In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, Artina McCain interviews pianist Jerry Wong. Wong reflects on his educational path and his work as a professor in Australia at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Listen now for an inspiring and insightful conversation with Jerry Wong!
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We would like to thank Ansel Mapp 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.
Teaching at NSMS has been a thoroughly enriching experience. There have been many wonderful teaching moments, and I have learned so much through my experiences at NSMS. My biggest breakthrough teaching at NSMS is an all important quote that I have applied throughout all of my lessons, and that is: “teaching is not telling”. One misconception I had before coming to NSMS was that my foremost job as a teacher was to guide students to play the piano through my words. Of course as a teacher I could model occasionally for the student, but I believed my main tool for teaching was words. After taking part in the postgraduate teaching program, I now have a variety of tools which I can use to be an effective teacher and not simply telling a student how to play.
One way the saying “teaching is not telling” bears out is in the importance of modeling good playing for students. You can describe the accurate way to play or phrase a melody, but what better way for students to learn how to play than to listen to their wonderful teacher? “Teaching is not telling” also helps me find creative and fun ways to disseminate information. Rather than just telling a student, “play this passage softer” I can make them an active participant in their musical experience by asking them guided questions that make them critically evaluate the character of the music they are playing. Simply asking a question like, “should a piece called Rocket Ship be loud or soft?” allows students to be more engaged than saying “play louder” and works even with young beginners.
If teaching is not telling, then what is teaching? Another aspect of teaching is cultivating ownership. In one of my lessons, I have a student who routinely does not practice. Rather than accost the student constantly, I’ve found it more helpful to create a practice routine in the lessons themselves. This routine starts with a checklist of note-reading, rhythm work, and identifying intervals all before the student plays a piece. For note-reading, I’ll give the student a whiteboard and allow them to find notes using landmark pitches as a reference. The important part of this process is to let the student make their mistakes, letting them know they are close to the correct answer. For rhythm work, I ask a student for the time signature of the piece and have them mark the quarter notes, half notes, dotted half notes, etc. with different shapes. Then, I have the student tap the rhythm. I follow a similar process for having the student identify intervals, having them mark seconds, thirds, fourths and fifths on the page. This process is completely different from telling the student “this piece is in 3/4 time, watch out for the seconds and thirds”, and gives the student ownership of their creative process.
Another large part of teaching that is not “telling” is building rapport with students. If a student trusts you, they are more likely to follow instruction and actualize their musical potential. Inquiry and leading with curiosity goes a long way with students. Asking questions about how a student is doing and what their favorite music of the moment is has been very helpful for me to build a relationship with them. This relationship is important because when the musical work gets challenging, the students will ultimately trust you have their best interest at heart.
Teaching is so much more than telling. From modeling good playing to asking pointed questions, and cultivating ownership and building rapport, there are many more aspects of teaching than simply using words. As I’ve taught at NSMS I’ve grown my teaching toolbox to incorporate these techniques and more, and it has been a marvelous breakthrough in my teaching.
Interested in applying to the NSMS Postgraduate Teaching Program? Applications are due on April 17, 2026. Learn more and apply now by clicking here.
Ansel Mapp holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he studied with Dr. Min Kwon, and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Music and Philosophy from Baylor University, where he studied with Dr. Terry Lynn Hudson. He is currently enrolled in the postgraduate teaching program and serves on the faculty at NSMS, where he is committed to cultivating thoughtful, engaged musicians through curiosity, creativity, and active learning.
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To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Christopher Fisher, we are spotlighting his extensive scholarship and research published by The Frances Clark Center. Christopher Fisher is Professor of Piano at Ohio University. Author of the influential book Teaching Piano in Groups published by Oxford University Press, Fisher is a leading author and pedagogue. Read more below to learn about his work on group piano, teaching intermediate students, the Piano Safari method, and more.
