Continuing Education
Total Theory workshop at Kathy’s Studio – August 2017
Debra Wanless
Look Mom! One Hand! Workshop at Kathy’s studio – August 2017
Debra Wanless
Teaching Composition Through a Chordal Framework – August 2017
Tim Topham
How to Launch an Amazing Piano Studio Website – July 2017
Tim Topham, Nicola Cantan
How to level up Intermediate Student Practice Habits – July 2017
Nicola Cantan
5 Sneaky Things That Could be Killing Your Music Studio – July 2017
Sara Campbell, Tracy Capps Selle
Summer Sizzle 2017
Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music Summer Sizzle 2017 was held in the beautiful town of Mount Forest, Ontario July 17-18. Composers, teachers and keyboard kamp participants came from far and wide for this seventeenth annual event!
Teachers enjoyed great workshops featuring Canadian composers, how to create a studio policy, teaching students to communicate with the audience while performing, technical road to success, successful practicing, how to channel the natural creativity of students with composing and improvising, the life and music of Nathaniel Dett, group piano teaching, all about Canada and how to make music come alive!
We heard new music of various composers, lunch and dinner recitals, student jazz recital, masterclasses, tradeshow, silent auction, the Summer Sizzle choir, a keynote address by Nancy Telfer with Jen Smith Lanthier playing some of Nancy’s works and enjoyed the Gala and convocation with the debut of new works and silver medal awards.
Teachers enjoyed great workshops featuring Canadian composers, how to create a studio policy, teaching students to communicate with the audience while performing, technical road to success, successful practicing, how to channel the natural creativity of students with composing and improvising, the life and music of Nathaniel Dett, group piano teaching, all about Canada and how to make music come alive!
We heard new music of various composers, lunch and dinner recitals, student jazz recital, masterclasses, tradeshow, silent auction, the Summer Sizzle choir, a keynote address by Nancy Telfer with Jen Smith Lanthier playing some of Nancy’s works and enjoyed the Gala and convocation with the debut of new works and silver medal awards.
How to Nurture and Retain Students – June 2017
Tim Topham, Chantelle Duffield
Studio Marketing – Top 5 Strategies for Maximizing Your Impact – June 2017
Tim Topham, Kathy Rabago, Natalia Huang
How to Teach Beginner Piano Technique – June 2017
Nicola Cantan
Teaching Music Lessons OnLine – May 2017
Dennis Chan – ORMTA Workshop
How to Teach Pop Music the Right Way – May 2017
Tim Topham
Rote is Not a Four Letter Word – May 2017
Curious Piano Teachers with Julie Knerr and Katherine Fisher
Creative Teaching Tips – April 2017
Bradley Sowash, Leila Viss, Tim Topham
The how and why of teaching creativity
The how and why of teaching creativity
Creative Chord Activities – March 2017
Sara’s Music Studio
Learn How to Supercharge your Studio with Group Lessons – March 2017
Curious Piano Teachers with Dr. Christopher Fisher
How to Teach Group Piano Lessons to Adults – February 2017
Curious Piano Teachers
Chord Bootcamp – January 2017
Live with Bradley Sowash
Effective 21st Century Piano Teaching – November 2016
Tim Topham and Paul Harris
A live webinar about today’s learners and how best to teach them.
A live webinar about today’s learners and how best to teach them.
Understanding Chords – Chord Bootcamp – November 2016
Leila Viss, Bradley Sowash
Interesting webinar about introducing young students to chords and chord progressions with the use of games and activities
Interesting webinar about introducing young students to chords and chord progressions with the use of games and activities
How To Present Pulse and Rhythm To Beginner Students in Meaningful and Imaginative Ways – September 2016
The Curious Piano Teachers – London, England (Live Online Webinar)
An informative webinar with focus on pulse, rhythm, language, singing and movement (all of which are very important and incorporated into this studio in fun and exciting ways)
An informative webinar with focus on pulse, rhythm, language, singing and movement (all of which are very important and incorporated into this studio in fun and exciting ways)
Total Theory Workshop – August 2016
We spent a lovely morning at the home of Debra Wanless having a look at the Lawless Total Theory. These books offer a clear, “user-friendly” approach and work with all Conservatories. The free chapter challenge downloads are a wonderful addition to the books. Four of us enjoyed a lovely lunch following the workshop and prior to the beautiful scenic drive home.
Online Piano Teaching Webinar – August 2016
A live webinar with Tim Topham and Brenda Hunting about online piano teaching – the pros, cons, preparation and technology involved
Summer Sizzle 2016
John and I travelled by car to Summer Sizzle in Yorkton, Saskatchewan this summer. We left Saturday morning enjoying a beautiful drive through northern Ontario. We stopped in Boissevain, Manitoba for Monday and Tuesday evening to spend time with good friends Tenley and Herman Dyck. Debra, Beth, Marg, Martha and Norine arrived Tuesday as well and we enjoyed a great dinner and ice cream! It was wonderful to see Tenley’s student Kiersten and her mom and brother too. We all travelled together to Yorkton, SK on Wednesday morning. Most of the 22 composers were available for a “meet and greet” Wednesday evening and it was a wonderful start to a great two day pedagogy conference.
