Find a Presenter

Riverton, UT 84065
Home: 801-830-9308
brooke.ballard846@gmail.com

Beyond Injury: The Rewards of One-Handed Piano Repertoire: One-hand piano repertoire has become increasingly recognized for its broad pedagogical value, beyond its use in response to injury. These pieces can greatly help students strengthen their hands, learn keyboard topography, and develop their technique. This session provides a brief historical overview of one-hand repertoire and explores current educational works by composers such as Martha Mier, Melody Bober, and Catherine Rollin, helping teachers discover new ways to guide and motivate their students.

Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Home: 801-467-8598
ljbishop2@comcast.net

Strategies for Solid Music Performance from Memory: A proven presentation given at several state conferences throughout the the western United States. A class and discussion on why we memorize music, and the most reliable forms of memory to use for a confident musical performance. Ways to test music memory will be shared, with dozens of ideas to make memory work fun, effective and enjoyable for your students, as well as yourself! Handouts are included.

Having Your Cake and Eating it Too, Home Practice Preparation at the Music Lesson: Home practice preparation is the single most important activity we can do with our students at their music lesson. Helping them know how to practice, and what to practice will save time in next week’s lesson. Helping them know how to practice, and what to practice will save time in next week’s lesson, and give students the motivation they need to accomplish musical goals on their own. Home practice preparation involves every aspect of musical training music teachers want to include in a student’s lesson. Handouts are included.

Summertime Music Lessons: A presentation/discussion with numerous ideas and plans to make the summer enjoyable for teachers and their music students. Includes the importance of summer learning, shared lesson ideas, scheduling, field trip ideas and creative ways to keep summer fun, but focused on musical progress. Handout are included.

The Lyric Pieces of Edvard Grieg: An overview of the 66 short pieces for solo piano written by Edvard Grieg. They were published in 10 volumes, from 1867 (op.12) to 1901 (op.71), and include many of Grieg’s most familiar and best loved music pieces, including Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, To Spring, and Elves’ Dance. Publications of the collection will be outlined, as well as the style, life appearances and Norwegian heritage of the composer. Handouts are included.

Santaquin, UT 84655-0001
Home: 801-361-3912
lynda_broadbent@hotmail.com

Composition: An overview of how I teach my students to compose and highlights of my effective program.

Sandy, UT 84093
Home: 801-833-6169
wmrkel@gmail.com

Adding Jazz Improvisation Into Your Studio: This presentation makes jazz improvisation very doable. There are great handouts on chord structures and easy bass patterns.

Creative Tools for Composition:
Practical ideas to help our students successfully express themselves at all levels through their own compositions

Clara Schumann: Virtuosic Performer, Composer, Wife, and Mother

Positive Practice Right from the Start: Ways to help students practice effectively and efficiently

Building a Strong Technical Foundation: Proven techniques to build a strong technical foundation from the very beginning of piano study

Vineyard, UT 84059
Home: 972-922-4888
hilary.demske@uvu.edu

Sound Production: This presentation focuses on how to make beautiful music, not just playing notes.

Sandy, UT 84092
Home: 801-255-8863
ken@kenfoster.com

What Pianists Should Know About Pianos: This presentation tests your piano IQ, tuning, regulating, voicing, reconditioning, rebuilding and includes several handouts and resources for teachers and their students. Teachers will know how to test for different piano maladies and what can be done. This presentation includes action models, powerpoint, handouts, and door prizes. 

Composition: You can develop creativity at any age. Teachers will learn two powerful systems for composing and how to develop harmonic progressions in minutes. You can use these skills to create intros, endings, transitions, as well as compositions. This presentation includes handouts, powerpoint, demonstrations, and audience interaction.

Improvisation: Teachers will learn how to play various popular styles (Rock, Jazz, Latin, Ballad) and will learn eight or so concepts in developing a great melodic line. There will be teacher interaction and participation and fun exercises you can teach your students. This presentation includes handouts, powerpoint, and demonstrations. 

Monticello, UT 84535-7731
Home: 435-459-1679
frostbyte@frontiernet.net

Compose Yourself!  How can you get your students started on a composition… and how do you get them to finish it? Compositional ideas are as creative and varied as our students, but the elements of composition and musical form remain the same. If you want your students to have a hands-on musical experience using the theory and technique you’ve been teaching them for years, try composition. It’s fun!

North Salt Lake, UT 84054
Home: 801-503-8189
barbaragillpianist@gmail.com
https://Gillpianostudio.com

Debunking the Creativity Myth: Using Kevin Ashton’s book, How to Fly a Horse, discover the four elements of creation as applied to the music studio. From atmosphere to awesome awards. Composition to performance cards. We’ll explore little things that make a big difference for your enjoyment and your students’ as you help them along their musical journey. (Applicable to the study of all musical instruments with some examples from Barbara’s own piano studio for student motivation)

Layton, UT 84040-8349
Home: 801-628-4434
whitney@hawkerpianostudios.com

“Lessons from Quarantine: What Three Piano Teachers Discovered through Online Teaching” Music Teacher’s National Association Virtual Conference, March 15, 2021.