If you struggle to find pieces that will motivate and inspire teenage pianists, then this is the article for you! Along with Nancy Bachus, Mary Ann Head, and Kate Guehlstorff, Fisher highlights pieces that are gems of the intermediate and early advanced repertoire including “Warrior’s Song, Op. 45, No. 15” by Stephen Heller and Robert Starer’s Sketches in Color. Learn more about Fisher’s approach to motivating these pianists by clicking here:
Do you work with recreational music makers? Christopher Fisher was one of the contributors to The Frances Clark Center’s course that explains the movement behind Recreational Music Making (RMM) and provides teaching tips and strategies to help any teacher succeed. In particular, Fisher discusses the power of cooperative learning theory and its potential in group piano teaching. Learn more and enroll now here:
The Piano Safari method is well known for its innovative approach to educating new pianists with improvisation, rote pieces, and more. Christopher Fisher and Wendy Lynn Stevens are contributors to the series alongside authors Katherine Fisher and Julie Knerr. In this review by Rebecca Grooms Johnson, Lizbeth Atkinson, and Sylvia Coats, they describe the effectiveness of the method and tips for making the series a hit in any studio. Discover more about this exciting series here:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/method-reviews-return-a-review-of-piano-safari/
In this review of Piano Duet Repertoire, Carolyn True describes the impressive updates to the second edition of this work led by authors Christopher and Katherine Fisher. The book includes repertoire for both piano four hands as well as ensemble music including piano four hands. Learn more about their work in this volume by reading this article:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/book-review-piano-duet-repertoire/
Want to learn more about Fisher? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Fisher on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or our website!
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Tune in to the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast with host Pamela Pike interviews pianist, teacher, and composer Christopher Fisher. Fisher, who serves as Professor of Piano at Ohio University, shares about his passion for teaching, his interest in group piano pedagogy, and the ways in which the piano and music can enhance connection between people around the world. Join us for an exciting and inspiring conversation!
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To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Tony Caramia, we are spotlighting his extensive scholarship and research published by The Frances Clark Center. Tony Caramia is Professor of Piano and Director of the Piano Pedagogy Studies at the Eastman School of Music. In 2021, he was honored by The Frances Clark Center with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his research, service, and contributions to piano education. Author of numerous resources on piano pedagogy, Caramia is a specialist in jazz pedagogy. Read more below about his scholarship published by The Frances Clark Center.
In this article, Tony Caramia writes about the life and work of pianist and composer Dana Suesse. A prominent jazz musician and composer, she wrote a great variety of works including her Concerto in Three Rhythms, which was inspired partially by Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.1 Learn more about this American treasure by clicking here:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/discovering-dana-a-hidden-american-treasure/
Gershwin’s Prelude No. 2 is renowned for its passionate, bluesy style. In this article by Tony Caramia, he traces its history, compares recordings, and offers performance suggestions. Interested in learning more about this Gershwin prelude? Read more by clicking here:
In this video collaboration with Diana Dumlavwalla and Chris Madden, Tony Caramia shares his tips to help pianists and piano teachers with the problem of “ignoring dynamics.” Using a story from one of his master classes, Caramia provides an insightful comparison about speech and music. Learn all of Caramia’s advice by watching the full video at this link:
Do you ever wonder how early to start working with students in jazz styles? In this article by Martha Appleby, Ann Collins, and Tony Caramia, he provides tips and tricks to help jazz styles sound magnificent in the hands of developing students. With examples from the literature, this article is a wealth of information about teaching jazz styles. Discover these practical tips about teaching jazz to beginning students by clicking here:
Suggestions for teaching technique abound in this article by Tony Caramia and others about music reading and technique. In his response to the question, Caramia highlights the effectiveness of various approaches, but especially the potential for improvisation. Read Carmia’s full response by clicking here:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/keyboard-companion-autumn-1997-vol-8-no-3/
Want to learn more about Caramia? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Caramia on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or our website!
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In the latest episode of the Piano Inspires podcast, host Craig Sale sits down with renowned pianist and pedagogue Tony Caramia. Their conversation includes Caramia’s early experiences in both jazz and classical music, traces his diverse career path, and delves into his thoughtful perspectives on the future of piano pedagogy. Tune in for an enlightening and inspiring discussion.
A special thank you to Piano Marvel for sponsoring this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast!
