pianoinspires.com
Piano Inspires Discovery
A space dedicated to inspiring the love of piano and music making through educational and inspirational content.
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Celebrating Black History Month
From February 1-29, we celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor and reflect upon the remarkable music and contributions of Black people. In this Discovery Page post, we have curated a collection of Piano Inspires resources to help everyone discover something new. From our international webinar series, to articles in Piano Magazine and Piano…
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A Tribute to Marvin Blickenstaff and his Pedagogical Legacy
We would like to thank Sara Ernst, Jane Magrath, Karen Zorn, Joel M. Harrison, Marianne Williams, Zack Kleiman, Henry Banta, Anya Smith, and Nina Austria for collaborating on this tribute to Marvin Blickenstaff. Interested in learning more about Marvin Blickenstaff and his teaching? Marvin’s latest book, Inspired Piano Teaching, is coming soon and is available…
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Marvin Blickenstaff: Cheerleader Extraordinaire
We would like to thank Sara Ernst for this tribute to her mentor, Marvin Blickenstaff. On January 30, 2024 we are hosting a virtual Publications Party to celebrate Marvin Blickenstaff’s new book, Inspired Piano Teaching. Click here to register for this free event! If you are interested in learning more about Marvin’s book, you can read more…
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5 Things to Know about Piano Inspires Kids Composition Contest
Attention budding composers! Piano Inspires Kids invites students to submit a piano solo for our first composition contest! Winning compositions will be featured in the Summer 2024 issue and on our website, kids.pianoinspires.com. Read below for all the details! 1. The composition must be a fanfare. A fanfare is a short and usually brilliant piece…
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Collegiate Resources
Calling all collegiate students! Looking for more information about how The Frances Clark Center can help you as you navigate the early stages of your career? Look no further. In this article, we will share information and resources including employment and postgraduate opportunities, opportunities for students, discounts on purchases, and other ways to get involved.…
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Perspectives: Managing performance anxiety
We would like to thank Ali Snow for this insightful article on managing performance anxiety and motivation. Want to learn more about motivation? Join us on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11am ET for “Determinants of Motivation in World-Class Musicians and Olympic Athletes: Exploring the Front and the Back Side of the Medallion,” a webinar…
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Collegiate Essay Runner-Up: The Unrecognized Performing Art of Group Piano Teaching
We would like to thank Dominick Cristofori D’Alessandro for this insightful article on collegiate group piano and motivation. Want to learn more about motivation? Join us on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11am ET for “Determinants of Motivation in World-Class Musicians and Olympic Athletes: Exploring the Front and the Back Side of the Medallion,” a…
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Marvin Blickenstaff: Cheerleader Extraordinaire
We would like to thank Sara Ernst for this tribute to her mentor, Marvin Blickenstaff. Since 1999, Marvin Blickenstaff has been a beloved faculty member of the New School for Music Study in Kingston, NJ. In honor of the 25th year of his work for NSMS, we recognize the tremendous impact he has had on…
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Meet People Where They Are | Honoring Marvin Blickenstaff
We would like to thank Karen Zorn for this tribute to her teacher, Marvin Blickenstaff. On January 30, 2024 we are hosting a virtual Publications Party to celebrate Marvin Blickenstaff’s new book, Inspired Piano Teaching. Click here to register for this free event! If you are interested in learning more about Marvin’s book, you can read more…
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John Perry – In Memoriam
The Frances Clark Center is deeply saddened by the passing of John Perry – virtuoso, mentor, teacher, and friend. His legacy will continue to inspire pianists for generations, and we honor his memory. In greatest honor and memory of his legacy, we share this article by Samuel Holland as it originally appeared in the Spring…
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Piano Inspires Podcast: Chee-Hwa Tan
As we get closer to The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025 this July, we invite you to register for our 2025 Gala, celebrating our 2025 Lifetime Achievement Outstanding Service Award Recipients. The Frances Clark Center celebrates its Outstanding Service Award recipients with special re-releases of podcast episodes. Congratulations to Chee-Hwa Tan for this recognition! Register by…
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5 Reasons to Attend The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025 Online Event
The online event of The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025 is just around the corner! Events will occur from June 6-8 and will be packed with music, social events, concerts, and more. With the event only a few days away, register now to gain access to this exciting event. Learn more and register by clicking here. 1.…
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5 Reasons to Attend The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025 Online Event
The online event of The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025 is just around the corner! Events will occur from June 6-8 and will be packed with music, social events, concerts, and more. If you have not registered, there’s still more time. Learn more and register by clicking here. 1. Accessibility The Piano Conference Online Event is…
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5 Things You Might Not Know About Dan Zhaoyi
We would like to thank Tsz Hin Lam for this article on Dan Zhaoyi. Interested in learning more about Dan Zhaoyi? Attend this session at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025 online conference on Sunday, June 8, 4:00-4:25pm EDT. Learn more and register for the online and in-person conference here. 1. Dan, born 1940, was a student of renowned Chinese…
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Frances Clark Center Awards Inaugural Community Impact Grants Initiative to Support Inclusive Piano Education
The Frances Clark Center has announced the recipients of its first-ever Community Impact Grants Initiative, a national program supporting innovative, community-driven projects in piano education. Funded by the Elvina Pearce Education Fund, the initiative provides grants of $500 to $2,500 to individuals and organizations whose work expands access, fosters inclusion, and strengthens community engagement through…
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5 Things You Might Not Know About Mélanie Bonis (1858–1937)
We would like to thank McKenna Girdeen for this article on Mélanie Bonis. Interested in learning more about Bonis? Attend this session at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025 in-person conference on Thursday, July 24, 2025, 1:30-2:20pm CDT. Learn more and register for the online and in-person conference here. Mélanie Bonis, a largely underrepresented composer, remains unknown to many musicians …
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Happy 90th Birthday to Marvin Blickenstaff!
Thanks to the generosity of supporters around the world, The Marvin Blickenstaff Teaching Excellence Fund is advancing high-quality teacher education and raising the standard of piano instruction. We invite you to join this meaningful effort by making a contribution to help complete this tribute in time for his milestone birthday. Gifts can be made online…
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5 Things You Might Not Know About Abby Whiteside
We would like to thank Stephen Marquiss for this article on Abby Whiteside. Interested in learning more about Whiteside? Attend this session at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025 online event on Saturday, June 7, 2025, 1:30-1:55pm CDT. Learn more and register for the conference here. 1. Abby Whiteside (1881-1956) transformed her teaching after admitting only her talented students progressed.…
