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Please join us for a pre-EXPO performance by Jennifer Eklund, Piano Pronto creator and composer, on Sunday, August 12 from 3pm to 5pm at Schmitt Music Edina. “Journey with Jen” through her musical life with original piano compositions, classical, and popular music.

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – RSVP NOW!

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Jennifer Eklund Bio:

I began studying the piano at the age of six and was fortunate to develop my talents with many different teachers throughout the years. The instructors that managed to hold my interest were the ones who offered me a wide variety of music to explore. I have modeled my own teaching philosophy around the idea that the implementation of exciting repertoire makes practice less of a chore and leads to faster progression.

My primary teacher encouraged me to start teaching beginning level students at the age of fourteen. I was a bit skeptical because of my age but decided to take the plunge. My business started small and has continued to grow throughout the years along with my experience and understanding of a positive and effective teaching approach. During my college years I continued teaching as well as performing. After receiving my Associates Degree in Music from Orange Coast College I continued my education at California State University Long Beach where I achieved my Bachelors Degree in 2002.

After graduation I continued teaching privately and spent many years developing and testing the Piano Pronto piano lesson books on students of all ages and levels. My experience as a teacher played an integral role in the selection of material for the books as many of the pieces have been requested by my students. Arranging music has become a real passion of mine as I find it extremely rewarding to write music that is both educational and enjoyable to play. In the fall of 2008 I returned to Cal State Long Beach and completed my Masters Degree in Musicology. This new pursuit combined my love for music history, research, and writing.

In 2014 I retired from teaching in order to run Piano Pronto Publishing on a full-time basis. While it was a difficult decision, I am truly living my dream now with 110% of my focus on creating new products to benefit students all over the world. When I’m not packing orders, or networking with customers at workshops or online I spend my time writing and arranging new music. There is nothing like giving a brand new piece of music to a student and seeing their eyes light up – as educators these are the moments we live for! I do hope that you will see the same positive effects in your studio as I have in mine by implementing some of the Piano Pronto materials into your regular teaching curriculum. Learn more at PianoPronto.com.

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP to the Jennifer Eklund performance!

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Jennifer Eklund (Piano Pronto)

“What’s New at Piano Pronto?!”

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – RSVP NOW!

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Jennifer Eklund

“Put Some POP into your Studio with Popular Music!”

10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – RSVP NOW!

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Chrissy Ricker, Lisa Donovan Lukas, and Debbie Center (Piano Pronto Composers Community)

“Composers Community Music Showcase!”

1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – RSVP NOW!

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Jennifer Eklund (Piano Pronto)

“Composition and Publishing for You and Your Students!”

3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. – RSVP NOW!

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Jennifer Eklund Bio:

I began studying the piano at the age of six and was fortunate to develop my talents with many different teachers throughout the years. The instructors that managed to hold my interest were the ones who offered me a wide variety of music to explore. I have modeled my own teaching philosophy around the idea that the implementation of exciting repertoire makes practice less of a chore and leads to faster progression.

My primary teacher encouraged me to start teaching beginning level students at the age of fourteen. I was a bit skeptical because of my age but decided to take the plunge. My business started small and has continued to grow throughout the years along with my experience and understanding of a positive and effective teaching approach. During my college years I continued teaching as well as performing. After receiving my Associates Degree in Music from Orange Coast College I continued my education at California State University Long Beach where I achieved my Bachelors Degree in 2002.

After graduation I continued teaching privately and spent many years developing and testing the Piano Pronto piano lesson books on students of all ages and levels. My experience as a teacher played an integral role in the selection of material for the books as many of the pieces have been requested by my students. Arranging music has become a real passion of mine as I find it extremely rewarding to write music that is both educational and enjoyable to play. In the fall of 2008 I returned to Cal State Long Beach and completed my Masters Degree in Musicology. This new pursuit combined my love for music history, research, and writing.

In 2014 I retired from teaching in order to run Piano Pronto Publishing on a full-time basis. While it was a difficult decision, I am truly living my dream now with 110% of my focus on creating new products to benefit students all over the world. When I’m not packing orders, or networking with customers at workshops or online I spend my time writing and arranging new music. There is nothing like giving a brand new piece of music to a student and seeing their eyes light up – as educators these are the moments we live for! I do hope that you will see the same positive effects in your studio as I have in mine by implementing some of the Piano Pronto materials into your regular teaching curriculum. Learn more at PianoPronto.com.