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Collegiate Connections, a professional engagement initiative for students and faculty, supports the innovative work of emerging leaders, scholars, and artists. The program provides opportunities for collegiate groups and classes to submit term and annual projects to be showcased in an online national event. The program aims to foster peer connections and collaboration through the exchange of ideas, scholarship, and dialogue from across the country.
We invite collegiate groups in pedagogy, repertoire, related performance and interdisciplinary classes along with their faculty mentors to submit a group project. Projects may cover a wide range of topics such as creative teaching projects, lecture and musical presentations, community engagement, social justice, business entrepreneurship projects, and more. We welcome all group submissions.
Selected group projects will be featured in the inaugural Collegiate Connections online national event on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Eastern. The online gathering aims to foster community exchange and will highlight these innovative and collaborative projects from selected collegiate groups and their faculty mentors. Selected projects may also be included in various Piano Inspires online and print resources, such as Inspiring Artistry, From the Artist Bench, Discovery Page, Piano Magazine, and Piano Inspires Kids.
The Proposals Submission Portal is open now. The deadline for project proposal submission is March 30, 2026. Please visit pianoinspires.com for submission information. Please join us as we explore and amplify the dynamic work of the next generation of piano educators and trailblazers.
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Through various conferences, pedagogy classes, and networking opportunities during my time as a master’s student, I heard countless stories of well-known pianists and pedagogues who have either taught at NSMS or have contributed to the various resources that The Frances Clark Center offers.
Hearing not just one, but multiple first-hand accounts of experiences with the NSMS Teaching Program truly revealed what a formative experience it was in their teaching journey. Hearing someone else talk about how wonderful their time was elicited a desire to experience the same (and I have!).
The encouragement of teachers who I respect and trust had high remarks about the program and encouraged me to apply, seeing it as a highly beneficial next step in my musical journey.
The program offers a highly unique opportunity to simultaneously gain real-world teaching experience while also being mentored, and all in a manner that is tailored to the individual. NSMS has designed the program to assist the mentee in their discovery of their own teaching identity while pouring into them the leading research and pedagogical practices of the piano field. Having access to this rich environment is an opportunity that I do not foresee myself having in the future, and is truly the perfect program for a recent graduate.
Becoming a part of The Frances Clark Center network means creating lifelong friendships and professional acquaintances. Being surrounded by a close-knit community of fellow pianists and pedagogues not only provides connections through which to grow as a teacher, but more importantly, forms lasting bonds over something so integral to who I am. NSMS is the perfect place to experience and create the musical moments that serve as the backbone for these relationships, growing together with colleagues, friends, and an entire generation of developing musicians.
Nathaniel Maxwell holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma and undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Music from Duke University. He is currently enrolled in the postgraduate teaching program and serves on the faculty at NSMS, where he is committed to fostering students’ musical development and appreciation for the piano.
Interested in applying to the NSMS Postgraduate Teaching Program? Applications are due on April 17, 2026. Learn more and apply now by clicking here.
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In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, host Artina McCain interviews Carol Leone, Professor of Piano and Chair of Piano Studies at Southern Methodist University. She shares insights from her musical training, reflects on her journey as an educator, and discusses her work with ergonomic keyboards to promote healthier, more accessible piano playing. Join us for an informative and insightful conversation with Carol Leone!
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To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Carol Leone, we are spotlighting her extensive scholarship and research published by The Frances Clark Center. Dr. Carol Leone is Professor of Piano and Chair of Piano Studies at Southern Methodist University. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and the University of North Texas, Dr. Leone is in demand as a competition adjudicator and recitalist worldwide. In addition to numerous recordings, Dr. Leone is well known for her scholarship on varied topics. Read more below to learn about her approach to interpreting advanced repertoire, understanding performance practice, and working with reduced-size keyboards.
