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Visit Us at MTNA: Special Events and Sales

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

We are looking forward to connecting with you at MTNA 2026! Visit us at booth #602 and #603 in the exhibit hall.

Booth Events
  • Meet the Editors | Sunday, March 22, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Meet the Authors and Composers | Monday, March 23, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Career Advancement | Tuesday, March 24, 12:00 -1:00 PM
Three members of The Frances Clark Center team pose for a picture at The Frances Clark Center booth at NCKP: The Piano Conference.
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Marvin Blickenstaff

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.

Marvin Blickenstaff in a dark suit poses for a picture at a piano against a black backdrop.
Marvin Blickenstaff
Giveaways

Prize #1: Studio Resources

  • Value: $270
  • Studio Management Course
  • Recreational Music Making Course
  • Questions and Answers Book
  • Piano Inspires Kids Annual Collection, Volume 1
  • Piano Magazine Subscription
Frances Clark's book "Questions and Answers: Practical Advice for Piano Teachers" placed in front of a stack of books published by The Frances Clark Center and others.

Prize #2: Repertoire 

  • Value: $160
  • Women Composers Course
  • Piano Inspires Kids Annual Collection, Volume 2
  • Weaving Sounds
  • Dancétudes
  • Easter Monday Swagger
Repertoire books featuring music by Native and Indigenous Composers and Thomas H. Kerr Jr. placed near a plant.

MORE FROM THE FRANCES CLARK CENTER

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Foundational Piano Pedagogy (Self-Guided)

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Announcing the Spring 2026 Issue of Piano Magazine

Written By Piano Inspires

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.

Articles in This Issue of Piano Magazine

Jennifer Snow in a
Creating a More Beautiful World: Marvin Blickenstaff 1935-2026

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.

Read more

Marvin Blickenstaff: A Life Dedicated in Service to Piano Education

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.

Read more

Ivan Hurd in a dark blue suit against a colorful blurred background outside.
Gradus ad Parnassum: Climbing to Debussy through Educational Repertoire

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.

Read more

The Hidden Voices of Brazilian Women Composers

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.

Read more

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

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.

Read more

Mind, Body, & Heart: Three Steps to Mindful Music-Making

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.

Read more

More Articles in this Issue of Piano Magazine

Editor’s Letter – Pamela D. Pike

Questions and Answers – Marvin Blickenstaff

In Memoriam: Marvin Blickenstaff – Various Authors

Book Review: Accompaniment in America: Contextualizing Collaborative Piano by Chandra VanderHart with (contributions from) Kathleen Kelly and Elvia Puccinelli – Ann DuHamel

New Music & Materials – Various Authors

Recording Reviews – Various Authors

Pupil Saver – Jason Sifford

View the Magazine

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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Summer 2025; Vol. 17, No. 2

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Spotlight on Christopher Norton

Written By Curtis Pavey
Chris Norton seated in front of a piano.
Chris Norton

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.

MAGAZINE ARTICLE: PLAYING CONTEMPORARY POP

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:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/playing-contemporary-pop/

Playing Contemporary Pop
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: IMPROVISING FOR NON-IMPROVISERS

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/

Improvising for non-improvisers
REPERTOIRE VIDEO: CHRISTOPHER NORTON: FANTASY BOSSA

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/

Christopher Norton: Fantasy bossa
WEBINAR: COMPOSER CONVERSATIONS: CHRISTOPHER NORTON

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:

https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/christopher-norton/

Christopher Norton
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: JAZZ & POP: AN INTRODUCTION TO SKA

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:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/january-2011-vol-3-no-1/

January 2011; Vol. 3, No. 1
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: DIGITAL ONLY CONTENT: SPEAK OUT! FIVE-AND-A-HALF MINUTES WITH COMPOSER, CHRISTOPHER NORTON

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:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/digital-only-content-speak-out-five-and-a-half-minutes-with-composer-christopher-norton/

DIGITAL ONLY CONTENT: Speak out! Five-and-a-half minutes with composer, Christopher Norton

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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How Do You Teach Students to Read Who Already Play by Ear?

