& Ka Man "Melody" Ng

The music world is a melting pot that often reflects cultural conflicts but also serves as a powerful tool for harmony and peace. This presentation explores how piano repertoire, especially lesser-known works, can promote cultural understanding and unity. For example, Van Cliburn’s pivotal role in easing Soviet-American Cold War tensions highlights music’s transformative power.

A substantial segment of the immigrant population in Canada and the U.S. is of Asian descent, originating from six groups: Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese. This demographic diversity shapes the cultural landscape, making it essential to incorporate varied musical traditions into piano education. By highlighting how piano repertoire from different cultures can foster an appreciation of diverse backgrounds, we aim to bridge cultural gaps and enhance teaching methods.

Teachers can use music to connect students with their heritage, encouraging meaningful dialogues and research assignments. By introducing pieces from various cultures, piano music becomes a lens to explore global traditions. Interactive assignments, such as interviewing family members about their cultural heritage and related musical pieces, can create bonds within communities, breaking down isolation and segregation. By integrating compositions from different cultures, we can push the boundaries of traditional piano education, fostering a deeper understanding of global cultures. Just as Korean cuisine, anime, and K-pop have bridged cultural gaps,so too can piano music. This presentation aims to plant the seed for a more inclusive and harmonious musical world.

Diana Dumlavwalla, NCTM, is on the faculty at Florida State University’s College of Music as associate professor of piano pedagogy. She serves as an examiner for the Royal Conservatory, and has performed across three continents.

Ka Man “Melody” Ng, NCTM, is associate professor/artist-teacherof piano at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. An award-winning pianist,she is an active conference presenter, and clinician for remote disklavierlearning and performing.

‍

* * *

Cette présentation met en lumière des œuvres moins connues de compositeurs indiens, philippins, vietnamiens, coréens, japonais et chinois, offrant aux étudiants et enseignants de piano un aperçu des héritages culturels et favorisant l'unité internationale grâce à la puissance de la musique.

Diana Dumlavwalla, NCTM, est professeure agrégée de pédagogie du piano à la Florida State University’s College of Music. Elle est également examinatrice pour le Conservatoire royal et a donné des concerts sur trois continents.