2025 State Conference

BITE SIZE PRESENTATIONS

Saturday 11:15am-11:45am

“The Impossible Student (and Why There Isn't One)”

We've all had 'that student,' right? The one who seems to defy every teaching method, every motivational trick. The one we secretly label 'impossible.' But what if I told you that student doesn't exist?

John Kiernan, Head of Guitar and Music Technology at The Piano Workshop at Bergen County, is an internationally recognized guitarist and educator. He has performed globally and been featured in Guitar World Magazine. His students have been accepted into prestigious music programs at Berklee College of Music and NYU Steinhardt.

Sonia Kiernan is a distinguished pianist and educator who co-founded the Piano Workshop at Bergen County. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a master's in Piano Performance, her students have performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and The Kaufman Center. She also serves as judge for The Piano Guild.

“Mental Strategies for Effective Practice: Using Mental Rehearsal to Enhance Motivation, Focus and Skills”

Practicing involves both physical and mental engagement. Effective practice requires motivation, focus, goal-setting, strategy, and self-evaluation. Research shows that mental rehearsal enhances learning, skill development, focus, and performance. This presentation introduces mental practice techniques, including guided imagery exercises for relaxation, focus, motivation, and practicing excerpts, with hands-on experience and adaptations for younger or less advanced students.

Catherine TangMei Shieh holds a B.M. from Manhattan School of Music, and a M.A. from Queens College (CUNY). She conducted research in effective music practice as an Ed.D. student at Teachers College Columbia University. She also studied with Madeline Bruser, author of “The Art of Practicing,” focusing on technique and mindfulness.

Saturday 11:45am-12:15pm

“Discovering the Joy of Teaching ‘Rare Recital Treasures’ from All Style Periods”

Rather than a collection in a single category such as women composers, composers of color, or composers from a specific country or period, at a particular level, Kevin Chance and Ingrid Clarfield created this new series to include lesser-known composers at different levels, with a variety of ethnicities and genders all in one book. In addition, lesser-known works by well-known composers are included. There are pieces from all 5 style periods all in one book as well as helpful pedagogical pointers for how to PREPARE, PRACTICE, and POLISH for Performance. With additional editing for dynamics, voicing, articulation and pedaling, as well as primary and alternate fingerings to facilitate musicality and technique, your students will ENJOY performing these Rare Recital Treasures.

Ingrid Clarfield, nationally recognized performer, lecturer and author has presented workshops and master classes in 175 cities and has written 29 books. She is the recipient of MTNA’s Teacher of the Year, NCKP’s Lifetime Achievement Award and inductee into the first Steinway Teachers Hall of Fame.

Kairy Koshoeva, Honored Artist of Kyrgyzstan, is a concert pianist and educator with degrees from Gnessin Academy, Oberlin (Artist Diploma), and UMKC (DMA). She received the 2019 RCM Teacher of Distinction Award at Carnegie Hall. Kairy teaches at the New School for Music Study and privately in Princeton, NJ.

Saturday 3:15pm-3:45pm

“The Piano Music of Ennio Morricone”

Ennio Morricone (1928–2020), celebrated film composer and student of Goffredo Petrassi, also wrote piano works and transcriptions, many revealed through Roberto Prosseda’s 2021 recording. This presentation explores the lyrical qualities and technical challenges of Morricone’s piano writing—balance, finger independence, and dynamic control—and concludes with a performance of selected works.

Alessandra Tiraterra, DMA, NCTM, has performed recitals in Europe and US. Her students are regular prize winners in piano competitions. She studied with renowned pianists (Perticaroli, Crudeli, Haydon, Soriano, Dorensky, and Abramovic). She has given talks for conferences, colleges, and institutions and has published with Dante University of America Press.

“The Two-Handed Mind: Teaching Beyond Peak Performance Bridging Technique, Expression and Cognition for Excellent Results”

As music educators, we guide students to become expressive, confident performers by integrating technical precision and emotional expressivity. Effective, strategic practice, combined with mental visualization and right-brain techniques, strengthens memory, presence, and musical ownership, while imagining supportive listeners transforms anxiety into confidence.

Shimrit Tsiporen, DMA, pianist and educator, has shared her expertise at the Clark Center for Keyboard Studies, Bar-Ilan University, Tel-Aviv University, Jerusalem Academy for Music and Dance, and Israel’s National Music Honors Program. Blending piano performance, psychology, and pedagogy, she empowers musicians to transform technical skill into expressive artistry and courageous stage presence.

