Presentations & Workshops
Past Workshops and/or Masterclasses:
Interlochen Center for the Arts
Pasadena Conservatory of Music
Southwestern Community College (Creston, Iowa)
Aquinas College
Augusta State University
Ann Arbor Piano Teachers’ Guild
Capital City Music Teachers’ Association (Lansing, MI)
University of Windsor
Northwest Missouri State University
Oklahoma City University
Kalamazoo Piano Teachers’ Forum
Hope College (Holland, MI)
Muskegon Community College
Greater Muskegon Music Teachers’ Association
VIVACE Music Club (Detroit Chapter)
Popular Workshop Topics:
1. “How Does Music Work?” (60 min.)
A presentation on how music actually creates emotional responses in listeners, from an acoustical perspective. This is done in layman’s terms, using a minimum of scientific jargon.
2. “Fearless Improvisation for the Classical Pianist” (60 min.)
An easy method to help classical piano teachers and their students begin improvising using familiar materials.
3. “Can You Help Me With My Jazz Band Music?” (60 min.)
Classical piano teachers are often asked to assist with a student’s jazz band music. This presentation explains jazz chord symbols (and how to learn them quickly) and also gives some stylistic guidance on how professional pianists function in a big band setting.
NOTE: All workshops are interactive, and require a well-tuned grand piano.
