Earlier this month I traveled to Texas and visited with my piano teacher from high school.  Nina Drath is a wonderful Polish-American concert pianist and teacher and it is no wonder that I became a piano teacher myself. She is truly amazing and I learned so much from her in those short years.  I later studied piano with her father, Dr. Jan B. Drath,  in college.

It is not too late to start lessons this fall!  I will soon be adding a pre-school piano program to my studio that I am very excited about called WunderKeys.  It is designed for ages 3 to 5 years old.  More information will be available soon. 

With the threat of Hurricane Issac bearing down on the Gulf Coast, my thoughts and prayers turn to those in its path. 

The opportunity to attend the SMU Institute for Piano Teachers afforded me to meet many wonderful people in my field and reconnect with piano teacher friends (in person) across the country. I also heard some wonderful piano playing by students attending the piano camp that runs simultaneously with the conference. WOW!  These young pianists were incredible.  Most of them were from the Dallas Metroplex area.

I was able to hear several presentations by composer and pianist, Robert Vandall.  I told him about my three students (who are sisters) playing his trio, Triple Dip, all over the Pensacola area last year!  It was a hit! 

Wendy Stevens gave two different presentations about Best Stress-Free Business Practices that were most-thought provoking and helpful.  Having been a follower of her blog for years, it was great to finally meet her in person!  She has so many wonderful, creative ideas, her students must love her!

Dr. Scott McBride Smith's presentation on Teaching Young Men: Some Advice from a Recovering Boy was not only entertaining but very informative.  Having two boys myself, in addition to male piano students, this was a very popular conversation topic!

I could go on and on and I just might, but a different day!

One thing I was very excited receive was the certificate for completion of thirty hours of professional pedagogy studies through the SMU Institute for Piano Teachers. 

This week I have been an active participant in Southern Methodist University Institute for Piano Teachers in Dallas, TX. It has been wonderful to be surrounded be the top piano teachers in the country as presenters and colleagues. I look forward to implementing  new ideas into my teaching this Fall!  Fall lessons begin the week of August 27. 

 

The Around the World Piano Celebration was absolutely wonderful!  I hope to try this again in a couple of years!  Students dressed in native costumes to perform a stylistic work representing their country.  These countries included Kenya, Mombasa, Egypt, Poland, Russia, Scotland, France, Great Britain, Spain, China, Korea, and the USA.  Parents brought food from the representative countries. 

Summer Session Lessons begin Tuesday June 12.  Summer Session A is already filled.  Summer Session B begins July 17. 

Regular Fall Lessons begin the week of August 27, 2012. 

The annual Pensacola Music Teachers Association Sonata Contest was held March 17, 2012 on the University of West Florida campus. While I only entered a few students this year, two of them won first place for their division level!  Congratulations to Haley Kummer and Ashley Kummer!  Over 450 students participated in this competition. 

Here are some upcoming piano events and information about my piano studio and performance schedule:

     Sunday, April 1, 2012, 3 PM--CBMC Piano Duo Delights, Tyler Recital Hall, Northwest   
     Florida State College, Niceville, FL.  I will be performing two selections with my 
     colleagues! 

     Friday, April 13, 2012, 7 PM --Mulit-sensory Piano Concert presented by Julian Toha 
     at St.Paul's Lutheran Church, Pensacola, FL.

     Saturday, April 14, 2012--Student Day at Pensacola State College.  Judging!!

     Don't forget the wonderful Jazz Festival in Downtown Pensacola April 14-15!!
     http://jazzpensacola.com/

     Sunday, April 15, 2012, 2 PM--I will playing with a sizzling jazz octet at the Pensacola
     Lighthouse Festival!! http://www.pensacolalighthouse.org/

     Sunday, May 20, 2012, 2:30 PM--Turner Piano Studio presents An Around the World
     Piano Celebration!!   

The new year began with great excitement and the month of January is almost gone!  I am excited at the way my piano studio is shaping up after my maternity leave.  My students are working and making great progress.  I have started something new in my studio with a couple of my students.  They are coming twice a week and what a difference it is making in their progress!  As time slots become available, I will offer this to more students who are serious about their piano study.  

I am looking forward to performing in the CBMC Piano Duo Concert April 1, 2012 in Niceville, FL.  I'm playing a movement from a piece I have loved since high school.  It is the Suite Op. 17 Romanza by Rachmoninov. Gorgeous!  The other selection is the exciting Danzon Cubano by Aaron Copland!  Other pieces will be performed as well, but this is my contribution!