WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 – FREE DAY!

Joann Richardson, NCTM and Martha Natiuk

PRE-CONFERENCE ORGAN DAY: Wednesday, June 20, 2017 from 1:00-5:00PM (Off-site location)

Pre-Conference Organ Day is designed for pianists transitioning to organ, for organ teachers, and for anyone who has an interest in learning more about the organ. Participants are encouraged to volunteer for hands-on time at the console as concepts are being demonstrated during the sessions. In addition, participants are encouraged to bring photos and stop-lists of the organ(s) that they play to these interactive sessions. Three sessions (with 15 minute breaks between sessions) followed by a 30 minute Q & A session will be offered. (Descriptions of the three sessions will be sent in separate proposals)

Session I (1:00-2:30): LIFE IN THE COCKPIT— AN INTRODUCTION TO NAVIGATING THE PIPE ORGAN
This session focuses on organ stops and how to combine them; pitch levels; registration for hymns and solo music; techniques for adding and subtracting stops by hand and by using combination actions; and adapting registrations to fit the acoustics of the room and the instrument at hand.

Session II (2:45-3:15): BUT WHAT DO I DO WITH MY FEET? THE BASICS OF ORGAN PEDAL TECHNIQUE
This workshop includes: body positioning; articulated vs. detached pedaling and when to use each; heel/toe technique; pivoting; moving between notes and intervals; substitution; glissando; pedal nomenclature; and foot crossing.

Session III (3:30-4:30): UNDERSTANDING DENOMINATIONAL MUSICAL DIFFERENCES AND HOW THE ORGANIST CAN ADAPT
Musical requirements for worship services of different denominations can vary greatly. This workshop will illustrate some of these differences and give practical advice on how the organist may prepare for: different traditions in hymnody; hymn introductions; how to improvise accompaniments; when solo music may be required during the worship service; traditional, contemporary, and blended services; and flexibility when dealing with surprise musical requests.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 21

Jeffrey Savage, NCTM

RUBATO IN CONTEXT: HOW ARCHITECTURE AND PHRASE STRUCTURE AFFECT THE TIME WE TAKE
This presentation will address how we can more effectively use rubato and/or “breathing” in many styles of music. The larger structure of the music often plays a significant part in determining the way in which we take time, and failing to understand this can make rubato awkward or even counterproductive. The discussion will focus on music of Chopin and Beethoven, but will also include many other composers.

Johnandrew Slominski

CLASSICAL MUSIC ON THE SPOT: THE TEACHING OF AN EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY IMPROVISER
Musicians trained in Neapolitan conservatories were in great demand throughout eighteenth-century Europe, and earned reputations as improvisers of the highest level. These musicians profoundly influenced pedagogy, performance, and musical thought in innumerable ways both in Italy and beyond; those who worked in the Neapolitan traditions included celebrated masters who are lesser known today (Leonardo Leo, Francesco Durante, and Carlo Cotumacci, for instance) as well as household names like Gaetano Donizetti, Domenico Scarlatti, Domenico Cimarosa, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
This presentation illuminates historical sources, methods, and modes of thought in eighteenth-century improvisation, and demonstrates hands-on ways for teaching modern-day musicians to improvise. By following in the footsteps of eighteenth-century master pedagogues, we will discover ways to guide our students and ourselves along paths toward a deeply creative approach to music-making.

Lark Powers, NCTM

PIANO METHODS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Much has been written about the value, advantages, and disadvantages of piano method books for beginning students. However, few comparative studies on the methodology of different international approaches exist. The objective of this joint session is to present, discuss, and contrast piano methods at the beginning level from different pedagogical traditions by authors from France, Germany, Hungary, Cuba, and Japan. Elements discussed will include the approach to introducing note- reading, how technique is built, the structure of rhythmic exercises, and the introduction of general musicianship, as well as the use of fanciful elements that engage children. We will compare and contrast these approaches to ones used in English- speaking countries, particularly American piano methods. Teachers may find inspiration for teaching specific skills through the analysis of these method books, as well as gaining increased awareness of what texts are used worldwide, while enjoying a lively discussion of pedagogical merits and cultural values.

Elizabeth Morris

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY IN TODAY’S PRIVATE STUDIO: THE PEDAGOGICAL SUMMIT
Today’s private music studios have high expectations, including the integration of applicable technology. This talk examines the rapidly changing world of music education technology and the process of transitioning from a teacher-based technology system (the Practical Plane) to a student-directed technology system (the Pedagogical Summit). While navigating the world of music technology can be confusing and frustrating, music technology is an important tool by which teachers connect with students, encourage collaboration amongst students, and teach musical skills. Interactive games and real-life examples will assist teachers in applying some of the industry’s best and most accessible software and mobile apps, such as computer- based notation software, digital audio workstations (DAW), live production software, and a wide variety of mobile apps, including apps for music theory and note reading. While more professional programs will be discussed, the emphasis is focused on inexpensive, easy to implement software and applications.

