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Piano Inspires Discovery
A space dedicated to inspiring the love of piano and music making through educational and inspirational content.
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Tributes to Marvin Blickenstaff
We would like to thank Drew Turock, Arlene Steffen, and Catherine Kautsky for these tributes to Marvin Blickenstaff. As we continue the season of gratitude and giving, we pay tribute to piano teachers from around the country who are transforming the lives of their students. Students, parents, and colleagues are honoring piano teachers from their…
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Piano Inspires Podcast: Jess Johnson
To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Jess Johnson, we are sharing an excerpted transcript of her conversation with Andrea McAlister. Want to learn more about Johnson? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Johnson on Apple Podcasts,…
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This Month in Piano History – January 2025
THIS MONTH IN PIANO HISTORY, we welcome the new year by remembering the births of two composers who changed the trajectory of piano repertoire and the death of a masterly and inventive harpsichordist and composer. January 6, 1872 – Birth of Alexander Scriabin Alexander Scriabin,a mysterious figure remembered for his association of color with musical…
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Piano Inspires Podcast: Anton Nel
To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Anton Nel, we are sharing an excerpted transcript of his conversation with Artina McCain. Want to learn more about Nel? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Chee on Apple Podcasts,…
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5 Reasons to Participate in The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025
We would like to thank Megan Hall and Curtis Pavey for this insightful article about why you should submit to our Call for Participation at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025. The last chance to submit your teaching video, performance, e-poster, or Collegiate Connections project is Monday, March 31, 2025. Learn more at: https://pianoinspires.com/nckp-the-piano-conference/. 1. Share…
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This Month in Piano History – A Month of Celebration
December is a time of giving and celebration. Holidays celebrated by cultures around the world fill this month with joy, reflection, and renewal. In addition to these celebrations, there are numerous birthdays and important events from piano history throughout December. Read below to discover more about a premiere, a famous work given copyright status, and…
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Why I Give to The Frances Clark Center: A Testimonial from Linda M. Fields
We would like to thank Linda M. Fields for sharing why she gives to The Frances Clark Center. Although #GivingTuesday has concluded, the opportunity to contribute remains open. This special day is just one part of our broader Annual Fund initiative, where every gift helps sustain our vital work. Please consider an additional gift today…
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Piano Inspires Podcast: Jeremy Siskind
To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Jeremy Siskind, we are sharing an excerpted transcript of his conversation with Andrea McAlister. Want to learn more about Siskind? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Siskind on Apple Podcasts,…
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Holiday Deals 2024!
This holiday season, explore curated bundles from The Frances Clark Center—the perfect gifts for your personal library, students, or loved ones. The New Professionals Bundle includes practical resources to jumpstart a teaching career. With access to 1500+ articles, 250+ webinars, and many more resources on PianoInspires.com, new professionals will find answers to all of their questions…
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Body Mapping in the Piano Studio
We would like to thank Kay S. Hooper for this insightful article about body mapping. To read the full article, click here. On the count of three, point to the place where your upper arm meets your torso. One, two, three! See Figure 1 below and find the place where you pointed. Most people point…
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The Benefits of NCKP: The Piano Conference and Why You Should Attend
We would like to thank Marvin Blickenstaff for this article about the benefits of The Piano Conference: NCKP. Want to learn more about The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025? Click here to read about next year’s conference and submit a proposal. Want to hear more from Marvin Blickenstaff? Join our book club beginning September 10, 2024!…
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The Body and the Beat: Developing Rhythm through Mindful Movement
We would like to thank Lesley McAllister for this insightful article on rhythm and movement. To read the full article, click here. Movement, for children, is necessary for learning. Young bodies are fine-tuned sensory receptors collecting information, curious and eager to explore the world around them.1 The young child is in a period of sensitivity…
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Do You Use Summer Lessons for Special Reading Activities?
We would like to thank Richard Chronister, Mary Ann Letti, and Berdine Ehrman for this insightful article on summer reading activities. To read the full article, click here. Both writers for this issue’s Music Reading Department take the view that summer is special for piano students. A good case can be made for discontinuing the regular…
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Piano Inspires Kids: Musicians and Athletes: What Can They Learn from One Another?
The Summer 2024 Issue of Piano Inspires Kids is coming soon! Subscribers will be receiving the print issue in their mailboxes in the coming weeks. Not yet a subscriber? Click here to receive the issue and give the gift of music to the musicians in your life! Keep reading for a sneak peek into the…
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This Month in Piano History: July 2024
July 1, 1950 Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, whose work in music education made a lasting impression on the field, died in Geneva, Switzerland on this day. He completed studies in Geneva, Paris, and Vienna, working with the likes of Fauré, Delibes, and Bruckner among others. Early on, he became fascinated with rhythm, and while working at the…
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Q&A with Marvin Blickenstaff: Part One
We would like to thank Marvin Blickenstaff for answering these questions regarding his approach to piano pedagogy. Want to learn more about Marvin’s teaching? The Frances Clark Center recently published his book Inspired Piano Teaching. This fall 2024, we are excited to announce that Marvin and The Frances Clark Center will host a virtual book…
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What is a Good Piano Sound and How Do You Get it?
We would like to thank William Fried for this insightful article on making a beautiful sound at the piano. Want to learn more about tone production? Check out the latest issue of Piano Magazine. Our new summer issue can be found by clicking here. “You get a terrible sound at the piano, William. Just terrible.”…
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A Tribute to Gary Ingle
by Jennifer Snow Published in Piano Magazine, Summer 2024 Issue Leadership is a term that is frequently used. A quick google search reveals a range of characteristics, terminology, and definitions of success. The truth of effective leadership lies in the person—an individual who impacts a profession, motivates and inspires, builds community, navigates change, directs through…
