PIANO TEACHERS’ WORKSHOPS

After your complimentary teacher’s consultation, your next step may be to schedule one or more private lessons, or perhaps to enroll in a set of six Piano Teachers’ Workshops. In these workshops, you’ll be matched with one or two other teachers to explore details of my basic approach to releasing physical and mental tension through teaching each other intermediate level repertoire.

You’ll also be coached in the practice of student-centered teaching, in which you’ll cultivate your ability to bring out each student’s intelligence by listening and responding to their observations of their own playing.

Depending on the number of participants, each of these workshop is two or two and a half hours long and includes . . .

• Actual lessons with other teachers in your group
• Detailed feedback on your teaching
• An opportunity to clarify your understanding through discussions with your fellow teachers
• A sheet of written comments from me on your teaching, with specific suggestions to put into action with your own students as you continue to refine your skills

In these initial workshops you’ll acquire a basic grasp of how to teach these key elements of the Art of Practicing:

• Releasing tension in the hand and forearm by letting non-playing fingers rest on the keys
• Adjusting students’ body alignment for optimal arm leverage
• Using listening techniques to bring out natural expressiveness
• Organizing notes in rhythmic groups that create musical momentum and vitality, further freeing up the body

You’ll come away from each workshop with

• Greater understanding of how to teach the details of piano technique and musicianship to unlock your students’ potential
• Student-centered teaching skills that make each lesson a more vibrant, creative experience for both you and your students
• Connection to a supportive community of other like-minded piano teachers
• An expanded appreciation of each small victory your students make as they gradually free themselves at the piano
• Increased confidence and joy in your teaching

The Piano Teachers’ Workshops are sponsored by the Art of Practicing Institute, which provides generous scholarships for participants.