“The Struggle is Real: Building a Thriving Local Association” Music Teachers National Association, Orlando, FL, March 18, 2018.
MTNA Webinar, June & July 2018.

“The More the Merrier: Creating Collaborative Experiences for Students of All Ages” National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, Chicago, IL, July 26, 2019. Music Teachers National Association, Baltimore, MD, March 22, 2017.

“When the Conference Ends… Learn How to Connect with the Teaching Community Through Blogs, Forums, and More!” Mid-Cities & Arlington Music Teachers Association, TX, March & April, 2016.

“Discovering Women Composers: Piano Repertoire for the Intermediate Student.” Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, March 13, 2012.

Orem, UT 84097-5454
Home: 801-369-4440
seriousjunks@gmail.com

Teaching Correct Technique from the Start: This presentation includes discussion of why correct technique is so pertinent when first beginning lessons.

Improving Aural Awareness: Learn how to improve your aural awareness in music!

Santa Clara, UT 84765-5260
Home: 435-632-6733
huntent@gmail.com

Good Medicine: Helping your students identify and deal with destructive behaviors inside and outside the music studio.  Music teachers model for their students in many ways, not just musical development. Our students pay very close attention to how we handle stress, how we interpret the world around us, and many more things we don’t think of bing a result of music lessons. The Medicine Wheel helps an individual assess where they are physically, emotionally, etc., all in a matter of minutes. Students learn to assess themselves and find areas they need to improve on. When the student assesses that they need to practice more, or be more effective in their practice, improvement happens very quickly, unlike nagging! This carries over into all areas of their life. Autonomy, personal awareness and decision-making are just a few of the benefits found in Good Medicine.

Logan, UT 84341
Home: 435-757-2810
thepianoisgrand@gmail.com

The Joy of Teaching the Untalented (and Those with Learning Disabilities):  Over my 20-plus years of teaching, I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching students with autism, ADHD, poor vision, memory deficit, poor muscle coordination, developmental delay, and sequencing disorder, as well as students who simply had no natural talent. Everyone deserves the joy of playing the piano! Regardless of talent. Regardless of innate ability. Regardless of how amazing their sibling is. I will share philosophies, success stories, strategies, and resources for teachers who desire to give the gift of music to students with challenges. This presentation can be given in person, or by Skype (for a small group).

Highland, UT 84003
Home: 801-310-0168
bjkhighland1@msn.com

Taubman Training: I graduated from BYU 20 years ago with my MM in Piano Performance, but always had technical limitations and I struggled many times with tension, pain, and even injuries. I started working on my piano technique again (using the Taubman Institute videos) about 7 years ago with the hope of overcoming my limitations. They helped so much that I got excited and started attending workshops and having private lessons with Taubman teachers in 2005 and in about 2007–2008 I retrained my playing from the most basic motions up.

I have learned how to eliminate most unnecessary motions/tension as well as how to systematically solve technical problems in the music. My new technical tools have made a huge difference in my playing and in the way I help my students improve their technique (and most of them catch on faster than I did). I believe that with the proper tools and know-how, anyone can improve their piano technique dramatically. There is no way I could share all of what I’ve learned in one presentation, but I would like to share some of the most useful things I’ve learned with other teachers.

Layton, UT 84040-8188
Home: 801-771-8009
pianogrammy45@hotmail.com

Technical Artistry: Learn how to master technical artistry at this presentation.

Technical Skills: Technical skills to solve difficult musical passages for students, with student demonstration.

Accompanying—A Collaborative Art: Learn how to accompany as a collaborative art.

American Fork, UT 84003-1208
Home: 801-636-5620
cherylnorman.nctm@gmail.com

Hymns–Divine Harmony: This presentation includes the history of Western Music. Handouts include information on listings of hymns with three primary chords, keys and cadence modulations, solfege chart, ideas for a Hymn-a-Thon, methods for teaching notes and flash cards, and order of sharps and flats.

Becoming a NCTM: This workshop focuses on the new certification process.

Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Home: 801-244-7032
rosemary@olsenpiano.com

I Played It Better At Home: Haven’t we all heard this–and said it ourselves?! Stage fright can rob us of the wonderful music-making we know we are capable of. This workshop helps us both as performers and teachers with practice techniques, attitudes and habits that will secure a successful performance, whether in recital, or in front of a Primary chorus! (All presentations include PowerPoint and I can bring my own A/V if necessary)

Watch me Audiate! Teaching Kids How to Hear with Their Eyes. The evidence is indisputable. Research has proven over and over that students who can “hear with their eyes” are ahead of the game when it comes to ear training, reading music, transposing, improvising and memorizing securely. Beginning in the first year of study, teachers can develop this valuable skill in their students. Learn how and why audiation practice can become one of the favorite parts of a lesson, whether in a private or group setting. Activities, games, and fun drills will be presented, with a “take home” that can be used that afternoon!