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Christopher Norton, Bridging Classical Tradition and Contemporary Styles | S3 E22

Written By Piano Inspires

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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Announcing Spring 2026 Piano Inspires Kids: Music & Movement 

Written By Piano Inspires

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.

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 Spring 2026 issue of Piano Inspires Kids—Music & Movement. In this issue, you’ll discover:

  • How we use whole the body to play the piano, 
  • The Dalcroze method of moving to and exploring music,
  • New music by Dennis Alexander, Cloches dans la nuit,
  • How to keep repertoire fresh before a performance, and
  • Spring birthdays of piano composers from around the world.
A sample page from the Spring 2026 Issue of Piano Inspires kids highlighting Dalcroze and movement within music.

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

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Celebrating Women in Music

Written By Piano Inspires, Teresa Rupp
A photograph of women leaders in piano pedagogy posing against a stone wall.

This month, we celebrate Women’s History Month, a time to honor and reflect upon the remarkable music and contributions of women. In this Discovery Page post, we have curated a collection of Piano Inspires resources to help everyone discover something new. From our international webinar series, to articles in Piano Magazine and Piano Inspires Kids, to our online course, Hidden Gems: Four Centuries of Music by Women Composers, there is so much to discover! We hope these resources will provide useful tips and ideas to help you incorporate music by women composers into your recital programs, lesson plans, and more.

Courses:

Hidden Gems: Four Centuries of Piano Music by Women Composers is an online course designed to shed light on a fraction of the large breadth of works by talented women composers spanning four centuries. Sessions feature selected piano works at varying levels of difficulty (elementary to early advanced), surveyed from a pedagogical and performance perspective.

  • Organized in 9 clearly defined sessions covering works by 22 composers
  • Features teaching demonstration videos, performances, readings, reflection activities, and more
  • Progress at your own pace
  • Easily return to completed sessions for later review
  • Full-course completion time is approximately 10 hours

Course Co-Leaders: Dr. Annie Jeng, Dr. Susan Yang, Evan Hines, Dr. Brendan Jacklin, Dr. Clare Longendyke, and Ashlee Young.
Senior Editor: Craig Sale.

Hidden Gems: Four Centuries of Piano Music by Women Composers

Inspiring Artistry Video Series:

Chaminade: Chanson bretonne, Op. 76, No. 5
Bonis: “Aubade” from Scènes enfantines, Op. 92
Tanaka: “Crested Ibis” from Children of Light
Price: Down a Southern Lane
Boulanger: Cortège from Trois morceaux pour piano
Hensel: Melodie in C-sharp Minor, Op. 4, No. 2
Goolkasian Rahbee: Monday Morning in the City
Capers: Portraits in Jazz: No. 3 “Sweet Mister Jelly Roll” and No. 7 “Billie’s Song”
Hopekirk: Five Scottish Folk Songs

From the Artist Bench Series:

Bonds: Troubled Water
Lushtak: Old and New
Romances Op. 11 by Clara Schumann & Fantasiestücke Op. 12 by Robert Schumann
Southam: Glass Houses No. 7
Bonis: Femmes de legende: Melisande, Desdemona, Phoebe, & Omphale
Hensel: Song for Piano in B Minor, Op. 8, No. 1
Torrá: Piano Sonata
Southam: Glass Houses No. 3
Bauer: Preludes, Op. 15, Nos. 4-6

Magazine Article: Women of Exceptional Accomplishment: Eight Women Composers by Teresa Rupp

Recently I participated in a concert featuring works by women composers at the community college where I study piano. I am an amateur pianist but a historian by profession, and I was curious about the backgrounds of these long-neglected figures. So, along with preparing my musical selections, I also investigated the lives of the composers and the social and musical contexts in which they worked. Some of the composers I researched—Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Clara Wieck Schumann, Amy Beach—are practically household names. Others—Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, Maria Szymanowska, Cécile Chaminade, Margaret Ruthven Lang—were successful in their own times but less prominent today. Still another—Clara Gottschalk Peterson—was obscure during her lifetime and remains almost completely unknown. All, however, deserve a place in both the performing and teaching repertoire.

