9:30-10:00 PRE-MEETING
Presenter: Mary Beth Molenaar
Program: “Sharing Our Tips and Tricks, Part 2”
If you missed the January pre-meeting, join us in February for more tips and tricks! We will start this month’s discussion with “How do you increase your student’s love of playing and listening to music – not just competing or passing the test?” That could take the full half-hour right? If we have time I will solicit ideas for themed recitals or workshops, tips on when or whether to add supplemental repertoire to your student’s method (or Suzuki) books. If you have a suggestion for a discussion question, please e-mail Mary Beth before Monday’s meeting.
BIOGRAPHY
Mary Beth Molenaar teaches private and group piano lessons to children and private adult lessons in the Northwestern University Music Academy. She received her Doctor of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Northwestern where she taught keyboard and pedagogy classes in addition to serving as director of the Academy for many years.
Mary Beth has learned so much from NSMTA speakers and from other teachers in our discussions. She values her service at the local and state level and counts what she learns in those positions as continuing education as well. In addition to numerous local offices, she served for over ten years as the state AIM Chair overseeing its last revision. She was named a national Foundation Fellow in 2010.
In addition to teaching, Mary Beth enjoys making art and performs regularly on piano and organ at her church.
10:00-11:00 BUSINESS MEETING
Meeting will be led by NSMTA President, Heidi Mayer.
Refreshments to follow, provided by Hospitality Chair, Grace Juang.
11:00-12:00 PROGRAM
Presenter: Jeff Kleinsorge
Program: “Gold Medal Playing: Elevating Piano Performance”
How do you get your students to play artistically and at a high level? Lead with the gold!
The idea started as a way to judge student performance festivals and evolved into a general teaching approach that’s applicable to every student: beginning through advanced, average through exceptional. Playing is categorized into three levels: Bronze (basic skills), Silver (expressive elements), and Gold (artistic interpretation). The key concept is to teach first from the Gold and work your way down to the Bronze. Along the way, we’ll discuss interpretive guidelines and examine a variety of practice strategies for flawless performances.
BIOGRAPHY
Jeff Kleinsorge, NCTM, is the Director of the Preparatory and Community Music Program at Concordia University Chicago, where he also teaches Piano Pedagogy and Keyboard Skills. He spends his summers as a member of the Piano Faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp and creates curriculum for Interlochen Online throughout the year. As a teacher, adjudicator, lecturer, and clinician, Dr. Kleinsorge blends his eclectic academic background in performance, pedagogy, and composition into a unique approach that produces informed, creative, expressive, and accomplished pianists. Dr. Kleinsorge holds a Masters in Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, a Ph.D. in Composition from Michigan State University, and is currently the Treasurer and Immediate Past President of the Illinois Music Teachers Association.