The latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast features internationally recognized musician and educator Stanford Thompson. In this interview with host Craig Sale, Thompson discusses his musical upbringing and inspirations, his current work as founder and executive director of Equity Arc, and his belief in the power of music to impact the future. Don’t miss this insightful and compelling conversation.
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To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Julie Jaffee Nagel, we are spotlighting her extensive scholarship and research published by The Frances Clark Center. Julie Jaffee Nagel, Ph.D. has blended her interdisciplinary work in music and psychology for many years to reach out to music teachers, students, and the general public. She is a graduate of Juilliard (BM and MS Degrees, Piano) University of Michigan (dual Ph.D. Degrees in Psychology and Social Work), and The Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute. She has presented locally, nationally, and world wide and is an acclaimed author with a private practice focusing on musicians’ anxiety concerns, career choice, and social outreach with emphasis on mental health through music. She has been awarded a Distinguished Service Award from NCKP with whom she has enjoyed collaborating.
In this article shared with Nancy Bachus and Gail Berenson, Julie Jaffee Nagel provides a varied and holistic approach to discussing performance anxiety. She discusses how attitude, self-esteem, and comparison factor into this discussion, and she presents case studies to describe some of the ways she’s helped performers in the past. Read more about her insightful work on performance anxiety here:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/how-do-you-deal-with-stage-fright-or-performance-anxiety/
The Performance Anxiety Management course presents practical tips to help teachers and students learn the strategies and techniques to perform with confidence. The course is built around three modules including mindfulness, performance anxiety, and resilience, and features many articles by Julie Jaffee Nagel along with other leading experts in the field such as Vanessa Cornett and Gail Berenson. Learn more and register here:
Alexandre Dossin reviews Julie Jaffee Nagel’s book Managing Stage Fright: A Guide for Musicians and Music Teachers in this article from Piano Magazine. In his review, Dossin praises Dr. Nagel’s work as “an extremely helpful guide to encouraging [his] students to perform with confidence.” Dossin provides helpful insights for those interested in learning more about the book, including its structure, the many techniques described, and the descriptions of Dr. Nagel’s work with her own patients. Learn more about this fantastic resource here:
https://pianoinspires.com/article/january-february-2019-book-reviews/
Want to learn more about Julie Jaffee Nagel? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Nagel on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or our website!
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In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, host Sara Ernst is joined by Julie Jaffee Nagel, a psychologist, psychoanalyst, and musician. Nagel reflects on her educational journey, her experiences as a musician, and how psychology and music intersect in her work. Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Julie Jaffee Nagel.
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Join host Sara Ernst as she interviews Logan Skelton in this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast. A pianist, composer, and teacher, Dr. Skelton is the Artur Schnabel Collegiate Professor of Music in Piano and the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Music at the University of Michigan. Their conversation explores Skelton’s beginnings in Mississippi, his passion for composition and poetry, and his teaching philosophy. Tune in now to discover more about Skelton’s unique career and musical journey.
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We are deeply saddened by the loss of Marvin Blickenstaff, internationally recognized pianist and pedagogue. Marvin has been a visionary, leader, mentor, colleague, teacher, supporter, friend—a true paragon–who will be profoundly missed and forever remembered. Through his tremendous career of more than six decades, Marvin wholeheartedly dedicated himself to a life of service to piano students and teachers around the world. He espoused a profound philosophy about emotional expression through piano playing while also sharing nuts-and-bolts strategies for effective teaching through his workshops and writings.
Equally at home with the beginner and the advanced pianist, he valued the human connection between teacher and student through music, believing in the potential of every student and proclaiming piano teaching as a noble calling. His legacy continues forward through the generations of students, teachers, and audiences who have been enriched by his teaching, presenting, and performing.
For The Frances Clark Center, Marvin served as Board President and Member, taught and led programming at The New School for Music Study, and served on the planning committee for The National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy. He wrote articles for Piano Magazine, was a column editor for Keyboard Companion, and presented and recorded numerous webinars and videos. Most recently, he authored Inspired Piano Teaching (2024) and performed a 90th Birthday Celebration Recital at Carnegie Hall (2025). He was named a Fellow of the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2007, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from MTNA in 2009, and from the Frances Clark Center, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and the Outstanding Service and Leadership Award in 2025. The Marvin Blickenstaff Teaching Excellence Fund was established in 2023 to celebrate his lifelong contributions and to amplify his legacy.
