ABOUT THE COURSE

Welcome to A Pianist’s Guide to Teaching Recreational Music Makers. Since the Recreational Music Making (RMM) teaching philosophy first emerged decades ago, there has been a movement in the piano teaching community to provide a learning space to students who want to learn to play piano on their own terms. Despite RMM making advances at conferences and workshops around the country, teachers may still search for educational training to fully adopt and implement RMM teaching philosophies in their studios. 

This course aims to provide teachers a thorough understanding of the teaching philosophy within Recreational Music Making and how to promote this teaching mindset in their program. Participants will learn about business management, curriculum design, and best instructional practices within RMM studios around the country.

The course guides participants through 7 sessions, with an 8th session of additional articles and resources for potential learning extensions. Each session is broken down into a few topics, led by leaders in the field who share their expertise and research.

This is a fully online, self-guided course. It is to be completed at your own pace, with an approximate time of one to two learning hours per session. This is an asynchronous collection of materials, meaning that you will be working freely and independently throughout the course. 

Course completion time is approximately 10 hours.

• Organized in 8 clearly-defined sessions
• Designed to be completed at your own pace
• Full course completion time is approximately 10 hours

TOPICS INCLUDE

• Origins and philosophy
• Business practices
• Curriculum
• Books, resources, and equipment
• Expectations and scheduling
• Lesson plans
• Practice tools
• Group dynamics
• Studio tours
• Teaching demonstrations
• And much more!

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! To retrieve your discount code, click here to log into your PianoInspires.com account. Select your profile icon at the top of the screen, then select “My Discounts.” For questions, email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org.

Already enrolled in this course? Click here to log in as a student!

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ABOUT THE COURSE

This course aims to equip teachers with knowledge on how to evaluate their teaching material and how to effectively incorporate diverse literature into the teaching studio. In addition, it provides examples on how various teachers have created more opportunities for diverse populations to gain access to piano instruction. 

This course guides participants through three modules: Exploring Foundational Material, led by Dr. Leah Claiborne, Exploring Diverse Literature, led by Dr. Artina McCain, and Equitable Practices led by Dr. Susanna Garcia. Each module has five or six sessions that allow participants to take a deep dive into the topics while learning from experts in the field. These experts share their practices and experiences to serve as a starting point for course participants to decide for themselves what aspects and what degree of DEI pedagogy they are able to incorporate within their own piano teaching.

The content of this course is a combination of video submissions, article submissions, reflection activities, and community discussions lead by course leaders and/or experts in the field. It takes approximately 12 hours to complete.

Course Creators

Course Leaders: Leah Claiborne, Susanna Garcia, Artina McCain

Senior Editor: Craig Sale

Course Contributors: Mario Ajero, Laura Amoriello, Kayia Baker, Connor Chee, Ana Yoder Coulter, John Ellis, Jennifer Foxx, Carmen Lemos Gonzalez, Desireé González-Miller, Stephanie Helleckson, Jeriel Jorguenson, Penny Lazarus, Adam Merrill, Rachael Mulnix, Kelly Riordan Peterson, Ross Salvosa, Jason Sifford, Benjamin Steinhardt, Kristín Jónína Taylor, Brandi Waller-Pace, Christina Whitlock, Lynette Zelis

Course Access

Access to the course will be provided for 12 months from the original date of purchase.

Discounts

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! Follow these easy steps:

• Visit pianoinspires.com/login
• Log in using your username and password
• Click on the circular profile icon in the top right corner of the screen, then select “My Discounts.”

Email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org for questions or assistance.

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ABOUT THE COURSE

In recent years, piano music by Latin American composers has become increasingly studied and performed after decades of neglect due to difficult accessibility to resources and publications. Exploring Latin American Piano Music: A Cultural Journey with Elementary through Early-Advanced Pieces provides a substantial survey of works from the elementary to late-intermediate/early-advanced levels by composers from nine different Latin American countries.

The content of this course is a combination of video presentations and articles written specifically for this course, as well as supplemental readings from the Piano Magazine and the Inspiring Artistry archives. Due to copyright restrictions, scores are not provided in the course. To provide easier access to the materials, three different documents will provide publication information organized by country, composer, and level. This is a fully online, self-guided course. Course completion time is approximately 15 hours.

Each session may include:

• lecture/demonstration video (CC available) on each piece presented,
• downloadable PDF transcript of the lecture/demonstration video,
• performance  of the piece presented,
• downloadable PDF article on each composers background,
• supplemental readings on each piece presented,
• exploration activities.

