In the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, Craig Sale discusses his early experiences with music study, his work with legendary educators Frances Clark, Louise Goss, and Elvina Pearce, and his current work as senior editor of Piano Magazine. Listen now to hear this insightful and inspiring conversation with host Pam Pike.
Podcast: Play in new window
To celebrate the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring Craig Sale, we are spotlighting his extensive scholarship and research published by The Frances Clark Center. Craig Sale is a pianist, teacher, workshop clinician, adjudicator, author, and editor. For thirty years he served as Director of the Preparatory and Community Piano Program at Concordia University Chicago where he also taught university courses in piano pedagogy. He was a pedagogy student of Frances Clark and Louise Goss. Read more below to learn about his work on foundational pedagogy, teaching concepts, motivation, and more.
The Foundational Piano Pedagogy (Self-Guided) course presents essential pedagogical concepts for teachers of all experience and expertise levels. The course includes five different modules that cover everything from learning theories to improving communication practices to ideas from Frances Clark herself! Learn more by clicking here: https://pianoinspires.com/course/foundational-piano-pedagogy-self-guided/.
In this webinar, Craig Sale shares his secrets to piano teaching success with tips about learning theories, how to communicate with parents and students effectively, and how to motivate students to achieve success in the studio and beyond. Watch the full webinar here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/some-basics-about-learning-motivation-and-communication/.
One of the most important aspects of great piano teaching is the presentation and mastery of new concepts. In this webinar, Craig Sale provides tips for helping students understand concepts accurately from the beginning using Frances Clark’s “Sound-Feel-Sign-Name” approach that has revolutionized music teaching around the world. Discover the power of concept preparation here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/the-missing-link/.
If piano lessons have become an endless stream of correcting learned mistakes, this article will revolutionize your approach to teaching. Craig Sale discusses his strategies to help students understand concepts correctly from the beginning, while also helping them master their pieces accurately from the first practice session. Absorb these strategies in this article: https://pianoinspires.com/article/breaking-out-of-the-house-of-corrections/.
Dmitri Kabalevsky’s pedagogical piano music has captivated and motivated generations of piano students. In this Inspiring Artistry video, Craig Sale explores “Running Along,” Op. 39, No. 6, which is appropriate for intermediate-level pianists. In the video he provides tips on preparing, practicing, and polishing this piece. Watch the video here: https://pianoinspires.com/video/kabalevsky-running-along-op-39-no-6/.
Refine your concept teaching approach with tips on presentation, preparation, and follow through from Craig Sale. Based on Frances Clark’s ideas on piano teaching, this video lecture provides ideas to help make sure every student understands and executes learning objectives with ease. View this lecture here: https://pianoinspires.com/video/how-can-a-student-master-new-concepts/.
In 2025, Craig Sale received The Frances Clark Center Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing his impact and scholarship in the field of piano pedagogy. With a career spanning from the New School for Music Study to present day, Craig Sale has inspired and educated pianists and piano teachers worldwide. Read more about his transformative impact here: https://pianoinspires.com/article/exceptional-lives-in-music-a-look-at-the-frances-clark-center-2025-lifetime-achievement-award-honorees/.
Want to learn more about Craig Sale? 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!
MORE ON CRAIG SALE
Want more than a preview?
Subscribe to unlock full videos, webinar archives, and articles!
We are deeply grateful to our donors, educators, and partners who continue to invest in our mission of advancing piano education. Your belief in The Frances Clark Center sustains our programs, inspires teachers and learners, and strengthens the profession for generations to come.
This year was one of growth, innovation, and shared achievement. We established The Frances Clark Center Endowment Fund and launched the Piano Inspires Legacy Circle, celebrated Marvin Blickenstaff’s 90th birthday at Carnegie Hall, introduced the Community Impact Grants Initiative, and hosted the inaugural Innovation Summit at The Piano Conference: NCKP 2025. We also published new works that broaden representation in piano literature and welcomed record enrollment at The New School for Music Study.
Each of these achievements reflects our shared belief in the power of music to inspire and enrich lives. Through this work, we continue to build community, foster creativity, and open doors to meaningful learning experiences.
We embrace the spirit of collaborative visioning that defines this extraordinary organization. Together we strive for an optimistic future, making the world a kinder, more connected place through the transformative power of music.