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To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Wilfred Delphin, we are spotlighting his extensive teaching and performance career. Wilfred Delphin is a pianist and teacher and a member of the piano duo Delphin and Romaine. He taught at Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Music and retired from that role in 2004. He has performed around the world in prestigious venues such as the White House, where he performed for President Jimmy Carter. Read more below to learn about his work as a pianist and educator.
By Pamela Pike
As half of the duo-piano team, Delphin and Romain, Wilfred has performed at large and small concert venues throughout the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Their performances highlighted their artistic and technical skill, as well as the works of both recognized and underappreciated composers. As the first critically and internationally acclaimed African American piano duo, Delphin and Romain performed traditional Western two-piano repertoire and championed lesser-known African American composers by commissioning and playing their works, including for President Jimmy Carter in the White House. But Delphin and Romain didn’t only present their musical offerings in the most prestigious concert halls, they also traveled throughout the United States transporting their own pianos and bringing the music they loved to small communities, where audiences who may have been unfamiliar with classical music were appreciative of the skilled performance and musical experience. Since Edwin Romain’s passing in 1995, Delphin continued to teach advanced university-level pianists, to perform collaboratively with colleagues, and champion young black musicians whose voices he believed were worth hearing.
Want to learn more about Wilfred Delphin? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Sale on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or our website!
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In the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, host Pam Pike interviews Wilfred Delphin, best known for his work as one half of the Delphin and Romain piano duo. Delphin reflects on his distinguished performing career and decades of teaching, sharing anecdotes that reveal his deep sense of responsibility to both music and education. Listen now to hear his inspiring insights.
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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.
Gifts can be made online at: https://pianoinspires.com/phyllis-lehrer/
I am thrilled that we are honoring and celebrating my mother and her distinguished career in piano pedagogy this year, and I am deeply grateful for the love and support that made the creation of the Phyllis Lehrer Piano Pedagogy and Artistry Fund possible. My mother has been a lifelong advocate for excellence in piano teaching, inspiring me through her dedication to teaching, performing, researching, presenting, and continual learning.
As a pianist, her remarkable tone, thoughtful interpretations, and warmth of phrasing resonate in my ears. She is an exceptional soloist and chamber musician, and as a master pedagogue, she has a special ability to offer clear, practical solutions that deepen musical understanding, technical development, and expressive playing.
Through her work, my mother has influenced piano teachers around the world, shaping generations of students with her warm and insightful approach to piano pedagogy. Her passion for teaching and commitment to artistic growth have profoundly influenced her students and continue to inspire me every day.
Your gift ensures Phyllis’s inspiring work continues for generations to come.
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Join us for a thoughtful conversation with host Craig Sale and Louis Nagel, Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Michigan. In this episode, Nagel shares insightful perspectives on music, performance, and teaching, drawn from a distinguished career as both a pianist and an educator. This episode offers a rich look into a life dedicated to music and mentorship.
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To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Louis Nagel, we are spotlighting his extensive scholarship and research published by The Frances Clark Center.
Louis Nagel is Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Musician and a Steinway Artist. After completing his studies at Juilliard with Rosina Lhevinne, Josef Raieff, and Joseph Bloch, Nagel served on the faculty of UM since 1969. His performance career has taken him throughout the world and he frequently performed as a conference presenter. Read more below to learn about his many inspiring contributions to Keyboard Companion and Piano Magazine.
Louis Nagel’s legacy at the University of Michigan and his impact on the field are undeniable. In this article by his former student, Rochelle Klein, she shares about the beginnings of his career, his important partnership with his wife Julie Jaffee Nagel, and his approach to teaching works of all levels. Discover more about Nagel’s remarkable career here: https://pianoinspires.com/article/louis-nagel-the-peoples-pianist/.
