THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN MUSIC

Office of the Director
Cutler Union
560 University Avenue
Rochester, New York 14607

June 6, 1969

Miss LoreneMcClintock
853 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019

Dear Miss McClintock:

I have enjoyed very much going over the McClintock Piano Course and I must say that I am very greatly impressed. It is truly a monumental work and a highly original and imaginative approach to the teaching of the pianoforte.

There are many things about the Course which particularly impress me. First of all, perhaps, I might mention the organization of the material. Everything is presented in the most meticulous order.The explanations are not only logical but, what is almost more important, progressive — moving pedagogically from the known to the unknown.

Second, I like very much what might be called your “kinaesthetic approach” to the keyboard. We all know that an expert Sight-reader at the piano does not look first at the note on the score, then at the corresponding key on the piano, before playing. A good pianist can “play” the piano on a kitchen table because he has the ability to know how an octave, or a third, or a triad, “feels”.

Yet, in spite of the fact that we all “know” this, I have never heard of any other piano course which makes use of this essential principle.

In the third place I am impressed with the fact that you have created a course of study which is equally applicable to youngsters who are just beginning their piano study and to adults who have developed a new interest in music.

Finally it seems to me that the statement that this Course can be “self-taught” is quite valid. It is, of course, true that an experienced teacher, using the McClintock Piano Course, may insure even faster progress. At the same time it must be recognized that such a course of study offers enormous advantages in those cases where a teacher is not readily available.

Miss Lorene McClintock                                                                                                                            June 6, 1969

                       In point of view, in originality, in form of presentation, the Course impresses me as being unique. If it can be made available to the public I am sure that the interest in the piano will grow proportionately.

                      With my hearty congratulations,

Your Sincerely,

Howard Hanson