Given the general lack of prominence of women composers, it is instructive to realize that while historically women were discouraged from pursuing music as a career, whether as performers or composers, that doesn’t mean that they didn’t make music. Quite the opposite, in fact. Example 1, a French fashion plate from 1835, shows two young ladies playing piano and singing in what looks like a domestic setting. It’s likely to be after dinner, and they’ve been asked to provide the evening’s entertainment. The singer is holding sheet music, not performing from memory, so they are probably sightreading (see Example 1).

Read the full article by clicking here.

Women of Exceptional Accomplishment: Eight Women Composers

Teacher Education Webinar Series:

Women Composers from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula
Women in Higher Education
Hidden Gems: Four Centuries of Piano Music by Women Composers

Piano Inspires Kids:

In Autumn 2023, the Frances Clark Center launched a new initiative, Piano Inspires Kids, a magazine for young pianists developed by Editors-in-Chief Sara Ernst and Andrea McAlister. Through each quarterly issue, readers explore piano playing, composers, music from around the world, and music theory. The format is engaging and varied with listening guides, interviews, student submissions, music in the news, and games. The magazine includes an array of musical styles and genres, both from the past and present day. In addition, creative skills like improvisation, playing by ear, and composition are explored in step-by-step processes. Young pianists are directed to curated online content to deepen their engagement with the piano community.

To learn more, or to subscribe, go to kids.pianoinspires.com. 

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This Month in Piano History: March 2026

Written By Curtis Pavey

In this post remembering important events from piano history in the month of March, learn about the birth of two prominent composers, read about the premiere of one of the greatest oratorios, and remember a pioneering Croatian composer.

A portrait by Delacroix of Frédéric Chopin in a romantic and colorful painting.
Frédéric Chopin

March 1 – Birth of Frédéric Chopin

Frédéric Chopin was born on March 1, 1810 in Żelazowa Wola, a small town outside of Warsaw. While he spent most of his adult life in Paris, Chopin’s love for the music of his homeland shows up in his mazurkas and polonaises. His virtuosic technique led to incredible new heights in piano playing, notably in his etudes, sonatas, and ballades. Today, Chopin is remembered in the annual International Chopin Piano Competition held every five years in Warsaw, Poland. Interested in learning about Chopin’s approach to teaching? Read this article by Jane Magrath about Chopin’s teaching style:

Chopin’s teaching

March 3 – Birth of Margaret Bonds

Margaret Bonds, an American composer, was born on March 3, 1913 in Chicago, Illinois. One of the most important students of Florence Price, Bonds was a Black composer known especially for her vocal compositions. One of her best known piano compositions is Spiritual Suite, a collection of three advanced works including “Troubled Water.” Are you teaching or learning Bond’s “Troubled Water?” Discover many excellent performance tips from pianist Sarah Rushing in this From the Artist Bench video:

Bonds: Troubled Water

March 5 – Death of Dora Pejačević

Dora Pejačević was a prominent Croatian composer and pianist who lived from 1885 to her untimely death on March 5, 1923 at the age of 37 after childbirth. Her compositional output of 58 opuses includes a variety of works for solo piano as well as lieder, a symphony, a piano concerto, and multiple chamber compositions.Typical of this transition period, her works are Romantic in style and explore virtuosic pianistic textures set against lyrical melodic lines. Interested in learning more about Dora Pejačević’s piano music? Check out these two repertoire videos by pianists Asher Armstrong and Ryan Kee:

Pejačević: Piano Sonata in A-Flat, Op. 57
Dora Pejačević: Erinnerung (Remembrance), Op. 24

March 23 – London Premiere of Handel’s Messiah

Although George Frederic Handel wrote a number of excellent works for keyboard, he was especially known for his operas and oratorios. On March 23, 1743, Handel’s famous oratorio Messiah was premiered in London. The three-part English oratorio is a musical delight, featuring over two hours of arias, choruses, and instrumental selections. Many pianists first encounter Handel through his Gavotte in G Major. Watch this video to learn more about this important pedagogical piece from pianist David Cartledge:

Handel: Gavotte in G Major, HWV 491 (“Rigaudon”)
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Unsung Heroes in Piano Pedagogy: 20 Pieces by Black Composers to Use in Your Studio Now

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Tracy Cowden, Building Community Through Collaboration | S3 E21

Written By Piano Inspires

Tune in to the latest episode of the Piano Inspires podcast, where host Alejandro Cremaschi sits down with pianist, pedagogue, and arts advocate Tracy Cowden. Their conversation explores Cowden’s musical beginnings, her wide-ranging career, and her current work—including leading a band for military veterans in San Antonio, Texas. Listen now to hear her inspiring perspective on the power of music to shape the world.

