Virtual live gathering of interactive and engaging sessions, masterclasses, concerts, breakout sessions, hands on instruction, delicious recipes (who doesn't love good food!?), and camaraderie. Gain valuable creative tools for lead sheets, improvisation, composition, rote teaching, and more that will carve the path for a lifetime of fulfillment at the piano!
Piano Connect
Piano Connect
ABOUT PIANO CONNECT
Piano Connect is a unique educational experience that will leave you feeling inspired, connected, and ready to grow your creative skills at the piano. Together, we will cultivate creative freedom and a lifelong love of music making, for yourself and for your students.
Piano Connect offers a highly impactful, interactive, and communal experience where everyone can gather together on Zoom at the same time (don’t worry, it will be recorded if you can’t make a session) and learn directly from some of the most innovative minds in the field of creative piano teaching (no decisions to make about which session to attend~ simply two days full of incredible classes and performances).
You will learn about basic composition, improvisation, tools for teaching creative, non-classical activities that may be just outside of your comfort zone, and how to improvise off of gorgeous rote pieces. And… we will connect through delicious recipes shared by food blogger for musicians Sarah Jane Kenner!
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Who is Piano Connect for?
Piano teachers, professional, and amateur pianists who are looking to expand their creative toolbox and find their unique voice at the piano, while feeling connected and inspired by like minded individuals. You will leave with a fresh, renewed sense of where to take your music and how to instill the joy of music making for yourself and your students.
Irina Gorin
Irina Gorin is an internationally-renowned music educator, piano teacher, and presenter.
Irina Gorin, born in Kiev, Ukraine, studied at Kiev Music College and Kharkov
Conservatory. She holds Masters Degrees in Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy,
Chamber Ensemble, and Accompaniment.
Over the last 30 years, Mrs. Gorin has established a reputation as one of the most
prominent pedagogues for children in the United States and beyond. Gorin Piano
Studio's graduates continue their musical education in Universities and Conservatories
throughout the United States, pursuing diplomas in Performance, Pedagogy, and
Music Education.
She also contributes to the enrichment of piano teachers by
regularly conducting workshops and master classes around USA and abroad.
Mrs. Gorin is often sought after as a judge for local and national piano competitions.
Tales of a Musical Journey is the culmination of her vast education and teaching
experience. The series uniquely blends Russian and American teaching methods to
prepare beginning piano students for a classical repertoire. Translated into seven
languages with more coming, thousands of copies of this publication have been sold
in more than 50 countries.
In order to showcase the talent of young pianists, she founded and served as President
of the Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition, which has welcomed competitors from all over the world since 2014.
Irina Gorin
Irina Gorin is an internationally-renowned music educator, piano teacher, and presenter.
Irina Gorin, born in Kiev, Ukraine, studied at Kiev Music College and Kharkov
Conservatory. She holds Masters Degrees in Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy,
Chamber Ensemble, and Accompaniment.
Over the last 30 years, Mrs. Gorin has established a reputation as one of the most
prominent pedagogues for children in the United States and beyond. Gorin Piano
Studio's graduates continue their musical education in Universities and Conservatories
throughout the United States, pursuing diplomas in Performance, Pedagogy, and
Music Education.
She also contributes to the enrichment of piano teachers by
regularly conducting workshops and master classes around USA and abroad.
Mrs. Gorin is often sought after as a judge for local and national piano competitions.
Tales of a Musical Journey is the culmination of her vast education and teaching
experience. The series uniquely blends Russian and American teaching methods to
prepare beginning piano students for a classical repertoire. Translated into seven
languages with more coming, thousands of copies of this publication have been sold
in more than 50 countries.
In order to showcase the talent of young pianists, she founded and served as President
of the Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition, which has welcomed competitors from all over the world since 2014.
Jeremy Siskind
Pianist-composerJeremy Siskind is “a genuine visionary” (IndianapolisStar) who “seems to defy all boundaries” (Jazz Ink) with music “rich in texture and nuance” (Downbeat). The winner of the Nottingham International Jazz Piano Competition and 2nd-place finisher in the Montreux International Jazz Piano Competition, Siskind has proven that he’s one of the most innovative, virtuosic,and inspiring pianists in the world. As an educator, Siskind started teaching at the collegiate level at age 19, earning his first tenure-track job at Western Michigan University at age 25. An in-demand clinician, Siskind has written 11 publications with Hal Leonard, including the landmark instructional books Jazz Band Pianist and First Lessons in Piano Improv. He currently teaches at California’s Fullerton College, chairs NCKP’s “CreativityTrack” Committee and spreads peace through music in places like Lebanon, Tunisia, and Thailand with the non-profit organization, Jazz Education Abroad.
