9:30-10:00 Pre-Meeting Discussion
Presenter: Dr. Michael Finlay
Program: Pre-Meeting Discussion: Healthy Piano Technique: Strategies for Preventing Injuries and Developing Strong Foundations
Playing the piano is an inherently risky activity. Studies indicate that between 70-90% of musicians experience some form of injury over the course of their careers. This presentation will focus on the most common injuries afflicting pianists, including posture-related injuries, overuse injuries such as tendonitis, and neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome. It will also present specific practice and teaching techniques to promote good posture, leverage, and alignment at the piano, ultimately helping pianists avoid injury and conquer technical challenges in the repertoire.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Michael Finlay, an acclaimed concert pianist and chamber musician based in Chicago, is well-known for his mentorship of emerging pianists, particularly in the realm of piano technique and injury prevention. He travels globally to deliver lectures and masterclasses on these topics. Recent lecture topics include "Forearm Anatomy for Pianists," "Practicing with Arm Impulses: 3 Approaches," and "Comparing Taubman, Russian, and Durand Approaches to Piano Technique." This season, he has been invited to present at Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapman University, and the 2024 International Seminar on Piano Pedagogy in Vilnius, Lithuania, among others.
Current performing projects include a video recording of the complete Beethoven violin sonata cycle with Denver-based violinist Byron Hitchcock and an all-Chopin album featuring the second and third piano sonatas and assorted shorter works, for release in 2023. He maintains an active performing schedule with recent performances in Italy, Detroit, Austin, San Antonio, Montreal, Toronto, Denver, and Atlanta. His performances have been broadcast on classical radio stations in Chicago, Austin, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Montreal.
10:00-11:00 Business Meeting
Meeting will be led by NSMTA President, George Radosavljevic followed by refreshments.
11:00-12:00 Program
Presenter: Dr. Mary Beth Molenaar
Program: “Autism, ADHD, Anxiety or Attitude - sorting out challenging student behaviors”
Most of us have taught students who have “bad” behavior in their lessons – students who don’t listen, fidget on the bench, are reluctant to switch activities, etc. Sometimes students even refuse to come in the door or challenge us in the lesson. And since COVID’s year of remote lessons and recitals many students have increased anxiety and an overwhelming fear of performing. Is it just a bad attitude about practice and lessons - or are there psychological or neurological reasons behind their behavior that we should learn more about? Are there strategies teachers can use that can help? What are ways to talk to parents about behavior problems?
BIOGRAPHY
Mary Beth Molenaar, NCTM, teaches piano to children and adults and recently retired as the director of Northwestern’s Music Academy.
Molenaar holds a doctoral degree in piano performance and pedagogy from Northwestern and earned performance degrees from UW-Madison (WI) and St. Cloud State University (MN). She continues to perform frequently on piano and organ and serves as choir accompanist at Winnetka Covenant Church.
She received a Foundation Fellow award from MTNA for significant contributions to the music teaching profession. Other awards include NSMTA “Member of the Year” and SCSU’s “Outstanding Service to Music Education in Minnesota.” For thirteen years she served as the ISMTA state AIM Chair.
When she is not teaching or performing, Mary Beth enjoys travel with her husband Mitch, creating art and raising butterflies.