Saturday 3:45pm-4:15pm

“Nurturing Vulnerability Through Pedagogical Teaching: Suggested Pedagogical Approaches for Working with Diverse Learners”

Using Bréne Brown’s definition of vulnerability, I present pedagogical suggestions for helping all types of learners develop a vulnerable approach to music making through healthy risk raking in psychologically safe learning environments.

Dr. Qin Ling is a piano faculty member at The New School for Music Study with nine years of teaching experience. She specializes in body–mind strategies, problem-solving, and cultivating risk-taking in lessons. Dr. Ling also supports the Frances Clark Center’s Chinese international webinars as a cultural and educational bridge.

“Recital Winners: Dazzling But Doable Repertoire”

What makes a piano piece a true recital winner? In this engaging session, four experienced piano teachers share and demonstrate piano repertoire that dazzles the audience without overwhelming the performer. These pieces sound more difficult than they are, offering maximum musical payoff while remaining within a student’s comfortable technical range.
You’ll learn how to choose pieces that highlight each student’s strengths, tell a musical story, and leave a lasting impression onstage. Whether you're planning a recital, preparing for competitions, or just looking for standout repertoire, you'll leave with fresh ideas and curated collections to explore. Let’s find the perfect balance of flash and feasibility!

Dr. Xiaoya Gao is a pianist and educator with a D.M.A. in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina and advanced degrees from NYU and Lawrence University. She has performed internationally, taught at NYU, and actively researches piano pedagogy while performing and presenting in the New York–New Jersey area.

Amy Glennon Watt (New School for Music Study) is an experienced teacher, clinician, author, and published composer of 6 collections published by Alfred and Piano Safari. Amy has presented at both MTNA and NCKP. Her teaching appears on Webinars for MTNA, the Frances Clark Center, and online pedagogy courses.

Colin Levins is currently on the faculty of the New School for Music Study (NSMS). He holds a Postgraduate Teaching Fellowship from NSMS, a M.M. in Piano Performance from the UMKC Conservatory, and a B.M. in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from the University of Central Missouri.

K. Jenna Frank holds a BM in Voice Performance from Westminster Choir College and completed the Comprehensive Practical Piano Teaching Program at the New School for Music Study. She is a dedicated music educator in piano and voice and serves as the soprano section leader at Trinity Episcopal Church, Mooretown.

Saturday 4:15pm-4:45pm

“Lead Where You Are: Practical Ways Piano Teachers Can Make a Broader Impact”

As the role of the music teacher continues to evolve, so do the opportunities to lead, grow, and make an impact beyond the studio. This session offers practical, real-world strategies to help private studio teachers expand their work in meaningful and manageable ways—through social media, community networking, creative marketing, leadership, and more. Designed for both early-career and seasoned educators, the talk explores how piano teachers can diversify their roles by becoming music directors, workshop hosts, writers, mentors, and advocates—all while staying rooted in their teaching practice.

Dr. Carla Salas-Ruiz (Ph.D., LSU) is Associate Director and faculty at NSMS. A pianist and pedagogue from Costa Rica, she researches motivation and interest development in piano learning. A Steinway Educational Partner, she presents internationally, adjudicates competitions, and publishes widely, fostering inclusive, creative, and healthy musicianship in her students.

Dr. Molly Sanford (D.M.A., University of Cincinnati CCM) is Administrative Manager and faculty at NSMS. A pianist specializing in contemporary and American music, she presents nationally on pedagogy and performance. She combines innovative recital programming with extensive teaching experience, inspiring students of all ages to connect with music.

Colin Levins is a pianist and educator with degrees in Piano Performance from UMKC and the University of Central Missouri. A prizewinner and performer at venues including the Kauffman Center, he serves as Director of Music Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Bordentown and teaches at NSMS.

“Imaginative Listening”

From their earliest musical experiences, students can be guided to play with sensitivity by tuning into their feelings, creativity, and natural instincts, creating a connection with both the listener and performer. We’ll explore how imagination enhances the expression of musical ideas and outcomes. Instilling and fostering this awareness is essential throughout a student’s musical development, inspiring learners of all ages and skill levels.

Nancy Modell, a sought-after Suzuki Piano Teacher Trainer, promotes the Taubman approach, nurtures original musical composition, and exposes students to diverse composers, creating a safe space for exploring creativity, curiosity, compassion, and community through music. Nancy serves on the boards of SAA, PTF, and MEA-NJ (former President).