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5 Reasons to Submit a Proposal to The Piano Conference: NCKP 2027

Written By Megan Hall, Curtis Pavey

We would like to thank Megan Hall and Curtis Pavey for this insightful article about why you should submit a proposal to The Piano Conference: NCKP 2027. The last chance to submit your proposals via our proposal submission portal is 11:59pm PDT on Sunday, October 11, 2026. 

A presentation at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2023.
The Piano Conference: NCKP.

1. Share your teaching practices, scholarship, and research.

The Piano Conference seeks innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and inspired thinking for the future of piano education worldwide. Whether your research focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion; creative music making; or interdisciplinary studies; we look forward to exploring trailblazing ideas. See the wide range of topics at the proposal page!

Nanyi Qiang speaks at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2023.
Nanyi Qiang

2. Connect and network with professionals in the field.

Pianists and music teachers from around the globe attend The Piano Conference, and the gathering in 2027 is on track to be the most exciting event yet. The opening one-day summit provides an interactive gathering for all to collectively share, dialogue, and exchange ideas around the immediate challenges, opportunities, and global impact of piano education. Come ready to share and learn from members of our community.

Young professionals at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2023.
Young professionals at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2023.

3. Build your resume.

Presenting at The Piano Conference provides resume-building presentation experience. Each lightning talk, lecture recital, workshop, keyboard lab, panel, and presentation adds to your professional portfolio and increases individual marketability. The program results from a rigorous blind review and committee process, which ensures there is a wide range of presenters and topics at The Piano Conference.

Allison Keep speaks at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2023.
Allison Keep

4. Learn more about the art of piano pedagogy.

Inspired teachers create inspired students. In the words of Frances Clark, “A piano lesson should be a happening. Something happens at a piano lesson so that when you walk out of the studio, you feel different from when you walked in.” Learning to inspire the next generation of musicians, teachers, and music lovers requires striving for the highest standards. Come to learn more about how members of our community are inspiring their students.

Vanessa Cornett speaks at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2023.
Vanessa Cornett

5. Engage with luminaries in the field!

Hear words of wisdom and motivation from pedagogical leaders and be inspired to refresh your teaching, performing, and professional life. Keynote and PEDx speakers will remind you of your positive impact on your communities and the world.

Jennifer Snow speaks at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2023.
Jennifer Snow

Do you have research you want to share with the piano pedagogy community? Submit a proposal to The Piano Conference: NCKP 2027 by clicking here, or submit a manuscript to the Journal of Piano Research by clicking here.

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Teaching Demonstration (NCKP Rebroadcast)
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Sight reading is a super power!

Written By Piano Inspires

The Summer 2026 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 Summer Issue.

A green banner featuring the words "piano inspires kids" with a piano logo and another graphic featuring the words "video game music" with a digitized piano.

Sight reading is one of a pianist’s superpowers. Through this skill, you can explore a newly discovered piece, collaborate with other musicians, accompany a choir, or play a last-minute gig. The musical world is at your fingertips, especially with strong reading skills!

Piano Inspires Kids is providings its readers with tips and tricks for developing their sightreading (see pages 8 and 9). In addition, visit kids.pianoinspires.com/activities to download a packet of more than 30 sightreading examples, at four different levels!

The cover of Piano Inspires Kids Summer 2026 Issue featuring green banners and a digitalized piano with the words "Video Gamer Music."

Be ready to WOW your teacher in the fall after you level up your sight reading skills.

Explore Activities
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Want to learn more about Piano Inspires Kids? Watch our webinar, “Inside Piano Inspires Kids: A New Publication of the Frances Clark Center” with Co-Editors-in-Chief Sara Ernst and Andrea McAlister: click here.

MORE ON PIANO INSPIRES KIDS

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Piano Inspires Kids: An Interview with Co-Editors-in-Chief Andrea McAlister and Sara Ernst

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Summer Professional Development: Piano Teacher Education Courses Online

Written By Piano Inspires

Fundamentals, Repertoire, Group Teaching, and More!

Explore our growing collection of teacher education courses that cover topics including teaching beginners, teaching special learners, repertoire by underrepresented composers, studio management, and more. Our courses are fully online and self paced, perfect for individual professional development. A course certificate will be provided upon completion.

Every course is curated by experts in our field. Prices range from $49-$179 for our comprehensive full courses, and $30 for our bite-sized microcourses that dive deep into special topics.

Browse

Did you know subscribers to pianoinspires.com and Piano Magazine receive 20% off all courses? Log in and go to ‘My Discounts‘ in the account menu to redeem your coupon code.

Full Courses

Enroll
The Intermediate Course

Designed to introduce important concepts and material related to the teaching of intermediate students who are playing at approximately Levels 3-7, the course includes video content, readings, and reflection activities.

13 modules | 30 hours | $129

An image showing two instructors working with children on reading and rhythm skills.
Enroll
The Beginner Course

Designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for working with beginning pianists (age 5-8 years old) in the most important year of piano study–the first. 

23 modules | 36 hours | $129

An instructor helps students at the piano with rhythm reading.
enroll
Foundational Piano Pedagogy

Designed to introduce the essential philosophies of education that form the foundations of successful teaching, the course includes video content, readings, quizzes, and reflection activities.

5 modules | 10 hours | $79

Enroll
A Pianist’s Guide to Studio Management

Designed by Heather K. Smith and Deborah H. How, both independent music teachers with extensive business backgrounds, this course will help teachers professionalize their studios and navigate important business topics.

10 modules | 10 hours | $79

A photo showing a group piano classroom with a diverse student group.
Enroll
A Pianist’s Guide to Teaching in Groups

Equips piano teachers with the skills necessary for planning, preparing, and implementing group teaching at all levels, from preschoolers through adult learners.


19 modules | 18 hours | $129

A piano keyboard with stickers on landmark notes F, C, and G.
enroll
The Inclusive Teaching Course: Teaching Piano to Students Who are Special Learners

Designed to introduce practical explanations and strategies in adaptive teaching to basic scenarios in piano teaching. These include music reading, music counting, technique, artistry, and teaching and learning procedures for working with special learners.

14 modules | 16 hours | $129

Sheet music photographed with flowers on top.
enroll
Hidden Gems: Four Centuries of Piano Music by Women Composers

Designed to shed light on a fraction of works by talented women composers spanning four centuries. Selected piano works at varying levels of difficulty (elementary to early advanced), surveyed from a pedagogical and performance perspective.

