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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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Teaching Contemporary Music: Q&A with Brendan Jacklin
This week we invited our followers to submit questions for Brendan Jacklin about teaching new and contemporary music. Today, Brendan is answering those questions! We encourage you to watch Brendan’s archived webinar on teaching George Crumb’s Eine Kleine Mitternachtmusik. Join us on social media for the opportunity to have your questions on a variety of…
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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…