This course features repertoire by composers from the following countries:

• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Venezuela

Course Leaders: Dr. Alejandro Cremaschi, Dr. Luis Sanchez.

Senior Editor: Craig Sale.

Course Contributors: Walter Aparicio, Jorge Briceño Gonzalez, Alejandro Cremaschi, Ricardo de la Torre, Desireé González-Miller, Fanarelia Guerrero, Manuel Matarrita, Patricio Molina, Ana María Orduz, Ricardo Pozenatto, Carla Reis, Luis Sanchez, Bernardo Scarambone, Florencia Zuloaga.

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! Email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org for discount code.

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ABOUT THE COURSE

The Intermediate Course: Continuing Pianistic Growth and Development is organized into thirteen modules, several of which are divided into units on related topics. It is intended for those who are just beginning their teaching careers as well as experienced teachers seeking to expand their teaching skills related to intermediate study. Designed to introduce important concepts and material related to the teaching of intermediate students who are playing at approximately Levels 3-7, the course includes video content, readings, and reflection activities.

Each session may include:

• video teaching demonstrations
• video lectures (with downloadable transcript) 
• readings
• reflection activities

Topics covered include:

• An introduction to intermediate teaching and learning
• Motivation and learning
• Curriculum assessment
• Lesson planning
• Foundational technique including warm-ups, scales, arpeggios, chords, and exercises and etudes
• Music reading and sight reading
• Rhythm and pulse
• Music theory and ear training
• Harmonization and chord progressions
• Composition and improvisation
• Standard Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth-Century intermediate piano literature
• Intermediate piano literature by educational composers
• Repertoire maintenance and practice techniques
• Memorization
• Coaching and preparing for performance
• Performance success

This is a fully online course comprised of video and written materials created and curated for the course, as well as material from Piano Magazine, Clavier Companion, Keyboard Companion, Frances Clark Center webinars, and books published by the Frances Clark Center. 

This is a self-guided course. Students may progress through the course at their own pace following a prescribed order. Reflection questions encourage further consideration and application of the module materials. Students will not respond to these questions on the platform but are encouraged to complete the activities for their own personal use. Teachers should select those questions that will help them the most in their current instructional situation.

Course Leader: Dr. Jane Magrath.

Senior Editor: Dr. Pamela Pike.

Special lecturers and demonstration teachers include: Dr. Susanne Baker, Marvin Blickenstaff, Dr. Ivan Hurd, Dr. John Patrick Murphy.

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! Email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org for discount code.

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ABOUT THE COURSE

Technique through Repertoire is a fifteen-module companion course for the publications Technique through Repertoire, Books 1 and 2 by Christopher Madden and Jani Parsons (Piano Education Press). The course is designed for teachers with experience in teaching technique to intermediate students, or teachers who are just beginning or contemplating beginning their technical work with these students. The course introduces practical explanations for the teaching of technical skills through repertoire excerpts as well as strategies for successful use of the printed materials. 

This is a fully online, self-guided course comprised of video and written materials created and curated for the course, which references books published by the Frances Clark Center. 

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! Email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org for discount code.

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About the Course

Hidden Gems: Four Centuries of Piano Music by Women Composers is an online course designed to shed light on a fraction of the large breadth of works by talented women composers spanning four centuries. Sessions feature selected piano works at varying levels of difficulty (elementary to early advanced), surveyed from a pedagogical and performance perspective.

• Organized in 9 clearly defined sessions covering works by 22 composers
• Features teaching demonstration videos, performances, readings, reflection activities, and more
• Progress at your own pace
• Easily return to completed sessions for later review
• Full-course completion time is approximately 10 hours

Composers and Works Discussed Include:

• Baroque
  • Magdalena Dakkert – Minuet (Level 1) and Bourrée (Level 2)
  • Maria Teresa Agnesi – Sonata in F Major (Level 6)
• Classical
  • Hélène de Montgeroult – Etude No. 19 (Level 7)
  • Sophia Dussek – Piano Sonata in A Major (Level 10)
• Romantic
  • Amy Beach – Sliding on the Ice Op. 119, No. 1 (Level 5)
  • Fanny Hensel – Melodie, Op. 4, No. 2 (Level 9)
• 20th and 21st Centuries
  • Karalyn Schubring – Fiddle Tune (Level 4)
  • Lili Boulanger – Trois Morceaux No. 1 (Level 10)
• And much more!

