Discover practical teaching solutions that remove barriers, inspire growth, and help every student rise.
This Conference has concluded but 2 other video workshops by master educator, Marvin Blickenstaff, remain available at a summer discount thru Sept. 30! Click the buttons below for info.
A glimpse inside....
Schedule
Wednesday, July 29th
“The Pedals’ Role in Artistic Performance”
Is the damper pedal really the soul of the piano? “It can be,” says Scott McBride Smith. “But I hear far too many young pianists swamping their performance with pedal like pouring ketchup over French fries—thick and heavy.” Join Scott for a fun and creative session that will have your students using all three pedals like pros. Effective teaching tips will be given for all levels.
“Start Strong: Teaching Reading, Technique & Musicality from Day One”
As teachers, we want that meeting with our students on “Day One” to set the stage for a musical adventure at the piano. During this session, we will explore methods and materials for teachers to use that help guide beginning students in acquiring the comfort and skills needed to integrate technique, reading and musicality.
Thursday, July 30th
“Notion: The ‘Everything App’ You Didn't Know You Needed”
Feeling scattered across too many apps and systems? Notion, an incredibly flexible "everything app," helps centralize notes, tasks, plans, and workflows in one digital hub. This session will explore practical ways music professionals can use this free tool to organize lesson inquiries, maintain repertoire lists, plan studio events, manage registrations, coordinate travel, and more—bringing greater simplicity, clarity, and organization to everyday life.
“Canva for Piano Teachers”
Canva, a free and beginner-friendly design platform, offers piano teachers an accessible way to create consistent, professional studio materials, worksheets, social media graphics, and more—all from one intuitive creative workspace. This session explores design fundamentals, organizational strategies, and time-saving tools to simplify the creation of recital programs, practice charts, and certificates.
Friday, July 31st
“Effective Communication: The Key to Successful Learning”
The student, teacher, and parent can form a magic triangle, so long as they feel comfortable and are willing to be open with each other. It takes courage to be honest, but better communication equals better learning. We will explore why it is important to identify each student's learning style, and how that information can help you guide them to equally integrate their eye, ear, body, and mind in the musical process. Special emphasis will be placed on how best to work with adult students in a productive and enjoyable way. Tips will be shared on how to successfully bridge the gap between the conceptual and the musical for all students, as well as demonstrating how effective communication is a key component for successful learning.
“Practice with Purpose, Play with Expression”
Have you ever struggled to guide a student to perform with artistic refinement? One way to address common teaching hurdles is to identify physical gestures that effectively convey musical intent, as related to details in the score. How can teachers and students identify which gestures that bring the sounds and characters to life? The goal of this session is to provide teachers with practical examples for practicing more effectively and artistically, laying the groundwork for effective practice habits and thoughtful, polished performances. Selected excerpts from beginner to late intermediate repertoire will demonstrate various “tools” for teachers to take to lessons with their students.
How can I help students practice with greater purpose, take ownership of their learning, and make faster progress between lessons?
What teaching strategies can help students move beyond simply playing notes to performing with confidence, imagination, and artistic expression?
How can I save time, stay organized, and create polished studio materials without adding more work to my schedule?
This summit of webinars will address these questions and more!
What teachers are saying
After attending previous conferences presented by Elizabeth and top-notch clinicians, I am very excited about this summer's conference! I've always found the sessions to be invigorating and practical. The take home information was quickly integrated into my teaching. It truly helped me breathe new life into my teaching and studio.
- Elizabeth Korger, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Thank you SO much for offering the 2018 piano camp on practice. Absolutely wonderful! All of the teachers were great and helpful in different areas. Bravo! I hope you offer the camp again!
- Carol Kandoll, Petersburg, Alaska
It's always fun to attend and gets me excited for fall lessons. I always come away with something new!
- Deidre Savino, New York
Make time to experience the joy of connecting and learning with a global community of like-minded teachers. We provide a space to share ideas and inspiration to keep each other motivated and our community thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a piano teacher to join these sessions?
Certainly not. While the majority of the sessions may pertain mostly to independent teachers who teach piano, some of the presentations would be beneficial for pianists who do not teach.
Am I required to attend the LIVE webinar sessions in order to receive the replays?
You will receive the video replays regardless if you attend the LIVE sessions or not. However, if you attend a LIVE session you'll have the opportunity for exchange with the presenter and other participants. Plus....you'll be eligible for any special bonuses offered to live attendees. We'll be sure to reserve a few for replay viewers as well.
How long will I have access to the video sessions?
When you purchase at the regular registration rate ($197) you may view the 6 sessions at your leisure as many times as you like using your login information. Presenter handouts will be available for download.
How do I log in to the sessions? And what if I forget my log-in information?
You will use the username/password that you create when you make your purchase. Should you forget that combination, please email us at info@pianoteachercamp.com. We will then send you a new password which you may re-set later.
What if I change my mind? Can I receive a refund?
Due to the digital nature of this product, refunds are not available.
Whom do I contact with additional questions?
Contact James, PCPT Coordinator, with any questions at info@pianoteachercamp.com
Approximately how many hours of video are included in this conference?
The conference consists of 6 lectures with approx. 8 hours of video instruction total.