In this article, Leone shares important stylistic tips for understanding Baroque music and how these elements can sometimes conflict with edited scores. Using the pieces from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach as a reference point, she walks the reader through a number of challenges including determining tempo, articulation, and dynamics. Learn from her ideas, as well as those of Martha Appleby and E. L. Lancaster in this article below:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/how-important-are-editions-for-the-earliest-repertoire/
Have you ever noticed that your hand size or the hand size of one of your students doesn’t adequately fit the keyboard? Perhaps octaves or wider intervals feel “stretchy” or out of reach/ If so, then this article about reduced-size keyboards will illuminate a fascinating solution to a common challenge. In this article, Leone discusses her experience using these keyboards both in her own work and with students. Discover her approach below:
In this webinar featuring Ju-Yang (Dino) Chi, Rhonda Boyle, Carol Leone, Erica Booker, and Alejandro Cremaschi, learn about recent research that describes the benefits of reduced-size keyboards. Leone joins the conversation towards the end to discuss her experience with these keyboards and makes the case for greater implementation. Listen to the full webinar at the link below:
In this webinar on Beethoven, Leone demystifies challenges with the slow movements from Beethoven’s piano sonatas. Many pianists struggle to find an appropriate tempo and character for these works, and Leone provides her tips for interpreting these works. Discover her approach by using the link below:
In this From the Artist Bench video, Leone provides her expert tips for interpreting Chopin’s magnificent Polonaise Fantasie, Op. 61. Leone begins by discussing five special features, shares her ideas about the structure, and then performs the piece entirely. Enjoy her remarkable lecture recital at the link below:
Want to learn more about Leone? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Leone on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or our website!
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We are looking forward to connecting with you at MTNA 2026! Visit us at booth #602 and #603 in the exhibit hall.
In collaboration with the Music Teachers National Association, The Frances Clark Center invites you to join us for a special gathering honoring the life and legacy of Marvin Blickenstaff.
Music Teachers National Association Annual Conference
Chicago Ballroom D
Sunday, March 22, 2026
6:15 PM
We hope you will join us for this time of remembrance and shared appreciation.
Prize #1: Studio Resources
Prize #2: Repertoire
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Announcing the Spring 2026 issue of Piano Magazine! The Spring 2026 issue of Piano Magazine is dedicated to Marvin Blickenstaff, whose lifelong contributions shaped generations of piano teachers and students around the world. Through a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, Marvin dedicated himself to a life of service to piano pedagogy and artistry. He believed deeply in the power of music to connect people, elevate teaching, and reveal the potential within each student.
Go to pianoinspires.com/magazine to read the digital issue.
Not a subscriber? Use the discount code SPRING for 15% off your subscription.
Jennifer Snow
There are visionary leaders who inspire the world, motivate us to be better humans, and recognize that creating beauty in the life of a child is critical for a healthy society and sustainable future. Marvin Blickenstaff embodied all these attributes and more. He was a giant amongst us. A man of profound faith and spiritual calling, with a deep dedication to serving others, Marvin committed his life to human development though music. He was a man of the highest character, leading each day with integrity, selflessness, humility, grace, care, and kindness. His generosity knew no limits. With boundless energy, he leaned into life at full speed with an insatiable curiosity, joyous enthusiasm, and innovative outlook.
Sara Ernst
Marvin Blickenstaff (1935-2026) had so much to give throughout his lifetime and he gave of it freely–to everyone. Many of Us have heard his heartfelt stories, and we were always ready to to listen because through his anecdotes, Marvin shared what is most important in life. The foundational tenet being, “the value of life is not what you get for yourself; it’s what you give to others.” He learned this lesson in his formative years, in his family’s household in Nampa, Idaho, with a father, a dentist, who served his community and ensured that his sons did as well.
Ivan Hurd
As students progress to intermediate repertoire and start to explore piano literature on their own, teachers can expect requests to study two of Claude Debussy’s (1862–1918) most well- known works for solo piano, Arabesque No. 1 and “Clair de lune” from the Suite Bergamasque.1 However, even the easiest pieces by Debussy include challenges such as difficult key signatures, polyrhythms, and less familiar scales and harmonies; they require sophisticated pedaling, phrasing, and attention to articulation.
Rosângela Yazbec Sebba
In the ever-evolving tapestry of Brazilian history, the echoes of colonialism left an indelible mark on its society and culture. During the span of over three centuries, from 1500 to 1822, we see evidence of a nation under the shadow of Portuguese rule. This was a time when the rhythm of life was dictated by the plantation economy, the subjugation of enslaved peoples, and a rigid social hierarchy.
