Workshops, Panels, & Talks for Today's Piano Teachers
The Piano Teacher Engagement Series 2026–2027 is a professional development program for piano teachers. This year's series is dedicated to Marvin Blickenstaff, whose teaching and mentorship have influenced generations of piano educators.
Across 15 biweekly sessions and two special community events, participants will engage with leading pedagogues in presentations and discussions that explore a broad range of topics in piano pedagogy. The two special events include a celebration of the life and legacy of Marvin Blickenstaff and an open forum for piano teachers. Each gathering encourages thoughtful conversation, the exchange of ideas, and practical application in the studio.
Designed for teachers at every stage of their careers, The Piano Teacher Engagement Series provides an opportunity to learn with colleagues, examine current approaches to teaching, and build on a shared commitment to excellence in piano education.
DISCOUNT: Are you a subscriber at PianoInspires.com? Log into your account on pianoinspires.com and go to the "My Discounts" page in the account menu to redeem $36 off full registration.
Not a subscriber? This year, all "Full Registration" purchases include a digital subscription to pianoinspires.com.
Format: 15 biweekly, one-hour sessions with leading pedagogues and two additional special community events
When: Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m. ET, beginning October 7, 2026
Location: In-person at The New School for Music Study, and live online
Cost: $25 per session | $275 full series
Featuring 3 Guest Residencies
Dr. Eden Brown
October 21, 2026
Dr. Andrea McAlister
January 27, 2027
Dr. Margarita Denenburg
May 3, 2027
Additional Invited Lectures
Ingrid Clarfield
Miriam Eley
Jason Gallager
Xiaoya Gao
Amy Glennon
Christine Kang
Kairy Koshoeva
Phyllis Lehrer
Chiu-Ling Lin
Qin Lin
TianYi Lin
Chiung-yin Cheng Liu
Nancy Modell
Margie Nelson
Rebecca Pennington
Carla Salas-Ruiz
Molly Sanford
Sondra Tamman
Trevor Thornton
Danette Whelan
Event Schedule
October 7: Invited Presenters
Opening Doors to Musical Learning: Honoring the Legacy of Marvin Blickenstaff
Speakers: Amy Glennon, Rebecca Pennington & Trevor Thornton
October 21: Guest Residency
The Art of Letting Go: Facilitation and Student Agency in the Piano Studio
Speaker: Eden Brown
November 4: Invited Presenter
What Is the Music Saying? Teaching Students to Listen, Imagine, and Interpret
Speakers: Molly Sanford
November 18: Invited Presenter
Revitalizing Your Piano Teaching: Mindfulness, Movement, and the Neuroscience of Learning
Speaker: Danette Whelan
December 9: Invited Presenters
AI in the Piano Studio: Teachers Share What Works
Speakers: Carla Salas-Ruiz, Molly Sanford, & Xiaoya Gao
January 13: Invited Presenters
Repertoire Exchange: Hidden Gems, Diverse Voices, and Student Favorites
Speakers: Jason Gallager, Kairy Koshoeva, & Chiu-Ling Lin
January 20: Community Event
Celebrating the Teaching of Marvin Blickenstaff: A Community Conversation
Featuring NSMS Faculty
January 27: Guest Residency
Beyond the Notes: Unlocking Musical Creativity at Every Level
Speaker: Andrea McAlister
February 10: Invited Presenter
Healthy Technique for Lifelong Music Making
Speaker: Phyllis Lehrer
February 17: Community Conversations on Wellness & Prevention
Led by Sondra Tamman
In-Person Only at NSMS
February 24: Invited Panel
Motivating Our Students: Creative Ways to Encourage Productive Practice and Artistic Performance!
Speaker: Ingrid Clarfield
March 10: Invited Presenter
Creative Musicianship Through Composition & Improvisation
Speaker: Nancy Modell
March 24: Invited Presenter
Unlocking the Romantic Spirit: A Progressive Journey Through 19th-Century Piano Literature
Speaker: Chiu-Ling Lin
April 21: Invited Panel
Partnering with Parents: Conversations That Support All Learners
Speakers: Miriam Eley, Qin Lin & Margie Nelson
May 5: Guest Residency
Creating Strong Foundations for Beginning Pianists
Speaker: Margarita Denenburg
May 19: Invited Lecture
Memory and Music: Empowering Adult Students
Speaker: Amy Glennon
June 2: Invited Panel
Finding Your Place in the Piano Profession: Insights from a Panel
Speakers: Christine Kang, TianYi Li, & Chiung-yin Cheng Liu
Each biweekly session offers opportunities for reflection and renewal, exploring topics ranging from student-centered teaching, musicianship, and healthy technique to creativity, repertoire, technology, wellness, and lifelong learning. Through panels, lectures, and interactive conversations, we celebrate 65 years of NSMS and the visionary legacy of Frances Clark and Louise Goss. These sessions embody the mission of The Frances Clark Center: advancing piano teaching through artistry, research, and community.
Sessions are held on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time. They are offered either in person at The New School for Music Study or live online via Zoom.
Alongside the Piano Teacher Engagement Series, participants have the opportunity to sign up for private applied lessons with faculty at The New School for Music Study, with flexible schedules to accommodate your teaching.