Announcing the
PEDx Talks: Innovation Series
A pedagogy initiative by the New School for Music Study ​
Workshops, Panels, & Talks for Today's Piano Teachers
-
When: Wednesday mornings, 10:30–11:30 AM EST
​
-
Format: In-person & online
​
-
Sessions: 15 biweekly, hour-long sessions with leading pedagogues, focused on community-centered professional development.
​Starts October 8th, 2025
​
-
Cost: $25 per session | $275 full series
​​
-
DISCOUNT: Piano Inspires Subscriber Rate: $210/full series
​
-
Participants also 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.
​Register before September 15 for Early-Bird Pricing!
Featuring 3 In-Person Resident Pedagogues:
Dr. Susanna Garcia
November 5, 2025
Dr. J.P. Murphy
January 28, 2026
Dr. Diana Dumlavwalla
April 15, 2026
Event Schedule
October 8
The Art of Teaching: Then, Now, and Beyond
Speakers: Phyllis Lehrer & Carla Salas-Ruiz
​
October 22
Empowering Parents: A Guide to Piano Learning Support
Speaker: Rebecca Pennington
​
November 5: IN-PERSON RESIDENCY!
Start Early: Teach Two-Handed Coordination with Success
Speaker: Susanna Garcia
​
November 19
Tech-Savvy Teachers: Social media, marketing, and organizational tools
Speaker: Molly Sanford
​
December 10
Studio Success – Mastering Management & Publicity (Panel)
Speakers: Chiu-Ling Lin, Chiung-Yin Cheng Liu, Fiorella Araya-Cheng, Jason Gallagher, & TBD
​
January 14
Motivating Minds: Understanding Child Psychology in Teaching
Speaker: Carla Salas-Ruiz
​
January 28: IN-PERSON RESIDENCY!
Overlooked Albums for the Young
Speaker: J.P. Murphy
​
February 11
Reaching Adult Learners: Insights from a Panel
Moderator: Rebecca Pennington & Carla Salas-Ruiz
Panelists: NSMS Adult Students
​
February 25
How Research Informs Great Teaching: Human Studies in Action
Speaker: Carla Salas-Ruiz
​
March 18
Exploring Chamber Music Works for Young Pianists
Speaker: Phyllis Lehrer
​
April 15: IN-PERSON RESIDENCY!
Motivate, Customize, Inspire: Refreshing the Vibe in the Modern Piano Studio
Speaker: Diana Dumlavwalla
​
April 29
Teaching Strategies from the Classroom: What Works and Why
Speaker: Rebecca Pennington
​
May 13
Inclusive Piano Teaching: Embracing Neurodiversity
Speaker: Rebecca Pennington
​
May 27
The Joy of Discovering and Teaching Rare Recital Treasures: Lesser Known Repertoire from All Style Periods
Speaker: Ingrid Clarfield
​
June 3
Thriving Through Burnout: A Piano Teaching Panel
Speakers: NSMS Faculty, Nancy Modell, & Danette Wheaton
Join us at the New School for Music Study for the "Ped" Talk Innovation Series – a year-long series of interactive seminars designed to enrich your teaching and artistry. The PEDx Talks Innovation 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.
​
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.
​
Sessions take place on Wednesday mornings from 10:30–11:30 AM ET. Available in-person and online, these gatherings foster a vibrant professional learning community.
​
Alongside the PEDx Talks seminar 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.