Course Co-Leaders: Dr. Annie Jeng, Dr. Susan Yang, Evan Hines, Dr. Brendan Jacklin, Dr. Clare Longendyke, and Ashlee Young.
Senior Editor: Craig Sale.

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! Email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org for discount code.

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ABOUT THE COURSE

The Beginner Course: Establishing Strong Foundations for Young Pianists is a comprehensive online course designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for working with beginning pianists (age 5-8 years old) in the most important year of piano study–the first. Participants will gain an awareness of how elementary concepts and skills lay the foundation for future advancement and success. Applicable to any beginner method, participants experience an overall curriculum that is concept-based with a wide range of approaches focused on student-centered learning.

• Organized in 5 clearly-defined modules
• Designed to be completed at your own pace
• Full course completion time is approximately 36 hours

TOPICS INCLUDE

• Understanding how children learn
• Nurturing musical skills and development
• Exploring creativity through improvisation
• Building effective collaborations
• Introducing pieces with purpose and imagination
• Building successful music reading
• Creating holisitic experiences with rhythm and movement
• Inspiring artistry: Developing expressive playing
• Structuring lesson time and successful goal setting
• And much more!

Course designer: Sara Ernst. Course contributors: Steven Brundage, Scott Donald, Diana Dumlavwalla, Sara Ernst, Amy Glennon, Janet Hart, Lesley Sisterhen McAllister, Rebecca Mergen Pennington, Scott Price, Angela Triandafillou, Craig Sale (senior editor), Todd van Kekerix.

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! Email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org for discount code.

Already enrolled in this course? Click here to log in as a student!

ABOUT THE COURSE

The Beginner Course: Establishing Strong Foundations for Young Pianists is a comprehensive online course designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for working with beginning pianists (age 5-8 years old) in the most important year of piano study–the first. Participants will gain an awareness of how elementary concepts and skills lay the foundation for future advancement and success. Applicable to any beginner method, participants experience an overall curriculum that is concept-based with a wide range of approaches focused on student-centered learning.

In this intensive, instructor-facilitated version of the Beginner Course, meaningful, facilitated discussion forums will allow participants to engage with each other and the course instructor on course content and other relevant topics. Participants will receive an official certificate upon completion of the course.

• Organized in 5 clearly-defined modules
• Designed to be completed at your own pace
• Full course completion time is approximately 36 hours

TOPICS INCLUDE

• Understanding how children learn
• Nurturing musical skills and development
• Exploring creativity through improvisation
• Building effective collaborations
• Introducing pieces with purpose and imagination
• Building successful music reading
• Creating holisitic experiences with rhythm and movement
• Inspiring artistry: Developing expressive playing
• Structuring lesson time and successful goal setting
• And much more!

Course designer: Sara Ernst. Course contributors: Steven Brundage, Scott Donald, Diana Dumlavwalla, Sara Ernst, Amy Glennon, Janet Hart, Lesley Sisterhen McAllister, Rebecca Mergen Pennington, Scott Price, Angela Triandafillou, Craig Sale (senior editor), Todd van Kekerix.

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! Email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org for discount code.

Already enrolled in this course? Click here to log in as a student!

About the Course

Foundational Piano Pedagogy (Self-Guided) is intended for both experienced teachers and those who are just beginning their teaching careers. Designed to introduce the essential philosophies of education that form the foundations of successful teaching, the course includes video content, readings, quizzes, and reflection activities.

• Organized in 5 clearly defined modules
• Progress at your own pace in a prescribed order
• Easily return to completed sessions for later review
• Full course completion time is approximately 10 hours

Topics Include

• Basic principles of teaching as put forth by Frances Clark
• The importance of conceptual preparation
• Concept preparation techniques
• Theories on how children learn
• Understanding motivation
• Best practices in communicating praise and feedback
• Establishing effective communication with parents
• Essential considerations when determining your curriculum for beginning students
• Effective lesson planning
• And much more!

Course leader: Craig Sale. Special content created by Sara Ernst, Andrea McAlister, Pamela Pike, and Craig Sale. Curated content by Cathy Albergo, Marvin Blickenstaff, Mary Bloom, Joyce Cameron, Frances Clark, Richard Chronister, Sara Ernst, Edwin Gordon, Gayle Kowalchyk, Andrea McAlister, Elvina Pearce, Pamela Pike, Craig Sale, Suzanne Schons, Arlene Steffen, Yu-Jane Yang.

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! To retrieve your discount code, click here to log into your PianoInspires.com account. Select your profile icon at the top of the screen, then select “My Discounts.” For questions, email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org.