9 modules | 10 hours | $79

Alexa Stier photographed with an adult piano student at the instrument.
enroll
Technique Through Repertoire

Companion course for the publications Technique through Repertoire, Books 1 and 2 by Christopher Madden and Jani Parsons. The course introduces practical explanations for the teaching of technical skills through repertoire excerpts as well as strategies for successful use of the printed materials. 

15 modules | 6 hours | $49

A photograph of two women holding a sheet music book in front of a grand piano.
enroll
Exploring Latin American Piano Music: A Cultural Journey Through Early-Advanced Pieces

Substantial survey of works from the elementary to late-intermediate/early-advanced levels by composers from nine different Latin American countries. 

12 modules | 15 hours | $79

A black-and-white photograph featuring a keyboard and headphones.
enroll
A Pianist’s Guide to Teaching Online

All the necessary knowledge and skills for teaching online private lessons and group classes for students of all ages and ability levels. The content is a dynamic variety of short video lectures, articles, tip sheets, video demonstrations, and resource lists.

20 modules | 10 hours | $79

A piano keyboard.
enroll
Piano Teaching Through the Lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Equips teachers with knowledge on how to evaluate their teaching material and how to effectively incorporate diverse literature into the teaching studio. Provides examples on how various teachers have created more opportunities for diverse populations to gain access to piano instruction. 

20 modules | 12 hours | $79

Marvin Blickenstaff photographed at the piano with an adult piano student.
enroll
Recreational Music Making

Provides teachers a understanding of the teaching philosophy within Recreational Music Making and how to promote this teaching mindset in their program; business management, curriculum design, and best instructional practices within RMM studios around the country.

8 modules | 10 hours | $79

A moody image featuring a grand piano in a dark room with vertical window panes.
enroll
Unsung Heroes in Piano Pedagogy: 20 Pieces by Black Composers to Use in Your Studio Now

Designed to help remedy the lack of inclusion of piano music by Black composers in the standard teaching repertoire, and the music heard on the public concert stage. For each piece discussed, both the musical and technical challenges, and unique pedagogical benefits are highlighted. 

10 modules | 10 hours | $79

Microcourses

Our microcourses dive deep into special topics at only $30 each!

browse
  • Teaching Improvisation and Composition
  • 20th- and 21st- Century Music by Women Composers
  • Baroque Era Music by Women Composers
  • Classical Era Music by Women Composers
  • Classical Sonatinas and Sonatas at the Piano
  • Developing Musical Skills in Young Pianists: Ideas from Music Learning Theory
  • Florence Price Teaching Pieces
  • Harnessing the Power of the Team: Teacher, Vhild, and Parent in Beginning Piano Study
  • Inclusive Teaching at the Piano
  • Introducing Pieces with Purpose
  • Lesson Planning Essentials: Tools for Student Success
  • Music by Black Composers for Early-Advanced Students
  • Music by Black Composers for Intermediate Students
  • Performance Anxiety Management: How to Prepare for Your Best Performance
  • Rhythm and Movement in Beginning Piano Study
  • Romantic Era Music by Women Composers
  • Romantic Piano Masters
  • Teaching Adult Piano
  • Teaching Adults in Groups
  • Teaching Beginning and Elementary Children in Groups
  • Teaching Collegiate Group Piano
  • Teaching Elementary Technique and Music Reading at the Piano
  • Teaching Exemplary Performance
  • Teaching Jazz at the Piano
  • Teaching Musical Concepts

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This Month in Piano History: July 2026

Written By Curtis Pavey
The flag of the United States of America.

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, this post of our series This Month in Piano History will celebrate piano and musical history of the USA. Read more below about the lives of famous American pianists and composers as well as the first performance of a famous patriotic song.

July 3, 1901 – Birth of Ruth Crawford Seeger

Born on July 3, 1901 in East Liverpool, Ohio, Ruth Crawford Seeger was an American composer. Known for her ultramodern works, Crawford Seeger composed a large variety of piano music including preludes, a sonata, as well as pedagogical works for developing pianists. The first woman to win a Guggenheim Fellowship in composition, Crawford Seeger helped promote American folk music in her works.1 In this article below by Bruce Berr, learn about the pedagogical uses of Crawford Seeger’s piano work, American Folk Songs for Children:

Can young students learn rhythmic flexibility?
A portrait of composer Ruth Crawford Seeger from the early 1920s.
A portrait of composer Ruth Crawford Seeger from the early 1920s.

July 4, 1831 – First Performance of a Famous American Patriotic Song

On July 4, 1831, the famous American patriotic song, “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts.2 Although the tune is British (“God Save the King”), the lyrics composed by Samuel Francis Smith were first titled “Celebration of American Independence” before becoming known by its current title.3 Featuring lively rhythms, the tune is commonly used to teach dotted rhythms in piano lessons. Learn more about teaching dotted rhythms by reading this article by Marvin Blickenstaff, Janet Palmberg Lyman, Nancy Bachus, Kathleen Murray, and Merilyn Jacobson:

How Do You Teach Dotted Rhythms?

July 12, 2023 – Death of André Watts

On July 12, 2023, legendary American pianist André Watts passed away. A leading pianist of his time, Watts was known for his dramatic interpretations that spanned the entire piano repertoire. Watts had his breakthrough moment in 1962 when he performed for American conductor Leonard Bernstein, who helped launch his career. After decades of concertizing, Watts joined the faculty at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Discover Watts’ incredible artistry in this recording of him performing George Gershwin’s Three Preludes:

July 13, 1955 – Debut of the Beaux Arts Trio

The Beaux Arts Trio was an internationally acclaimed chamber music ensemble founded by pianist Menahem Pressler, violinist Daniel Guilet, and cellist Bernard Greenhouse. The trio made their debut in Lenox, Massachusetts on July 13, 1955. Known for their incredible legacy of concerts and performances, the trio recorded dozens of celebrated albums of works of the piano trio repertoire. Want to learn more about pianist Menahem Pressler and his career? Read this article by Jerry Wong in which he describes the life and teaching of his teacher: 

Always give your maximum: A conversation with Menahem Pressler
Members of the Beaux Arts Trio Isidore Cohen and Bernard Greenhouse gather around pianist Menahem Pressler.
Members of the Beaux Arts Trio: Menahem Pressler, Isidore Cohen, Bernard Greenhouse.

Want to learn more about American composers, pianists, and music? Check out the resources below!