Highlights for me were the workshops, spending time with old friends, meeting Christopher Norton, Nancy Telfer and new teachers and seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of the 70 Keyboard Kamp members. I love these workshops and conferences – they give me so much new information to pass on to students and a real boost to start the new year! Workshops included a Baroque overview, The technical road to success, Celebrating and Developing our Value as Music Educators and Artists, Baroque style Northern Lights and Making Track pieces, the Baroque sonata, Teaching students how to communicate with the audience while performing, Improvising and playing Norton style, Play that Dog Gone Rhythm, developing strategies for active score study and the Baroque Dance Suite (as well as learning to dance the Minuet)! There were many wonderful recitals featuring works by Jesse Brown, Thelma Gillis, Rémi Bouchard, Wes Froese, Ernst Schneider and amazing student Jazz and Vamoose Vivaldi recitals. Nancy Telfer was the keynote speaker for the Gala. It was an amazing time and wonderful holiday.
Highlights for me were the workshops, spending time with old friends, meeting Christopher Norton, Nancy Telfer and new teachers and seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of the 70 Keyboard Kamp members. I love these workshops and conferences – they give me so much new information to pass on to students and a real boost to start the new year! Workshops included a Baroque overview, The technical road to success, Celebrating and Developing our Value as Music Educators and Artists, Baroque style Northern Lights and Making Track pieces, the Baroque sonata, Teaching students how to communicate with the audience while performing, Improvising and playing Norton style, Play that Dog Gone Rhythm, developing strategies for active score study and the Baroque Dance Suite (as well as learning to dance the Minuet)! There were many wonderful recitals featuring works by Jesse Brown, Thelma Gillis, Rémi Bouchard, Wes Froese, Ernst Schneider and amazing student Jazz and Vamoose Vivaldi recitals. Nancy Telfer was the keynote speaker for the Gala. It was an amazing time and wonderful holiday.
Unwrapping Keyboard Harmony / Demystifying Modes: August 2015
It was exciting to host these workshops in the Studio for teachers near and far. We had an enjoyable day together with an excellent lunch catered by John. Students deserve to have a holistic program and we gained so much information on harmonization, improvisation, transposition, learning styles, modes and more… to pass on to our students. The goal is to develop well-rounded musicians who love music!
Let's Begin Series Overview and Certification: August 2015
We spent a wonderful day pouring over Debra’s new and expanded Let’s Begin Series and appealing supplemental material, which provide additional teaching resources. This is an excellent complete curriculum which targets all learning modalities and personalities! I have had great success using these books and looking forward to sharing these books with my new students!
Summer Sizzle: July 2015
Summer Sizzle 2015 was held on July 19-21 in Mount Forest, Ontario. I was excited to have five students, three moms, three friends and my husband John all attend with me. A highlight was the Sunday evening gala and convocation where I received my Licentiate Diploma along with my friend and composer Jen Smith Lanthier. I attended ten workshops which always give me a great boost for teaching in September and saw many old friends. Seventeen composers were there and I was able to have a visit with them all. What an amazing 2 ½ days!
Summer Sizzle: August 2014
Summer Sizzle was held August 18 and 19 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. I travelled with four other composer/teachers by plane and van and we had a wonderful time. We shared many stories and teaching ideas on the road. Once we arrived it was time for workshops, master-classes, music showcases, student performances, student group compositions and Kids Kamp. I had the pleasure of working with two groups of children this year and they were so much fun. The last evening featured performances by some of the silver medalists and convocation. It was another amazing pedagogy conference! Summer Sizzle 2015 will be held in Mount Forest, Ontario - July 19-21. Already looking forward to next year!
Summer Sizzle: July 2013
Another wonderful pedagogy conference in Mount Forest, Ontario hosted by the Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music! Composers, clinicians, teachers and students travelled from across Canada to attend.
There were many “new” Canadian works premiered, workshops, master-classes, new product blitz’s, fun with DrumFit™ and many other great activities. What a treat for students, teachers and composers to mingle together. Already looking forward to what next year will bring.
There were many “new” Canadian works premiered, workshops, master-classes, new product blitz’s, fun with DrumFit™ and many other great activities. What a treat for students, teachers and composers to mingle together. Already looking forward to what next year will bring.
Summer Sizzle: July 2012
A wonderful three day symposium held in Mount Forest, Ontario.
This event is held every summer and brings together Canadian composers and piano teachers from all across the country.
I had the opportunity to be a liaison with children for Kid's camp and it was a great experience.
I would encourage all teachers to attend Summer Sizzle!
