Teacher Activities
2024-2025
Unless otherwise indicated, all Teacher meetings are scheduled at Steinway Piano Gallery, 334 E Hines Hill Rd, Hudson, OH 44236.
“300 Years of Stylistic Changes in Piano Music:
From a Teaching and Judging Perspective
September 6, 2024 | Steinway Piano Gallery
10:00 - 11:30 Presentation
12:00 - 1:00 Dine & Discuss
Jeanne will be exploring all levels of piano music from four musical periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. Handouts will be provided for the exploration of dynamics, cadences, key changes, notation, articulation, titles, etc. as we look into hints to inform us in our teaching, performing, and judging.
Register at ohiomta.org!
October 3-5, 2024 | Highland Universal Gatheringspot - 133 Merriman Rd, Akron
Dr. Robert Mayerovitch
“The Mental Breath: Silence That Empowers”
November 8, 2024 | Steinway Piano Gallery
10:00 - 11:30 Presentation
12:00 - 1:00 Dine & Discuss
Two of the most important aspects of effective practicing are the principles of reinforcing the good stuff and avoiding drilling passages that don’t work. What is worth repeating? Figures and gestures that demonstrate ease, idiomatic flow, shapeliness, dependability.
The concept of The Mental Breath is the permission the musician must provide to offer a timeout during the work: a place where you don’t proceed until 1) you know what you’re going to do next and 2) you’ve made sure that the size and complexity of your challenge is reasonable, executable, even something to look forward to! From the silence comes patience, then clarity, intent, and confidence. With whatever term is used, this concept has been utilized by music teachers probably as long as there have been music teachers. What this presentation will stress is how important it is to consciously make empowering breath points an essential part of any creative and self-nurturing practice.
Music Sharing Member Social
“Music for Our Own Sakes: Let’s Play, Share, and Rediscover Our Love of Music!”
January 31, 2025 | Steinway Piano Gallery
10:00 - 11:30 Presentation
12:00 - 1:00 Steinway Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
As professional musicians, we are often preparing pieces others have requested for events and helping our students with their pieces. Let’s take some time to rediscover the joy and love of music for ourselves! What is a piece that gives life to your soul when you play it? Whether it’s a new piece you’ve discovered or an old favorite from years ago, brush the dust off a bit and let’s share some beloved music with each other! No need for advanced pieces requiring tons of preparation, and no need for feeling the pressure of polished concert-worthy perfection—in this session, simple and what you are comfortable with right now is perfect. Bring what you’d enjoy sharing!
Dr. Chee Hyeon Choi
“Energize Your Studio with Women Composer’s Piano Works”
March 7, 2025 | Steinway Piano Gallery
10:00 - 11:30 Presentation
12:00 - 1:00 Dine & Discuss
Expanding teaching repertoires is an ongoing goal for music teachers. We constantly search for valuable resources to keep our students engaged and motivated. This session will introduce less-known women composers from different cultures and eras by demonstrating their gem piano pieces. It will be an interesting discovery moment for teachers to expand and diversity teaching materials.
Dr. Christopher Fisher
“Don’t Write the Epitaph Just Yet: Strategies for a Classical Music Revolution”
April 4, 2025 | Steinway Piano Gallery
10:00 - 11:30 Presentation
12:00 - 1:00 Dine & Discuss
Claims of the demise of classical music have been raised for centuries. However, many proclaim that the art form is facing its most imposing challenges yet and is at risk of becoming obsolete. To be sure, the challenges are real, namely financial hazards and dwindling audience bases. Is classical music facing an insurmountable, systemic crisis?
Despite these threats, a wave of innovative new leaders is emerging. These passionate, outspoken advocates are brilliant educators and evangelists who are devoted to spreading the good news about the transformative power of this great music. Their message is that classical music is relevant and it has the potential to radically enrich lives. In many ways, their work is sparking a rebirth, a renaissance. For many, it is all about reimagining and reinventing the art form.
This presentation will explore exciting trends in the world of classical music and will equip piano teachers with robust yet practical strategies that can be deployed as part of an exciting classical music revival.
Member Luncheon - Amy Sauriol
“Chaos or Calm: Thoughts on Organization and Time Management
for Music Teachers”
May 9, 2025 | Lager & Vine - 30 W Streetsboro St, Hudson
10:00 - 11:30 Presentation
12:00 - 1:00 Dine & Discuss
Join us for a compilation of tips, tricks, ideas, and anecdotes led by WRMTA member, Amy Sauriol. Amy wears many hats and is all too familiar with “the mental load.” Through trial and error, experimentation, and awareness, she has gathered several ideas to help you make the most of your time, space, energy, and more! Discussion encouraged!