Dr. Jennifer Snow
President & CEO
Explore the 2024-2025 Gratitude Report by clicking here: https://pianoinspires.com/2024-2025-gratitude-report/.
MORE ON THE FRANCES CLARK CENTER
Want more than a preview?
Subscribe to unlock full videos, webinar archives, and articles!
Curious about music and music-making practices around the world? Piano Magazine has you covered with articles covering piano teaching and performance practices in all corners of the globe.
In this article by Lisa Yui from the Spring 2023 issue, Yui writes about her journey of discovering composers from throughout Asia including composers from Iran, Armenia, China, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Japan, and more. Throughout this journey, Yui reflects on the music, but also the barriers that still exist that limit the worldwide knowledge and appreciation of the many important composers from this part of the world. Read more by clicking here.
Composer and pianist Connor Chee shares his lived experiences as a Diné musician and composer in this article about Indigenous music. In his reflection, Chee shares a story about a time in which he was exposed to stereotypes about his identity and how this has shaped his mission as a composer today. In addition to providing a richer understanding for all about what it means to be a composer from an Indigenous community, Chee also reflects on cultural appreciation in music and teaching methods and suggests a path forward towards greater understanding and respect. Discover more by clicking here.
In her winning article on Norwegian folk songs, author Sarah Jenkins makes the case for using rhythmically complex tunes as a source for exciting musical exploration while challenging students to master rhythmic control. The article introduces two pieces by Norwegian composer Agathe Backer Grøndahl, Springdans from Op. 30 and Halling from Op. 33, as evidence of music that can inspire and motivate students. The article offers teaching tips to help instructors successfully approach this music and improve the metrical stability of their students’ playing. Read the entire article by clicking here.
Discover musical experiences in Cuba in this article by Elizabeth Borowsky who traveled to Cuba twice in 2012 and 2016. Her experiences with her family took her to Havana and Cumanayagua where she spent time interacting with people, listening to performances, and sharing music of her own. While bridging cultures, Borowsky’s experiences connect people of different backgrounds and unite them behind the power of music. Learn more about their experience in Cuba by clicking here.
In this article by Pete Jutras, he shares the story of his connection with the Moi Girls’ School in Eldoret, Kenya. After meeting the music teacher from this school who was visiting the University of Georgia, Jutras was inspired to help develop their music program. Jutras fundraised and travelled to Kenya with students and began a program to allow for online instruction to occur between graduate students at UGA and the school in Kenya. Uncover more lessons from Kenya by clicking here.
In this article by Eymen Geylan, readers discover the history of Turkish music and its development beginning with the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. The Turkish government funded opportunities for talented musicians to travel to Europe for study, and brought in major composers from Bartók to Hindemith. The article also introduces readers to repertoire by Turkish composers. Ahmed Adnan Saygun, Ulvi Cemal Erkin, Hasan Ferit Alnar, and Cemal Resit Rey. Read more about Turkish music by clicking here.
In this article by Ian Holtham, he details his experience of teaching online at the University of Melbourne during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the pandemic, Holtham spent significant time determining the best ways to share technical and musical feedback to advanced pianists online. In the article, he discusses a variety of advanced literature such as contrapuntal works by Bach to etudes by Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. Read the entire article by clicking here.
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.
MORE FROM PIANO MAGAZINE:
Want more than a preview?
Subscribe to unlock full videos, webinar archives, and articles!
As we move into November, we celebrate the birth of a famous ragtime composer, remember an important premiere, and reflect on Bach’s criminal record!
This month in 1717, Johann Sebastian Bach went to jail! The beloved composer and pianist spent about four weeks in a “justice room” at the Weimar court after demanding that he be released from his position as concertmaster for the Duke of Weimar in order to pursue a position in service of Prince Leopold in Cothen.
A student’s first experience with Bach’s music can be a “watershed” moment. Expert teacher Martha Appleby gives advice on which pieces by Bach to introduce first, as well as practice tips and guidance for the first Bach experience. Read more here!
This month in 1820, Beethoven’s first and only opera, Fidelio, premiered in Vienna. The opera premiered under the title Leonore, with original libretto by Josephy Sonnleithner, and was received somewhat poorly at first. After multiple revisions by two additional librettists, the opera successfully premiered again under the title Fidelio eight years later. For more on Classical repertoire, style, and technique, check out the Microcourse Classical Sonatinas and Sonatas at the Piano.
