Summer Workshops
*All group workshops and classes will be ONLINE until further notice*

(Piano Only)
The Building Blocks of Music – Level 1
Overview of basic note reading; what do all of the symbols mean; tips and tricks for reading intervalically and looking for patterns; ideal for students who have completed at least the primer level of a method book, but could be great review for students at any level.

(Piano Only)
The Building Blocks of Music – Level 2
Scales, triads, and key signatures; what are they and how do they help us learn music? How can we build scales and triads (including inversions) and identify key signatures? Ideal for students from Late Elementary through Early Intermediate

(Piano Only)
The Building Blocks of Music – Level 3
- Introduction to functional harmony
- discussion of common chord progressions in tonal music
- building triads on each scale degree
- understanding tonic-dominant relationships
- identifying points of tension and release in music (dominant pedals, cadential 6/4 chords, dominant seventh)
- students should bring some of their repertoire with them to be used as a case study
- Ideal for students Intermediate or higher

(Piano Only)
Intro to Jazz
- Learn how to read jazz notation (lead sheets)
- how to play from chords
- and the basics of jazz improvisation

(Piano Only)
Jazz Theory
Learn what makes jazz music sound like jazz and how you can learn to play it. Three-part course that teach you chord theory, how to riff, and how to play in the pocket with a trio.

(Piano Only)
Beethoven, the Father of Pop Music
Did you know that pop music today has its roots in classical music? This music appreciation course will show you how two seemingly disparate musical styles are actually intrinsically linked with one another and how you can write music just like Beethoven (or Taylor Swift for that matter).

(Piano Only)
Advanced Musicianship
In this workshop we will cover a lot of ground:
- What makes music work?
- How do I improvise?
- How does the circle of fifths help me?
- What is a double sharp?
- How can I learn how to play a song I hear on the radio?

(Piano Only)
Exciting Piano Music
- What types of music can we play as pianists?
- What are the challenges and possibilities of each kind?
- Learn more about some great pieces!

(Piano Only)
Does it Matter HOW You Practice?
- Get some variety in your practice sessions
- Learn about helpful ways to problem-solve
- Explore effective and efficient practice tactics
- Work on your current pieces together with the class!

Music Moves Us
This active and interactive class focuses on movement. It’s not a dance class, but teaches the body to respond to music, helping students’ have increased:
- rhythm & sense of pulse
- expression & musicality
- listening skills
Usually done in-person, but can be just as effective in an online class with students participating in their own space, still seeing the entire class.

Inner Game of Music: How to Play Like No One is Listening!
Learn how to make your performances as good as your individual practice times through these three helpful tools.

Movie Music! John Williams
An overview of the variety of film music by composer John Williams. Listen to examples and explore what kinds of music create different emotions to compliment or enhance the scenes on screen.

World Music
- Do you want to know a world where our basic daily scales don’t exist?
- Would you like to hear and dance to music from around the world?
- Want to learn different drumming from Latin America, Africa, and Asia?

Careers in Music
Panel discussion with various instructors discussing their paths in the music industry and answering questions from students. Even though we all have degrees in music, we studied at a variety of institutions and have established ourselves in different ways. Ideal for high school students who may be considering a career in the arts (even if they aren’t sure) to hear about the various paths one might take and the steps leading up to auditions. Or for parents who are curious about options for their child’s future.

Marissa
I am passionate about music and music education for students of all ages! I have been studying piano for the last fifteen years and teaching piano for the last six. I am very involved with Music Teachers National Association and am always working to find the best new methods for inspiring the next generation of musicians. I love teaching piano, because it is a way to connect with students of all ages and abilities and help them to achieve their goals. I hope to instill a love of music in every student who walks through the door.
I have a bachelors degree in piano performance from the College-Conservatory of Music here in Cincinnati where I am currently working towards masters degrees in piano performance and music theory. I love being part of my community in Cincinnati and have maintained involvement on a volunteer basis with Music for Youth Cincinnati (MYCincinnati) in Price Hill for the last four years. I am also the conductor of HaZamir Cincinnati, a chapter of HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir, which has performed in every major venue in New York City and helps to foster community among young Jewish musicians throughout the United States and Israel.

