A Life-Changing Conference

"I knew there was something missing from my approach, but I didn’t know how to fix it. Now I do. I, my studio, and most importantly, my students, will never be the same... I feel absolutely privileged to have been at this event. Other teachers: Nobody is more “page dependent” than I am, but thanks to the inherent elasticity of pianist brains, I know that from what I learned at the IPT, I can develop enough off-the-page skill to launch my students into becoming more balanced, more free, musicians." -Kristi

"Southern Methodist University Institute for Piano Teachers was a major game-changer for me. I will be teaching differently. Already other teachers have asked me to share about what I learned at our Independent Music Teachers Forum in September. I attended, I was engaged, I learned, I grew, I was enriched and my creative juices were revived!" -Allen

"What a wonderful 4 days! I was reminded of many things I already do and teach, but challenged to take them to the next level." -Marti

"I feel like those present were witnessing a paradigm shift that can have huge ramifications to not only ourselves, but our students as well. I also appreciate the practical nuts and bolts activities. These are really helping in my practicing." -Kay

"Even though I missed the first day, the remaining days were “jam” packed with inspiration to take every day forward into my own music and into my the lives of my students." -Alice

If you're a regular at 88pianokeys.me, you'll know that I helped promote and plan the Southern Methodist University Institute for Piano Teachers. Forrest Kinney and Bradley Sowash were the conference headliners. Kristin Yost and I (check out LeilaViss.com) also provided sessions. A HUGE thanks also goes to Kristin for handling many of the logistics of the conference.

Always held at Southern Methodist University and steeped in years of outstanding topics, presenters and loyal attendees, Sam Holland, interim Dean of SMU's Meadows School of the Arts, envisioned this year's SMU-IPT to be unique. He dedicated the entire conference to the creative piano teacher. In my opinion, there has never been such a dynamic, interactive event with a fresh format quite like this one. The comments listed above seem to agree. These were left from readers in reaction to Bradley Sowash's post about SMU-IPT at EyeEarRevolution.com.

Being so closely tied to every detail, I thought it might be best to share Bradley's perhaps only-slightly- less-biased insight on his SMU-IPT experience. -Leila