Jeremy Siskind
Pianist-composerJeremy Siskind is “a genuine visionary” (IndianapolisStar) who “seems to defy all boundaries” (Jazz Ink) with music “rich in texture and nuance” (Downbeat). The winner of the Nottingham International Jazz Piano Competition and 2nd-place finisher in the Montreux International Jazz Piano Competition, Siskind has proven that he’s one of the most innovative, virtuosic,and inspiring pianists in the world. As an educator, Siskind started teaching at the collegiate level at age 19, earning his first tenure-track job at Western Michigan University at age 25. An in-demand clinician, Siskind has written 11 publications with Hal Leonard, including the landmark instructional books Jazz Band Pianist and First Lessons in Piano Improv. He currently teaches at California’s Fullerton College, chairs NCKP’s “CreativityTrack” Committee and spreads peace through music in places like Lebanon, Tunisia, and Thailand with the non-profit organization, Jazz Education Abroad.
Paula Dreyer
Paula Dreyer is a classically-trained pianist and composer, making music in a unique style that draws upon influences of classical, Spanish, film, and improvisational music. Known for her transporting and mesmerizing performances, Paula has graced world-class stages from Carnegie Hall to the Green Music Center, performing in the US, Canada, Nicaragua, Prague, Portugal, and Spain. She has been an Artist-in-Residence at Obras in Portugal, where she composed much of the music for her globally successful Little Gems for Piano educational series. She is also a well respected educator and presents nationally to music teachers.
Paula Dreyer
Paula Dreyer is a classically-trained pianist and composer, making music in a unique style that draws upon influences of classical, Spanish, film, and improvisational music. Known for her transporting and mesmerizing performances, Paula has graced world-class stages from Carnegie Hall to the Green Music Center, performing in the US, Canada, Nicaragua, Prague, Portugal, and Spain. She has been an Artist-in-Residence at Obras in Portugal, where she composed much of the music for her globally successful Little Gems for Piano educational series. She is also a well respected educator and presents nationally to music teachers.
Samantha Coates
Samantha Coates is an internationally regarded piano pedagogue. She is the author and publisher of the BlitzBooks music education materials specialising in theory and sight reading, and the creator of the revolutionary Rote Repertoire series for piano. She has been teaching in Sydney for 35 years and adores it.
Samantha Coates
Samantha Coates is an internationally regarded piano pedagogue. She is the author and publisher of the BlitzBooks music education materials specialising in theory and sight reading, and the creator of the revolutionary Rote Repertoire series for piano. She has been teaching in Sydney for 35 years and adores it.
Bradley Sowash
Bradley Sowash is a jazz pianist, composer, and educator specializing in improvisation. After many years as a touring performer and recording artist, he turned his attention to introducing "recovering classical pianists" to the joys of musical creativity in online jazz piano classes, at teacher conferences, and through his widely-acclaimed publications.
Bradley Sowash
Bradley Sowash is a jazz pianist, composer, and educator specializing in improvisation. After many years as a touring performer and recording artist, he turned his attention to introducing "recovering classical pianists" to the joys of musical creativity in online jazz piano classes, at teacher conferences, and through his widely-acclaimed publications.
Leila Viss
Ms. Viss holds a full-time church position as organist and accompanist, frequently adjudicates piano and composition competitions and regularly presents at conferences around the country. In 2012, Ms. Viss started a blog at 88pianokeys.me which is now found at LeilaViss.com. Her site includes music app suggestions, dynamic teaching tips, off-bench activities and original arrangements. Her fascination with the iPad and apps resulted in her book called The iPad Piano Studio: Keys to Unlocking the Power of Apps, now distributed by Alfred Music.
Leila Viss
Ms. Viss holds a full-time church position as organist and accompanist, frequently adjudicates piano and composition competitions and regularly presents at conferences around the country. In 2012, Ms. Viss started a blog at 88pianokeys.me which is now found at LeilaViss.com. Her site includes music app suggestions, dynamic teaching tips, off-bench activities and original arrangements. Her fascination with the iPad and apps resulted in her book called The iPad Piano Studio: Keys to Unlocking the Power of Apps, now distributed by Alfred Music.
Lesley McAllister
Author of two books on musician wellness, Dr. Lesley McAllister is a pianist, yoga instructor, and advocate for using yoga, sport psychology research, and mind/body relaxation techniques like imagery to assist musicians of all levels in attaining peak performance. As Professor of Piano at Baylor University, she directs the piano pedagogy program and teaches classes on Performer Wellness. Her book The Balanced Musician: Integrating Mind and Body for Peak Performance was the first textbook intended for musician wellness classes.
Lesley McAllister
Author of two books on musician wellness, Dr. Lesley McAllister is a pianist, yoga instructor, and advocate for using yoga, sport psychology research, and mind/body relaxation techniques like imagery to assist musicians of all levels in attaining peak performance. As Professor of Piano at Baylor University, she directs the piano pedagogy program and teaches classes on Performer Wellness. Her book The Balanced Musician: Integrating Mind and Body for Peak Performance was the first textbook intended for musician wellness classes.
Sarah Jane Kenner
I’m Sarah, a violinist, lover of all things edible, and creator of the Hungry Musician blog. I make my home in New York City, where I work as a professional violinist and food blogger. I have loved cooking for as long as I can remember, which, coincidentally, is about as long as I’ve been playing music.
