Piano Connect
Virtual Retreat
for Creative Pianists
Piano Connect Presenters generously share a wealth of knowledge to educate and inspire attendees.
Piano Connect is a highly impactful opportunity to learn directly from some of the most innovative minds in the field of creative piano teaching.
Each Piano Connect Retreat contains enough content for months of independent study in the comfort of your own home.
Start growing creatively today!
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Led by an all-star list of presenters, you will cultivate creative freedom at the piano.
You will learn about basic composition, improvisation, tools for teaching creative, non-classical activities that may be outside of your comfort zone, and improvising off of gorgeous rote pieces.
Enjoy delicious recipes shared by musician food blogger Sarah Jane Kenner!
Bonus- enjoy beautiful concerts, not to be missed!
You will be guided by some of the most well loved teachers in the field of creative piano pedagogy! Let’s take a moment and acknowledge how lucky we are to gather all around the world and learn directly from such an incredible team of creative piano educators.
Piano Connect is all about joy and connection- connecting pianists to the music they are creating, and connecting teachers to students through engaging activities.
Participants will leave each session with some action steps that they can implement in their very next lesson, and for their own creative exploration.
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Is this only for piano teachers?
Piano Connect is a highly valuable experience for piano teachers, professionals, and amateur pianists looking to grow their creative skills at the piano for themselves and for their students (if they have them!). This event packed with self-care will leave you feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and ready to unlock your freedom at the piano.What exactly do I get after I make the purchase?
After your purchase, you will automatically receive an email with access to a password protected page on this website that contains individual videos and handouts for every session!
Descriptions of every session can be found on this page. You will be amazed at all of the content! It’s almost like getting a private session with the leading teachers from around the world without having to leave your home.
One or two private session with a presenter costs the same amount as the whole Piano Connect Virtual Retreat, jam packed full of invaluable content.
What sort of technical set up do I need in order to attend Piano Connect?All you need is a computer to watch the sessions.
I do not live in the United States. Is it still worthwhile for me?
Absolutely! We have presenters joining us from as far away as Australia and the content is relevant for pianists worldwide.
How much does it cost?
Piano Connect is a value packed three day event starting at just $97 for one Piano Connect, and $147 for two Piano Connect Retreats.For just a few dollars per presentation, you will have access to many impactful and interactive presentations, invaluable handouts, three concerts, and much more.
Unlike most conferences and educational events, these highly skilled presenters and performers are getting paid! In order to compensate them for their lifelong dedication to their craft, we charge a modest admission to attend Piano Connect.
Why should I invest in Piano Connect? I’m kind of Zoomed out…
Piano Connect is the opposite of sitting home alone, watching another lecture. Snore… Piano Connect offers a supportive, (and fun!) environment that will stimulate and inspire you professionally, personally, and emotionally.
The presentations are engaging, and very “hands-on” (no pun intended).
If you enjoy cooking, please take advantage of the recipes and get inspired to cook!
You will leave the Piano Connect Virtual Retreat feeling rejuvenated and inspired to spark creativity for yourself and your students, while learning from some of the most innovative leaders in the field of Creative Piano Pedagogy.
“To fellow pianists around the globe...
Piano Connect is my hand picked, A-team of creative piano presenters and teachers who all have out-of-this-world musical knowledge, skills, and expertise.
Together, we’re trying to make the world a little sweeter by offering you tools for creative discovery and fulfillment at the piano.
We hope you can join us.”
TESTIMONIALS
Hear what past Piano Connectors have to say.
“Piano Connect is an ALL-STAR list of presenters. Not only do I know all of them but unlike most conferences, there isn’t a single presentation I’d want to miss!”
“Paula, I just want you to know how much your kindness came through during the retreat. I felt completely seen and valued. Thank you so much for hosting this inspiring retreat!”
“Do it now! It is so mind opening! I’m inspired to sit at the piano and create. It is a high value for your money. Absolutely worth every moment!”
Did you know…
you can access all of the session videos and valuable handouts from the Piano Connect retreats?
Discover for yourself why all of the Piano Connect participants give the presenters a 10 out 10 rating.
Remember, the creative musical material taught in these sessions is timeless and does not lose its relevancy.
Piano Connect is let by those few coveted presenters that everyone is excited to learn from. Here they are in one place!
Piano Connect #1
Leila Viss- Breaking Down Barriers to Creativity
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A blank canvas intimidates. That’s why Bob Ross, the Happy Painter, was so popular. With his mesmerizing brush strokes and gentle instructions, millions befriended a canvas with courage. It’s why we enjoy coloring books. The spaces between the lines invite participation and yet leave it to us to choose our favorite Crayola crayon. Eighty-eight keys intimidate, too. That’s why clear boundaries with composing set the stage for success for any level of pianist and—just like the coloring book—still allow for creative decision-making along the way. Art professor Walter Nottingham states that when given no boundaries, 90% of the time is spent on what to do and 10% of the time doing it. When given clear boundaries,10% of the time is spent on determining what to do and 90% of the time doing it. In this interactive session, learn how the brain is wired for imagination, discover how to select boundaries, and then how to explore and spend “90% of your time” creating an original masterpiece. In addition, gain tips on how to generate professional-looking publications with the aid of tools like Noteflight, Canva, YouTube, and QR codes.
