Past Teacher Activities
Please review our organization's prior presentations below.
Mayumi Kikuchi
September 5, 2025
10:00 - Presentation
12:00 - Dine & Discuss
Dynamics Unwound: The true meaning of dynamic markings
Dynamics are some of the most important expressive elements in performing practice. As a music teacher, how can we better communicate improving dynamics in music with our students? How can we help them develop ways to go beyond just sound levels? This session will focus on the stylistic, editorial, textural, and solo/ensemble issues with dynamics as well as other related problems by looking at excerpts from the standard teaching piano literature. Non-piano music teachers are encouraged to share their points of view during the presentation.
Tim Ledger
October 10, 2025
10:00 - Presentation
12:00 - Dine & Discuss
Focus!
It sounds so simple, but focus is a complex set of interconnected actions and processes. We will delve into how some of these work, look at what science says, and brainstorm together to help our students find and practice their ability to focus in a world filled with instant-gratification distractions.
Ohio MTA Middle East District Conference -Dr. Omar Roy
November 7, 2025
Fast First: Challenging the Monolith of Slow Practice
Slow practice has long been treated as a universal remedy for solving technical challenges at the piano. While careful, mindful repetition has value, emerging research in motor learning, biomechanics, and neuroanatomy suggests that slow practice alone may not prepare pianists for the real demands of performance tempo, regardless of repertoire level.
This session challenges the assumption that slow is always the best starting point. Drawing from studies of human movement and skill acquisition, we’ll explore how the nervous system encodes speed-specific motor patterns—and why practicing only at slow speeds (or slowly increasing speeds) can sometimes lead to inefficient or incompatible muscle coordination. Movements executed slowly often rely on different neuromuscular strategies than those performed at tempo, which can complicate the transition to full-speed playing.
Instead, we’ll introduce a more nuanced approach: integrating brief, targeted fast practice early in the learning process. Tools such as segmentation, rhythmic variation, hands-separate drills, and strategic repetition allow pianists to engage tempo-appropriate motor pathways without sacrificing control or accuracy.
Designed for both teachers and students, this session offers practical, research-informed strategies to accelerate technical fluency and build confidence. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how and when to use fast practice effectively—empowering pianists to move beyond the myth of “slow first” and toward a more flexible, performance-ready technique.
Register Here: Registration
District Honors Recital Online Registration
Member Music Sharing Social
February 6, 2026
9:30 - Social Begins
10:00 - Music Begins
Bring your latest number to share or sight-read your students' favorite piano duets with the members, polished or unpolished! Sandwiches and beverages will be served, but please bring one healthy dish to share. More activities to follow.
Keys to Artistry Piano Studio
(hosted by Maira Liliestedt)
Shitong Sigler
March 6, 2026
10:00 - Presentation
12:00 - Dine & Discuss
"Album for the Young" written by Contemporary Composers
This presentation demonstrates several collections of “Album for the Young” and pedagogical piano compositions written by contemporary composers. Majority of these selected collections have been overlooked by the traditional body of pedagogical and performance literature. These collections of repertoires contain a diverse range of proficiency levels: from elementary to late-intermediate; some collections also progress in difficulty. These selected collections of literature are written by contemporary composers such as Yoshinao Nakada, Lowell Liebermann, David Diamond, Lera Auerbach, Gian Menotti, Norman Dello Joio, Florence Price, and Octavio Piato. Despite introducing the background information of the collections, the biographical information and the compositional styles of the composers, this presentation also discusses the technical and interpretive challenges and suggestions, performance practice strategies, as well as the pedagogical merits of the works.
Katherine Fisher
April 3, 2026
10:00 - Presentation
12:00 - Dine & Discuss
“Education is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life” Applying General Education Philosophy to Piano Teaching
Has a lesson ever revealed a communication disconnect between teacher and student? One approach to enhancing student learning and professional growth is studying master educators from other disciplines. This session examines philosophy from Charlotte Mason, connecting her insights to piano pedagogy. Educators will explore strategies to teach rather than tell, ensuring meaningful and lasting learning.
Marissa Leonino
Lange
May 1, 2026
Presentation/Lunchenon Time TBA
Book Discussion
Join us in discussing The Ways Children Learn Music: An Introduction and Practical Guide to Music Learning Theory by Eric Bluestine. Luncheon to follow book discussion.
“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.​
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?
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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.
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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!