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP to the Piano Pronto sessions!

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Mark Cabaniss (Jubilate Music Group & Alfred) and Lloyd Larson (Lorenz)

New Sacred Choral Music Sessions featuring the latest titles from our most popular publishers.

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – RSVP NOW!

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Mark Cabaniss Bio:

Mark Cabaniss is a music publisher, writer, producer, broadcaster, and speaker. He is President/CEO of Jubilate Music Group (distributed by Alfred Music) creating printed and digital music, recordings, and videos.

As an ASCAP composer and arranger, Mark’s published compositions have been performed nationally and abroad, and include musicals, cantatas, and instrumental works. His stage adaptation of the film “It’s a Wonderful Life” titled Miracle In Bedford Falls (co-written with Lowell Alexander) was premiered by the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre and has been subsequently performed coast-to-coast. Other musicals include The Homework Machine (co-written with Tony-nominated composer Keith Herrmann) and The Stardust Supper Club (featuring the music of Hoagy Carmichael) (co-written with Alan Bailey).

Mark is a multiple recipient of ASCAP’s Popular Music Award and is a Dove Award and Angel Award-winning producer. He is a member of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy), The Dramatists Guild, and serves on the Board of Advisors for “The Music Man Square”, a museum and foundation in Mason City, Iowa, dedicated to furthering music education and honoring the legacy of Meredith Willson (creator of Broadway’s The Music Man). Mark was named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by Mars Hill University and serves on the University’s Board of Trustees. Mark is also the founder/donor of The Helen Cole Krause Music Scholarship, awarded annually to qualifying students who choose music as a college major.

Mark also serves as a correspondent for Hollywood 360, a weekly nationally-syndicated entertainment radio show based in Chicago.

Mark’s work in music business and broadcasting has led to collaborations with television icons Bob Barker, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Andy Griffith; Academy Award-winner Shirley Jones; legendary entertainer Steve Allen; Broadway/pop songwriter Rupert Holmes; jazz pianist/composer Loonis McGlohon; gospel singer Cynthia Clawson and others.

Mark also serves as an adjunct instructor of music business at Belmont University in Nashville. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in Music Education and Communications from Mars Hill University and The University of Tennessee – Knoxville. Mark resides in Nashville.

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP to the Sacred Choral sessions!

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Lloyd Larson Bio:

Lloyd Larson earned a B.A. from Anderson University of Anderson, Indiana in 1976 and a M.C.M. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville, Kentucky in 1979. He has done additional graduate work at Southern Baptist Seminary, The Ohio State University, and Northern Baptist Seminary, Chicago, Illinois.

Since 1982, Lloyd has been an active composer and arranger for several major publishing companies of church and school music. His compositions and arrangements include well over 1,500 published works—including choral anthems, numerous extended Christmas, Easter and non seasonal works, keyboard collections, vocal solo and duet collections, instrumental works for solo and ensembles, orchestrations, and handbell settings. The resulting notoriety has placed him in constant demand as a clinician throughout North America. It is Lloyd’s work in his local church that continues to be the catalyst for much of his writing. He currently directs the adult choir in his home church in addition to being involved in worship planning and leadership.

Lloyd and his wife, Marci, live in Maple Grove, Minnesota. They have three children: Stephanie, married to Brandt; Philip, married to Kylee; and Jeff, married to Jacquelyn. They also have four grandchildren, Addie, Eli, Izzy, and Oliver.

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP to the Sacred Choral sessions!

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Melody Bober (Alfred)

“Stay Motivated with New Resources and Innovative Teaching Strategies”

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – RSVP NOW!

Join us for a revitalizing and informative piano workshop as Melody Bober presents new resources and innovative teaching strategies to help you and your students stay motivated and enthusiastic! At Melody’s workshop you will explore how to:

• Promote collaborative performance for your students
• Develop practice strategies for today’s busy students
• Plan repertoire for your studetns with a fast-paced review of new music

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Dennis Alexander (Alfred)

“Practical, Purposeful, and Plentiful”

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – RSVP NOW!

