Marian Kalayjian Gabriel: Teaching Legato with Creativity and Precision

M K Gabriel - Piano Guild Notes  1953-04 Vol 2 Iss 12

M K Gabriel – Piano Guild Notes 1953-04 Vol 2 Iss 12

Marian Kalayjian Gabriel, Guild Member of Tenafly, N.J., shared her insightful teaching methods in the March Bulletin of the Associated Music Teachers League, Inc. Her article, “Teaching Legato to the Young Student” highlights her innovative approach to solving one of the most challenging aspects of piano technique: achieving a smooth, connected sound.

 

Gabriel’s method revolves around the use of relatable and imaginative analogies to make complex concepts accessible to young learners. She introduced the idea of a see-saw, demonstrated with a pencil, to help students understand the balance and coordination needed for legato playing. This visual and tactile approach enabled her students to grasp the concept almost instantly, fostering a natural and expressive legato style.

 

Over her many years of teaching, Gabriel’s dedication to improving pedagogical methods has made her a respected figure in the music education community. Her innovative techniques continue to inspire teachers to approach piano instruction with creativity and empathy, ensuring that students not only master technical skills but also develop a love for musical expression.

 

Source: M K Gabriel – Piano Guild Notes 1953-04 Vol 2 Iss 12, https://archive.org/details/sim_piano-guild-notes_1953-04_2_12/page/14/mode/2up