A Bold Vision for the Future of Piano Education
PRESS RELEASE: 17 JANUARY 2025
For Immediate Release
Contact: Heather Smith, Director of Development and Advancement
hsmith@francesclarkcenter.org
The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy proudly announces the establishment of The Frances Clark Center Endowment and the launch of the Piano Inspires Legacy Circle. These initiatives represent a pivotal moment in the Center’s history, securing the future of piano education and advancing the mission to inspire and support the next generation of piano teachers and students worldwide.
A Vision Rooted in Legacy
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for our donors who make it possible for us to establish The Frances Clark Center Endowment. It is a significant moment as we build for future sustainability in support of our mission and the transformative power of music. The endowment allows us to amplify our impact and create enduring support for piano education and our inspiring community,” said Dr. Jennifer Snow, President and CEO.
The Frances Clark Center was founded in 1998 to preserve and extend the transformational legacy of Dr. Frances Clark. Her groundbreaking approach to piano education emphasized the power of music-making to enrich lives, foster understanding, and cultivate a love for learning and personal growth.
“Inspired by Dr. Frances Clark’s belief that there is music in every person, the Center has been a driving force in shaping the landscape of piano education for over 25 years,” said Dr. Samuel S. Holland, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Investing in the Future of Piano Education
The Frances Clark Center Endowment represents the Center’s most ambitious financial initiative to date. This long-term fund is designed to provide enduring resources for programs, publications, and educational outreach, ensuring the sustainability of the Center’s mission.
Seeded by a financial gift Dr. Frances Clark herself left, the endowment reflects her belief in the power of music education to change lives and her commitment to ensuring that piano education continues to flourish for generations to come.
“Endowments are markers of mature, responsible, and sustainable organizations because they provide a stream of revenue in perpetuity,” said Holland. “Now when we approach individual donors, philanthropists, foundations, and grant-making organizations, we can do so from a position of confidence that our organization and its transformative work will live on into the future and that gifts will make a lasting difference.”
Join the Piano Inspires Legacy Circle
The Piano Inspires Legacy Circle offers an opportunity for supporters to play a vital role in advancing the field of piano education while helping ensure that Dr. Frances Clark’s legacy continues to inspire generations to come. Supporters of the Piano Inspires Legacy Circle have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the future of piano education by contributing $5,000 or more or by including the Center in their estate plans.
Building a Global Community
The Frances Clark Center has long been a hub for innovation and collaboration in piano education, offering a wide range of initiatives that inspire and empower educators and students alike. These include The Piano Conference: NCKP, The New School for Music Study, the Marvin Blickenstaff Institute for Teaching Excellence, Teacher Education programs, Piano Education Press, and publications such as Piano Magazine, Piano Inspires Kids, and Journal of Piano Research.
As the educational needs of students and teachers evolve, the Center continues to respond with forward-thinking programs and resources that address these challenges. Through the establishment of the Endowment and the Piano Inspires Legacy Circle, the Center is prepared to expand its reach, ensuring the sustainability and excellence of piano education for future generations.
Be Part of the Legacy
The Frances Clark Center invites you to be part of this historic initiative. To learn more about The Frances Clark Center Endowment and the Piano Inspires Legacy Circle, visit The Frances Clark Center Endowment or contact Heather Smith, Director of Development and Advancement, at hsmith@francesclarkcenter.org.
Together, we can honor Dr. Frances Clark’s legacy while building a future that uplifts and inspires the entire piano education community.