The “King of Ragtime” and Pulitzer Prize-winner was born November 24,1868 in Texarkana, Texas. Joplin is famous for composing rags such as Maple Leaf Rag, Gladiolus Rag, and The Entertainer. Another engaging piece by Joplin, perfect for advancing students, is The Easy Winners. Click here to watch a video from the Inspiring Artistry series, in which Kate Acone performs The Easy Winners and shares specific teaching tips.
Want more than a preview?
Subscribe to unlock full videos, webinar archives, and articles!
In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, Brian Chung joins host, Heather Smith, to reflect on his past teachers, multi-faceted career path, and hopes for the music field. Chung discusses how he has combined his love of music and business throughout his career. Tune in to learn more about Chung’s inspiring achievements!
Podcast: Play in new window
Across the country, pianists are using their art to build connection, inclusion, and opportunity. These four projects—by Kelly Hooper, Zaiba Sheikh, Penny Lazarus, and Raphaelita Justice—show how community impact begins with creativity and compassion, inspiring others to design meaningful initiatives that make music accessible for all.
Kelly Hooper’s Free-To-Be recital reimagines what a piano performance can look and feel like. This inclusive showcase alters the formality of the typical recital, instead creating a safe, supportive space for every participant. Audience members can sit wherever they feel comfortable and respond freely to the music, while performers enjoy a flexible format that honors their individual needs.
The event’s open-door policy allows anyone to step in or out, easing anxiety for those who are neurodivergent. To ensure thoughtful implementation, the CMS teaching team will receive training in communicating with and supporting neurodivergent populations. Students will also have opportunities to visit the recital space beforehand, exploring the piano and environment at their own pace.
By making room for flexibility and empathy, Free-To-Be celebrates authentic musical expression in a reimagined setting. This innovative format reminds us that musical growth thrives in spaces where everyone truly feels free to be themselves.
Zaiba Sheikh’s Community Piano Lab bridges two important gaps—access to music for at-risk youth and professional development for aspiring piano teachers. This summer pilot program will take place at the Unique Caring Foundation’s foster-care day support center, where interns will teach individual piano lessons to children ages 7–18.
The Foundation, which already provides critical life-skills and academic support, sees music as a powerful addition to its summer offerings. Early-career pianists, especially those from two-year college programs, will gain guided teaching experience under a mentor’s supervision, while students benefit from personalized music instruction in a nurturing setting.
Each intern will teach four students per week, collaborate in weekly team meetings, and receive mentorship to help refine lesson planning and communication skills. At the end of each session, both interns and students will be assessed to measure learning outcomes and program impact.
This pilot aims to grow into a sustainable partnership between arts educators and community organizations, creating a model where piano teaching not only builds musicianship but also fosters connection, empathy, and opportunity across generations.
At Penny Lazarus Piano Studio in Lowell, Massachusetts, music is a bridge between cultures. Partnering with the International Institute of New England (IINE), Penny Lazarus is launching a Fun Friday event to connect her students with refugees and immigrants enrolled in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes.
This collaboration serves three powerful goals: fostering cultural understanding, deepening piano students’ engagement with diverse musical traditions, and helping newcomers practice conversational English through joyful singing. Within a project-based curriculum, students study and perform music from countries such as Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and Ukraine, broadening both empathy and repertoire.
The Fun Friday gathering will transform the ESOL classroom—complete with its acoustic piano—into a space for collaborative music-making, shared meals, and intercultural friendship. Piano students will accompany songs, strengthening their aural and ensemble skills while supporting others’ language learning in a safe, celebratory atmosphere.
With the help of a Community Impact Grant, this initiative turns a simple idea—singing together—into a profound act of connection and understanding.
Raphaelita Justice’s Group Piano Lessons at Pottstown Library brings free, accessible music education to the heart of the community. Through monthly group piano classes for children and adults, this project transforms a public library into a hub of creativity, learning, and connection.
These open, beginner-friendly sessions welcome anyone interested in exploring the piano—no prior experience required. For participants eager to dive deeper, the program also offers 6-week seasonal group courses that use interactive materials and technology to strengthen musical skills.