Already enrolled in this course? Click here to log in as a student!

Unsung Heroes in Piano Pedagogy: 20 Pieces by Black Composers to Use in Your Studio Now is a fully online course exploring classical piano music by Black composers from elementary to early advanced levels. This course is designed to help remedy the lack of inclusion of piano music by Black composers in the standard teaching repertoire, and the music heard on the public concert stage. For each piece discussed, both the musical and technical challenges, and unique pedagogical benefits are highlighted.

About the Course

• Organized in 10 clearly defined sessions
• Designed to be completed at your own pace
• Full course completion time is approximately 10 hours

Course Objectives

• Gain understanding of solo piano music by nine different Black composers
• Discover new pedagogical repertoire from elementary to early advanced levels
• Gain appreciation for each composer’s musical language
• Comprehend historical and bibliographic articles for further understanding of the music
• Equip teachers with skills needed to teach these pieces
• And more!

Course leader: Dr. Leah Claiborne. Senior Editor: Craig Sale.
Course contributors: Dr. Leah Claiborne, Dr. Lia Jensen-Abbott, Dr. Artina McCain.

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! Email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org for discount code.

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About The Inclusive Teaching Course

The Inclusive Teaching Course: Teaching Piano to Students Who are Special Learners is a 14-session series designed for all teachers including those who are just beginning or contemplating beginning their work with students who are special learners, or teachers with experience in working with students who are special learners. The course is designed to introduce practical explanations and strategies in adaptive teaching to basic scenarios in piano teaching. These include music reading, music counting, technique, artistry, and teaching and learning procedures for working with this population of students. Full course completion time is approximately 16 hours.

• Organized by topic in 14 sessions
• Designed to be completed at your own pace
• Full course completion time is approximately 16 hours

Topics Include

• Studio environment
• Person/identity-first language
• Communication
• Autism
• Finger numbers, right hand and left hand
• Decoding the music score
• Teaching counting, technique, and repertoire
• Pathways to expression
• Adjudication
• And more!

Course leader: Scott Price. Senior editor: Craig Sale.
Course contributors: Beth Bauer, Melissa Martiros, Derek Polischuk, Scott Price.

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! Email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org for discount code.

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ABOUT THE COURSE

A Pianist’s Guide to Teaching in Groups equips piano teachers with the skills necessary for planning, preparing, and implementing group teaching at all levels, from preschoolers through adult learners.

• Organized in 6 modules, 19 sessions total
• Self-guided, designed to be completed at your own pace
• Full course completion time is approximately 18 hours

TOPICS INCLUDE

• Teaching young beginners in groups
• Movement and young children
• Improvisation and aural skills with beginning and elementary students
• Summer camps for beginning and elementary students
• Teaching intermediate and advanced students in groups
• Skills in collegiate group piano
• Technology in collegiate group piano
• Teaching diverse levels of adults in groups
• Adult group performances
• And more!

Course leader: Dr. Andrea McAlister. Senior editor: Craig Sale.
Course contributors: Dr. Verena Abufaiad, Dr. Rebecca Bellelo, Marvin Blickenstaff, Amy Glennon, Dr. Jackie Edwards-Henry, Lady Abigail Imperio, Dr. Yeeseon Kwon, Dr. Leonidas Lagrimas, Dr. Pamela Pike, Dr. Rebecca Pennington, Dr. Omar Roy, Allison Shinnick, Angela Triandafillou, Dr. Janet Tschida.

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! Email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org for discount code.

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About the Course

A Pianist’s Guide to Studio Management is appropriate for both the new and seasoned music professionals. Designed by Heather K. Smith and Deborah H. How, both independent music teachers with extensive business backgrounds, this course will help teachers professionalize their studios and navigate important business topics.

• Organized in 10 clearly defined modules
• Progress at your own pace in a prescribed order
• Easily return to completed sessions for later review
• Full course completion time is approximately 10 hours

Topics Include

• Professional goals
• Income and expenses
• Accounting systems
• Setting tuition rates
• Studio policies
• Business tax structures
• Marketing and branding
• And much more!

Course Leaders: Heather K. Smith, MM, MBA ’22, Music Studio Business Academy, Deborah H. How, PhD, MBA, Bravura Innovations. Senior Editor: Craig Sale.

Did you know? Piano Inspires subscribers receive 20% off all full-length course purchases! Email teachereducation@francesclarkcenter.org for discount code.

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