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Piano Inspires Discovery

A space dedicated to inspiring the love of piano and music making through educational and inspirational content.

  • This Week in Piano History: The Concert with an Audience of Legends (Including Liszt, Mendelssohn, and Wieck!)

    This Week in Piano History: The Concert with an Audience of Legends (Including Liszt, Mendelssohn, and Wieck!)

    THIS WEEK IN PIANO HISTORY, Chopin had his premiere at the Salons de Pleyel in Paris on February 25, 1832.1 Chopin’s first concert after arriving in Paris, this debut marked one of the few times the Parisian public was able to hear Chopin’s performances.  Chopin initially left Poland for a concert tour throughout Europe, but…


  • Effectively Teaching Young Students: Q&A with Sara Ernst

    Effectively Teaching Young Students: Q&A with Sara Ernst

    We invited our followers to submit questions for Sara Ernst about effectively teaching young students to practice. Today, Sara is answering those questions! We encourage you to read Sara’s article, “Practicing Alongside Our Intermediate Students,” in the Winter 2022 issue of Piano Magazine. Additionally, enroll in our self-guided, online course titled The Beginner Course: Establishing…


  • This Week in Piano History: The King of Etudes

    This Week in Piano History: The King of Etudes

    THIS WEEK IN PIANO HISTORY, we celebrate the birth of pianist and composer Carl Czerny who was born on February 21, 1791. Although primarily known for his numerous etudes, Czerny was a prolific composer publishing over 800 works with opus numbers. Czerny was born into a middle class family in Vienna, Austria. His father, Wenzel…


  • Five Ideas for Choosing a Spring Recital Theme

    Five Ideas for Choosing a Spring Recital Theme

    We encourage you to watch Holly Kessis’ archived webinar here: “Piano Inspires… Innovation in Practice“ with Igor Lipinski, Brianna Matzke, Joy Morin, Melody Ng, Jason Sifford, and Jennifer Snow. This webinar is a celebration of innovation in organizations, teaching practices, and teacher education.  1.  Less is more. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with ideas, so…


  • This Week in Piano History: The Ragtime “Scott” You Might Not Know

    This Week in Piano History: The Ragtime “Scott” You Might Not Know

    THIS WEEK IN PIANO HISTORY, we celebrate the birth of major ragtime composer James Sylvester Scott who was born on February 12, 1885. Scott produced a number of hits including Ophelia Rag, Frog Legs Rag, and Grace and Beauty. Originally from Neosho, Missouri, Scott was born to former slaves James Scott Sr. and Molly Thomas…


  • What We Can Learn From Historical Pianos: Q&A with Charlotte Tang

    What We Can Learn From Historical Pianos: Q&A with Charlotte Tang

    We recently invited our followers to submit questions for Charlotte Tang about historical pianos. Today, Charlotte is answering those questions! We encourage you to watch Charlotte’s Inspiring Artistry repertoire video on teaching Scarlatti’s Sonata in D Minor, K. 213. Join us on social media for the opportunity to have your questions on a variety of…


  • This Week in Piano History: The Pianist Who Could Crack a Joke

    This Week in Piano History: The Pianist Who Could Crack a Joke

    THIS WEEK IN PIANO HISTORY, we remember the debut of The Victor Borge Show on NBC-TV on February 3, 1951. Borge’s brilliant comedic routines brought humor to the classical music concert hall in ways previously not experienced. Born in Copenhagen, Borge’s musical studies with his parents, who were both musicians. His father supervised his early…


  • Five Things You Might Not Know About Florence Price

    Five Things You Might Not Know About Florence Price

    Don’t miss Lia Jenson-Abbott’s Inspiring Artistry contribution about Florence Price’s Down a Southern Lane, which includes information on how to effectively teach the piece, all the way from preparation to performance. 1.  At age 18, Florence Price graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with two degrees:  Teachers Diploma in Piano and Soloists Diploma…


  • This Week in Piano History: The Birth of Philip Glass | January 31, 1937

    This Week in Piano History: The Birth of Philip Glass | January 31, 1937

    THIS WEEK IN PIANO HISTORY, we celebrate the birth of American composer Philip Glass, who was born on January 31, 1937. Known for his unique approach to minimalist style, Glass’ award-winning compositions continue to inspire audiences worldwide. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Glass began studying the violin and flute in his childhood, later becoming intrigued by…


  • Gratitude from the Frances Clark Center Team

    Gratitude from the Frances Clark Center Team

    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 communities as part of the “Power of a Piano Teacher” campaign. We welcome you to celebrate your own…


  • Five Things You Might Not Know About Florence Price

    Five Things You Might Not Know About Florence Price

    We would like to thank Lia Jenson-Abbott for this insightful article on Florence Price. Want to learn more about Florence Price? The winter issue of Piano Inspires Kids will explore her life, music, and work. Our first batch just shipped, but there is still time to receive a copy by subscribing today. 1.  At age 18, Florence Price graduated from the…


  • A Genuine Place of Love and Kindness: Honoring Marvin Blickenstaff

    A Genuine Place of Love and Kindness: Honoring Marvin Blickenstaff

    We would like to thank Rebekah Hood for this tribute to her teacher, 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 communities as part…


  • Piano Inspires Kids: Winter Issue Sneak Peak

    Piano Inspires Kids: Winter Issue Sneak Peak

    The Winter 2024 Issue of Piano Inspires Kids is coming soon! Subscribers will be receiving the print issue in their mailboxes in the coming weeks. Not a subscriber? Subscribe by Thursday, December 14 at kids.pianoinspires.com/subscribe to receive the issue and give the gift of music to the musicians in your life! Keep reading for a…


  • Four Powerful Lessons in Piano Pedagogy: Honoring Carmen Cambronero, Katia Guevara, Gregory Sioles, and Willis Delony

    Four Powerful Lessons in Piano Pedagogy: Honoring Carmen Cambronero, Katia Guevara, Gregory Sioles, and Willis Delony

    We would like to thank Carla Salas-Ruiz for this tribute to her teachers, Carmen Cambronero, Katia Guevara, Gregory Sioles, and Willis Delony. 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…


  • Every Student Has a Voice the World Needs to Hear | Honoring Carole Ann Kriewaldt

    Every Student Has a Voice the World Needs to Hear | Honoring Carole Ann Kriewaldt

    We would like to thank Leah Claiborne for this tribute to her teacher, Carole Ann Kriewaldt. This week, we also celebrate Leah, founder of Ebony Music, INC., who received a $150,000 grant from the Sphinx Venture Fund to develop The Ebony Music Project! As we continue the season of gratitude and giving, we pay tribute to piano…


  • A Tribute to John Salmon

    A Tribute to John Salmon

    We would like to thank Heather Hancock for this tribute to her teacher, John Salmon. 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 communities as part…


  • Thank You!

    Thank You!

    As we enter 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 communities as part of the “Power of a Piano Teacher” campaign. We welcome you to celebrate your own…


  • Engaging the Brain: Practice Tips from an Interview with Spencer Myer

    Engaging the Brain: Practice Tips from an Interview with Spencer Myer

    We would like to thank Barbara Fast and Spencer Myer for this insightful interview on practice. Want to learn more about practicing? Register for the free webinar, “#100daysofpractice: Selection and adaptation of self-regulated learning strategies in an online music performance challenge” presented by Camilla dos Santos Silva and Helena Marinho, hosted by Alejandro Cremaschi on…


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