To ensure continued access and growth, the Muse Piano Academy scholarship—developed in partnership with the Music Link Foundation—will make private lessons affordable for students ready to advance further. The project even provides digital pianos for free 15-minute practice slots, allowing learners without instruments at home to continue practicing regularly.
By situating piano learning within a trusted community space, Justice’s initiative removes financial and psychological barriers, proving that music education can be truly inclusive. Group Piano Lessons at Pottstown Library reminds us that when piano learning is accessible to everyone, the entire community benefits.
Interested in learning more about how you can innovate in your community to make a difference? Join our upcoming webinar “Innovation – Understanding Our Communities and Their Needs” on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 11:00AM ET. Learn more and register here: https://pianoinspires.com/webinar/understanding-our-communities-and-their-needs/.
MORE ON COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS
Want more than a preview?
Subscribe to unlock full videos, webinar archives, and articles!
In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, Gary Ingle joins host, Jennifer Snow, to discuss his numerous contributions to the music field. Ingle shares his unique educational journey, inspiring career with MTNA, and reflects on a life in music. Join us for an inspiring conversation with a man who has dedicated his life to furthering the music profession.
Podcast: Play in new window
Teachers use words to teach concepts, praise students, and offer feedback. Words used to give praise and feedback should focus on the music–how it sounds, looks, and feels, rather than the student’s personal ability. Specific, sincere, and descriptive words are more memorable than a vague “good.” Change “should” statements into “could” statements and offer open-ended questions to help students explore and learn for themselves. In teaching concepts, the fewer and more specific words the better. Consider how you might teach without words–a demonstration, a light touch, or physical gestures. Always remember as Frances Clark taught, “Teaching is not telling.”
Effective teaching in the elementary years requires establishing a strong foundational curriculum to ensure successful, lifelong music-making. While method books and graded repertoire collections provide materials, a teacher’s unique curriculum lies in their sequencing of fundamental objectives underneath the music. In creating a core curriculum, consider elements of music such as fluent and free technique, ease in reading notation, stable pulse and rhythmic vitality, personal creativity, effective practice methods, and love of music with commitment to growth. Later principles build upon earlier learning to build high levels of comprehension and retention.
Students learn best when they encounter a concept through experience rather than being lectured. Teachers should prepare students for new concepts with activities to help them hear and feel them first. For example, students can hear/see a staccato performed then feel it in their own hands before learning its name and symbol. Consider activities away from the bench and using improvisation to naturally experience concepts. Remember this experiential approach with “Sound, Feel, Sign, Name.” “Easy teaching”–flipping the method book page and telling students what it teaches–does not lead to lasting comprehension.
Understanding student motivation is critical for music educators, as it drives a student’s desire, persistence, intensity, and self-evaluation while learning an instrument. Motivation is integral to helping students develop adaptive behaviors and achieve personal goals. To better understand student drive, consider these five motivational theories:
As D.H. Lawrence said, “The human soul needs beauty more than bread.” Make musical expression the primary focus of every lesson. Teachers must passionately model this beauty, not forcing appreciation but sharing their own excitement. Consider the following ideas to keep lessons focused on beauty and avoid getting bogged down.
Interested in enrolling in the Fundamental Course? Click here to learn more about this resource: https://pianoinspires.com/course/foundational-piano-pedagogy-self-guided/.
MORE ON FOUNDATIONAL PEDAGOGY
Want more than a preview?
Subscribe to unlock full videos, webinar archives, and articles!
In this podcast episode, musician and educator Pam Pike shares experiences from her youth and beyond that inspired her to become a piano teacher. In this impactful conversation with host Craig Sale, Pike reflects on her career paths and the role of piano teachers in today’s world. Tune into the Piano Inspires Podcast to hear more!
Podcast: Play in new window
Ready to move beyond basic drills? The magazines, videos, and publications at pianoinspires.com are packed with fresh, effective ideas to elevate the technique of your piano students and your own practice.
Tired of tricky fingerings? The Summer 2024 Issue of Piano Inspires Kids provides a fresh look at scale mastery by focusing on simple, repeatable rules. The core idea? All major and minor scales use an alternating pattern of three- and four-finger groups. A diagram is included to help students coordinate thumb crossing while playing hands together. By mastering these groups and vocalizing the key signature, students can quickly build speed and confidence. Download fingering guides for 5-finger and two-octave runs here.