Mr. Alexander will share some of his favorite teaching pieces. Teachers will discover repertoire for motivation, competition, “plays easy, sounds hard” – there’s something for everyone in this session!

 

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Joyce Grill

“The Music of Joyce Grill!” – New Music from Multiple Publishers

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – RSVP NOW!

Join us in celebrating the music of our favorite presenter, Joyce Grill, in her 27th year of EXPO! Hear Joyce play her own compositions and share her experiences.

 

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Melody Bober Bio:

As a composer, Melody Bober enjoys creating motivational piano pieces that foster her students’ understanding and love of music.

Melody graduated summa cum laude from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She later received a Master of Arts degree in piano performance from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Melody credits much of her success to her influential teachers who include Joel Shapiro and Andrew Froelich (piano), Mary Hoffman (music education), and Tony Caramia (jazz).

An active church pianist and accompanist, Melody has also held the position of church music director. In addition to teaching piano in her private studio, Melody’s music-teaching experience includes 20 years of public school and two years at the university level.

A dynamic clinician and innovative composer, Melody is in great demand at conventions and workshops for piano teachers across North America. She resides in Minnesota with her husband Jeff.

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP to the Alfred Music Day sessions!

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Dennis Alexander Bio:

Dennis Alexander began his affiliation with Alfred Music Publishing in 1986. Mr., Alexander’s over 400 publications and recordings created with Alfred have earned him an international reputation as one of the world’s most prolific and popular composers of educational piano music for students at all levels.

Professor Alexander retired from his position at the University of Montana in May 1996 where he taught piano pedagogy for 24 years. Upon moving to California, he taught privately in addition to serving on the faculties of Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge. He currently lives in Albuquerque, NM where he maintains an active composing and touring schedule for Alfred Music Publishing.

Professor Alexander is a native Kansan, having graduated from the University of Kansas where he was a student of Richard Reber. In 1972, he was invited to join the faculty at the University of Montana and served as piano department chair in addition to his teaching duties in applied piano, class piano, and piano pedagogy. In 1987, he made his New York debut at Carnegie Recital Hall with violinist Walter Olivares and continues to be active as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician. He has served as a collaborative artist for numerous internationally recognized soloists, instrumentalists, and chamber groups. A former president of the Montana State Music Teachers Association, he is a popular clinician at state and national music teachers conventions. In 2009, he was invited to MTNA to conduct the intermediate level master class at their national convention in Atlanta. In 2014, Professor Alexander was invited to judge a national piano competition in India called “MusiQuest” and has toured twice to the far East where he performed recitals and workshops in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and South Korea.

Over the years, numerous organizations and state associations have commissioned him to write compositions. His “Concertante in G Major” was commissioned by the Montana Music Teachers organization for the state convention, and his 2-piano work, “Fanfare Toccata Rondo” was commissioned by Goshen College. Many of his compositions are included in the National Federation of Music Study Clubs Festival required list and his music is being performed by students throughout the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe. One of Mr. Alexander’s most significant contributions to the repertoire is “24 Character Preludes” in all major and minor keys which includes a CD with Dennis Alexander as a soloist. He is also a co-author of an exciting and innovative piano method entitled “Alfred’s Premier Piano Course.” MTNA commissioned him to compose a chamber music work for piano, violin, and cello entitled “Dance Suite” and this work was premiered at the 2013 national conference in Anaheim, California. In the summer of 2015, he was awarded a “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy in recognition of his extraordinary service to the music teaching profession. Mr. Alexander’s personal website, DennisAlexander.com, has become a favorite with piano teachers and features recordings, videos, teaching tips, and much more!

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP to the Alfred Music Day sessions!

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Joyce Grill Bio:

Joyce Grill, a former faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, provides practical suggestions from her extensive teaching experience as she presents workshops to teachers and students across the country. Grill holds the MTNA Master Teacher Certificate and has been active in MTNA serving as the Wisconsin State President and the Division Vice-President. She also founded the La Crosse Area Music Teachers Association and serves on several arts advisory boards. In 2006, she was named a MTNA Foundation Fellow.

