SUSAN GEFFEN, Managing Editor of Clavier Companion, received her M.A. under the tutelage of composer Robert Xavier Rodríguez, University of Texas at Dallas, and is permanently certified by the Music Teachers National Association. She has maintained an independent piano studio in Plano, Texas, since 1983, and her extensive and diverse musical education encompasses extensive work with digital instruments, certification in Robert Pace group teaching techniques, and training in the Taubman Approach. She also is a specialist in Recreational Music Making, and she teaches senior RMM groups as well as private students of all ages.

Susan is active as an adjudicator, conference presenter, writer, proofreader, and panelist. Recent activities include chairing the panel for Recreational Music Making at the 2008 World Piano Pedagogy Conference and presenting “Senior Moments: Maintaining a Relaxed Atmosphere in the Recreational Music Making Class” at the 2009 Music Teachers National Association Conference in Atlanta.

Susan has been an arts educator since she was in her teens. In addition to her work as a music educator, she has taught creative dramatics at institutions including the Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Gifted Students Institute, and The Children’s Arts and Ideas Foundation. She also has worked as a journalist and as a freelance orchestral score proofreader and orchestrator.