Just as athletes compete, your students can participate in a “Technique Tournament” complete with judges and celebratory medals. Organize the event with a colleague, let students hear each other perform their assignments, and celebrate with a closing ceremony. Downloadable scoring sheets from Piano Inspires Kids track notes, fingering, velocity, and tone, motivating players to perform with technical excellence and beautiful sound.
Performing these figures beautifully in real repertoire is the ultimate goal! Technique through Repertoire applies your practice by isolating passages with major, minor, and chromatic runs. Students will work on a rising and falling C major run as it bounces between the hands in Beyer’s Etude in C major and a cascading chromatic sweep in Streabogg’s The Whirlwind.
Marvin Blickenstaff’s Foundational Technique video series surveys a host of technical skills and drills. In “Scale Routines” he delves deep into mastery, offering fresh drills to prepare students for pieces. These include announcing keys to solidify theoretical knowledge, accompanying them with Alberti bass patterns to prepare for sonatinas, and playing in various rhythmic patterns to build a sense of pulse and develop endurance.
Delve into Piano Magazine articles for more ideas. For the ambitious student, Dan Landsdown’s article on “Practicing Double-Thirds Scales” in the September 2017 Issue is essential reading. This disciplined work is critical for achieving finger independence, exceptional tone control, and a perfect legato between note pairs. This practice will secure and elevate a student’s musicianship. Read the full article here.
Regardless of where your students are on their path to scale success, resources from pianoinspires.com will help keep your studio fresh and motivated in improving their technique.
MORE ON SCALES
Want more than a preview?
Subscribe to unlock full videos, webinar archives, and articles!
Announcing the Autumn 2025 issue of Piano Magazine! Discover the remarkable journey of pianist and educator Wilfred Delphin, whose artistry and advocacy have shaped generations of musicians. From his formative years and international performances with his duo partner, Edwin Romain, to his lifelong commitment to mentoring young pianists, Delphin’s story celebrates perseverance, excellence, and the transformative power of music.
Pamela D. Pike
“Wilfred Delphin may not be a household name among young pianists, but his work as a concert duo-pianist and university professor has paved the way for those traveling after him. 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.”
Sara M. Ernst
“Before even one note sounded, the audience was on their feet, and the applause was thunderous and long-lasting. The performer had simply walked on stage, approached the piano, and smiled. On May 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Marvin Blickenstaff was poised, with a Steinway concert grand at his side, to commemorate his ninetieth birthday in a recital presented by The Frances Clark Center.”
Craig Sale
“The world lost a great musician and teacher on May 22 of this year, when John Perry died at age 90. Perry had an amazing career as a master teacher, pianist, and mentor. His impact on the world of piano has been immense. He taught not only some of the finest young pianists, but he influenced scores of teachers through his workshops and master classes around the world.”
Kaden Larson
“It’s an alarming experience when we discover that our amazing, miraculous bodies are no longer functioning the way that we wish. One of humanity’s most pervasive afflictions, arthritis impacts roughly one in four adults, and hundreds of thousands of children and adolescents. There are over one hundred types of conditions associated with arthritis and symptoms center around pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. Left unchecked, arthritis can warp the body, darken the mind, and chain the spirit.”
Ísis Cardoso
“Lorenzo Fernández (1897–1948) was a pivotal figure in Brazilian music as both a composer and educator. His works combine European compositional traditions—particularly Impressionism and Romanticism—with Brazilian folk idioms, resulting in a distinctive and pedagogically rich repertoire. Fernández’s piano music is especially notable for its accessibility to young pianists, offering engaging yet technically structured material that promotes both skill development and expressive growth.”
Asher Armstrong
“I have often been fascinated by Adelina de Lara’s account of Johannes Brahms teaching his own piano music: ‘[…] He would stand behind me, his hand pressing on my shoulder, to slow or hasten some little phrase.’ What were his ideas of hastening and tarrying, and in which pieces?”
Editor’s Letter – Pamela D. Pike
Questions and Answers – Paul Myatt
Inspired Piano Teaching by Marvin Blickenstaff – Book Review by Ivan Hurd
Health, Wellness, and Wholeness in the Music Studio by Gail Berenson, Linda Cockey, & Charles Turon – Book Review by Lesley McAllister
New Music & Materials – Various Authors
Recording Reviews – Various Authors
Pupil Saver – Matt A. Mason
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.