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Piano Inspires Kids: 2026 Composition Contest

Written By Piano Inspires

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 Winter Issue.

An image that says "piano inspires KIDS" with a keyboard design and a grand piano.

Become a Video Game Composer with the Piano Inspires Kids 2026 Composition Contest!

In video games, the main character often has its own theme song that compliments its personality. Create your dream video game character—someone or something original with its own personality and story—and compose a theme song. Winners will be featured in the Summer 2026 issue of Piano Inspires Kids.

Submission Deadline: March 16, 2026.

Go to kids.pianoinspires.com/submit for more information.

Submit the following four items by the deadline:

  • Drawing or graphic design of the video game character
  • Short description of the game character and theme song; how does the theme song fit the character? (maximum 100 words)
  • Composition score
  • Video performance of the work, performed by the composer

Guidelines

  • The competition is open for any student pianist age 18 or younger at the time of the deadline. Students will be divided into 4 divisions: ages 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18. The magazine reserves the right to elect one winner, more than one winner, or no winner.
  • The composition must be for solo piano, at any level of difficulty.
  • The video game character must be completely original without reference to any existing game.
  • A video performance of the work, performed by the composer, must be included.
  • Scores or characters that reference copyrighted material will be excluded from review.

Ideas to Get You Started

  • Brainstorm your video game character and storyline.
    Use imagery and storyline to determine the character, mood, and musical form.
  • Decide on the meter and specify a time signature. 
  • Have clear musical ideas (themes or motifs) that use a rhythm, melody, or harmony that repeats or varies.
  • Have parts that repeat and parts that contrast.
  • Keep it simple – less is more!

Notation

  • Scores must be computer generated using music-notation software. 
  • The quality of notation does factor into adjudication. 
  • Scores must be submitted as a PDF, sized for 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
  • Scores must include a title and composer first name only. 
  • Entrants are encouraged to include the following in the score: tempo markings, dynamics and articulation, other expressive marks, and fingerings.

Policies

  • Submitters must subscribe to Piano Inspires Kids.
  • The composer must be the sole author of the submitted composition but may receive help in notating their work. 
  • Compositions must not be created with the use of artificial intelligence. 
  • If artificial intelligence is utilized in the creation of the video game character, this must be cited as AI generated. There is no penalty for using AI for the graphic element.
  • Adjudication is based upon: connection of music and character, formal construction, pianistic writing, quality of performance, and relevance to call. The video game character itself will not be evaluated.
  • No changes may be made once the materials have been submitted.
  • Decisions of competition judges are final.
  • There are no monetary awards given to winners. Winning compositions will be printed in Piano Inspires Kids and posted at kids.pianoinspires.com.
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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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Why NSMS is Unique Among Piano Pedagogy Programs

Written By TianYi Li
The New School for Music Study.

Piano pedagogy, like any skill, requires constant practice and analysis to develop and improve. As a fellow at NSMS, the honing of my pedagogical abilities does not stop at the theoretical stage. Each week, I teach more than a dozen weekly lessons and group classes and I can immediately put newly acquired methodologies to use. These lessons and classes are in turn observed by experienced pedagogues, who can provide timely and specific feedback to form a positive loop of learning and teaching. As a result, I am able to become a more confident and effective teacher in a short period of time.

The community at NSMS is one of its greatest strengths. While participating in the fellowship program, I am surrounded by some of the most passionate, experienced, and supportive pedagogues I’ve ever met. Their presence means that learning never stops within the classrooms and studios; it continues in conversations over lunch breaks and in discussions in the hallways. This immersive environment ensures an organic process of learning as well as a great sense of cohesion and communication within the NSMS family. 