Grill holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has also received training at the School of Fine Arts in Fontainebleau, France, where she studied theory and composition with Nadia Boulanger and piano with Robert and Jean Casadesus.

Known for her ensemble writing, Grill is also a frequent guest conductor for multi-piano concerts. Some of her best-known publications originally published by Warner Bros. Publications, including In Style, Down the Road, and Accompanist (Yes, It Really Happens), are now available from Alfred Music Publishing.

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP to the Alfred Music Day sessions!

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Veena Kulkarni (Faber Piano Institute)

“My First Piano Adventure”

8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – RSVP NOW!

Join us for this informative Faber Piano Adventures workshop… with a good mix of fun! Discover the Magic with Faber Piano Institute Lead Instructor, Veena Kulkarni.

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Jason Sifford (Willis Music)

“Energize Every Student!”

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – RSVP NOW!

Motivating students to practice can be exhausting. The solution is easy: give them exciting, inspiring pieces! Students will come into every lesson with more enthusiasm than ever. Join our expert clinician for an entertaining session packed with captivating music and valuable teaching tips. Free music for every attendee!

 

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John Mlynczak (Noteflight)

Embracing Technology: “Tech Invasion!”

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – RSVP NOW!

Technology is everywhere and our students are far more comfortable with tech than we are. This session will focus on how to get started integrating tech and engaging the digital natives in your classrooms and studios. Optional: bring your laptop or iPad!

 

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John Mlynczak

Retaining the Tech-Savvy Generation: “Tech Attack!”

3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – RSVP NOW!

As a follow up to the previous session and for those comfortable with tech, this session will focus on pedagogy that leads with technology to engage all learners. Optional: bring your laptop or iPad!

 

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Veena Kulkarni Bio:

Veena Kulkarni-Rankin is the Lead Instructor at Faber Piano Institute. She delights in teaching piano students of all ages — from the earliest years of study through advanced concert repertoire. She has also taught at Madonna University and at the University of Windsor in Canada. As a worship leader at the Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church, Veena is at home in both the contemporary worship band and on the concert stage, and performs regularly as a solo and chamber musician. In 2011, she won the Best Liszt Interpretation prize at the Liszt-Garrison International Piano Competition and gave two East Coast premieres. Veena earned a Doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy under Logan Skelton and John Ellis at the University of Michigan. Prior to that, she studied at Indiana University with Emile Naoumoff and Professors Brancart, Auer, Gulli and Tocco, and at the Royal Academy of Music with Hamish Milne.

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP to the Hal Leonard Day sessions!

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Jason Sifford Bio:

Dr. Jason Sifford, NCTM is a freelance pianist, teacher and composer with a wide range of abilities and interests. He maintains a private teaching studio in Iowa City and is in demand as an adjudicator and clinician, lecturing on such diverse topics as classical performance practice, jazz pedagogy, technical development in young pianists, composition, and music technology. He also appears regularly as a music director and theater musician for area theaters including Hancher Auditorium, the University of Iowa Theater Department, and the City Circle Acting Company of Coralville.

Currently, Dr. Sifford is Immediate Past President of the Iowa Music Teachers Association and serves on the Independent Music Teachers Committee for the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy.

As a composer, Jason is primarily interested in didactic literature for the piano, and his catalogue includes three solo collections, a baroque suite, and several arrangements of popular and traditional songs. His music is featured in the state syllabi for Iowa and Minnesota, the bulletin for the National Federation of Music Clubs, and the Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada). Dr. Sifford holds degrees from Missouri State University, Louisiana State University, and The University of Michigan. Learn more at jasonsifford.com.

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP to the Hal Leonard Day sessions!

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John Mlynczak Bio:

John Mlynczak offers an extensive range of experiences in music education. Mr. Mlynczak is the Director of Educational Technology for Noteflight, a Hal Leonard company. John is also currently an Adjunct Professor of Music Technology at LSU and is President-Elect of the Technology Institute for Music Educators. He is an active performer, maintains a steady clinician schedule in music technology, and is John is also a passionate advocate for music education, serving on the NAMM Support Music and State Advocacy Coalitions and the NAfME Advocacy Leadership Force. Mr. Mlynczak holds degrees in music education, music performance, and educational leadership.

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP to the Hal Leonard Day sessions!