This event is held every summer and brings together Canadian composers and piano teachers from all across the country.
I had the opportunity to be a liaison with children for Kid's camp and it was a great experience.
I would encourage all teachers to attend Summer Sizzle!
Mayfair Music Workshops
Creative Learning
March 2012
This was a high energy and informative workshop focusing on the value of identifying and teaching to each student’s individual learning style. Teaching in this manner can help cultivate confident, eager and well-rounded musicians.
Summer Jazz Repertoire
June 2012
A great workshop introducing historical information and styles associated with Jazz. Debra approached the value and technique of teaching swing rhythm, creative improvisation and incorporating blues scales into technique and harmony. We covered repertoire for all grade levels.
Say What? - An Ear training workshop
August 24, 2011
The Studio Teacher's role for developing successful audio skills in students and tips for audio development during each lesson, complete with handout.
Ensemble Fun Workshop
May 5, 2011
A great morning with Debra discussing the history of ensemble playing, the values of duet playing - selecting partners, tips for playing and pedalling, syncronization and available repertoire, complete with a handout filled with valuable information.
Keyboard Harmony Workshop
March 30, 2011
A Debra Wanless/Mayfair Music workshop focusing on teaching Keyboard Harmony. Students need to sing, harmonize, improvise, read, listen, transpose and build technique to become fine performers. The handout and DVD acquired at this workshop are wonderful teaching tools.
Modal Moods Workshop
February 24, 2011
Andrew Harbridge and Debra Wanless discussed and performed Modal music. They offered tips on how to teach modes, when to start and how various learning styles impact your teaching approach. A brand new work was written by Remi Bouchard especially for this workshop called "A la mode".
The 20 page handout which features historical and theoretical information of each piece and 2 hour DVD are invaluable to a teacher.
March 2012
This was a high energy and informative workshop focusing on the value of identifying and teaching to each student’s individual learning style. Teaching in this manner can help cultivate confident, eager and well-rounded musicians.
Summer Jazz Repertoire
June 2012
A great workshop introducing historical information and styles associated with Jazz. Debra approached the value and technique of teaching swing rhythm, creative improvisation and incorporating blues scales into technique and harmony. We covered repertoire for all grade levels.
Say What? - An Ear training workshop
August 24, 2011
The Studio Teacher's role for developing successful audio skills in students and tips for audio development during each lesson, complete with handout.
Ensemble Fun Workshop
May 5, 2011
A great morning with Debra discussing the history of ensemble playing, the values of duet playing - selecting partners, tips for playing and pedalling, syncronization and available repertoire, complete with a handout filled with valuable information.
Keyboard Harmony Workshop
March 30, 2011
A Debra Wanless/Mayfair Music workshop focusing on teaching Keyboard Harmony. Students need to sing, harmonize, improvise, read, listen, transpose and build technique to become fine performers. The handout and DVD acquired at this workshop are wonderful teaching tools.
Modal Moods Workshop
February 24, 2011
Andrew Harbridge and Debra Wanless discussed and performed Modal music. They offered tips on how to teach modes, when to start and how various learning styles impact your teaching approach. A brand new work was written by Remi Bouchard especially for this workshop called "A la mode".
The 20 page handout which features historical and theoretical information of each piece and 2 hour DVD are invaluable to a teacher.
Canadian Composer Workshop
January 27, 2011
A wonderful 2 hour workshop held in Markham, Ontario. Clinicians were Canadian composers Martha Hill Duncan, Andrew Harbridge and Debra Wanless.
They each presented nine of their favourite works in various styles and levels, included pedagogy tips and shared lots of great ideas. Students have benefited from wonderful new books and pieces to play!
Another bonus of these wonderful mornings are the 2 hour DVD's of the entire workshop, handouts and packages of books that are available following. Great learning tools for students!
January 27, 2011
A wonderful 2 hour workshop held in Markham, Ontario. Clinicians were Canadian composers Martha Hill Duncan, Andrew Harbridge and Debra Wanless.
They each presented nine of their favourite works in various styles and levels, included pedagogy tips and shared lots of great ideas. Students have benefited from wonderful new books and pieces to play!
Another bonus of these wonderful mornings are the 2 hour DVD's of the entire workshop, handouts and packages of books that are available following. Great learning tools for students!
Reading Materials
- Creative Teaching "Let's Begin" - Debra Wanless
- Demystifying Modes - Debra Wanless
- Making Music Come Alive - Nancy Telfer
- Professional Piano Teaching - Jeanine M. Jacobson
- The Well-Tempered Keyboard Teacher - Uszler, Gordon, McBride Smith
- The Practice Revolution - Philip Johnston
- Practical Piano Pedagogy - Dr. Martha Baker-Jordan
- The Perfect Blend - Dr. Timothy Seelig
- The Perfect Choral Workbook - Dr. Timothy Seelig
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