Study of five selected Malaysian piano lesson books for young beginners / Tan Jenna

Tan , Jenna (2025) Study of five selected Malaysian piano lesson books for young beginners / Tan Jenna. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaya.

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Abstract

The fundamental skills of learning piano are crucial for young children, especially in the early stages, when both student and teacher require cooperation to achieve effective learning. The purpose of this research was to analyse five Malaysian piano lesson books for young beginners based on the application of Cognitive Load Theory. A qualitative approach was used, involving content analysis to review the selected lesson books based on the elements of reading, rhythm, technique, theory, musicianship, repertoire, design and structure, with the aim of evaluating the speed of progression in difficulty and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each book. Interviews were also conducted with five experienced piano teachers from various institutions in Malaysia for the research objective of aligning lesson book design with the concept of cognitive load. The findings indicated that young children with lower learning capabilities required higher cognitive load to process the lessons taught. Hence, more varieties of learning approaches were needed in the locally written lesson books for young piano beginners. As a result of these studies, suggestions for choosing appropriate lesson books must be based on the child’s cognitive load and responses, as every child learns differently.

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