Endnotes
  1. Ellie M. Hisama and Judith Tick, “Crawford (Seeger), Ruth,” Grove Music Online, 10 July 2012; Accessed 5 Jun. 2026, https://www-oxfordmusiconline-com.proxy.mul.missouri.edu/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-1002224168. 
  2. James J. Fuld, “Patriotic music,” Grove Music Online, 10 Jul. 2012; Accessed 5 June 2026, https://www-oxfordmusiconline-com.proxy.mul.missouri.edu/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-1002225007. 
  3. James J. Fuld, “Patriotic music,” Grove Music Online, 10 Jul. 2012; Accessed 5 June 2026, https://www-oxfordmusiconline-com.proxy.mul.missouri.edu/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-1002225007.  
OTHER RESOURCES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
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Breaking Stereotypes: Indigenous Composers Defining New Musical Frontiers

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Summer Piano Teaching

Written By Curtis Pavey

To celebrate the upcoming summer season, we are sharing a few of our favorite articles about summer piano teaching. Unsure how to design curricula, practice plans, or even summer camp activities? These articles are packed with expert tips to make your summer teaching a joy for you and your students. Learn more below!

MAGAZINE ARTICLE: How Do You Make Your Summer Lessons Different? by Cathy Albergo, Cindy Romano, Peg Holzgrafe, Mary Ann Middendorf, and Mary Shelor

In this article, teachers share their experiences running camps, teaching in groups, and team teaching and how these invigorated students during the exciting summer season. With ideas about activities and ways to keep students reading all summer long, this article provides lots of tips to make summer lessons different from the normal academic year. Click below to read the entire article:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/how-do-you-make-your-summer-lessons-different/

How Do You Make Your Summer Lessons Different?
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: How Did You Choose a Summer Music Camp? by Elizabeth van ness

Looking for summer camp opportunities for you or your students? This article explores summer music camps around the world featuring camps in California, Colorado, Indiana, and even Moscow, Russia. Enjoy hearing about the different experiences each camp offers by clicking the link below.

https://pianoinspires.com/article/how-did-you-choose-a-summer-music-camp/

How Did You Choose a Summer Music Camp?
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Summer Piano Study: Ideas and Inspirations by Steve Betts, Christy Kiespert, Amy Immerman, Aline Giampietro, Judith Jain, and Jane West

Many piano teachers operate a summer music camp of their own. In this article, learn from five piano teachers who developed their own summer music camps to help students grow and retain their musical skills through the summer vacation. Learn from their perspectives by clicking below:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/summer-piano-study-ideas-and-inspirations/

Summer Piano Study: Ideas and Inspirations
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Do You Use Summer Lessons for Special Reading Activities? by Richard Chronister, Mary Ann Lenti, and Berdine Ehrman

Maintaining students’ reading abilities is a chief concern of music teachers during the summer season. In this article, Richard Chronister speaks with Mary Ann Lenti and Berdine Ehrman about their approaches during the summer to ensure their students remain excellent readers. With tips about exploring popular music, duets, and more, these teachers show us how any student can become a better reader during summer break. Learn more here:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/do-you-use-summer-lessons-for-special-reading-activities-2/

Do You Use Summer Lessons for Special Reading Activities?
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Reimagining Summer Practice: How Community-Based Recitals Inspire Musical Growth by Anthony Olson and Eva Peng

While many teachers plan recitals in the fall and spring, few plan summer recitals. In this article by Anthony Olson and Eva Peng, discover tips for preparing summer recitals focusing on making a deeper connection with community partners. With tips about scheduling, planning, and logistics, this article will help you build an exciting and meaningful performance opportunity for your students. Read more here:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/reimagining-summer-practice-how-community-based-recitals-inspire-musical-growth/

Reimagining Summer Practice: How Community-Based Recitals Inspire Musical Growth

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Summer in Your Studio: How to Retain Your Students & Your Income

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Announcing the Summer 2026 issue of Piano Magazine

Written By Piano Inspires

Announcing the Summer 2026 issue of Piano Magazine. The Piano Magazine Summer 2026 issue features the launch of the year-long series “Culturally Relevant Piano Pedagogy“! This issue also features transfer students, unlocking musicianship, microlearning, musical informances, Aaron Copland, and fostering resilience. 

Go to pianoinspires.com/magazine to read the digital issue.

Not a subscriber? Use the discount code SUMMER for 15% off your subscription, or create a free account to view sample pages of the issue.

View the Magazine

Articles in This Issue of Piano Magazine

The Culturally Responsive Piano Teacher: Building an Inclusive Studio Through Cultural Competence

Eden Esters Brown

I was fortunate. My parents enrolled my older sister in piano lessons at age four, and when I came of age, I followed suit. My first teacher was a Juilliard-trained pianist from the old tradition. We learned proper technique and how to read music fluently. We took part in recitals and excelled in National Federation of Music Clubs festivals. When we moved away, I was in the third grade, and already quite advanced for my age; I could already play early-advanced level repertoire. She gave me the foundation of a future classical pianist, but her curriculum was rigid and pre-determined. Her approach was effective yet lacked flexibility. It was the classics or bust. I played Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, and when I requested jazz, she gave me William Gillock. It wasn’t jazz, but it was all she knew.

Read more

Seamless Transitions: Welcoming and Nurturing Piano Transfer Students

Aubrey Faith-Slaker

Every piano teacher eventually encounters transfer students who come to us after beginning their musical journey elsewhere. They arrive with stories, habits, skills, and expectations shaped by their previous learning environments. Some carry with them positive momentum such as strong technique, supportive families, and motivation that feels like a gift. Others arrive with gaps, mismatched habits, or even a heavy sense of discouragement.

Read more

More Than Just Playing the Notes: How Musical Informances Deepen Student Learning

Ashley Danyew

Today’s musical audiences are curious, seeking depth and greater understanding of the music they hear. In The Oxford Handbook of Public Music Theory, Dave Headlam noted that our current need for information and the rate at which we consume it has changed how we interact with music. Traditional models such as written program notes, pre-concert talks, and lecture recitals may provide interesting insights, but these remain separate from the musical experience itself. An alternative to the traditional recital is to create a more integrated experience for the audience, where information is shared and music becomes more accessible—a musical informance. Headlam defines an informance as a “performance for the information age.” Reenvisioning recitals as informances deepens community impact and empowers students to become musical leaders, teachers, and innovators.