Paula Dreyer- Improvising off of Rote Pieces
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Pianists love exploring the magical sounds of the piano. With their colorful sonorities, impressive repeated patterns, and vast registers, rote pieces give the new student a chance to truly express music from the very beginning. Pianists of all levels will enjoy learning how to improvise based off of rote pieces. Teachers will learn how to teach by demonstration, gain new tools for creativity in the lesson, and will discover new resources to round out and complement standard beginning repertoire. Pianists of all levels will get helpful tips about technique and creativity. Even if you don’t teach, this session will inspire you with lots of new improv ideas.
Masterclass with Dennis Alexander and Paula Dreyer
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In this unique opportunity, composers Dennis Alexander and Paula Dreyer will work with students (or teachers) on pieces written by the composers themselves! Selections may include anything in their collection such as Repertoire by Rote, Nocturnes, Little Gems for Piano, Central Star, and more.
Samantha Coates- Interactive Session on Motivating Reluctant Students: Composing, Sight-Reading, and Awesome Lesson Warm-ups
In this interactive session, grab your piano, notebook, and pencil! Internationally renowned Australian pedagogue Samantha Coates will get you fired up about effective tools to get you composing, sight-reading, and warming up with your students in super fun and innovative new ways.
Paula Dreyer Concert
Jeremy Siskind- 5 Things Every Piano Teacher Needs to Know About Jazz (But Is Afraid to Ask)
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Almost every “traditional” piano teacher will be asked to teach jazz at some point in their career, yet few receive any real jazz training. Noted pedagogue and real-life jazz pianist Jeremy Siskind offers his 5 “Need to Know” Jazz Essentials to give you creative confidence in any teaching scenario and help you enliven all of your teachings.
From the details of swing feel to decoding the nuances of chord symbols, learn how you can guide your students towards expressive improvisation. Bring concerns, and leave with confidence!
Paula Dreyer- Piano Flow- Create and Elevate
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Get ready for a bit of much needed self care! Grab some tea or coffee, wear comfortable clothes, and be prepared to relax and let go.
Paula will offer some introductory improvisational exercises that you can use alone or with your students, even while teaching online! We will also explore some creative exercises for reaching for your dreams and brainstorming about improving your teaching experience.
This nurturing session will end in a meditation while Paula serenades you with her improvisational “Musical Meditations”. Prepare to get inspired and soak in some creative, flowing energy!
Forrest Kinney Tribute
Friends and loved ones tell uplifting stories and play music inspired by our friend Forrest Kinney.
Jeremy Siskind-
From Scales to Melodies – Improvise or Compose Meaningful Melodies from Any Chord Progression
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Melodies – even the greatest melodies – are essentially made up of scales. Yet, even though we know our scales forwards and backward, most classical pianists don’t feel confident composing or improvising melodies.
Pianist-composer Jeremy Siskind will share studio-ready exercises to transform our approach to scales from being viewed as boring exercises to be learned by rote to becoming the raw materials that spark creative melody-making.
Tim Topham– 4 Chord Pop Composing: as easy as 1, 2, 3… 4 chords!
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How do we engage today’s students in a creative musical experience that will improve their reading, increase their curiosity, and set them up for a life of music-making? With much of the focus of music lessons today being on reading, performance, and examinations, students are missing out on some of the key skills required of a well-rounded musician: being able to create music, play by ear, read lead sheets, and improvise.
Today’s session is all about how teachers can use the “four-chord” basis of pop music as a highly-motivational starting point for pop-style composition with their students. Tim will demonstrate a simple framework that engages students and that any teacher can use.
Jeremy Siskind Concert
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Leave the retreat with a plan of action! Musician’s coach Sarah Whitney will help you design action steps and a plan to implement the creative strategies you learned during Piano Connect. Sarah is a specialist in the field of productivity (can’t we all use some help in that department!?). She has helped musicians:
create the career they want
rekindle the joy of being a musician
achieve ambitious personal, artistic, & financial goals
You won’t want to miss this engaging and useful session about using your time efficiently while achieving your goals.
Sarah Whitney– Productivity and Taking Action
Kevin Helppie Concert- A Tribute to my Third Grade Buddy Forrest Kinny
Piano Connect #2
Bradley Sowash - How to Play by Ear
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Have you ever marveled at musicians who play melodies on their instruments after one hearing? Perhaps you considered it a gift only available to those with absolute pitch. Not true! This hands-on session explores specific steps any musician can use to replicate melodies and even chords by ear without written music.