Anthony Olson and Eva Peng
Sustaining student motivation and musical growth during the summer months remains a persistent challenge in music education. This article explores an interdisciplinary model for summer music education that integrates community engagement, environmental awareness, and creative exploration through themed recital programming. Based on a multi-year project, the model is designed to maintain student motivation and skill retention during the summer months. This model situates music within broader cultural, ecological, and civic frameworks.
Laura Amoriello
The first time I meditated, it felt like my brain was on fire. I had no idea how busy my mind was. Jammed with worries and plans, I could barely focus for one breath. I can’t do this, I thought. Yet I kept coming back to my weekly meditation group. I liked my classmates, who seemed as skeptical as I was. After each practice, we shared a similar reaction: Oh, well. That was nice, I guess. Weeks went by. I began to notice tiny shifts. A little less worrying. A little more sleep. I meandered on.Cut to my first solo performance after taking up meditation. I wish I could tell you that I was less nervous. I wasn’t. But I was more present. I wasn’t fixated on mistakes I had made or focused on getting to the end. I was hearing and feeling every note I was playing. My senses were more vivid than ever, and my focus was razor-sharp. All of that was stronger than the fear.
Editor’s Letter – Pamela D. Pike
Questions and Answers – Marvin Blickenstaff
In Memoriam: Marvin Blickenstaff – Various Authors
New Music & Materials – Various Authors
Recording Reviews – Various Authors
Pupil Saver – Jason Sifford
Read the full story and more articles at pianoinspires.com/magazine. Not a subscriber? Subscribe to our 100%-human-generated, peer-reviewed magazine today for as low as $3/month.
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To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Christopher Norton, we are spotlighting his extensive scholarship and research published by The Frances Clark Center. Christopher Norton is a composer, arranger, pianist, and producer who has revolutionized piano instruction with his pedagogical music. Known especially for his Microjazz publications, Norton has specialized in contemporary popular styles, making these accessible for all. Read more below to learn about his compositions, teaching contemporary jazz and pop styles, his approach to composing, and more.
In this article, Norton provides some ideas about working with students in contemporary pop styles. A review of modes, pop textures, and chord progressions makes all the difference! Discover more insights about playing contemporary pop by clicking here:
In this article, Norton provides practical advice to make improvisation easy for anyone. Using his piece, Inner-City Stomp, Norton gives a step-by-step approach to make this task a delight for student and teacher alike. Read more of Norton’s tip by reading the article linked below:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/improvising-for-non-improvisers/
Discover Norton’s Fantasy Bossa in this repertoire video! Hear from the composer himself as he performs and discusses the musical and technical challenges of this piece. Learn more teaching and performance tips by watching this video:
https://pianoinspires.com/video/christopher-norton-fantasy-bossa/
In this inspiring conversation between Jennifer Snow and Christopher Norton discuss his life as a composer, his compositional process, and his publications. Watch the entire conversation by clicking here:
In this article, Norton provides some teaching tips for ska music. Ska is a Jamaican musical style with exciting off-beat rhythms that create an appealing groove. Norton’s expert guidance makes this style approachable for anyone. Learn more about his ideas by reading the link below:
In this exciting interview with Christopher Norton, Deborah Rambo Sinn asks about Norton’s life as a composer, his musical upbringing, and his plans for future composition projects. Read the full article by clicking the link below:
Want to learn more about Norton? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Norton on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or our website!
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Listen now to this inspiring episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, featuring host Heather Smith with guest Christopher Norton. Norton, originally from New Zealand, is an award-winning pianist and composer, whose collections such as Microjazz, have revolutionized piano teaching. Tune in to learn more about Norton’s initial training, his entry into the world of composition, and his compositional process.
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The Spring 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 Spring Issue.
We’re thrilled to announce the release of the Spring 2026 issue of Piano Inspires Kids—Music & Movement. In this issue, you’ll discover:
Don’t miss this issue full of inspiring music, movement, and new music!
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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