Read more

Unlocking Musicianship—One Key at a Time

Arlene Steffen

Incentives—I used to think that was a dirty word. My teaching, my encouragement, and the beautiful music I assigned should have been enough motivation for my students. While prize boxes and stickers added temporary value, they didn’t add enduring skill. External rewards didn’t always seem to result in an increase in confidence or ability when approaching a new piece. In addition, I didn’t want the extra work of keeping track of everything an incentive program requires.

Read more

Microlearning with Videos: Boost Studio Retention by Addressing Parental Challenges

Lynn Worcester Jones

Today’s piano teachers walk a tightrope: educational theory demonstrates how students thrive, yet the realities of modern family life often pull in the opposite direction. Parents juggle Zoom meetings, school pickups, and rising costs—leaving little time for the parental support that research consistently links to student motivation and persistence. Teachers must therefore find creative ways to reinforce learning beyond the studio without adding to burdens families already carry.

Read more

Rediscovering Copland’s Piano Works for Teaching and Performance

Louie Hehman

In Maurice Hinson’s seminal Guide to the Pianist’s Repertoire, the author states the following about Igor Stravinsky: “Stravinsky’s piano works, while varied and interesting, are not as important as his works in other media.” This is something I encountered when I was going through a Stravinsky phase, and it inspired me to look at what Hinson had to say about some of the other influential twentieth-century composers. When I looked up the entry on Aaron Copland, it read: “Copland’s contribution to piano literature has not been large but nevertheless important.” Then, “Copland has not forgotten the young piano student and has contributed solid works for this age group.”

Read more

Fostering Resilience in Music Students

Ann Gipson

In recent decades, psychologists, educators, and physicians have observed a decrease in resiliency among many students. Additionally, according to social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, diagnoses of mental illness in college students significantly increased in the 2010s together with increased lack of resiliency, perseverance, and grit among adolescents, teens, and college students since the pandemic. Numerous factors likely contribute to this lack of resiliency, including changing parenting styles, social media influences, and the fear and isolation caused by the pandemic.

Read more

More Articles in this Issue of Piano Magazine

Editor’s Letter – Pamela D. Pike

Questions and Answers – Rebecca Bellelo

Book Review: The Savvy Musician 2.0: Amplifying Impact, Income & Inspiration by David Cutler – Ivan Hurd

New Music & Materials – Various Authors

Recording Reviews – Various Authors

Pupil Saver – Evelyn Dias

View the Magazine

Print subscribers, your issue is on the way! Not subscribed? Use code SUMMER for 15% off your subscription. Questions? Email [email protected].

MORE FROM PIANO MAGAZINE:

Summer 2025; Vol. 17, No. 2

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It’s a Wrap! Celebrating 2025–2026 at The New School for Music Study

Written By Carla Salas-Ruiz
The New School for Music Study.

As the 2025–2026 year comes to a close, we are grateful for the many ways our community came together through music. At The New School for Music Study, a division of The Frances Clark Center, the year was marked by community performances, continued learning, and opportunities to celebrate students, teachers, and lifelong musicians.

Honoring Marvin Blickenstaff

This spring, faculty, students, alumni, and friends gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Marvin Blickenstaff. A Celebration of Life recital at Stonebridge at Montgomery and a memorial program at Nassau Presbyterian Church brought the community together through music and shared memories. Marvin’s influence as a pianist, teacher, mentor, and advocate for lifelong music-making continues to shape the work of so many. He remains an important part of the history and spirit of NSMS, and he is deeply missed.

Sharing Music with the Community

Music reached beyond the studios this year through the Lecture Recital Series programs presented at the Princeton Public Library and the Plainsboro Public Library. Faculty presentations explored a variety of repertoire and traditions while inviting audiences to discover new perspectives and musical voices.

One program to highlight, Women in Music: A Celebration of Voice and Legacy, was presented by students from the Program for Excellence in Piano Study. Presented during Women’s History Month, the performance marked the culmination of a year-long project featuring music by Valerie Capers, Amy Beach, Donna Gray, and other composers from the early Romantic period to the present.

Students introduced their repertoire and shared their own reflections on the composers and their contributions. Having composer Donna Gray in attendance made the afternoon particularly special.

A photo collage showing students and faculty from The New School for Music Study and the Program for Excellence in Piano Study.

Celebrating Student Growth

May brought another Recital Celebration Weekend, one of the most anticipated traditions of the year. More than 350 students and faculty members participated in three days of rehearsals and performances, with hundreds of family members and friends joining in the celebration.

Earlier in the spring, Piano Progressions provided students across all levels with opportunities for assessment, feedback, and goal setting. Faculty members worked collaboratively to support each student’s continued development, reflecting the shared commitment to teaching that has long defined NSMS.

Students in the Program for Excellence in Piano Study also enjoyed master classes with Senior Education Advisor Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, continuing a tradition of mentorship and artistic growth.

A student from The New School for Music Study performs at the piano for a full audience of attendees.
A student from the NSMS performs in a community recital event.

Faculty as Artists and Mentors

Throughout the year, faculty members continued to share their artistry through performances across the region and beyond. Their work as performers enriches the musical experiences they bring to students every day.

Students of Molly Sanford, Nathaniel Maxwell, Fiona Christiano, and Carla Salas Ruiz were recognized in the 2026 Piano Inspires Kids Composition Contest, reflecting the creativity and dedication fostered within the NSMS studios.

The community also celebrated the news that Molly Sanford and Carla Salas Ruiz will be published in the MTNA eJournal following their presentation at the 2026 MTNA National Conference. Their research, Beyond Professions: The Piano as a Lifelong Companion—A Multiple Case Study of Adult Pianists, highlights the important role music can play throughout life.

Phyllis Lehrer is acknowledged by an audience in a recital space.
Phyllis Lehrer in recital.

Learning Together

Professional growth remained an important part of the year. The Piano Teacher Engagement Series continued to bring together teachers from across the United States, Canada, and Germany for conversations about repertoire, pedagogy, chamber music, inclusive teaching, and studio practice.

NSMS also welcomed Craig Sale and Dr. Diana Dumlavwalla as part of this year’s residency programs. Their visits created opportunities for observation, mentoring, discussion, and collaboration among faculty, students, and postgraduate teachers.

Students pose around a piano with the "Music & Nature" issue of Piano Inspires Kids.

Celebrating Creativity

The fifth annual Silent Film Celebration brought together 116 participants representing 29 teachers. Supported by families, sponsors, and community partners, the event continues to be a favorite tradition and a wonderful example of creativity and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

Planning is already underway for 2026–2027. As a division of The Frances Clark Center, The New School for Music Study has always been guided by the belief that music has the power to enrich lives and bring people together. Looking back on this year, we are grateful for the students, families, faculty, alumni, and friends who make that mission possible every day.

