Recreational Music Making
8:00–9:00 a.m.
RMM Keynote Address
Denver/Houston/Kansas City Room
Recreational Music Making (RMM) has the potential to completely transform the future of music making and the music teaching profession. This rousing kick-off session explains why RMM is so critical to you and to our future.
★ Brian Chung, Kawai America Corporation, Rancho Dominguez, California
What Is RMM And How Has It Enhanced My Teaching?
Denver/Houston/Kansas City Room
This session explores differences and similarities between traditional teaching and RMM classes. It also focuses on attitude shifts, non-stressful environments, student input, the teacher as a learning partner, the importance of fun and a definition of RMM success.
★ Brenda Dillon, National Piano Foundation, Dallas, Texas
9:15–10:15 a.m.
Presenting Pianistic Principles In The RMM Setting
Denver/Houston/Kansas City Room
While pianistic principles remain the same from the private lesson to the RMM setting, the mode of presentation differs. Presenters will discuss pedagogical approaches for teaching a variety of concepts in a RMM group class.
★ Emily Book McGree, Parlando School for the Arts, Boulder, Colorado; Nan Baker Richerson, NCTM, Gist Piano Academy, Lexington, Kentucky
10:30–11:30 a.m.
RMM And The Independent Studio: Building An RMM Program As A Private Piano Teacher
Denver/Houston/Kansas City Room
Learn how one teacher expanded her private studio to a flourishing RMM program. This how-to session will cover what you need to build an RMM program, such as equipment, advertising, course design and teaching strategies.
★ Rebecca Bellelo, NCTM, independent piano teacher, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Lunch On Your Own
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Choosing Appropriate Repertoire For RMM Students
Denver/Houston/Kansas City Room
Choosing the right music for your RMM classes can spark your students’ enthusiasm for learning. This informative session will address how to select appropriate music for your classes and showcase examples of suggested repertoire.
★ Mona Rejino, The Hockaday School,Dallas, Texas
2:15–3:15 p.m.
In This Moment—No Control, All the Power: Life Inside The Warren Correctional Institution
Denver/Houston/Kansas City Room
Music has the ability to transform lives, shape new attitudes and develop unlikely relationships. Against the backdrop of rules and prison lock-downs, see how group piano classes have changed all our lives for good.
★ Rachel Kramer, NCTM, Music Learning Center, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio
2:15–3:15 p.m.
RMM For Children: Tips And Tricks For Teaching Successful Group Classes
Denver/Houston/Kansas City Room
Discover innovative and fun ways to introduce and reinforce key concepts through activities and games, both at the keyboard and in circle time.
★ Elizabeth Leger, Parlando School of the Arts, Boulder, Colorado
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Building A Network For RMM Teachers
Denver/Houston/Kansas City Room
Come participate in an open discussion and meet fellow RMM teachers across the country. We will address problems and solutions for marketing, technology, materials and everything else needed to run a successful RMM program.
★ Emily Book McGree, Parlando School for the Arts, Boulder, Colorado; Nan Baker Richerson, NCTM, Gist Piano Academy, Lexington, Kentucky
4:30–5:00 p.m.
RMM And The Teacher’s Legacy
Denver/Houston/Kansas City Room
RMM changes lives through the power of music, and behind every inspired student is an inspiring teacher. Renew your passion in this inspirational session as teachers talk about why they love teaching and how they touch the future.
★ Richard Rejino, National Piano Foundation, Dallas, Texas