About
Author and Illustrator
Maria João Lopes
The author has shown a strong connection to music, education and pedagogical reflection from an early stage. Her formal training began in the United Kingdom, where she started piano studies in Leeds, within an international context that decisively shaped her artistic and educational approach. After returning to Portugal, she continued her training at a conservatoire, distinguishing herself as a pianist in a range of artistic projects with orchestras and ensembles, alongside the continuous development of her work as a piano teacher.
Her academic path includes several merit-based scholarships and a Bachelor’s degree in Piano completed in the United Kingdom. Alongside her performance practice, she developed a sustained interest in research in music education, seeking to articulate artistic practice, teaching and pedagogical reflection. She completed a Master’s degree in Music Education, distinguished by the quality and rigour of her work, and is currently undertaking doctoral research in the field of piano pedagogy.
In recent years, she has carried out research work in Nordic countries, engaging with contemporary approaches to piano teaching and integrating these perspectives into her pedagogical practice and the development of educational resources. This international experience supports an informed, critical and up-to-date view of piano education.
Alongside her academic and pedagogical activity, the author has been involved in and has led international artistic and pedagogical projects, fostering collaboration and the exchange of practices among piano teachers from different countries. She also maintains an active presence in the artistic field, with a particular focus on chamber music, collaborating in projects of high artistic quality.
Her career reflects a sustained commitment to artistic, pedagogical and scholarly excellence, playing an active role in building connections between research, educational practice and artistic creation in piano education.
The 1st Edition
Written by Maria João Lopes
Illustrations by Ana Elisa Aragão
In August 2022, the world of music witnessed the birth of a work dedicated to young piano apprentices. Piano para Pequerruchos, a creation of the passionate teacher, pianist and author Maria João Lopes, emerged with a clear mission: to transform the piano learning experience into something memorable, motivating and, above all, fun.
In this first edition, Maria João Lopes found a valuable partnership in Ana Elisa Aragão, a talented and visionary illustrator. Ana Elisa Aragão's role in creating and designing the book was invaluable, transforming each page into an explosion of color and creativity. Ana Elisa Aragão's illustrations helped bring the lessons to life, creating a visually attractive and engaging environment for young learners.
The Characters behind
MJL Piano & Co.
These are the main characters of MJL Piano & Co., and they appear throughout the books and all of the brand’s resources. They are present in the music, games, and activities, helping to bring the musical world to life as children progress through their learning journey.
Each character has their own personality. Some are more energetic, others calmer, while some love to sing, listen, or explore new sounds.
The idea is simple: everyone learns music in their own way, and these characters exist so that every child can recognise themselves in at least one of them.
Ziano
Sona
Sol
Aria
Allegro