MORE FROM PIANO MAGAZINE:
Want more than a preview?
Subscribe to unlock full videos, webinar archives, and articles!
Join host Leah Claiborne as she interviews pianist Michelle Cann, who serves as the Eleanor Sokoloff Chair in Piano Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music. Cann reflects on her wide-ranging career, beginning with her musical family, continuing on with her studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Curtis Institute, and concluding with her latest recording projects. Listen here to learn more about Cann’s inspiring achievements!
Podcast: Play in new window
The Autumn issue of Piano Inspires Kids is filled with fun, creative, and educational ways to explore music. Whether you’re a teacher looking to bring fresh ideas into your studio or a parent hoping to spark your child’s imagination at home, this issue offers something for everyone. Here are five ways you can use the activities to inspire young musicians this fall:
Turn rhythm into a full-body experience with the Rhythm Challenge activity. Students clap the rhythm in front of them as they walk, turning each corner into a chance to reinforce pulse, coordination, and focus. Teachers can adapt the activity by adding challenges—such as switching claps to snaps or reversing directions—keeping the exercise playful and engaging. Go to kids.pianoinspires.com/activities to download the rhythms.
Time travel through the “‘25s!” Our feature on 1725, 1825, 1925, and today helps students connect music to culture across centuries. Use it to spark discussions in your lessons: What did people wear in 1825? What instruments did they play in 1925? How is today’s world different? This activity deepens historical awareness and shows students that music always lives within a bigger story.
From grand pianos to keyboards, this issue explores the many ways people make music. Encourage students to compare different types of pianos and imagine what it would be like to play music while traveling in a different era—by carriage, train, or car. This ties music to transportation, fashion, and schooling, showing that the piano has always adapted to the world around it.
Catherine Rollin’s new piece, The Roaring ‘20s, gives students a lively way to step into the spirit of the 1920s. After learning the piece, invite students to improvise their own short “Roaring ’20s” melodies. Pairing performance with creation encourages confidence and joy in making music.
This Autumn issue also kicks off our Design the Cover Contest for the Winter 2026 issue, which will focus on Songs Without Words. Students are invited to create original artwork inspired by this idea, imagining how music can tell stories and express emotions. Use this contest as a fun studio project or a creative art-and-music crossover activity at home. Not only does it give kids a chance to showcase their artistic side, but it also helps them reflect on the ways music communicates beyond words.
With rhythm games, history connections, new music, and the excitement of creating art for the Songs Without Words cover contest, the Autumn issue of Piano Inspires Kids is designed to help students see music not just as notes on a page, but as a living, breathing part of their world.
The Autumn 2025 Issue of Piano Inspires Kids is coming now! Subscribers will be receiving the print issue in their mailboxes in the coming weeks. Interested in subscribing? Click here to receive the issue and give the gift of music to the musicians in your life for only $29.99/year for US-based subscribers and options for those internationally too!
MORE ON PIANO INSPIRES KIDS
Want more than a preview?
Subscribe to unlock full videos, webinar archives, and articles!
We would like to thank Mary Bloom and Michelle Aalders for tributes shared here with this post of the Phyllis Lehrer Piano Pedagogy & Artistry Fund. Phyllis’ legacy as a teacher, mentor, pianist, and colleague is unquestionable. We are honored to celebrate her work through the creation of this new fund in her name. To donate to the fund, click here. Learn more below!
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 have known Phyllis for over 40 years and have many memories of her! These memories include lessons at Westminster Choir College, time at the New School for Music Study, feeding her students dinner at her home, and meeting at conferences. What stands out to me is that I have never seen her without that beautiful smile on her face! Congrats and love to Phyllis!
Phyllis was one of my favorite teachers. She was so generous with her time and her talent. I admired how she was able to balance a huge workload with performing and teaching. Even though I was only able to study with her for the two years that I did my master’s in piano pedagogy and performance, the time I did have with her was incredibly special. And I will always value the wonderful seeds that she planted in me, both as a pianist and a teacher. Her contribution to the field is overwhelming, and I am delighted that this honor has been set up for her.
Your gift ensures Phyllis’s inspiring work continues for generations to come.
MORE ON THE POWER OF A PIANO TEACHER
Want more than a preview?
Subscribe to unlock full videos, webinar archives, and articles!