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Tag: inspiration

2011.08.17 02:17:40
Susan Capestro

My colleague, Kathleen Theisen, and I presented a session at The National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy in Lombard, IL, at the end of July, entitled, Instructional Videos - featuring YOU! Then there was the follow up, and the posting of our handout, and the filling out of the survey...Then I rode a long bike ride, to raise money for cancer research and treatment...then there was the writing of all the thank you's...lots to do...I'm finally getting around to blogging now!

At NCKP, I always enjoy seeing other fellow keyboard teachers. My favorite session was David Karp's, on the piano music of Bernstein. In general, I slipped into the back of several sessions. Some sounded promising, yet hashed over the same materials of past conference sessions. I was happy to see George Litterst, Stella Sick, Shana Kirk and Mario Ajero present a session on streaming; though I had already done much of this research myself, it was very interesting to hear other perspectives. There was a session on increasing teaching effectiveness, which presented and reinforced some salient points that I learned in pedagogy class decades ago, that are still relevant now.

The session on writing business plans was particularly valuable for young teachers just starting out. It's alarming how little they learned in music school about how to run a business; they could really benefit from more business sessions addressing marketing, accounting, outreach, professional development, etc. It's so hard for music schools to teach those kind of business skills, however, they are needed, especially for independent studio teachers.

Lastly, Tony Caramia's jazz piano performance of Americana was really fun.

Were you at NCKP this year? What did you like?
  conferences | inspiration | teaching
Comments 0Hits: 41  

2009.07.10 04:31:20
WML Scoops

2008_09_25 By Susan Capestro

If you are a music lover, you are blessed. “Music is good for the soul,” the popular saying goes. And it’s true - even during an economic meltdown, for you can receive music’s benefits by spending very little or no money at all. You can enjoy the unique solace and comfort provided by listening to a favorite piece, whether it’s from a free radio broadcast, a personal collection of CDs, or an iPod playlist.

You may hear music as part of your job, or during another activity like cooking or driving. But when was the last time you did nothing but sit and listen? Ahhh...! If you had 20 minutes to completely immerse yourself, would you choose a symphony, a keyboard sonata, or perhaps selections from a high quality contrapuntal rock album like Fragile by Yes? How would this mini-vacation improve your day, your mood, your relationships with others?...


  wellness | inspiration | blessings
Comments 0Hits: 268  


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