Have you ever wondered how to make students more sensitive to the harmonic changes within a piece of music? In this article, Louis Nagel and Anne Marie Olson give there thoughts about working with students of all levels to identify harmonic nuances and understand them musically. Learn more about Nagel’s approach to teaching harmony here: https://pianoinspires.com/article/november-2010-vol-2-no-6/.
Many pianists struggle to make music that is improvisatory—or music that seems improvisatory—sound as if it is being made up on the spot. In this article, Nagel approaches this complicated pedagogical task from the perspective of Chopin’s Nocturne in G Minor, Op. 15, No. 3. Using his step-by-step remarks, the piece unfolds with spontaneity. Read about Nagel’s approach here: https://pianoinspires.com/article/keyboard-companion-summer-2001-vol-12-no-2/.
Contrapuntal music requires careful study and practice to achieve a harmonious and balanced performance. In this article, Nagel reflects on the practice and teaching strategies he uses when teaching Bach’s “Invention No. 1 in C Major”. Explore his thoughts about teaching contrapuntal music more here: https://pianoinspires.com/article/keyboard-companion-autumn-1999-vol-10-no-3/.
Did you know that Bach’s Inventions were not originally ordered the way they are typically published today? Using this knowledge, Nagel presents a convincing pedagogical argument for following this order when teaching Bach’s work. Learn more about Nagel’s thoughts on Bach’s Inventions here: https://pianoinspires.com/article/keyboard-companion-summer-2006-vol-17-no-2/.
In May 2016, Louis Nagel retired from his forty-seven-year career at the University of Michigan. Understandably, retirement came with immense reflection and emotion as one enters a new stage of life. In these two beautiful articles, both Julie Jaffee Nagel and Louis Nagel reflect on the meaning of retirement, the power of legacy, and the impact of their remarkable work together:
Want to learn more about Louis Nagel? Check out the latest installment of the Piano Inspires Podcast. To learn more, visit pianoinspires.com. Listen to our latest episode with Sale on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or our website!
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In the Community Impact webinar series, music teachers across the world gather to create, refine, and celebrate projects that positively impact communities and advance piano teaching. In this year’s inaugural session, host Leah Claiborne invited internationally recognized leader Stanford Thompson to share his thoughts on the theme “Impact in the Time of Adversity.”
Thompson is the founder and executive director of Equity Arc, an organization that seeks to expand access to professional pathways for exceptional classical musicians of color who have been historically excluded. Earlier this year, executive orders related to DEI cancelled a planned project that involved bringing a group of students to Washington, D.C. in collaboration with the U.S. Marine Band for mentorship and training over a period of several days. When appeals were unsuccessful, Thompson and his team chose to host an event for these students anyway—within weeks instead of months. Students, parents, and professional musicians from across the country met in D.C. for a concert that was ultimately featured on CBS’s show 60 Minutes.
Thompson shared some of his team’s reasoning for continuing the project, even without the participation of the U.S. Marine Band:
“The instinct could have been to shrink back, to wait until the storm passes…. I reminded our team of our mission, and that it’s always been about visibility and dignity and excellence for young musicians of color, and these are values that don’t go away when times get tough. To retreat would send the wrong message.”
A portion of the 60 Minutes video report, shown during the session, included powerful statements from high school students who participated in the concert:
“One thing that unites us all is this music. I’m here because I love it. No other reason than all these amazing, talented people, and I don’t want this to be taken away from anybody because of someone else’s personal opinion or just anything else besides why we like to do this.” – Sean Muzon, Atlanta, Georgia1
“We worked hard to be here. We belong here. We have the talent to be here. And this is not just for us, but for children. And just people in the same situation that we are, that nobody can tell you what to do. You know, if you put your mind to something that you can accomplish that.” – Vanessa Cabrera, Rockaway, New Jersey2
“I just want the world to be a better place, but it seems like we’re slowly straying away from that, and we got to make a change. And I believe everyone here is capable of doing that, but are we going to do it?” – Ricardo Lazaro, San Antonio, Texas3
Thompson concluded by encouraging attendees to move forward with their community impact projects with conviction and determination. “Your ability to create projects that respond directly to your community needs is a unique freedom,” he said. “Bold projects rarely start in a safe environment. They grow because somebody believed the work was too important not to try.”