TianYi Li poses for a picture in a suit set against a rocky landscape.
TianYi Li

Besides the hands-on experience and the caring community, NSMS also provides a full complement of events and lectures. These include the biweekly Piano Teacher Engagement Series featuring artist-pedagogues from all over the country in enlightening lectures and post-seminar discussions, and the Foundational Pedagogy classes, which cover essential topics of piano teaching. There are also residencies by master pedagogues, leading to observations and one-on-one career consultations. In addition, one can take part in numerous faculty recitals throughout the year, as well as lecture-recital and presentation opportunities. Together, these components make NSMS’s program a truly unique and transformational experience.

TianYi Li is a Chinese-born pianist and educator based in Princeton, New Jersey. A graduate of NYU Steinhardt and The Juilliard School (DMA, MM), he performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician and is an award winner at major international piano competitions.

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

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Spotlight on William Westney

Written By Curtis Pavey
William Westney posed against a black backdrop.
William Westney

To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring William Westney, we are spotlighting his extensive scholarship and research published by The Frances Clark Center. Westney is internationally known as a prizewinning performer (Geneva Competition), innovative master teacher (subject of a New York Times article) and bestselling author (The Perfect Wrong Note). His newest publication is Eros at the Piano: The Life-Energy of Classical Music. His wellness philosophy emerges from five decades of active concertizing and injury-free teaching, and is based on ideas absorbed from an honored European tradition. Discover more about his teaching and activities in the resources below:

MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Does Piano Study Help Children in Other Aspects of School Study?

In this influential Keyboard Companion article from 1994, Westney argues that piano study does help children in other aspects of school study, but with caveats. Written in response to Robert A. Duke’s final report from the National Piano Foundation Research Project, Westney remarks that piano lessons can inspire natural curiosity in the learning process that can be transferred to other subjects. Read his full response here:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/does-piano-study-help-children-in-other-aspects-of-school-study/

Does Piano Study Help Children in Other Aspects of School Study?
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Luxuriant Piano Playing: A Wellness Principle

Central to Westney’s teaching and performing philosophy is that piano playing must feel good to the performer in order to develop effortless technique and comfort on the stage. In this article, Westney describes his experiences with this idea and its relation to octave passages before providing guidance for teachers eager to replicate the idea with their students. Learn from Westney here:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/luxuriant-piano-playing-a-wellness-principle-2/

Luxuriant Piano Playing: A Wellness Principle
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Breakthroughs: The Sweetest Moments in Teaching

In this interview of William Westney, he shares the philosophies and stories behind his revolutionary ideas as a teacher and performer. Westney discusses his “un-Master Class” project and its role in creating breakthroughs for students eager to learn and grow as musicians. Discover more about his approach to learning here:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/breakthroughs-the-sweetest-moments-in-teaching/

Breakthroughs: The Sweetest Moments in Teaching
MAGAZINE ARTICLE: I played it perfectly at home – why not here?

Elvina Pearce, Phyllis Lehrer, and William Westney reflect on the challenge students face when their expectations of replicating their home practice achievements in a lesson don’t go according to plan. Westney’s advice is to reconsider the principles of correct practicing while also encouraging teachers to believe and empathize with their students. Learn more about his approach here:

https://pianoinspires.com/article/keyboard-companion-winter-1996-vol-7-no-4/

Keyboard Companion Winter 1996; Vol. 7, No. 4

Want to learn more about Westney? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Westney on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or our website!

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Luxuriant Piano Playing: A Wellness Principle

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William Westney, The Joy of Making Music and “The Un-Master Class” | S3 E20

Written By Piano Inspires

In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, host Pamela Pike is joined by William Westney, pianist, educator, author, and researcher. Westney reflects on his journey as a concert pianist and teacher, his early experiences with Dalcroze, and his innovative performance workshop “The Un-Master Class”. Listen now for an inspiring and insightful conversation with William Westney!

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Advice for Applying to the NSMS Postgraduate Teaching Program: 5 Tips to Enhance Your Application

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

If you’re thinking about applying to the Postgraduate Teaching Program at The New School for Music Study in Kingston, New Jersey, you’re likely already passionate about teaching and eager to grow. This program is immersive, mentorship-driven, and deeply rooted in student-centered learning, so your application should reflect that same care and intention.

Here are five things to keep in mind as you prepare your materials.

