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Extended Programs

Session Descriptions

The following sessions will be offered by UALR faculty and visiting presenters during the Piano Pedagogy Colloquium:

Motivation: Theory, Philosophy… and the Reality!

Presenter: Pamela Pike

Dr. Pike will explore basic motivation & cognition theory and apply it to teaching piano in the real world.

Building Blocks to Effective Sight Reading: What the Experts Say

Presenter: Barbara Fast

While effective sight-reading provides a life-long love and ability to play the piano, it is frequently the least understood and most over-looked keyboard skill. The presentation features specific suggestions for teaching sight-reading based on current research.

Motivation and the Teenage Pianist: Strategies for Interest and Involvement

Presenter: Linda Holzer

Coldplay said it best, in their hit single Trouble: “I never meant to cause you trouble, And I never meant to do you wrong.” What’s up with teenage piano students? How do you help them stay excited and productive studying music?

Group Techniques: Reaching Individuals within the Group

Presenter: Pamela Pike

We all know that individuals have preferred learning styles. David Kolb’s learning theory, popular in the business world, can be used to enhance individual understanding through cooperative learning in the piano class. Video clips will reinforce the techniques discussed.

Music History & Music Theory: Fun for All

Presenter: Trudy Kincade

Kincade will give examples of successful group techniques and strategies for making music history and theory fun and relevant for the intermediate and advanced student.

Approaching Artistry Through Sound and Time

Presenter: Andrew Cooperstock

All music is sound in time. How sounds and timing are manipulated can mean the difference between an artistic interpretation and a square performance. While the creative process can seem at times elusive, some knowledge of performance practice and the possibilities suggested by the printed page can lead to more creative, communicative, and artistic performances for ourselves and our students.

Performance: Anxiety or Motivation?

Presenter: Joann Kirchner

Performance anxiety expert, Dr. Kirchner, will examine the causes of performance anxiety among young piano students, the resulting impact that anxiety can have on performance and how teachers might use performance as a tool to motivate students.

Technology to Enhance Student Learning

Presenter: Linda Christensen

These sessions will explore different hardware and software options to enhance student learning and save time for teachers. Session will include solutions for solo and ensemble playing, sight reading, and recording performances.

Recording: Hearing Ourselves as Others Hear Us

Presenter: Jim Spencer

Due to the high cognitive load placed on the piano performer, we often do not hear ourselves as others hear us. Spencer, a recording engineer for many classical, jazz, folk and pop artists, will explore how we might use recording as a motivational tool in our piano studios.

Updated 10.9.2007