Thank you for being part of another memorable year. We look forward to all that lies ahead and to continuing to learn, share, and make music together.

Learn more about teaching and professional development opportunities at The New School for Music Study by clicking here.

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Then and Now: A Retrospective of the New School for Music Study’s Sixty Years

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The Frances Clark Center Celebrates Phyllis Lehrer and Her Enduring Legacy in Piano Education

Written By Piano Inspires

PRESS RELEASE: 16 JUNE 2026

Princeton, NJ – On June 6, 2026, The Frances Clark Center honored distinguished pianist, teacher, author, and pedagogue Phyllis Lehrer with a special celebratory concert at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton. The event recognized her extraordinary contributions to the field of piano education and celebrated her lasting impact on generations of teachers and students.

The concert featured Lehrer throughout the program in performances with colleagues and longtime musical collaborators, celebrating a lifetime dedicated to artistic excellence, teaching, and service to the piano profession. The event brought together students, friends, colleagues, and members of the piano community to honor her remarkable career and enduring influence.

For nearly fifty years, Lehrer has shaped the field of piano education through her teaching, mentorship, publications, and leadership. A longtime faculty member and Chair of the Piano Department at Westminster Choir College, she worked closely with Frances Clark and Louise Goss to strengthen connections between Westminster and The New School for Music Study.

“Throughout her career, Phyllis has helped generations of students and teachers discover the beauty and power of music,” said Dr. Jennifer Snow, President and CEO of The Frances Clark Center. “Her deep devotion to education and human development through music has shaped countless lives. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, generosity, and enduring commitment to advancing our profession.”

Created to honor Lehrer’s extraordinary contributions, the Phyllis Lehrer Piano Pedagogy & Artistry Fund supports high-quality teacher education and student programming that reflect the values she has championed throughout her distinguished career. The fund supports initiatives at The Frances Clark Center and The New School for Music Study, including the Program for Excellence in Piano Study (PEPS), chamber music, and other emerging programs that foster artistic growth and educational excellence.

“Few individuals have shaped the field of piano pedagogy as profoundly as Phyllis Lehrer,” said Samuel S. Holland, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Frances Clark Center. “Through her teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and artistry, she has influenced generations of musicians and educators. The Phyllis Lehrer Piano Pedagogy & Artistry Fund ensures that her commitment to excellence, innovation, and artistic growth will continue to inspire teachers and students for years to come.” To learn more about the Phyllis Lehrer Piano Pedagogy & Artistry Fund, please visit:

https://pianoinspires.com/phyllis-lehrer/

Give in Honor of Phyllis Lehrer
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Webinar Highlights – Spring 2026

Written By Piano Inspires
A photo showing a pianist with their hands above a keyboard in response to sound.

Look back at our inspiring spring 2026 webinar series featuring discussions about innovation, sustainability, new research, and impact. Learn more below!

Strategies for Effective Teaching and Learning

Led by Dr. Andrea McAlister, this three-part series is designed to spark discussion, reflection, and community among teachers of all stages of their careers. Based on the Foundational Pedagogy Course from the Frances Clark Center, these interactive sessions will explore essential topics of piano teaching and learning—no purchase or course enrollment required. Connect with colleagues, share ideas, and deepen your understanding of effective teaching practices in a supportive environment. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/strategies-for-effective-teaching-and-learning/

Strategies for Effective Teaching and Learning
Communication and Motivation

Led by Dr. Andrea McAlister, this three-part series is designed to spark discussion, reflection, and community among teachers of all stages of their careers. Based on the Foundational Pedagogy Course from the Frances Clark Center, these interactive sessions will explore essential topics of piano teaching and learning—no purchase or course enrollment required. Connect with colleagues, share ideas, and deepen your understanding of effective teaching practices in a supportive environment. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/communication-and-motivation/.

Communication and Motivation
Curriculum and Lesson Planning

Led by Dr. Andrea McAlister, this three-part series is designed to spark discussion, reflection, and community among teachers of all stages of their careers. Based on the Foundational Pedagogy Course from the Frances Clark Center, these interactive sessions will explore essential topics of piano teaching and learning—no purchase or course enrollment required. Connect with colleagues, share ideas, and deepen your understanding of effective teaching practices in a supportive environment. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/curriculum-and-lesson-planning/.

Curriculum and Lesson Planning
Innovation – Rethinking Sustainability: Building Economic Models that Work

What does a sustainable career in music look like today, and how can we design economic models that truly support our work and values? In this Innovation Webinar, guest host Heather Smith will guide a thought-provoking session on creating financially viable, mission-driven models for music education and community engagement. We’ll explore real-life examples, unpack common challenges, and share tools for reimagining income streams, partnerships, and program structures. Whether you’re an independent teacher, nonprofit leader, or part of an institution, this webinar will help you take concrete steps toward a more sustainable and impactful future. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/innovation-rethinking-sustainability-building-economic-models-that-work/.

Innovation – Rethinking Sustainability: Building Economic Models that Work
Economic Models: Building a Career for the Future

Building a career as musicians and educators requires nimble and bold approaches when building a career that starts “here and now” while navigating the steps that move towards a sustainable future. Join us as we ask important questions of one another when considering economic models in our professional paths and connect with professionals building such careers for the future. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/peer-connections-economic-models-building-a-career-for-the-future/.

Peer Connections – Economic Models: Building a Career for the Future
Recent Music Research – From Touch to Technology: A Tactile Feedback Device as a Pedagogical Tool in Piano Education

Tactile feedback has long been central to piano teaching with teachers often relying on physical touch to adjust posture and guide technical coordination in ways that words or demonstrations alone cannot fully convey. This program will summarize a research project that involved a tactile feedback device which delivered vibration cues to the student’s finger in real time. Results indicate that tactile feedback through the device provides more immediate and intuitive guidance than verbal or visual cues alone, with the student responding more quickly to corrections and showing greater accuracy in making adjustments. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/from-touch-to-technology-a-tactile-feedback-device-as-a-pedagogical-tool-in-piano-education/.