Stephanie White, NCTM

SPORTS VS. MUSIC: HOW TO USE YOUR STUDENT’S ATHLETIC PURSUITS TO THEIR MUSICAL ADVANTAGE
Private music teachers are constantly dealing with sports and the effect they can have on student’s lives. Often these sports activities are viewed as a frustration from the teacher’s perspective since they contribute to over scheduled lives, and take away from student downtime and practice time. But what if we use their athletic skills to help them understand music principles and practice techniques? This presentation will lay out general concepts to sports performance, and how to connect what our students are doing on the field or court to make them more effective and efficient in their practicing. I will also break down specific popular sports and discuss how to interact with your students to help you speak their “sport” language.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 22

Hans Boepple

PART 1: TOWARD ADVANCED PLAYING: TECHNIQUE: Intermediate – Advance levels

Anita King, NCTM

CONNECTING THE PART TO THE WHOLE: ENHANCING FREEDOM AND SUPPORT FOR THE ARMS
Focusing on the relationship of the arms to the torso and legs, this session explores the means for optimal coordination of the arms in practice and performance. Making a comparison to musical structure, where notes and rhythms are organized in relation to the music’s slower elements, the movements of the arm structure are organized and supported in relation to the body’s core.
Topics include:
1) Securing whole-body participation in every moment with various parts of the body moving simultaneously at different speeds
2) Exploring the benefits of thinking like a quadruped
3) Putting movement choices on a sound anatomical foundation
4) Exploring the role of sequential movement in coordinating arms, legs and torso
5) Developing the tactile sense to clarify one’s boundary with the instrument
Session format is presentation and short performance demonstrations at the piano. Participants will also explore a range of arm, torso and whole-body movements and engage in awareness-building exercises related to the tactile and kinesthetic senses. Non-pianists are encouraged to bring their instrument and pianists will find a surface with which to engage like a table, notepad, or music stand.

Mary Kogen

EMBODY RHYTHM ~ FROM THE INSIDE OUT
As educators, we must become more aware of the body’s role in learning. Research now proves that movement profoundly improves learning, creativity, and health. It helps maintain clear thought, memory, and vitality. Thinking, learning and making music is a full body experience. When we experience music through movement, we awaken and activate our mental capacities.
When we integrate and anchor new information through movement, music becomes part of us. We do our students a great service by teaching them to “be rhythm” as they learn. In this session, teachers will explore, and experience how the body integrates through rhythm. They will learn how to begin movement and embody rhythm at lesson one, and how to make it an integral part of every lesson at all levels. They will learn how to get their students more physically involved in the learning process, how to incorporate rhythmical audiation in the learning process, and how to teach polyrhythms with the whole body as the instrument. At the end of this session, teachers will leave with concrete techniques and ready-made exercises for enhancing their students’ musical experiences through embodying rhythm.

Rose Freeman, NCTM (WA) and Monica Sanders, NCTM (OR)

PRESERVING PROFESSIONALISM – MTNA CERTIFICATION 101
How do you maintain professionalism in your studio? Our professional organization, MTNA, has worked diligently to provide us with the best program to become Nationally Certified. The five project Certification process gives each teacher a unique opportunity to answer questions specific to their studio and grow as educators. Whether you’ve been teaching for two years or twenty, pursuing National Certification adds an additional layer that speaks to your credibility as a teacher and sets a standard for private music education across the nation. Those who attend this workshop will leave with an understanding of the application process, the five profile projects, and how MTNA Certification will preserve and re-inspire your teaching as a Professional Music Educator!

Monica Ohuchi and Kenji Bunch

THE SECRET DIARY OF “MONICA’S NOTEBOOK”: THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF CREATING NEW REPERTOIRE FOR PIANO
Discussions about the collaborative process of commissioning, composing, recording and performing brand new works and touch on details such as gradations of technical difficulty, recording production and promotion and editing.

Yelena Balabanova, NCTM

WHEN PRACTICE IS NOT ENOUGH
In this dynamic, entertaining, and inspirational presentation, audience members will learn how to motivate students to practice, how to make sure that students follow teachers’ directions, and how to teach students to practice efficiently.
In the first part, Dr.Balabanova explores main factors that prevent students from regular practice besides common opinion of an “overscheduled” student. Does the sub consciousness play a role? What qualities can predict if a student will practice? In the second part, Dr. Balabanova offers unexpected twist on practice schedule and organization for students and parents. How to make sure that a student is following directions? Why some students spend time at their instrument and make a very slow or no progress?
In the third part, Dr. Balabanova offers methods and tips for efficient, goal-oriented practice that produces exciting results and motivation for future learning. The presentation is based on 34 years of her teaching experience. 20 years of coaching teachers, and many years of adjudicating.

Michelle Mielke, NCTM

FREE STUFF ON THE INTERNET!
This presentation will offer sources for a variety of free materials pertinent to music teachers, including worksheets, teaching aids, music scores, listening files, educational webinars, composition tools, websites appropriate for students, and a list of free apps.

Joann Richardson, NCTM and Martha Natiuk (Off-site location)

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE ORGAN MUSIC
After many years of playing organ for various churches, certain pieces of music become tattered from frequent use. We will share some of our favorite well-worn organ music that is of easy to moderate difficulty. Suggestions for registration will also be included.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 23

Amy Vanacore (NW Chair), Debra Sostrin (OR Chair) and Karen Monroe (WA Chair)

FINDING MEANING AND CONNECTING WITH YOUR COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSICLINK
What kind of impact are you having? Who are you helping? This is a workshop for teachers that want to deepen their connection to their community and serve students from socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. Private music lessons have historically been– and continue to be– primarily for students from middle class and higher income families. Access to quality music instruction for low income students is extremely limited, but we can change that!
Learn from current MusicLink teachers how to recruit students with financial need to your studio, develop supportive relationships with students and parents, access local and national resources such as free instruments, sheet music, concert tickets, and summer music camp scholarships, and network with a growing cadre of powerful, caring MusicLink teachers in your area.
MusicLink is a national foundation that connects students from low-income families with professional music teachers who are willing to offer at least a 50% discount to students in need. MusicLink also provides wonderful resources for students and teachers. Learn about the growing movement in the Pacific Northwest to increase access for students in need!

Hans Boepple

PART 2: TOWARD ADVANCED PLAYING: MUSICIANSHIP, ARTISTRY, AND PERFORMANCE: Intermediate – Advance levels

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BOOKLET ADS

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