September/October 2009 Volume 1, Number 5

Featured Articles

: There’s a new series in the music store - how should I evaluate it?
by Rebecca Johnson

While preparing for the upcoming ten-part series, A survey of current methods, Rebecca Johnson compiled a comprehensive list of evaluation criteria – or if you like, a “roadmap” for evaluating instructional series. Although no one piano teaching method may provide everything listed in this article, the outlined critera may help you discern which methods best suit your teaching philosophy.

: Technique: What is 3-D Piano Technique?
Scott McBride Smith with Fred Karpoff

In this issue we inaugurate a series of questions-and-answers with the authors of some best-selling materials on technique, starting with the new series 3-D Piano. Fred Karpoff discusses his teaching videos and materials, his artistry, and how his injury molded his approach to piano technique. Learn how his practical approaches lead to an optimal piano technique.

: Technology Review: AirTurn AT-104 Wireless Page-Turner
by Mario Ajero

Whether reading digital or traditional paper scores, pianists must deal with the problem of turning pages while both hands are occupied at the keyboard. The AirTurn AT-104 solves this problem.

: Keyboard Kids' Companion by Helen Smith Tarchalski

Keyboard Kids for Kindness Practice Challenge
Why not put your piano studies to work helping one of your favorite charities? Please join us in the Keyboard Kids for Kindness Practice Challenge. Use these step-by-step instructions to make piano practicing count even more toward making the world a better place!

Students from around the country have already joined our Keyboard Kids for Kindness Practice Challenge, announced in the January/February 2009 Clavier Companion issue of Keyboard Kids’ Companion. To celebrate and welcome our new readers, we are extending the deadline for everyone. Students will now have until November 30th, 2009 to practice piano in support of their favorite charities. We hope that teachers will take advantage of this extension and encourage students to not only practice more, but also to support worthy causes in their communities. Full details about the program, including instructions and entry forms, can be found by clicking here.

2009 College Writing Contest Official Rules

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September/October 2009 issue cover of Clavier Companion

Also in This Issue...

Richard Chronister Memorial Fund

Honor the founder of this magazine

Dear Subscribers,

Welcome to Clavier Companion! The Frances Clark Center is proud to bring you this new publication since January 2009, dedicated to all who love music and the piano. The mission of Clavier Companion is to increase the quality and longevity of music-making and music education at the keyboard throughout the global community. We are excited about the future of Clavier Companion and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with each and every one of our readers.

With appreciation,

Pete Jutras Editor-in Chief	Sam Holland Executive Director
Louise Goss Chair	Marvin Blickenstaff President

All Articles in Print



Editor’s Page:	Guiding your students — Pete Jutras

Variations:	What music means to me — Barbara Kreader

Musings:	The story of winning — Jane Magrath

Questions & Answers:	by Louise Goss

Article:	A new look at current methods — Marienne Uszler

Article:	The state of music education in America — Seymour Bernstein

Departments

Jazz & Pop:	ii-V-i: An essential building block of minor jazz harmony — Geoff Haydon

Music Reading:	When choosing an elementary method, what do you look for in the teaching of reading? —Craig Sale with Reid Alexander and Ann Gipson

Perspectives in Pedagogy:	There’s a new series in the music store—how should I evaluate it? — Rebecca Johnson

Technique:	What is 3-D piano technique? Scott McBride Smith — Fred Karpoff

Home Practice:	How do you teach your students the basics of practicing? — Jennifer Hayghe

Counterpoint:	The recession-resistant studio — Helen Smith Tarchalski with Brian Chung and Gulimina Mahamuti

Inside the Profession:	The well-prepared college major — Siok Lian Tan

Poetry Corner

Reviews

Keyboard Kids’ Companion

Pupil Savers

News & Notes

Advertiser Index

Letters to the Editor