Piano Teaching through the Lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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.

Community Discussions

Although this is a self-guided course, participants have the opportunity to engage with the leaders and experts on these topics by participating in online community discussions.

Course Leaders will facilitate community discussion groups for participants to take a deeper dive into the materials of each course module. These 90-minute discussion groups (conducted on Zoom) will contain structured and facilitated exploration activities. Community discussions will allow participants to ask questions about the material they have learned and share their own thoughts and experiences with the material presented. This gathering serves as a wonderful opportunity for teachers to learn from one another and ask focused questions that will be answered by leaders in the field. As a community, participants will leave these discussions with practical takeaways tailored to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices that are specific to their needs. 

Course enrollees may participate in discussions at any point after enrollment, e.g. if one enrolls after the first community discussion, that person can begin participation with the next meeting.

• Community Discussion One: Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11AM (EDT)
• Community Discussion Two: Friday, May 17, 2024 at 11AM (EDT)
• Community Discussion Three: Friday June 21, 2024 at 11AM (EDT)

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.

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