1. Let your personal statement sound like you!

This is where your teaching philosophy really comes to life. NSMS values reflective, discovery-based educators, so focus less on listing accomplishments and more on why you teach and how you think about learning. Be honest, thoughtful, and specific; this is your chance to tell your story.

2. Make sure your CV tells a teaching story.

Your CV should clearly show your background in both performance and teaching. Highlight pre-college and adult teaching experience, pedagogical training, workshops, and any leadership or community work. Clarity matters, making it easy to see how your experiences prepare you for an intensive teaching-focused year.

3. Be intentional with your teaching and performance videos.

Your videos don’t need to be flashy; they need to be authentic. In your teaching video, show how you communicate, listen, and guide students toward discovery. In your performance video, choose repertoire that represents you well and reflects your musical depth. These videos give the committee insight into who you are in action.

4. Choose recommenders who truly know your work.

Strong recommendations come from people who have seen you teach, perform, and grow. Choose mentors who can speak specifically about your musicianship, professionalism, and potential as an educator, not just your résumé. Thoughtful, detailed letters make a big difference.

5. Show readiness for a full, immersive experience.

This program includes a minimum of fifteen teaching hours per week, plus coursework, mentorship, seminars, observations, and performance opportunities. Successful applicants communicate enthusiasm for being fully engaged intellectually, artistically, and professionally, throughout the academic year.

The NSMS Postgraduate Teaching Program represents a transformative pathway toward teaching excellence and leadership in piano education. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials thoughtfully, engage in meaningful reflection, and clearly articulate their commitment to teaching and pedagogical growth.

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

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How the NSMS Postgraduate Teaching Program Prepared Me for Professional Life

Written By Alexa Stier, Derek Hartman, Xiaoya Gao

We would like to thank Alexa Stier, Derek Hartman, and Xiaoya Gao 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.

The New School for Music Study.
Alexa Stier (2023-2024)

The NSMS Postgraduate Teaching Program prepared me for professional life by guiding how I observe, teach, and think as an educator. One of the most meaningful aspects of my time in the New School for Music Study’s Postgraduate Teaching Program was the opportunity to observe teaching at the highest level. Watching Amy Glennon work with students of all ages and stages fundamentally reshaped how I think about teaching. I became acutely aware of the power of words: how precise vocabulary, well-timed directions, and the choice not to overexplain can create confidence and momentum in a lesson. Those observations taught me that great teaching is often less about saying more, and more about saying the right thing at the right time.

Frances Clark’s legacy lives on at the New School in countless ways, including the simple but powerful phrases passed down through generations of her students. One sentence, in particular, has stayed with me and continues to guide my teaching philosophy: “meet the student where they are.” This principle sounds simple, yet it is profoundly transformative. It fosters a truly student-centered approach in my teaching practice, prioritizing flexibility and respect for each student’s musical development.

Alexa Stier poses for a picture in front of a grand piano.
Alexa Stier

The NSMS Postgraduate Teaching Program gave me both a pedagogical foundation and a sense of professional identity. Now that I am “out of the nest,” I recognize just how much I owe to this program. It prepared me for professional life by guiding how I teach, observe, reflect, and grow alongside my students.

Alexa currently resides in Nashville, where she serves as adjunct collaborative pianist at Lipscomb University, and teaches at the Lipscomb Academy.

Derek Hartman (2023-2024)

The NSMS Postgraduate Teaching Fellowship gave me exactly what I needed to launch my career. As a pianist fresh out of eight years of music school, I felt uncertain about my place in the music field and lacked confidence in my teaching abilities. The Fellowship facilitated my transition into the professional world wonderfully: the NSMS community welcomed me warmly, and the Fellowship offered a myriad of tools and experiences to help me build my teaching skills. The immersive format of the program encouraged me to apply new teaching concepts and strategies as I learned them, and the comprehensive nature of the school allowed me to experience a wide spectrum of teaching environments every week.

In the Time to Begin class, Amy Glennon taught me how to inspire young beginners to enjoy music-making and how group instruction can enhance the learning process. Through working with the PEPS program, I gained confidence coaching advanced repertoire and fulfilling my role as a leader for older students. Through seminar discussions and fabulous online courses at The Frances Clark Center, I strengthened my sense of purpose and identity as a teacher and gained tools and inspiration from top pedagogues in the field.

