Conferences

Day 4 Highlights from NCKP 2025

[Click to read Day 1, Day 2, or Day 3.]

I began the morning by recording a podcast episode with my friend and conference roomie, Amy Chaplin of Piano Pantry. Click here to take a listen!

Then, I headed downstairs to attend a showcase session by Alfred Music. Davis Dorrough and crew highlighted a variety of their latest publications, including Rare Recital Treasures edited by Ingrid Jacobson Clarfield and Kevin Chance, a folio of early Florence Price works, Sandpaintings by Connor Chee, Saga Land by Elizabeth Swift (video game inspired pieces for early to mid intermediate levels), Take the Stage by Angela Marshall (creative performance pieces for early to mid elementary levels), and the Solo Celebration series by a variety of Alfred composers. I love hearing about what’s new!

Continue reading “Day 4 Highlights from NCKP 2025”
Conferences

Day 3 Highlights from NCKP 2025

[Click to read Day 1 or Day 2.]

Once again, first thing in the morning I went to the exhibit hall to the make sure my Marketplace Table was arranged and ready for the day.

The conference schedule on Friday, July 25 began with a showcase session — presentations given by exhibitors. I attended the one by Hal Leonard. I always enjoy hearing the showcase sessions from the major publishers in order to hear about the latest publications. This session didn’t disappoint. I got to hear Glenda Austin’s incredibly expressive playing, highlighting her Solos for the Sanctuary series and Lyric Waltzes. Charmaine Siagian highlighted a new book called The Eugenie Rocherelle Collection in honor of Rochelle, who passed away earlier this year. Jason Sifford shared about his latest publication titled: “Play Piano Again” — an interesting book for adult students that pulls from the beloved music of John Thompson. And Brendon Fox talked about new releases in terms of classical piano publications.

Continue reading “Day 3 Highlights from NCKP 2025”
Conferences

Day 1 Highlights from NCKP 2025

Last week, July 23-26, 2025 I attended the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP) — an event held by the Frances Clark Center biennially in Lombard, Illinois, near Chicago. Here are some highlights from Day 1, Wednesday the 23rd. Hope you enjoy!


I drove out early Wednesday morning, leaving my home near Ann Arbor, Michigan at 4am. (Perhaps I am in the minority, but I would rather make a 4-hour drive in the early morning than the evening prior!)

This year, NCKP kicked off with a new event: an optional, one-day Innovation Summit. Because I had volunteered to be a discussion leader for the summit, I arrived around 7:30am to report for a brief meeting.

Continue reading “Day 1 Highlights from NCKP 2025”