In future Community Impact sessions, attendees will continue to refine their own community projects in a supportive and collaborative environment. Wherever you are in the creative process—or if you simply want to learn from your colleagues—you are invited to join us!
Learn more and register for an upcoming Community Impact session here.
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Happy New Year from The Frances Clark Center! In this post about piano history in the month of January, discover two important pedagogical composers, learn about the premiere of a towering piano concerto, and explore the legacy of one of jazz music’s greatest pianists.
Russian-American pianist and composer Alexander Gretchaninoff was born in Moscow but lived in France and the United States during his lifetime. He studied with Sergei Tanyev and Anton Arensky at the Moscow Conservatory and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. His output includes five symphonies, several operas, several advanced piano works, as well as some pedagogical works. Want to learn more about Gretchaninoff? Read this article by pianist Yeeseon Kwon where she discusses his many pedagogical masterpieces:
Maria Teresa Agnesi, an Italian harpsichordist and composer lived in Milan, Italy from 1720–1795. Though her compositions are limited, she is known for composing a number of operas and pieces for keyboard including several harpsichord sonatas at the intermediate level. In addition to her keyboard skills, she was also known to be a fine singer. Looking to discover more about Agnesi and her music? Check out our course Hidden Gems: Four Centuries of Piano Music by Women Composers.
Johannes Brahms’s first piano concerto was premiered in Hanover, Germany with Brahms as the soloist. The massive three-movement work is one of the towering works of the piano repertoire, lasting more than 45 minutes. In the work, Brahms pays homage to composers such as Beethoven, whose third piano concerto served as a model for the last movement of this concerto. Although Brahms’s piano works tend to be quite challenging, Jarred Dunn’s From the Artist Bench video provides excellent teaching and performance tips for the Intermezzi, Op. 117.
Jazz pianist Duke Ellington gave his first performance at Carnegie Hall on January 23, 1943. Known for his incredible jazz hits, some of his most popular tunes are “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” “Take the ‘A’ Train,” and “Mood Indigo.” Ellington received major awards both during and after his death in 1974 including recognition from the Grammy Awards, multiple honorary doctorates, and the Pulitzer Prize. Looking for more information about Ellington and improvising in jazz styles? Check out this article by Geoffrey Haydon on the harmonic building blocks of jazz!
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Announcing the Winter 2026 issue of Piano Magazine! This issue explores group teaching, wellness, and community action. It also celebrates the winners in this year’s Collegiate Writing Competition with the publication of three selected essays. Congratulations to our 2025 Piano Magazine Collegiate Essay winner, Aleigh Papagno, the runner-up, Agnieszka Lasko, and special undergraduate mention, Alexia Hulme, on their excellent essays.
Andrea McAlister
“On July 23, 2025, The Piano Conference: NCKP (National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy) hosted the inaugural, groundbreaking Innovation Summit, a day that brought together 420 members of the piano education community—emerging professionals, independent and community teachers, public school educators, university faculty, and industry leaders. More than a traditional conference, the Summit was a bold day of collective visioning; a day devoted not just to sharing ideas, but to shaping the future of piano teaching itself. Led by Dr. Jennifer Snow, CEO of The Frances Clark Center, and Dr. Andrea McAlister, Summit Director, the event centered around collaboration, creativity, and actionable […]”
Paul Myatt
“When was the last time a student actually practiced every day without being reminded? If you’re like most piano teachers, you’re probably doing the mental math right now. But here’s what’s really happening: It’s not that Sophie forgot to practice, she genuinely can’t remember how to play what you taught her. Meanwhile, Jake’s too busy with football, gaming, and homework to fit piano in. And Emma? She practiced one piece, got stuck, and gave up because there’s no one at home to help her and no friends learning alongside her to keep her motivated. Traditional piano teaching assumes students will […]”
Penelope Roskell
“Traditionally, teachers have considered “technique” to consist almost exclusively of scales, arpeggios, finger exercises, and studies. However, if we consider the word “technique” in its broadest sense, then it includes all the pianistic skills our students need to learn in order to play with ease and artistry. These broader musical skills include playing with a wide range of beautiful sounds; shaping phrases expressively; playing with rhythmic impulse, dynamic contrast, and physical freedom; and basic pedaling. In short, when exploring technique, we are encouraging our students to experiment with how motion creates meaningful sounds. As teachers, we also have a responsibility […]”
