As the plans for the SAA Conference 2010 unfold, I am excited to share with you the program for pianists and piano teachers. I hope that you have already noted the weekend of May 27-31, 2010, on your calendars and are making plans to be in Minneapolis.
The theme of the conference is TEAMWORK, and in 2010 piano students will have the opportunity to work in teams with other instrumentalists in preparing chamber music. This collaboration is a first for piano students at the conference, and we will all benefit from the experience. As we observe the Claremont Trio coach these chamber groups, we will gain confidence and expertise to use in coaching teams in our own individual studios or in our home Suzuki communities. Pianists often have very little experience in playing with others, and the possibilities are endless as well as exciting.
Teamwork will also be evident as we feature our own SAA teachers and former Suzuki students as masterclass clinicians. For piano students we will feature a traditional masterclass for advanced students who are in Book 6 and beyond the Mozart Sonata K. 330. By popular demand, a second masterclass will focus on Suzuki repertoire, particularly pieces in Books 4 through 6.
Yet another opportunity for piano students is the audition to perform a concerto movement with a faculty orchestra. The choices for the 2010 conference are the first movement of the Mozart K. 414 or the first movement of the Mozart K. 488.
In addition to all of the above, there will be sessions on the new repertoire pieces for piano in Books 4 and up. And, as usual, there will be panels, presentations, demonstrations, and more! Teachers, I urge you to submit proposals for sessions, either specifically related to Suzuki piano, or to one of the following non-instrument specific tracks: Group Classes, Meeting the Younger Teachers’ Needs, New Ideas for Experienced Teachers of 20 Years or More, Healthy Lifestyle/Healthy Attitude, Working with Parents. I particularly encourage 3 or 4 of you to get together as a team and propose a panel.
Please check the SAA website and the SAA Journal for more specific information. Please let me, or the Asstant Piano Coordinator, Malgosia Lis, know if you have questions or ideas.
