Honoring Excellence
Recognizing Leadership, Artistry, and Service
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipeints. From left to right: Barbara Fast, Craig Sale, William Chapman Nyaho, Susanna Garcia, Gary Ingle.
The Frances Clark Center honors individuals whose artistry, leadership, and commitment continue to shape the field of piano education, with awards presented every two years at The Piano Conference: NCKP. During NCKP 2025, the Center recognized extraordinary educators whose careers exemplify innovation, mentorship, and a lifelong dedication to teaching.
The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by The Frances Clark Center, recognizing individuals whose vision, artistry, and leadership have profoundly shaped the field of piano education. This year’s honorees, Barbara Fast, Susanna Garcia, Gary Ingle, William Chapman Nyaho, and Craig Sale, are leaders and innovators who have advanced piano teaching and learning, expanded the repertoire through performance and scholarship, and strengthened the piano community through service.
The 2025 Outstanding Service Recognition Awards honored the following individuals for their exceptional contributions to the profession and the community of teachers worldwide:
Andrew Cooperstock • David Cartledge • Linda Cockey • Scott Donald • Diana Dumlavwalla • Andrew Gomory • Peter Harisiades • Joel Harrison • Ivan Hurd • Midori Koga • Barbara Kreader Skalinder • Heather Lanners • Beverly Lapp • Jarrell McAlister • Spencer Myer • Carol Salas • Jeremy Siskind • Bradley Sowash • Chee-Hwa Tan • Leila Viss • Jerry Wong
The strength of The Frances Clark Center lies in the people who bring its mission to life. Their leadership and generosity continue to elevate the art of teaching and inspire the global community it serves.
We are deeply grateful to all who inspire excellence through their artistry, leadership, and service, sustaining the mission of The Frances Clark Center and advancing the field of piano education.