pianoinspires.com

Piano Inspires Discovery

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

SUBSCRIBE TO THE DISCOVERY BLOG
And get notified every time we publish a new blog post.

New to pianoinspires.com?
We’ll set up a free account for you so you can enjoy free content and receive discounts on our courses, publications, and periodicals.
  • Reflections on the Postgraduate Teaching Program

    Reflections on the Postgraduate Teaching Program

    We would like to thank Allison Shinnick Keep for this insightful article on The New School for Music Study’s Postgraduate Teaching Program. Want to learn more about the Postgraduate Teaching Program? Learn more and apply by clicking here. There are experiences in life that change you slowly over long periods of time, and others that…


  • Cultivating Brave Spaces in the Piano Studio Using DEI Repertoire and Practices

    Cultivating Brave Spaces in the Piano Studio Using DEI Repertoire and Practices

    We would like to thank Penny Lazarus for this insightful article on inclusive programming. Want to learn more about Penny Lazarus’s work in DEI and her thoughts on inclusive programming? Lazarus is a contributor for our new course, Piano Teaching through the Lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The course is now available for presale…


  • Spring 2021: Pupil Saver: Adagio in F Minor by Chevalier de Saint-Georges

    Spring 2021: Pupil Saver: Adagio in F Minor by Chevalier de Saint-Georges

    We would like to thank Leah Claiborne for this insightful article on Chevalier de Saint-Georges’s Adagio in F Minor. Want to hear more about Leah Claiborne’s research and work at the Center? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. In this episode, Craig Sale and Leah engage in an inspiring conversation about…


  • A Valentine’s Tribute to Transformational Piano Teachers

    A Valentine’s Tribute to Transformational Piano Teachers

    Share the love this Valentine’s Day by honoring piano teachers who are working every day to make the world more kind, inclusive, and connected through the transformational power of music. We welcome you to celebrate your own teacher by sharing a tribute with us and donating to the Frances Clark Center. Students, parents, and colleagues…


  • Vision, Dedication, and Multiplication: Honoring Janet Tschida

    Vision, Dedication, and Multiplication: Honoring Janet Tschida

    We would like to thank Makayla Stevenson for this tribute to her teacher, Janet Tschida. 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…


  • The Gift that Keeps Giving: Honoring Marvin Blickenstaff

    The Gift that Keeps Giving: Honoring Marvin Blickenstaff

    We would like to thank Arlene Steffen 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…


  • Remaking Ourselves and the Standard Canon: Perspectives and Resources for Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Classical Music

    Remaking Ourselves and the Standard Canon: Perspectives and Resources for Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Classical Music

    We would like to thank Nicholas Reynolds for this insightful article on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the classical music world. Did you hear about our new course—Piano Teaching through the Lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? Join us on February 21st at 11:00am ET for a discussion of this new course in our webinar…


  • Celebrating Black History Month

    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…


  • A Tribute to Marvin Blickenstaff and his Pedagogical Legacy

    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…


  • 5 Key Elements of Foundational Piano Pedagogy

    5 Key Elements of Foundational Piano Pedagogy

    1. Teachers should use words that are relevant and efficient while considering other powerful ways to communicate.  Teachers use words to teach concepts, praise students, and offer feedback. Words used to give praise and feedback should focus on the music–how it sounds, looks, and feels, rather than the student’s personal ability. Specific, sincere, and descriptive…


  • 5 Ways PianoInspires Can Transform Your Scale Practice

    5 Ways PianoInspires Can Transform Your Scale Practice

    Ready to move beyond basic drills? The magazines, videos, and publications at pianoinspires.com are packed with fresh, effective ideas to elevate the technique of your piano students and your own practice. 1. Unlock Speed with the 3s and 4s Fingering Rule Tired of tricky fingerings? The Summer 2024 Issue of Piano Inspires Kids provides a…


  • Announcing the Autumn 2025 Issue of Piano Magazine!

    Announcing the Autumn 2025 Issue of Piano Magazine!

    Announcing the Autumn 2025 issue of Piano Magazine! Discover the remarkable journey of pianist and educator Wilfred Delphin, whose artistry and advocacy have shaped generations of musicians. From his formative years and international performances with his duo partner, Edwin Romain, to his lifelong commitment to mentoring young pianists, Delphin’s story celebrates perseverance, excellence, and the transformative…


  • 5 Ways to Use the Activities in the Autumn 2025 Issue of Piano Inspires Kids

    5 Ways to Use the Activities in the Autumn 2025 Issue of Piano Inspires Kids

    The Autumn issue of Piano Inspires Kids is filled with fun, creative, and educational ways to explore music. Whether you’re a teacher looking to bring fresh ideas into your studio or a parent hoping to spark your child’s imagination at home, this issue offers something for everyone. Here are five ways you can use the…


  • Phyllis Lehrer Piano Pedagogy & Artistry Fund

    Phyllis Lehrer Piano Pedagogy & Artistry Fund

    We would like to thank Mary Bloom and Michelle Aalders for tributes shared here with this post of the Phyllis Lehrer Piano Pedagogy & Artistry Fund. Phyllis’ legacy as a teacher, mentor, pianist, and colleague is unquestionable. We are honored to celebrate her work through the creation of this new fund in her name. To…


  • Announcing Issue 1, Vol. 1 of Journal of Piano Research

    Announcing Issue 1, Vol. 1 of Journal of Piano Research

    The Journal of Piano Research is pleased to announce its first online issue of international, peer-reviewed articles. The Journal of Piano Research promotes the exploration, discussion, and dissemination of high-level research that advances professional practice and scholarship. An investigation of precollege piano students’ practice habits and practice strategies in China Yuan Jiang, Yue Liu  Creating a screening tool for dysmusia:…


  • This Month in Piano History – October 2025

    This Month in Piano History – October 2025

    As the season changes in October, we celebrate the birth of two legendary musicians and the premiere of a piano concerto once deemed too difficult to play! October 13, 1909 An inspiration to many, jazz pianist Art Tatum was born on October 13, 1909 in Toledo, Ohio. Although he was born with a visual impairment,…


  • Piano for Life: E.L. Lancaster on Piano Pedagogy, Music Education, and Accessibility for All

    Piano for Life: E.L. Lancaster on Piano Pedagogy, Music Education, and Accessibility for All

    To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring E.L. Lancaster, we are sharing an excerpted transcript of his conversation with Yeeseon Kwon. Want to learn more about Lancaster? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Lancaster on Apple Podcasts,…


  • Piano Inspires Podcast: Randy Faber

    Piano Inspires Podcast: Randy Faber

    To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Randy Faber, we are sharing an excerpted transcript of his conversation with Jennifer Snow. Want to learn more about Faber? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Faber on Apple Podcasts,…


Search
Piano Inspires logo featuring stylized diagonal stripes in orange, gold, and teal, next to the text 'Piano Inspires' in bold black lettering.