JOIN EMAIL LIST
DONATE
CONTACT

The Center

Get email updates

The Frances Clark Center Appoints New Board Members

PRESS RELEASE: 1 September 2020

The Frances Clark Center Appoints New Board Members

The Frances Clark Center is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Trustees: E.L. Lancaster, William Chapman Nyaho, and Chee-Hwa Tan.

E. L. Lancaster is a piano faculty member at California State University Northridge. He holds a Ph.D. fromlancaster Northwestern University and established the masters and doctoral programs in piano pedagogy at the University of Oklahoma. Lancaster is a co-author of Alfred’s Premier Piano Course, Music for Little Mozarts, and Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults. In 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy and the Outstanding Alumnus in Fine Arts Award from Murray State University.

 

 

Dr. William Chapman Nyaho currently serves on the piano faculty at Pacific Lutheran University as well nyahoas on the summer faculty of Interlochen Center for the Arts and has a private piano studio in Seattle, Washington. He is an active solo recitalist, duo pianist and chamber musician, giving recitals and concerts in Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean and in  cities across the United States where he advocates music by composers of African descent. He has served on national committees for the College Music Society, Music Teachers’ National Association and the National Endowment for the Arts. He is an advocate for music of Africa and its diaspora with numerous publications and recordings.

 

Chee-Hwa Tan has served as the Head of Piano Pedagogy at the University of Denver Lamont Schooltan of Music, as well as on the piano pedagogy faculties at the Oberlin Conservatory and Southern Methodist University. Ms.Tan is the author of internationally acclaimed A Child’s Garden of Verses and other piano collections. Her music is published by Piano Safari; with selections included in the Repertoire and Study series of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Canada, and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London. Ms. Tan holds Masters’ degrees in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Southern Methodist University and a B.A. in Piano Performance and English from Oral Roberts University.  A native of Malaysia, Ms. Tan resides in Colorado, with her husband Christopher and their four musician children.

 

"We are thrilled to welcome these three distinguished pianists and teachers to the Board of the Frances Clark Center. We look forward to the experience, expertise, and wisdom they bring, and to collaborating with them to serve our community of musicians," said Leslie Owsley, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
 
“It is inspiring to have the opportunity to work with these outstanding professionals in our field. Their leadership and contributions will be invaluable as we continue to realize the mission of the Center. We are deeply grateful for their willingness to serve the Center in support of piano teaching, learning, and performing," Dr. Jennifer Snow, CEO and Executive Director of the Frances Clark Center.
 
The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, a not-for-profit educational institution (501c3) located in Kingston, New Jersey, serves pianists and teachers through its divisions: The National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, Piano Magazine, Teacher Education, and The New School for Music Study.
 
For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Frances Clark Center Hires Director of Digital Operations

PRESS RELEASE: 16 DECEMBER 2019

Frances Clark Center Hires Director of Digital Operations
 
The Frances Clark Center is pleased to announce Shana Kirk as the new Director ofshanakirk Digital Operations, effective December 1, 2019. Shana is a teacher, pianist, arts advocate, and music industry consultant with extensive expertise in the technologies associated with music performance and education. A longtime supporter of the Frances Clark Center’s mission, Shana first wrote for Keyboard Companion in the 1990s, and has been an ongoing contributor for Center publications. Since 2007, she has served as a member of the NCKP Technology Committee, spearheading topics including distance learning, digital ensembles, iPad integration, studio business technologies, and more. Shana is frequently featured on event programs for organizations throughout the US and Canada, including Music Teachers National Association, College Music Society, Association for Technology in Music Instruction, World Piano Pedagogy Conference, The Royal Conservatory, The Canadian Music Teachers' Association, Music Ed Connect, and numerous regional and state events. She writes music and music-technology based reviews and articles for blogs, websites, and print publications. She has also contributed to individual projects at the convergence of technology and pedagogy, including museum exhibits, multimedia installations, festivals, classroom designs, distance-learning studios, retail spaces, websites, recording studios, and more.
 
"As a leader in the field, Shana brings extensive experience in digital innovation and education. Her leadership will support the advancement of the Center through current and new technologies.” said Dr. Jennifer Snow, Executive Director and CEO for the Frances Clark Center.
 
As Director of Digital Operations for the Frances Clark Center, Shana will lead all areas of digital operations and advancement for the Center including the internationally recognized publication the Piano Magazine, Teacher Education Webinars, teaching repertoire series Inspiring Artistry and From the Artist Bench, online Teacher Education Courses, and new initiatives.
 
The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, a not-for-profit educational institution (501c3) located in Kingston, New Jersey, serves pianists and teachers through its divisions: The National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, Piano Magazine, Teacher Education, and The New School for Music Study.
 
For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 

Frances Clark Center Hires Director of Teacher Engagement

­­­­

PRESS RELEASE:  15 NOVEMBER 2019

Frances Clark Center Hires Director of Teacher Engagement

SaraErnstPhoto2The Frances Clark Center is pleased to announce Dr. Sara Ernst as the new Director of Teacher Engagement, effective November 1, 2019. Dr. Ernst, NCTM, is Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the University of South Carolina where she teaches piano pedagogy and piano. She is currently President of the South Carolina Music Teachers Association and most recently led the creation of the Frances Clark Center’s first online teacher education initiative, The Beginner Course. She also served on the NCKP 2019 National Program Committee, has published articles and reviews in Piano Magazine, and formerly led the New School for Music Study as its Administrative Director.
 
