José Valero Peris and his Método fácil de piano (1845): A Valencian Contribution to Nineteenth- Century Spanish Piano Pedagogy

Abstract

The Valencian José Valero Peris was a well-known figure in the composition of Spanish stage music during the mid-nineteenth century. Although he did not gain the notoriety of other major names of the period, he managed to forge a path for himself as a composer and performer. He was an eminent member of the music section of the Liceo Valenciano, where he appeared in various soirées as a pianist and conductor. He also made an important contribution to music pedagogy in the nineteenth century because of his commitment to democratising access to basic music education. A renowned teacher in several Valencian schools, his Método fácil de piano (1845) provided a simplified structure that facilitated piano teaching for women and amateur musicians, enabling it to remain in print until well into the twentieth century. This innovative approach, together with his collaboration on the Nuevo método completo de solfeo with Antonio Romero, helped to meet the growing demand for accessible methods for beginners.