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 […]”
Agnieszka J. Lasko
“Improvisation is valuable for a student’s musical development; however, piano lessons are typically focused on traditional repertoire and exam preparation, leaving little room for additional activities. Teachers may hesitate to explore unfamiliar improvisation materials. Many may also feel uncomfortable introducing improvisation, as they did not receive training in it during their own studies. Approaches such as “free improvisation” or “close your eyes and improvise” don’t work for everyone. However, when students are encouraged to explore sound and to express their own ideas, they connect more deeply with their music. There is a need for an approach that fits comfortably into […]”
Alexia Hulme
“In his book Advice to Young Musicians, Robert Schumann wrote: “Reverence what is old, but have a warm heart also for what is new. Indulge no prejudice against unknown names.”1 Schumann was writing specifically to young musicians, and I believe the intermediate level of piano lessons is an opportune time to implement his guidance. Chopin and Liszt are names engraved in the standard piano repertoire. Intermediate students are certain to play a handful of Chopin’s waltzes, mazurkas, and polonaises as they advance towards Liszt’s technically demanding pieces. Students are probably less familiar with Granados as the “Spanish Chopin” or Albéniz […]”
Editor’s Letter – Pamela D. Pike
Questions and Answers – Diana Dumlavwalla
Liszt and Virtuosity by Robert Doran – Book Review by Matthew Bengston
New Music & Materials – Various Authors
Recording Reviews – Various Authors
Pupil Saver – Desireé González-Miller
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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Start the new year with this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring host Jennifer Snow as she interviews Brian Shepard. Shepard shares stories about his early beginnings at the piano, the impact of his teachers, and his rise within the Music Teachers National Association where he now serves as CEO. Tune in to learn more about Shepard’s vision and aspirations for the years ahead.
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Although a new year is right around the corner, piano teachers are in the middle of the busy academic year. Our students are juggling school, extra-curricular activities, and practicing while teachers are doing their own juggling acts—preparing for weekly lessons and student performances while also keeping their studios running smoothly. In the midst of all this activity, it is easy to set aside our own professional growth. Taking time to reflect on teaching—just as we ask our students to reflect on their own musical journey—can bring renewed focus, energy, and inspiration. This January, we invite you to take time out for yourself and join the Frances Clark Center Foundational Pedagogy Discussion Group.
These small, discussion-based groups offer piano teachers an opportunity for support, connection, and collaboration with colleagues across the country. Together, we will engage in thoughtful dialogue and reflect on teaching today’s students: exploring motivation, designing meaningful learning experiences, and providing feedback that fosters growth.
The January 2026 cohorts will meet online, Wednesdays at 11:00 am E.T. for three interactive sessions:
January 14: Strategies for Effective Teaching and Learning
January 21: Communication and Motivation
January 28: Curriculum and Lesson Planning
Each sixty-minute session will explore foundational aspects of pedagogy and provide a supportive space to share ideas and experiences. Participants will develop practical strategies that can be implemented right away in the studio for a variety of students.
In the first session, Strategies for Effective Teaching and Learning, we’ll discuss principles that promote student engagement and understanding through effective questioning and independent learning strategies. The second session, Communication and Motivation, will bring motivation theories to the studio, incorporating research in practical ways to increase student attention and engagement. The final session, Curriculum and Lesson Planning, will focus on short- and long-term goals, sequencing, and skill development.
Group content will be based on the Foundational Pedagogy Course and available at pianoinspires.com/courses. Although course enrollment is optional, you may use code FOUNDATIONAL for 25% off if you wish to purchase.
Whether you are a new teacher seeking guidance or an experienced teacher needing a refresh, the Foundational Pedagogy Discussion Group will offer an enriching opportunity to invest in your teaching practice. Join us this January to connect, reflect, and grow as part of a vibrant community of piano educators.
Learn more about the Foundational Pedagogy Course by clicking here. Use code FOUNDATIONAL for 25% off your purchase of the course!
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