Blog

After a visit to the Exhibit Hall, it was time for another session! Next up was an intermediate teaching demonstration by Scott McBride Smith. The first pianist was Marc Padilla, student of Larisa Topolkaraeva, playing Chopin’s Walt in B Minor, Op. 69, No. 2. After a lovely performance, Scott began by complimenting Marc on his […]

This morning we launched off first thing with a showcase presented by Randall and Nancy Faber. They began with an overview of the changes in the 2nd edition of the Piano Adventures Level 1 books (look for the words “2nd Edition” printed on the upper left hand corner of the books). We worked through the […]

I have no doubt that the incredible evening sponsored by Hal Leonard tonight will be one of the most talked about events of this year’s conference. They went all out to extend a hearty Wisconsin welcome to all of us music teachers! After shuttling attendees from the hotel to their corporate headquarters, they split us […]

One of  the great advantages of attending the national conference is getting to hear some of the country’s top musicians in the competition winners’ recitals. Right now I am sitting in the recital for the winners of the Junior Performance Competitions, Chamber Music Performance Competition, and Elementary and Junior Composition Competitions. The caliber of these […]

Edna Golandsky, artistic director and co-founder of the Golandsky Institute, presented a session on how to move from the basics of reading and counting to performances filled with rhythmic vitality, long lines, and beautiful sound. Her presentation stems from years of working with very advanced pianists and trying to help figure out what it would […]

The afternoon began with a selection of exhibitor showcases. I headed to the Hal Leonard showcase, with Brenda Dillon, Jennifer Linn, and Fred Kern demonstrating learning approaches and pieces from the new Piano Fun for Adult Beginners book.