Sarah Jane Kenner
I’m Sarah, a violinist, lover of all things edible, and creator of the Hungry Musician blog. I make my home in New York City, where I work as a professional violinist and food blogger. I have loved cooking for as long as I can remember, which, coincidentally, is about as long as I’ve been playing music.
Grant Kondo
Grant Kondo is a classically-trained pianist who is also equally comfortable teaching and performing the Four Arts of Music as described by Forrest Kinney: improvising, arranging, composing, and interpreting. His current initiatives include creativity in music, inclusion and diversity in repertoire, and holistic teaching methods connecting music subjects like theory, technique, ear training, and the Four Arts not only to each other but in life applications. Current and forthcoming projects include a YouTube Channel and a book on piano teaching and music theory.
Grant was born and raised in Honolulu, HI. He holds a B.S. in Psychobiology from UCLA and a M.M. in Music Education from San Jose State University. He currently maintains an active private studio of 50 students in San Jose, CA, consisting primarily of transfer and adult students. He is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music and serves as President for the Santa Clara Valley Chapter and VP Student Programs for the State Board of the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (state affiliate of Music Teachers National Association).
Grant Kondo
Grant Kondo is a classically-trained pianist who is also equally comfortable teaching and performing the Four Arts of Music as described by Forrest Kinney: improvising, arranging, composing, and interpreting. His current initiatives include creativity in music, inclusion and diversity in repertoire, and holistic teaching methods connecting music subjects like theory, technique, ear training, and the Four Arts not only to each other but in life applications. Current and forthcoming projects include a YouTube Channel and a book on piano teaching and music theory.
Grant was born and raised in Honolulu, HI. He holds a B.S. in Psychobiology from UCLA and a M.M. in Music Education from San Jose State University. He currently maintains an active private studio of 50 students in San Jose, CA, consisting primarily of transfer and adult students. He is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music and serves as President for the Santa Clara Valley Chapter and VP Student Programs for the State Board of the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (state affiliate of Music Teachers National Association).
Sarah Whitney
Praised by The Washington Post for her “marvelous violin acrobatics,” Sarah Whitney is a widely recognized performer and musician’s life and business coach.
She is a founding member of the string quintet SYBARITE5, whose last 2 albums have reached the top ten on the Billboard Charts. SYBARITE5 is winner of the Concert Artists Guild Competition and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Library of Congress, the Aspen, Grand Teton, and Ravinia Festivals.
In 2015, Sarah founded Beyond the Notes, an innovative concert series that breaks down the boundaries between the audience and the performers. Entering its seventh season, Beyond the Notes presents groundbreaking concerts around the country as well as a full season of concerts in Concord, MA.
As a musician’s life and business coach, Sarah helps musicians craft fulfilling and sustainable careers in music and has given workshops at the Curtis Institute, The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, Rice University and is author of the widely-read blog The Productive Musician.
Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Michigan School of Music, as well as a Master of Music and Professional Studies degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Sarah Whitney
Praised by The Washington Post for her “marvelous violin acrobatics,” Sarah Whitney is a widely recognized performer and musician’s life and business coach.
She is a founding member of the string quintet SYBARITE5, whose last 2 albums have reached the top ten on the Billboard Charts. SYBARITE5 is winner of the Concert Artists Guild Competition and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Library of Congress, the Aspen, Grand Teton, and Ravinia Festivals.
In 2015, Sarah founded Beyond the Notes, an innovative concert series that breaks down the boundaries between the audience and the performers. Entering its seventh season, Beyond the Notes presents groundbreaking concerts around the country as well as a full season of concerts in Concord, MA.
As a musician’s life and business coach, Sarah helps musicians craft fulfilling and sustainable careers in music and has given workshops at the Curtis Institute, The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, Rice University and is author of the widely-read blog The Productive Musician.
Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Michigan School of Music, as well as a Master of Music and Professional Studies degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Andrea Rackl
Andrea Rackl graduated from Western Washington University in 1998 after studies with Ford Hill, Jeffrey Gilliam, and Jacques Despres. Since then, she has concertized as far afield as Japan, serves as the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra’s principal keyboardist, and is known throughout the region as a soulful and engaging soloist and collaborator. For the past 30 years, Andrea has maintained an active studio, where she teaches what she calls the Four Arts of Music: Interpretation, Improvisation, Arranging, and Composing. It is her mission to bring the joy of these arts to her students and her audiences.
Andrea Rackl
Andrea Rackl graduated from Western Washington University in 1998 after studies with Ford Hill, Jeffrey Gilliam, and Jacques Despres. Since then, she has concertized as far afield as Japan, serves as the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra’s principal keyboardist, and is known throughout the region as a soulful and engaging soloist and collaborator. For the past 30 years, Andrea has maintained an active studio, where she teaches what she calls the Four Arts of Music: Interpretation, Improvisation, Arranging, and Composing. It is her mission to bring the joy of these arts to her students and her audiences.
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