Paul
I am a musician and educator from Cincinnati, Ohio. After having completed my degree in Music Education at Eastern Kentucky University and spending the last year traveling around Europe teaching English, I am excited to be back in my hometown teaching my neighbors about my favorite thing in the world: music! I have been playing piano for over 10 years in addition to other instruments such as guitar and percussion. Making music accessible and fun for my students is my passion. I have experience working with students of all ages and abilities.
I have a background in jazz and improvisation as well as classical music and other styles. This means that I like to teach students about music holistically, covering not just piano performance, but also the musical concepts that make things work. When students not only know how to practice, but also understand the theory and context behind what they are doing, it is much easier for them to understand and relate to. I love to teach because I love to see others experience all the things music has given me: creative expression, artistic fulfillment, confidence, self-awareness, and, of course, FUN!

Daniel
I love teaching piano because I enjoy making music come alive for students. Music is a language and it takes time to learn, but it’s all worth it when the musical language starts to make sense to my students and they begin to make it their own. I started taking lessons as a young boy and I remember my piano teacher was always such a joy to be around — she made music fun as well as meaningful. I want to continue that legacy of making music entertaining and beautiful to my students.
I received a Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from Cincinnati Christian University and then went on to get my Master’s in Music Theory from the University of Kentucky. With over 12 years of teaching experience, I enjoy the challenge of tailoring a lesson plan to a student’s specific interests and I enjoy explaining what makes music work to all my students. I believe in diligent work, following your dreams, and laughing often.

Molly
I have been playing piano for almost my whole life, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I graduated from Western Michigan University and am currently pursuing a Masters in Piano Performance from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory (go Bearcats!). I love music and I want to share everything great about it by performing and teaching. I have worked with students in a variety of settings: individually, in group lessons, in piano lab workshops, in elementary school programs, and in collegiate classes. Throughout all of these experiences, I enjoy finding the right ways to relate to each individual student in their music-making journey. Creativity and learning are strong values for me, so I love helping students grow and have fun with any level of music they’re pursuing.
Apart from teaching and performing solo piano, I play chamber music with other musicians, work with ensembles, go to concerts, present at conferences, and travel to expand my experience and connections in the musical world. I strive to learn new things constantly and to maintain a diverse, multifaceted career. Outside of piano, I spend free time reading and watching movies, and I think that a passion for storytelling helps tremendously with music performance. I am also passionate about film music. Ultimately, I love the ways music can enrich many areas of our lives!

Clinton
Hi, I’m Clinton, also known as Piano Sensei. Having lived in Japan as a child, I feel a strong connection to Japanese people, culture, language, and food! Combine this with my musical upbringing, training, and expertise, and you end up with Piano Sensei!
I’ve been teaching piano for the last 18 years, and I’ve been playing for over 30 years! This isn’t a hobby or something I do on the side, this is my career, my profession, and my passion. I have worked with young children, teenagers, and adults all the way up to senior citizens. My comprehensive background helps me to be effective at helping a variety of people learn music through the piano.
I have a Master’s degree in piano as well as several certifications, I regularly attend and present workshops at local, state, and national music teachers conferences, I’m a judge for various festivals, exams, and contests, and I’m on numerous committees to help shape the future of music education.
But all of that is because I love teaching! And my students don’t care about my credentials, they just enjoy lessons because I balance the hard work and discipline with light-hearted goofiness!

Sensei Zhang
I have been playing piano for almost 25 years and have been teaching piano seriously for around six years. I was very blessed to have been given opportunities from selfless piano teachers who instilled in me the value of hard work, and more importantly, musical enjoyment.
I have a double degree in piano and business management and have found that the two complement each other very nicely. During my college years, I also became interested in physical and mental wellness for pianists, participating in an Alexander Technique “Art of Freedom” class for two years. This helped me understand how musicians overcome performance anxiety.
Further study at the Golandsky Institute Summer Festival at Princeton University allowed me to understand how pianists overcome injury and retrain their technique to wellness.
A strong passion of mine is bringing music to the underprivileged. I organized music and dance outreach events for disadvantaged kids and gave voluntary lessons to low-income youth and teenagers. Besides playing and teaching piano, I enjoy playing strings, singing, and learning about teaching children with special developmental needs.

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