Recent Music Research – From Touch to Technology: A Tactile Feedback Device as a Pedagogical Tool in Piano Education
Community Impact – Synergy: The Power of Collaboration

True synergy occurs when collaboration achieves more than the sum of individual efforts. Drs. Lopez and Sanchez, co-founders of the North Texas International Piano Pedagogy Symposium, will discuss how their partnership filled a critical need in their community—and how their teamwork continues to inspire global impact. Discover strategies for fostering powerful alliances in your own work. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/community-impact-synergy-the-power-of-collaboration/.

Community Impact – Synergy: The Power of Collaboration
Innovation – Legacy and Mentorship: Cultivating the Future of Piano Education

Innovation doesn’t end with new ideas—it lives on through the people we mentor and the values we pass on. In this final installment of our post-Summit webinar series, we’ll reflect on the role of legacy and mentorship in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for piano education. What do we hope to leave behind? Who are we lifting up along the way? Through storytelling, dialogue, and reflection, we’ll explore how to mentor with intention, build intergenerational connections, and ensure that the future of our field is one of care, creativity, and community. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned educator, this session will inspire you to lead forward with purpose. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/innovation-legacy-and-mentorship-cultivating-the-future-of-piano-education/.

Innovation – Legacy and Mentorship: Cultivating the Future of Piano Education
Peer Connections – Beyond Academia: Making the Degree Work for You – Expanding Career Options Outside Academia

While performing and teaching are top of mind when envisioning what comes next after completing a music degree, there may be innovative professional opportunities yet to discover. Come join a lively discussion with creatives in this space about expanding career options outside academia. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/peer-connections-beyond-academia/.

Peer Connections – Beyond Academia: Making the Degree Work for You – Expanding Career Options Outside Academia
2026 Collegiate Connections Webinar

The Collegiate Connections Webinar will highlight the outstanding work of pedagogy and collegiate groups. This a unique opportunity for selected groups of students to have their class projects featured by The Frances Clark Center. Join us at the 2025-26 Collegiate Connection Event on Friday, April 24, 2026 11:00 AM-12:30 PM Eastern. We look forward to highlighting the outstanding work of pedagogy and collegiate groups and to foster global community engagement among our collegiate cohorts and faculty. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/collegiate-connections-2026/.

2026 Collegiate Connections Webinar
Community Impact – Stride: Pacing Progress & Sustaining Momentum

As we close this season, we’ll reflect on our collective progress and explore how to maintain forward motion. This session will focus on:

  • Steadiness – Building endurance for long-term goals.
  • Stamina – Avoiding burnout while pushing forward.
  • Sustainability – Ensuring efforts create lasting change.

Join us for an actionable discussion on pacing, resilience, and keeping your stride even after challenges arise. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/community-impact-stride-pacing-progress-sustaining-momentum/.

Community Impact – Stride: Pacing Progress & Sustaining Momentum

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Improvisation in the Studio

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Spotlight on Chee-Hwa Tan

Written By Curtis Pavey
Black and white profile of Chee-Hwa Tan at a grand piano
Chee-Hwa Tan, Pianist


Chee-Hwa Tan is a member of The Frances Clark Center Board of Trustees and is a composer, pianist, and teacher. In addition to serving on the faculty of the University of Denver Lamont School of Music, she has taught at Oberlin Conservatory and Southern Methodist University. Her works for pianists of all levels are published by Piano Safari and the Royal Conservatory of Music. Read more below to learn more about her work in piano pedagogy through The Frances Clark Center.

PODCAST: Chee-Hwa Tan, Composer, Pianist, and Teacher with Alejandro Cremaschi | S1 E8

Get to know pianist, composer, and teacher Chee-Hwa Tan in this podcast episode from season 1 of the Piano Inspires Podcast. Beginning with her early piano lessons, Tan discusses influences of her early career, her work as a composer, and what she thinks lies ahead for our field. Listen to the full episode by clicking here:

https://pianoinspires.com/chee-hwa-tan-composer-pianist-and-teacher-with-alejandro-cremaschi-s1-e8/

Chee-Hwa Tan, Composer, Pianist, and Teacher with Alejandro Cremaschi | S1 E8
WEBINAR: Composers and Music of Asian Heritage

In this webinar with Yoshiko Arahata, Kairy Koshoeva, and Gulimina Mahamuti, host Chee-Hwa Tan leads a conversation about teaching and performing music by composers of Asian heritage. As part of their discussion, they discuss the challenges of accessing music and introducing this music to students. Learn more about these composers, click here:

https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/2-14-24-webinar/

Composers and Music of Asian Heritage
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Spring 2022: Create to Motivate: Using Repertoire to Incorporate Creativity in Lessons by Chee-Hwa Tan

Do you have trouble incorporating composition and improvisation into your lessons? In this article, Tan describes how she uses repertoire as a starting point for improvisation and creativity in lessons, allowing students to explore different sounds, colors, and harmonies within a structured activity. Read the entire article by clicking below:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/create-to-motivate-using-repertoire-to-incorporate-creativity-in-lessons/

Spring 2022: Create to Motivate: Using Repertoire to Incorporate Creativity in Lessons
WEBINAR: Chee-Hwa Tan with Jennifer Snow and Chee-Hwa Tan

Interested in discovering more about Chee-Hwa Tan’s work as a composer? In this webinar, host Jennifer Snow interviews Chee-Hwa Tan to learn more about her educational philosophy and the principles behind her compositions. Hear Tan’s thoughts by clicking on the link below:

https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/chee-hwa-tan/

Chee-Hwa Tan
WEBINAR: Piano Music by Composers of Asian Heritage

In this two-part webinar with host Chee-Hwa Tan and guests Li-Ly Chang, Alexina Louie, and Naoko Ikeda, piano music by composers of Asian heritage receives a spotlight. In each of these webinars, the panelists share the inspirations behind their numerous compositions for pianists of all levels. Discover their incredible work below:

Piano Music by Composers of Asian Heritage
Piano Music by Composers of Asian Heritage, Part 2

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Create to Motivate: Using Repertoire to Incorporate Creativity in Lessons

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Announcing Summer 2026 – Piano Inspires Kids: Video Game Music 

Written By Piano Inspires

The Summer 2026 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 Summer Issue.

A decorative graphic featuring a keyboard, a grand piano with an eighth note, and the Piano Inspires Kids logo.

We’re thrilled to announce the release of the Summer 2026 issue of Piano Inspires Kids—Video Game Music. In this issue, you’ll discover:

  • How video game music has evolved over the years, 
  • Ludomusicologists who study the music of video games,
  • Student video game winning scores, 
  • Birthday wishes to two famous pianists and the USA!
The cover of Piano Inspires Kids Summer 2026 Issue featuring green banners and a digitalized piano with the words "Video Gamer Music."
Congratulations to the Student Composition Winners!

