Workshops, Panels, & Talks for Today's Piano Teachers
Join us at the New School for Music Study for the Piano Teacher Engagement Series– a year-long series of interactive seminars designed to enrich your teaching and artistry. The Piano Teacher Engagement Series is designed to inspire, inform, and engage piano teachers in all stages of their professional journey. Grounded in the pedagogical values of artistry, research, and community, this series brings together leading voices in the field for meaningful dialogue and practical insight.
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​What: 15 biweekly, hour-long sessions with leading pedagogues, focused on community-centered professional development for piano teachers.
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When: Wednesday mornings, 10:30–11:30 AM EST
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Format: In-person at The New School for Music Study and via Zoom online (live only)
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​Starts October 8, 2025
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Cost: $25 per session | $275 full series |
EARLY-BIRD PRICING: $225 Register before September 15
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DISCOUNT: Are you a subscriber at PianoInspires.com?
Login and go to https://pianoinspires.com/subscriber-exclusives/ to access your exclusive subscriber discount code. Use this code at checkout when registering to redeem the $210 for the full series.
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Participants also have the opportunity to sign up for private applied lessons with faculty at the New School for Music Study, with flexible options to accommodate your teaching schedule.
​Register before September 15 for Early-Bird Pricing!
Featuring 3 Guest Residencies
Dr. Susanna Garcia
November 5, 2025
Dr. J.P. Murphy
January 28, 2026
Dr. Diana Dumlavwalla
April 15, 2026
Additional Invited Lectures
Fiorella Araya-Cheng
Chiung-Yin Cheng Liu
Ingrid Clarfield
Jason Gallagher
Chiu-Ling Lin
Phyllis Lehrer
Nancy Modell
Ting Ting Lien
Danette Whelan
Event Schedule
October 8: Invited Lecture
The Art of Teaching: Then, Now, and Beyond
Speakers: Phyllis Lehrer & Carla Salas-Ruiz
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October 22
Empowering Parents: A Guide to Piano Learning Support
Speaker: Rebecca Pennington
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November 5: Guest Residency
Start Early: Teach Two-Handed Coordination with Success
Speaker: Susanna Garcia
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November 19
Tech-Savvy Teachers: Social media, marketing, and organizational tools
Speaker: Molly Sanford
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December 10: Invited Lectures
Studio Success – Mastering Management & Publicity
Speakers: Fiorella Araya-Cheng, Chiung-Yin Cheng Liu,Jason Gallagher, Chiu-Ling Lin, & Danette Whelan
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January 14
Motivating Minds: Understanding Child Psychology in Teaching
Speaker: Carla Salas-Ruiz
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January 28: Guest Residency
Overlooked Albums for the Young
Speaker: J.P. Murphy
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February 11
Reaching Adult Learners: Insights from a Panel
Moderator: Rebecca Pennington & Carla Salas-Ruiz
Panelists: NSMS Adult Students
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February 25
How Research Informs Great Teaching: Human Studies in Action
Speaker: Carla Salas-Ruiz
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March 18: Invited Lecture
Exploring Chamber Music Works for Young Pianists
Speaker: Phyllis Lehrer
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April 15: Guest Residency
Motivate, Customize, Inspire: Refreshing the Vibe in the Modern Piano Studio
Speaker: Diana Dumlavwalla
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April 29
Teaching Strategies from the Classroom: What Works and Why
Speaker: Rebecca Pennington
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May 13
Inclusive Piano Teaching: Embracing Neurodiversity
Speaker: Rebecca Pennington
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May 27: Invited Lectures
The Joy of Discovering and Teaching Rare Recital Treasures: Lesser Known Repertoire from All Style Periods
Speaker: Ingrid Clarfield
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June 3: Invited Lectures
Thriving Through Burnout: A Piano Teaching Panel
Speakers: Nancy Modell, Ting Ting Lien, Danette Whelan, & NSMS Faculty
​Each biweekly session offers opportunities for reflection and renewal, covering a wide range of topics, from inclusive teaching practices and child psychology to studio management, social media, and chamber music. 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.
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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.
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Alongside the PianoTeacher 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.