Derek Hartman in a black suit poses for a headshot.
Derek Hartman

During my interview for my current position, Lecturer of Piano at Vanderbilt University, I was asked to give masterclasses for advanced and intermediate students and lead a beginner group class; I remain so grateful to the NSMS Fellowship for giving me the tools and experiences to step into all of those roles confidently from day one. As my career progresses, I will always carry the wisdom and inspiration I received from my mentors at the NSMS.

Derek currently serves as Lecturer of Piano at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. 

Xiaoya Gao (2024-2025)

My time in the NSMS Postgraduate Teaching Program was truly formative, shaping not only my professional skills but also my identity as a piano teacher. Long before I arrived at the New School, I dreamed of joining the fellowship, and experiencing it firsthand exceeded everything I had hoped for. The program offered an immersive, hands-on environment that prepared me for the realities and joys of professional teaching.

Teaching weekly lessons to students of all ages, assisting in classes such as Time to Begin and Piano Detectives Club, and observing master teachers like Marvin Blickenstaff, Amy Glennon, and Rebecca Pennington gave me a deep, practical understanding of thoughtful piano pedagogy. Through these experiences, I learned how to balance structure with creativity, how to remain flexible and responsive, and how to keep student engagement at the center of every lesson. These skills continue to guide my teaching today.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the program was the weekly seminar and mentorships. The warmth, passion, and depth of knowledge from NSMS faculties left a lasting impression on me. I consistently left our meetings feeling energized and inspired, reminded of the power teachers have to shape not only musicians but people. That sense of purpose is something I now strive to pass on to my own students.

Xiaoya Gao

What truly sets NSMS apart is its culture of collaboration and care. The support from faculty and staff, along with opportunities such as recitals, visiting artists, and group projects for The Piano Conference: NCKP, reinforced the idea that growth is a shared journey. The Postgraduate Teaching Program didn’t just prepare me for professional life, it gave me a teaching home that continues to inform and inspire my work every day.

Xiaoya Gao is currently a full-time faculty member at The New School for Music Study. She also serves as the pianist at Living Waters Lutheran Church.

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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Spotlight on Past Collegiate Writing Competition Winners

Written By Piano Inspires

Piano Magazine is proud to sponsor the Collegiate Writing Contest showcasing the talents of tomorrow’s teachers! Writers are free to choose any topic relating to the field of piano pedagogy and write a 1,500 word article. Submissions must be received by May 1, 2026. A panel of professionals will evaluate submissions based on content, clarity, originality, value to the profession, and writing style. To help you prepare, check out the following articles from some of our past winners below!

2025 Collegiate Essay Winner: The Well-Tempered Keyboard Lab: Wellness Strategies for the Group Piano Classroom

2025 Collegiate Essay Winner: The Well-Tempered Keyboard Lab: Wellness Strategies for the Group Piano Classroom

Aleigh Papagno

“Take care of yourselves,” “stay healthy,” “be well.” If you have ever taught collegiate group piano courses, then you have probably offered this advice to your overwhelmed,sleep-deprived students at some point. As teachers, we know that students need to be well to learn effectively, and we often use these phrases to express our care for their well-being. But are these simple reminders really teaching our students what it means and how to “be well”? According to the National Wellness Institute (NWI), wellness is a series of “conscious, self-directed” actions that helps individuals obtain optimal levels of functioning.1 Further, the NWI […]”

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Collegiate Essay Winner: The Cultural and Practical Implications of Tan Dun’s Eight Memories in Watercolor

2024 Collegiate Essay Winner: The Cultural and Practical Implications of Tan Dun’s Eight Memories in Watercolor

Yu Han

“Tan Dun was born in 1957, in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, and earned his master’s degree in 1985, from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. He moved to the United States in 1986, in pursuit of further academic and creative exploration, including doctoral studies at Columbia University in New York. This phase of his education introduced him to many avant-garde techniques and philosophies that would later become hallmarks of his unique compositional voice. Eight Memories in Watercolor was […]”

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Collegiate Essay Winner: Emerging Adulthood and Undergraduate Group Piano