Congratulations to Adam, Cassia, Janelle, Kendall, and Tallon, the 2026 Composition Contest Winners! Play their music in the Summer issue, and download their scores, along with the runner-up scores of Eden, Elle, Grace, Jay, Marco, Victoria, and Jaalah, on our website kids.pianoinspires.com/new-music. 

Special congratulations also go to students receiving honorable mentions: Charlie, Ella L, Mayka, Iris, Wynne, Charlotte, Emma, Khoa, Logan, Lucy, Seth, and Lane. 

Listen to all the winners, runner-ups, and honorable mention performances on YouTube @pianoinspireskids!

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Want to learn more about Piano Inspires Kids? Watch our webinar, “Inside Piano Inspires Kids: A New Publication of the Frances Clark Center” with Co-Editors-in-Chief Sara Ernst and Andrea McAlister: click here.

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Piano Inspires Kids: An Interview with Co-Editors-in-Chief Andrea McAlister and Sara Ernst

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This Month in Piano History – June 2026

Written By Megan Hall

This month, we celebrate the tremendous impact of Black musicians and composers, and two influential composers—one from the 21st century and another from the 18th century!

June: African American Music Appreciation Month

Founded by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this holiday celebrates the influence, genius, and creativity of Black musicians and composers in the United States and the world. Genres like jazz, blues, and gospel music have strong roots in African American culture, and we celebrate these genres as well as the musicians who created them.

Interested in incorporating more music by Black composers in your studio this month? Check out some of the following resources from PianoInspires.com!

Music by Black Composers from Outside the USA
Publications
White: Images, Thirteen Expressions for Intermediate Piano
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson: Scherzo and Toccata

June 4, 2023: Death of George Winston

George Winston was a beloved contemporary American composer and Grammy winner, known for instrumental, seasonal albums of solo piano music such as December and Autumn.

A skilled harmonicist, guitarist, pianist, and composer, Winston’s blend of contemporary and folk styles created new sounds and possibilities on the piano.  With 16 solo piano albums crossing multiple genres and styles, he was beloved by students and lovers of music of all ages and tastes.

Album cover for George Winston's piano album "December," which features a snowy nature landscape.

June 21, 1732: Birth of Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach

The fifth son of J.S. Bach, Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach, was born in Leipzig in 1732.  A student of his father, he was a skilled keyboard player and composer, and left behind a significant collection of works for solo keyboard instruments, as well as chamber, orchestral, and vocal works, including many cantatas and oratorios.  Nicknamed the “Bückeburg Bach,” he spent much of his career as a harpsichordist and concert master in Bückeburg, Germany.

A portrait of Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach against a brown background.
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Music by Black Composers from Outside the USA

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Phyllis Lehrer Piano Pedagogy & Artistry Fund

Written By Piano Inspires
Phyllis Lehrer professional headshot, smiling in a gray top against a neutral background.
Phyllis Lehrer

For nearly fifty years, Phyllis Lehrer has shaped the field of piano education through her teaching, mentorship, publications, and leadership. Her influence spans generations, touching the lives of her students and the countless individuals they now teach. The Phyllis Lehrer Piano Pedagogy & Artistry Fund supports high-quality teacher education and student programming that reflect the values Phyllis has championed throughout her distinguished career. This includes student enrichment opportunities at The New School for Music Study, including the Program for Excellence in Piano Study (PEPS), chamber music, and other emerging initiatives that support artistic growth and educational excellence. 

Created to honor her extraordinary contributions, the fund ensures that Phyllis’s legacy continues to inspire the future of piano teaching and learning. Guided by her lifelong dedication to musical excellence, educational innovation, and the transformative power of teaching, the fund provides a lasting foundation for artistic growth and professional development in piano pedagogy.

Donate online

Reflections from Students and Friends

The Cottone Family

Mrs. Lehrer has been a beacon of inspiration in our children’s musical journey. By balancing her support and encouragement with goal-oriented expectations, she has developed not only their skills as classical pianists, but also their confidence, discipline, and love of music. They eagerly anticipate their weekly lessons, which reflects the care and joy she brings to her teaching. Through her guidance, she continually stretches them to excel as she recognizes their potential. She does all this with a warm, patient, and loving heart that is felt by both our children and us, their parents, as well. We are deeply grateful for the impact Mrs. Lehrer has and will continue to have on our children.

Students of Phyllis Lehrer posing for a picture with her in a church sanctuary.
Terri Hlubek

Phyllis Lehrer is an extraordinary teacher. She was the heart, the guide, and the inspiration behind my years at Westminster Choir College and beyond. Her passion for learning, her unwavering patience, and the joy she brought to each lesson touched me in so many ways. She believed in me before I believed in myself, and that gift will stay with me forever. Like a ripple in the water, I’m passing her gift on to my students.

Valerie Cuppens Bates

Phyllis Lehrer was not one of my “direct” teachers in the studio or classroom, and yet she was one of my most important teachers. It was her quiet presence and artistry that set her apart. She is genuinely humble—an artist, a teacher, and a devoted mother, wife, daughter, and friend. With Phyllis, I always felt seen and truly listened to. I come from a family of piano teachers, so it was perhaps inevitable that I would become one as well. I feel fortunate to have studied with Phyllis through her workshops and master classes, where her influence remains both profound and lasting.

Valerie Cuppens-Bates and Yat-Yee Chong pose for a picture with Phyllis Lehrer against a gray background.

Your gift ensures Phyllis’s inspiring work continues for generations to come.

Give in honor of phyllis lehrer

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Then and Now: A Retrospective of the New School for Music Study’s Sixty Years

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Spotlight on E.L. Lancaster

Written By Curtis Pavey
Headshot of EL Lancaster in a suit against a gray backdrop.
E.L. Lancaster

E.L. Lancaster is a member of The Frances Clark Center Board of Trustees and a faculty member at California State University Northridge. With dozens of publications for developing pianists, Lancaster is one of the most respected composers and arrangers in the field. The chair of many important pedagogy programs, Lancaster has also served on the faculties of the University of Oklahoma. In 2019, The Frances Clark Center honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Read more below to learn more about his work in piano pedagogy through The Frances Clark Center.