"We are delighted to welcome Sara to the Center in this pivotal leadership role. She brings a wealth of institutional knowledge, experience, and creativity to the many exciting projects ahead dedicated to the advancement of the professional field," said Dr. Jennifer Snow, Executive Director and CEO for the Frances Clark Center.
 
In this position, Sara will lead the programming for NCKP 2021, development of pedagogy programs at the New School for Music Study, and national and international initiatives to advance piano teaching and learning.
 
Teacher Education at the Frances Clark Center includes both digital and community resources and programs. The internationally recognized publication Piano Magazine, reference books, Teacher Education Webinars, educational videos, teaching repertoire series Inspiring Artistry and From the Artist Bench, and online Teacher Education Courses offer global access to high-quality resources. NCKP and extensive practicums, coursework, summer intensives, and fellowships at the New School for Music Study provide in-person professional education opportunities and certifications.
 
The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, a not-for-profit educational institution (501c3) located in Kingston, New Jersey, serves pianists and teachers through its divisions: The National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, Piano Magazine, Teacher Education, and The New School for Music Study.
 
For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 
 
 
 
 

Dr. E.L. Lancaster and Dr. Jane Magrath selected to receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2019 National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy

PRESS RELEASE: 9 NOVEMBER 2018

The Frances Clark Center extends its congratulations to Dr. E.L. Lancaster and Dr. Jane Magrath the 2019 National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. As NCKP's highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented on behalf of the Frances Clark Center to individuals who have made substantial and enduring contributions to the field of piano pedagogy. The awards will be presented at the 20th Anniversary NCKP Banquet on Friday, July 26, 2019 as part of NCKP 2019 at the Westin Hotel in Lombard, Illinois. We welcome all to attend and celebrate Dr. Lancaster and Dr. Magrath. Tickets can be purchased via the NCKP online registration form.

We extend our congratulations to both Jane and E.L. Their influence on the profession is demonstrated across the country and internationally exemplifying their substantial dedication to the field of music and piano education. We are grateful to be able to recognize them with this meaningful honor in celebration of their outstanding contributions.

Dr. Jennifer Snow
Executive Director
The Frances Clark Center

Lancaster copy"I am pleased to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy. This organization is at the forefront of teacher training for our field and this recognition by them is truly an honor. I always look forward to the conferences and the one in 2019 promises to be a true highlight for me." — E.L. Lancaster
Magrath2"I’m thrilled to receive this award from the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy. I am mindful of the enormous impact this organization has had on supporting excellence in teaching through its work and influence. This is truly a wonderful honor." — Jane Magrath

 

 

 

 

 

Clavier Companion appoints Director of Content Curation/Senior Editor

Andrea.McAlister.PhotoPRESS RELEASE:  2 AUGUST 2018
 
The Frances Clark Center is pleased to announce the hire of Dr. Andrea McAlister as the new Director of Content Curation and Senior Editor for Clavier Companion, effective August 1, 2018. Dr. McAlister, NCTM, is Associate Professor of Piano Pedagogy at Oberlin College where she teaches piano pedagogy and class piano. Her research in piano pedagogy, technology, motivation, and cognition has been featured at national and international conferences and she has been published in the Music Teachers National Association’s American Music Teacher, the MTNA e-journal, the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy’s Proceedings, Keyboard Companion, and Clavier Companion.  Dr. McAlister is an active clinician and adjudicator. She serves on the Executive Steering Committee for the Music Teachers National Association’s Group Piano and Piano Pedagogy Seminar and is on the 2019 Planning Committee and the Committee for Collegiate Pedagogy Teaching for the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy.
 
 "Andrea brings a wide range of experience and innovative energy to the organization." said Dr. Jennifer Snow, Executive Director for the Center. "We are excited to have Andrea join us as we continue to create the highest quality resources in support of piano teaching and learning."
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Andrea to the Clavier Companion editorial team and look forward to collaborating with her on innovative content curation and management of resources for piano teachers and learners." said Dr. Pamela Pike, Editor in Chief of Clavier Companion magazine.
 
Clavier Companion is the only publication devoted exclusively to the concerns of the piano/keyboard performer and teacher. Readers receive the very best in cogent, focused, and practical articles on music and teaching at all levels, in-depth interviews, reviews of new materials, and penetrating columns. The new digital platform at ClavierCompanion.com provides a robust, comprehensive database of content related to piano teaching and learning from the past 30 years.
 
The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy is a not-for-profit educational institution (501c3) located in Kingston, New Jersey. The work of the Center is based on the philosophy of music educator Frances Clark (1905-1998) whose life work revolutionized the field of music education in the twentieth century.
 
For more information about this press release, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  1. Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy Hires Editor in Chief/Chief Content Director for Clavier Companion
  2. Elvina Pearce Donates Transformative Gift to The Frances Clark Center
  3. Frances Clark Center appoints new Director of NCKP
  4. Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy Hires Full-Time Executive Director

Subcategories

2015 Press Releases

2012 Press Releases