PRESS RELEASE
15 NOVEMBER 2019
Frances Clark Center Hires Director of Teacher Engagement
The Frances Clark Center is pleased to announce Dr. Sara Ernst as the new Director of Teacher Engagement, effective November 1, 2019. Dr. Ernst, NCTM, is Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the University of South Carolina where she teaches piano pedagogy and piano. She is currently President of the South Carolina Music Teachers Association and most recently led the creation of the Frances Clark Center’s first online teacher education initiative, The Beginner Course. She also served on the NCKP 2019 National Program Committee, has published articles and reviews in Piano Magazine, and formerly led the New School for Music Study as its Administrative Director.
“We are delighted to welcome Sara to the Center in this pivotal leadership role. She brings a wealth of institutional knowledge, experience, and creativity to the many exciting projects ahead dedicated to the advancement of the professional field,” said Dr. Jennifer Snow, Executive Director and CEO for the Frances Clark Center.
In this position, Sara will lead the programming for NCKP 2021, development of pedagogy programs at the New School for Music Study, and national and international initiatives to advance piano teaching and learning.
Teacher Education at the Frances Clark Center includes both digital and community resources and programs. The internationally recognized publication Piano Magazine, reference books, Teacher Education Webinars, educational videos, teaching repertoire series Inspiring Artistry and From the Artist Bench, and online Teacher Education Courses offer global access to high-quality resources. NCKP and extensive practicums, coursework, summer intensives, and fellowships at the New School for Music Study provide in-person professional education opportunities and certifications.
The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, a not-for-profit educational institution (501c3) located in Kingston, New Jersey, serves pianists and teachers through its divisions: The National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, Piano Magazine, Teacher Education, and The New School for Music Study.
For more information, please contact [email protected].