MAGAZINE ARTICLE: How Do You Assign Repertoire to the “Overstretched” Student Who Has Little Time to Practice? by Nancy Bachus, Sheila Vail, and E.L. Lancaster

Do you have students that are chronically busy and unable to maintain a regular practice schedule? In this article, E.L. Lancaster contributes his thoughts about these students and provides a detailed description of his strategies. While encouraging flexibility, he reminds us that we need to carefully consider a student’s various activities, their short- and long-term goals, and an engaging lesson plan. Learn more about his approach by clicking here:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/how-do-you-assign-repertoire-to-the-overstretched-student-who-has-little-time-to-practice/

How Do You Assign Repertoire to the “Overstretched” Student Who Has Little Time to Practice?
WEBINAR: From Rote to Note: Nine Pieces that Reinforce Theory and Technique with E.L. Lancaster and Kevin Olson

In this webinar, E.L. Lancaster and Kevin Olson describe their philosophy and compositional work behind a new publication from The Frances Clark Center, From Rote to Note. The book contains nine pieces designed to help students and their teachers explore piano playing using rote teaching. Watch the webinar and order your copy below:

From Rote to Note: Nine Pieces that Reinforce Theory and Technique
From Rote to Note
WEBINAR: From Rote to Note, Book 2: Late Elementary to Early Intermediate Piano Studies that Reinforce Theory and Technique with E. L. Lancaster and Omar Roy

After the success of the first book, The Frances Clark Center published From Rote to Note, Book 2, co-authored by E.L. Lancaster and Omar Roy. In this book twelve new pieces are included, written for late elementary and early intermediate pianists. Discover their new pieces and order your copy here:

From Rote to Note, Book 2: Late Elementary to Early Intermediate Piano Studies that Reinforce Theory and Technique
From Rote to Note, Book 2
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: How Important Are Editions for the Earliest Repertoire? by Martha Appleby, Carol Leone, and E.L. Lancaster

As teachers, we all know the importance of having a good edition for our students to use in lessons and practice. How does one decide between using a performance edition and an urtext edition? In his contribution, Lancaster promotes the idea that a performance edition may be the more practical choice for students encountering unfamiliar repertoire for the first time. Read his full commentary by clicking here:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/how-important-are-editions-for-the-earliest-repertoire/

How Important Are Editions for the Earliest Repertoire?
DISCOVERY PAGE: Tips for Rote Teaching: Special Guest Q&A with Expert E.L. Lancaster by E.L. Lancaster

Do you have questions about rote teaching and its benefits? In this Discovery Page post, Lancaster answers your most pressing questions about rote teaching including:

  • Is rote teaching just for beginning students?
  • Do you have a favorite counting system to use when teaching rote pieces?
  • What are some tips on helping students remember the piece when teaching by rote?

Learn his expert tips by clicking here:

https://pianoinspires.com/tips-for-rote-teaching-special-guest-qa-with-expert-e-l-lancaster/

Tips for Rote Teaching: Special Guest Q&A with Expert E.L. Lancaster

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E.L. Lancaster, A Lifetime of Teaching, Publishing, and Inspiring Through Piano | S3 E2 

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Spotlight on Susanna Garcia

Written By Curtis Pavey
Susanna Garcia
Susanna Garcia

Susanna Garcia is a member of The Frances Clark Center Board of Trustees and Professor Emerita at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. An author of the award winning eNovativePiano program with Chan Kiat Lim, Garcia has led a distinguished career as a pianist, author, and educator. In 2025, she was recognized with The Frances Clark Center Lifetime Achievement Award for her impact on the field. Read more below to learn more about her work in piano pedagogy through The Frances Clark Center.

VIDEO: Chopin: Waltz in B Minor, Op. 69, No. 2 by Susanna Garcia

Get a glimpse of Garcia’s teaching expertise with this Inspiring Artistry video featuring Chopin’s Waltz in B Minor. In the video, she describes the types of exercises she would use to help a student master the technical and musical challenges of the piece, including the waltz bass accompaniment pattern. If you or a student you know is working on a waltz, this video will provide applicable tips for any waltz. Learn more about Garcia’s approach here:

https://pianoinspires.com/video/chopin-waltz-in-b-minor-op-69-no-2/

Chopin: Waltz in B Minor, Op. 69, No. 2
WEBINAR: Publications Launch Party: An Introduction to Thomas Henderson Kerr Jr. and Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel? with Susanna Garcia and William Chapman Nyaho

In this celebratory webinar, The Frances Clark Center launches the first of many publications to come of works by Thomas Henderson Kerr Jr. An African American composer, Kerr composed a significant amount of piano music, music of which remains unpublished. Along with William Chapman Nyaho, Garcia has been a leading advocate for the performance and study of these works. Discover this work by Kerr by watching the webinar here:

https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/5-8-24-webinar/

Publications Launch Party: An Introduction to Thomas Henderson Kerr Jr. and Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel?
Publications by Thomas Henderson Kerr Jr.
Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel
Dancétudes
Easter Monday Swagger
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: The Distinctive Voice of Thomas H. Kerr by Susanna Garcia

Dive deeper into the man behind the music in this article by Susanna Garcia. Beginning with a biographical sketch, the article traces Kerr’s beginnings as a pianist and organist to his days as a professor at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The article also provides a detailed discussion of the three publications of The Frances Clark Center featuring his piano works. Learn more by clicking here:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/the-distinctive-voice-of-thomas-h-kerr/

The Distinctive Voice of Thomas H. Kerr
VIDEO: Thomas Henderson Kerr: Dancétudes: 7 Vignettes of Dolls and Pets by Susanna Garcia

Feeling inspired to study the works of Thomas Henderson Kerr? This Inspiring Artistry video by Garcia explores his Dancétudes: 7 Vignettes of Dolls and Pets in detail. Each of the vignettes is explored with discussion to help pianists overcome the musical and technical challenges of the work. Watch the full video by clicking below:

https://pianoinspires.com/video/thomas-henderson-kerr-dancetudes-7-vignettes-of-dolls-and-pets/

Thomas Henderson Kerr: Dancétudes: 7 Vignettes of Dolls and Pets
COURSE: Piano Teaching through the Lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

One of the most recent courses published by The Frances Clark Center, this course explores elements of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and their relationship to piano and music lessons. A lead contributor, Garcia’s course contributions center on equitable practices exploring piano lesson scholarships, bartering, and community partnerships that can provide access to piano lessons for all. Learn more about her ideas by enrolling in the course linked below:

https://francesclarkcenter.thinkific.com/courses/dei

DEI Webinars

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Exceptional Lives In Music: A Look at the Frances Clark Center 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees

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