Paula Dreyer- Improvising with Patterns and Rote Pieces
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Patterns can be extremely calming and soothing. Patterns are all around us- from the rise and fall of the sun to the intricate design of a pine cone. In this interactive session, you will learn how to approach rote pieces and why they are beneficial. We will spend most of the session exploring beautiful improvisations based on some of Paula’s popular pattern-filled rote pieces called Little Gems for Piano. This multi-level session will leave you feeling inspired, creative, and capable.
Andrea Rackl - The Forrest Kinney Collection: Putting his Strategies to Work for You!
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Think the idea of teaching with more creativity is great, but it’s hard to know how to implement the tools that are out there? Come check out this practical guide to applying the fantastic ideas of the late, great pedagogue Forrest Kinney. We’ll talk a little about what books he has available to help you and then spend some time learning how to really use his strategies in a lesson. This presentation is given by Andrea Rackl, Forrest Kinney’s duet partner, who has been teaching the Four Arts of Music for the past 30 years.
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Join us in a special yoga class created specifically for musicians! Author of Yoga in the Music Studio and expert on mind-body techniques Lesley S. McAllister provides a unique opportunity for all to improve their musical craft, enhance concentration, listen more attentively, relax, and play their best – whether before a performance or just during lessons – all through the practice of yoga. Many musicians know that yoga postures and breathing practices can help musicians achieve peak performance, prevent injury, and relieve pain, yet surprisingly few are familiar with these techniques or know how to introduce them to others. Yoga helps contribute to lifelong health and wellness.
Leslie McAllister - Yoga Class for Musicians
Leila Viss - How to Add Your Own Color to Over the Rainbow
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After presenting in last year’s Piano Connect, Leila Viss was inspired to pass along to my students what she learned about arranging Somewhere Over the Rainbow and so she developed a six-week unit. After learning the tune by ear, she showed them a palette of options to color their own arrangement. This session will walk you through the exact steps she took and aims to inspire you to learn how to arrange any tune, step by step!
Paula Dreyer - Let it Flow - Finding Creative Freedom at the Piano
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Using some of the most effective explorations from her Piano Flow- Create and Elevate course, Paula Dreyer will guide you in an interactive, hands on exploration at the piano. Learn how to bring out the magical sonorites of the piano in a clear and strategic way.
Jeremy Siskind - My Piano Arrangements are Better Than Yours (and Here are the Secrets!)
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Ever notice that two pianists can play the same song and one sounds way better than the other? Pianist-composer Jeremy Siskind will share how to create easy-to-play piano arrangements that sound great. Using the standard tune “God Bless the Child,” Jeremy will demonstrate arranging techniques that you can use for songs you love, students’ compositions, or just when playing “Happy Birthday” at a friend’s party.
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What a treat to hear feedback directly from the composer! Join us as composer, pianist, and educator Paula Dreyer works with two different children on pieces from her album Central Star.
Paula Dreyer - Master Class
Grant Kondo Concert
Irina Gorin – Success at the Piano - Creativity is Key
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With an established reputation as one of the most prominent piano teachers in the world, Irina shares her insights that cultivate success at the piano. Through carefully curated activities involving music listening, improvisation, composition, ear training, story telling, and imagery, pianists will learn how to develop their innate, natural abilities at the piano. Discover what unlocks the key to expressive playing, a solid technique, and a beautiful, sensitive tone.
Jeremy Siskind Concert
Samantha Coates - Teaching Composing When You’re Not a Composer
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In this interactive session, internationally renowned Australian pedagogue Samantha Coates will get you fired up about effective tools to get you composing, even if you’ve never tried it before! Samantha will demonstrate how she uses her Rote Repertoire series to inspire creative compositions from her students, and show how easy it is for anyone to create at the piano.
Sarah Whitney – Outsmart Time: Productivity for Busy People
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Have you ever felt like you left an educational experience with lots of ideas, but no plan of how to make any lasting changes? You will not want to miss this highly valuable session so that you leave the retreat with a plan of action!
Success Coach for Musicians Sarah Whitney will help you walk away with a plan to implement the creative strategies you learned during Piano Connect by debunking the most common productivity mistakes you might be making (without realizing it!). You’ll walk away with science-backed productivity tools that you can easily implement so you can create more time out of thin air, stop drowning in overwhelm and stay focused on creating!
Paula Dreyer Concert
Amy Chaplin - Recipes and Cooking Demonstration
Still not sure if Piano Connect is right for you?
If you are not fully elated with your purchase, you may reach out within 10 days for a full refund, no questions asked!
“Absolutely top notch presentations! I was so impressed at how much each presenter packed into just one hour.”
“I loved the presenters and performers, schedule, variety of information, how much fun and inspirational it was, being able to try out many of the ideas right away, and not spending time and money on airfare, cab rides, hotel rooms, and restaurant meals!”
The Story Behind Piano Connect
Piano Connect was Paula’s wild idea that came to her while brushing her teeth one morning. She immediately thought of all of her favorite presenters and reached out to them. Her original concept was executed a few months later and the experience and impact exceeded her expectations.
Interested in creating something of your own?
