of the course, marking criteria, types of assessments and their due dates and policies.
Learners will experience a combination of different learning modes as follows:
Experiential Learning
(Face-to-Face Learning)
- Traditional classroom-based instruction with direct interaction between students and the teacher for hands-on learning, immediate feedback, and peer collaboration.
- A combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions.
- Some activities will be dedicated to discussion, problem-solving, and hands-on activities.
- Some activities will be peer-to-peer collaborative learning where students learn from one another, through group work or discussions.
- Experiential Learning through direct experience and hands-on practice.
- For those unable to attend the residential weekends, they are required to participate online via a live stream.
Blended (Hybrid) Learning
- A combination of both in-person and online learning elements.
- Allows flexibility by mixing traditional classroom instruction with online resources.
- Examples: attending classes in-person while completing assignments or participating in discussions online.
By using a combination of these modes of learning, the APT course is more flexible and responsive to different student needs, promoting engagement and effective learning outcomes.
Meet the Directors
Vasiliki Dimakopoulou
Vasiliki Dimakopoulou is a dedicated and passionate piano instructor with a lifelong connection to music, beginning in her early childhood in Athens, Greece. Her formal musical education includes 12 years of comprehensive training in piano, theory, harmony, music history, morphology, and solfege.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, she holds a degree in Political Sciences from the Law School of Athens and an MBA from the Open University. Since relocating to London in 2017, she has been teaching piano, theory, and music history to students of all ages and levels.
As a lifelong learner committed to personal and professional growth, she continues to collaborate with educators and mentors to stay current with best practices and pedagogy. Vasiliki’s approach to teaching is informed by her deep love for music and her dedication to passing on her knowledge through evidence-based methods and tailored instruction.
For courses, music history and blogs follow Vasiliki on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit DiVa Music Academy.
Jane Stavrinoudis is a distinguished composer, piano teacher, theory expert, and piano examiner whose dedication to music education has spanned many years. Based in Brisbane, Australia, and with a global online presence, Jane has become a cherished mentor for piano teachers and students alike. Her commitment to fostering nurturing, engaging, and effective learning environments is at the heart of her teaching philosophy.
With a focus on building friendly and uplifting relationships, Jane creates lessons that are not only informative but also fun for students of all ages and skill levels. Her unique approach ensures that learning remains relevant and enjoyable, adapting to the evolving landscape of music education while maintaining a strong emphasis on enjoyment and practical application.
Beyond her teaching and mentoring roles, Jane has made significant contributions to music education through the development of innovative learning materials that combine practicality with enjoyment. Her resources cater to learners of all ages, making music both accessible and exciting.
For the latest updates & releases follow Jane on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit Jane Stavrinoudis Piano
Jane Stavrinoudis
Equal Opportunity Statement
The ATP Course is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that reflects our diverse community.
We are dedicated to ensuring that every applicant receives equal consideration for admission, providing opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Our admissions process is designed to be equitable, celebrating diverse perspectives and fostering a culture of inclusivity. We strive to remove barriers and support each applicant by accommodating individual needs throughout the application process.
We believe that diversity enriches our community and enhances the learning experience. By embracing varied backgrounds and perspectives, we prepare our students to succeed in a global society.
If you require assistance or accommodations during the application process, please contact info@divamusic.academy
We are committed to supporting your application journey and ensuring that you have equal access to our program.
Expression Of Interest Form
Upon receipt of this expression of interest form, we will contact you to arrange a video interview and piano audition. Following the interview, you will receive notification of the outcome, indicating whether you have been successful in securing a place.
If you are offered a place, then by accepting that place in the ATP course you agree to adhere to the ATP course policies and understand that failure to comply may result in academic penalties or dismissal from the course with no refund of moneys paid.
Contact Us
Phone
+44 754 9090 544
info@divamusic.academy
Location
22 Kenbrook House,
Kensington W14 8NY