2023 Collegiate Essay Winner: Emerging Adulthood and Undergraduate Group Piano

Melody Morrison

“Typical college students find themselves in a phase of life that has been identified as “emerging adulthood”— a time when characteristics of both children and adults are present in individuals who are in their late teens to early twenties.1 Collegiate group piano classes consist of mostly first- and second-year students (likely seventeen to twenty years old) and are in the beginning stages of emerging adulthood.2 Because the students who are in undergraduate group piano classes exhibit traits of children and adults, elements from both pedagogical and andragogical teaching approaches should be applied. It is therefore beneficial for a teacher to understand the teaching methodologies which highlight the adjustment […]”

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Dealing With Double Notes: Practical Solutions for Small-Handed Pianists

2022 Collegiate Essay Winner: Dealing With Double Notes: Practical Solutions for Small-Handed Pianists

Sarah Leonard

“Multiple lines must be maintained simultaneously, voices must be balanced so that the melody rings clear, and each line must be inflected with the proper articulation. Wide spacing between voices makes true legato difficult or impossible, causing the performer to employ pedaling tricks and unintuitive fingerings.For these reasons, double-note passages are difficult for all pianists, but even more so for those with small hands. This article will define small hands, highlight the benefits of redistributions for small-handed pianists, and explore four methods of implementing redistributions […]”

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2021 Collegiate Writing Contest Winner: Uncovering Teresa Carreño: Virtuoso, Composer, and Pioneer

2021 Collegiate Writing Contest Winner: Uncovering Teresa Carreño: Virtuoso, Composer, and Pioneer

Grace Thompson

“Teresa Carreño’s contributions and influence have been largely overlooked by contemporary scholarship, but her legacy and impact on the world of piano literature is still relevant for today. Carreño was born on December 22, 1853, in Caracas, Venezuela. Her musical talent was quickly recognized by her family, and her father—a musician himself, although heavily involved in politics—began to teach her formal lessons when she was six years old. 1 A child prodigy, Carreño was performing in private concerts and composing short works for the piano by age eight. She was held in high regard by […]”

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2020 Collegiate Writing Contest Winner: Norwegian Folk Songs: Making Rhythmic Complexities Easy and Enjoyable

2020 Collegiate Writing Contest Winner: Norwegian Folk Songs: Making Rhythmic Complexities Easy and Enjoyable

Sarah Jenkins

“Developing an internal sense of metric pulse and an understanding of subdivisions of beats is essential to the success of a young performer. Without establishing a strong sense of pulse, complex rhythms can be played incorrectly. This is too often a source of frustration for students—and teachers. By choosing repertoire where these aspects are highlighted and emphasized, students gain confidence in these areas of their musical training. Some of the standard teaching repertoire used for rhythmic development can be unappealing to students, due to a seemingly high level of difficulty or lack of interest in the character. The good news is these pieces do not have to be boring—they […]”

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2019 Collegiate Writing Contest Winner: Helping Students Develop a Mature “Why”

2019 Collegiate Writing Contest Winner: Helping Students Develop a Mature “Why“

Alissa Dorman

“It was the summer before my freshman year, and I was panicking. I was struggling to determine how I planned to use a piano performance degree to significantly impact others. I knew I wanted to teach, but what was the point of teaching students how to properly press black and white keys other than providing a hobby that doesn’t kill brain cells? Well, I thought, studying the […]”

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2018 Clavier Companion Collegiate Writing Contest Winner: Between the Lines: Lasting Lessons from the Studio

2018 Clavier Companion Collegiate Writing Contest Winner: Between the Lines: Lasting Lessons from the Studio

Jessica Welsh

“The art and science of teaching have inspired countless writings, and indeed, the significance of effective pedagogy cannot be overstated. I, too, value training students in practice and performance, but what of the interpersonal education—the subtle, but lifelong lessons—students construct from our routine exchanges? How we interact with our students, particularly on the topics of success and failure, has lasting impact on their development as healthy, functioning individuals. We lay the groundwork for fostering or hindering personal and […]”

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Interested in submitting an article for the 2026 Collegiate Writing Contest? Learn more here: https://pianoinspires.com/collegiate-writing/. 

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Summer 2025; Vol. 17, No. 2

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