Top Ten Reasons for Teaching Rote Pieces: One of the best remedies for the common ills that afflict our studios, rote pieces generate success and a whole lot of fun! You will go home with three pieces you can teach that afternoon.

“Trying Fails, Awareness Cures” “SHMRG” Analysis: How using the five elements of music can improve our teaching and broaden our students’ musicianship.

“Trying Fails — Awareness Cures. Practicing and Performing with Mindfulness; Fostering Curiosity through Analysis.”

Analyzing the five elements of music with our students will improve our teaching and lead to a musical and informed performance. A look at the pedagogical applications of SHMRG analysis: Sound, Harmony, Melody, Rhythm and Growth, as outlined by Aaron Copland and Jean LeRue.

Orem, UT 84058
Home: 801-755-7381
prestonpiano@gmail.com

Creative Practice Strategies: Juliet shows you some simple “tips” for getting more out of each practice minute, instead of mindless repetition

Outside the Box: 21st-Century Repertoire for 21st-Century Students: Learn interesting, fun, and doable pieces that expose students to modern sounds and techniques

Validate and Illuminate: The Foundations of Good Judging: Ideas for being the best judge you can be with interactive session.

Amy Beach, An American Treasure: A fascinating look at a fascinating female pioneer in music

Chopin’s Poetic Piano: Why is Chopin called The Poet of the Piano? What is it about his life that is revealed in his music? Why is it so important that teens get to experience his music?

The Music That Motivates: Motivating ourselves through playing great music helps us inspire our students

Jazz Basics: Freshen up your jazz chops and teach your students with correct style and technique

Introducing the Beethoven Sonatas: You’ll be shown some great sonatas to choose for the first-timer and how to decipher Beethoven’s style.

The Language of Music: The words we use to describe art and music are powerful but often not understood by our students. What is the language of music?

Theory Makes It Easy: rejuvenate your approach to teaching theory.

Clearfield, UT 84015-2025
Home: 801-784-8036
russonpianostudio@gmail.com

Engaging Beginners and Overcoming Beginner Learning Hurdles: Beginner students are often eager to learn and progress quickly. Then comes a learning hurdle, usually reading music for the first time. It’s a whole new language requiring persistence and grit. This presentation offers a variety of ways to trouble-shoot those initial hurdles and keep students engaged in the learning process.

Preston, ID 83263
Home: 208-220-1280
oakwoodmusicstudio@gmail.com

Adding Additional Value to Your Studio: In this economy it is imperative that we provide even greater value to our families. Why should they stay with you or choose you as a teacher? What do you have to offer that other teachers do not? 

Camp for all Seasons: This presentation discusses a camp you can do in all seasons of the year.

Centerville, UT 84014
Home: 801-671-7287
heathersmithpiano@gmail.com

Taxes, Budgets, Insurance, Oh My! The Financial Road Map for an Independent Music Teacher: Combining two areas of expertise – music and accounting -how it can benefit your studio.

American Fork, UT 84003
Home: 801-915-5137
cksowby@gmail.com

Dr. Christie Sowby – Research and Presentations

Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Home: 801-230-2817
v.subotic@utah.edu

Pedaling Technique: This performance informs attendees on how pedaling changes depending on the musical period the piece is from.

Springville, UT 84663
Home: 801-836-3409
udyrebecca@gmail.com

Incorporating Technology in Your Studio: Have you wanted to add technology to your studio but have not known where to start? Do you already use technology but want to know what else is out there? In this presentation, I talk about the many different ways you can use technology during lesson time, a lab time, students home practicing, and studio management.

Highland, UT 84003
Home: 801-602-4042
yvettepz@yahoo.com
https://www.yvettezobellpianostudio.com

Composition and Improvisation in the Studio with a Focus on the Thrilling and Chilling:
I will provide insights into the neuroscience of improvisation, drawing from captivating studies. Additionally, we will explore the science behind eerie music and how film score composers evoke fear in our brains through their compositions. Together, we will acquire techniques employed by these composers to create our own compositions and improvisations. To put our newfound knowledge into practice, we will collectively score a suspenseful story using these techniques.

Amazing Wonders of the Musical Brain
The Effects of Music Learning on the Brain

Step into the world where neuroscience meets the soul of music. This presentation reveals how music instruction reshapes the brain, strengthens emotional regulation, and boosts language, reading, and executive function skills. Learn how programs like the Harmony Project are not only changing brain architecture but changing lives. Whether you’re teaching in a studio or a classroom, discover how every lesson you give has the potential to echo across a lifetime—mentally, emotionally, and socially.