AN ANALYSIS OF THE MUSIC CONTENT IN TEN PIANO METHODS (1994- 2006) FOR THE ELEMENTARY-AGED BEGINNING PIANO STUDENT FOR MENC NATIONAL STANDARDS BASED ELEMENTS by Julie Ann Ballard A Dissertation Presented to the FACULTY OF THE THORNTON SCHOOL OF MUSIC UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS (MUSIC EDUCATION) August 2007 Copyright 2007 Julie Ann BallardDEDICATION ‘This dissertation is dedicated to my family, whose love, support, and prayers have carried me through this incredible journey. Your encouraging words and random acts of kindness along the way have helped me realize my dreams of pursuing a doctorate in music. Mom, Rebekah, Melissa . . . thank you. Dad and Roger L , my guardian angels, I miss you, And finally, to my Heavenly Father, whose love and tender mercies are constantly made manifest in our lives, and am eternally grateful. I love you all. Our family is forever!TABLE OF CONTENTS Dedication... List of Tables vi Abstract... CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTIO! 1.1 BACKGROUND. 1.2. NEED FoR THE STUDY 1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY... 1.4. RESEARCH QUESTIONS... 1.5. DELIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY. 1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS..... 1.7 OVERVIEW OF THE REMAINING CHAPTERS CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 2.1 OVERVIEW, 1 2.2. LITERATURE REVIEWED Wl 2.2.1 Performing Alone and with Others 12 2.2.2 Selecting an Appropriate Method 14 2.2.3 Variety of Repertoire. 16 2.2.4 Creating Musie.. 19 2.2.5 Reading Music. 2.2.6 Technology...