Piano
For the last 35 years, Eric Bluestine has enjoyed teaching private piano students of all ages. Before retiring in 2024, Eric taught elementary and middle school general music for 35 years in the School District of Philadelphia. As a classroom music teacher, he sought to help each child reach their musical potential. In addition to classroom teaching, Eric directed numerous choral concerts and musicals in his school and district-wide, involving children ages 6 through 13.
Eric began studying the piano at age 8, and it was love at first touch! He recalls playing a simplified version of Beethoven's Für Elise, which he thought was the most beautiful piece in the world. He later discovered that Beethoven's real version was much longer—and more challenging—and he couldn't wait to learn it! To this day, he delights in learning piano repertoire, which challenges him. Few things thrill him more than helping students overcome difficulties so that they can play the piano music they love.
Eric is also the author of The Ways Children Learn Music: An Introduction and Practical Guide to Music Learning Theory (GIA publications, 2000), which has helped music teachers stay abreast of exciting advances in music education. In addition, Eric maintains a blog on which he posts sample lessons, articles he has written about music education and audio clips of his piano performances. He is very proud that his book and blog have elicited enthusiastic responses from colleagues nationwide.
Eric's academic journey in music education is a testament to his expertise and authority in the field. He earned his Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Ph.D. from Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance. His dissertation, a comprehensive comparative study of four approaches to teaching tonal music reading, was completed in 2007. During his time at Temple University, Eric had the privilege of studying piano with renowned teachers Marian Filar and George Sementovsky, further enriching his musical knowledge and skills.
Eric lives with his wife and daughters in Cheltenham, just outside Philadelphia. He continues to add to his piano repertoire and loves accompanying his daughter on the piano during her voice recitals. While Eric found teaching general music enriching, he is now eager to focus on teaching private piano students. Helping students grow in their confidence and musical ability is, and always will be his passion.