The W’s Mortyakova publishes piano instruction textbook
Mississippi University for Women’s Dr. Julia Mortyakova is introducing students to the piano and proper technique through the release of her textbook titled, “Class Piano.”
“This textbook is designed to gradually introduce the beginning piano student to the instrument, music notation and proper technique. Through the use of original music composed by Olga Harris and the fundamentals of scales, chord progressions and arpeggios, students in the class will be able to master the basics of piano playing, reading music and musicianship,” said Dr. Mortyakova, chair of The W’s Department of Music.
Available through the Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, the textbook is suitable for college students taking a piano class, students who are not music majors or beginning piano students receiving one-on-one instruction.
Mortyakova said, “‘Class Piano’ is my first textbook, and I am excited to share my piano teaching method with a wider audience. This is a practical, step-by-step approach that is both fun and encouraging for the student.”
“There are numerous visual aids to reinforce the technical and theoretical concepts. I solicited lots of input from my W students on what pedagogical approaches they liked the most and incorporated all of their feedback in writing the book. The monograph is dedicated to all of my group piano students past, present and future.”
Mortyakova has taught piano at the higher education level for two decades. She is the founder and artistic director of the Music by Women Festival, an annual international event dedicated to promoting the music of women composers historically, as well as in the present day. Her most recent albums are “Sonata,” “Music by Women” and “Journey for Two.”
Dr. Mortyakova is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, Vanderbilt University, New York University and the University of Miami. She is the recipient of the 2021 Mississippi Arts Commission Performing Arts Fellowship and is a part of the Mississippi Artist Roster.
Most recently, she performed in Italy (Assisi Performing Arts Festival), Romania, as well as Florida (College
Music Society Southern Regional Conference), South Carolina (North Greenville University), North Carolina (Campbell University), Tennessee (Tennessee State University), Texas (College Music Society South Central Regional Conference) and throughout Mississippi.
Her first published work was “Existential Piano Teacher, The Application of Jean-Paul Sartre’s Philosophy to Piano Instruction in a Higher Educational Setting.”