Texas State University, Assistant Professor of Piano, Chair-Piano Department, San Marcos, Texas
2006 – Present
International
-Master Class at the Hong Kong Baptist University
-Master Class at the Conservatoire of Music and Arts, Quebec, Canada
-Master Class at the Franz Liszt Conservatory of Music, Quito-Ecuador
-Master Class at the Casa de la Música, Quito-Ecuador
National
-Master Class at the Steinway Hall Akron, Kent, Ohio
-Master Class at The Peabody Preparatory of the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
-Faculty at the Green Valley Chamber Music Festival, UNLV, Las Vegas
-Master Class at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Preparatory Division, San Francisco, California
-Master Classes at the Annual Peabody Piano Week, Baltimore, Maryland
-Faculty at the Maryland Conservatory of Music Piano Workshops
-Faculty at the Heart of Texas Suzuki Workshop, San Marcos, TX
-Faculty at the Austin Chamber Music Festival
-Master Class at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, April 2007
APPLIED PIANO-EVERY SEMESTER
Private instruction to undergraduate and graduate students.
PIANO SEMINAR-EVERY SEMESTER
All applied piano students are required to attend piano seminar. Students have to do basic research about the pieces they perform and talk about it in front of the class. Other topics are discussed such as stage presence, practice techniques, how to solve technical issues, and audition/jury preparation. Students are also encouraged to comment on each other’s performances.
STUDIO CLASS-EVERY SEMESTER
I created this class in order to give the students another performance opportunity. All my applied students are encouraged to attend this class in which they perform for each other without my presence. This set a less formal environment than piano seminar, and it not only gives students the opportunity to offer and receive advice from their peers, but it also allows them to know each other better and develop personal and professional bonds crucial for their academic development.
SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECTS
Weekly individual one-hour meetings
Course Objectives:
1.Learn about the process of organizing and writing a senior recital paper
2.Learn to write program notes
3.Develop a wider knowledge of research tools
4.Demonstrate a good understanding of musical analysis
INDEPENDENT STUDY- PIANO LITERATURE
Weekly meetings. The study covered highlights of the piano literature. Student was assessed every week aurally, verbally, and visually through listening, score recognition, reading, presentations, and essays. Aspects of analysis were also covered.
INDEPENDENT STUDY- PIANO PEDAGOGY
• Learn about the history and common practice of Piano Pedagogy
• Recognize the difference between an instructor and an educator
• Develop critical thinking and understanding of varied teaching methods
• Demonstrate a practical understanding of the materials
By the end of the semester, the student should be able to present a detailed summary of the history and application of various teaching methods for students of all levels and ages. The student will also be aware of sample curricula for college students majoring in piano.
PIANO LITERATURE
This class covers highlights of the piano literature. Students are assessed every other week aurally, verbally, and visually through listening, score recognition, reading, presentations, and essays.
CLASS PIANO
Due to an unexpected circumstance with the instructor who was scheduled to teach this section, the chair of my department asked me two days before classes started if I could step in to solve this unforeseen issue. I agreed to teach this section for the fall semester until a replacement was found for the spring term.
STUDENT AWARDS
-Ashley Stone, Honorary Mention, Concerto Competition, School of Music. Student Ashley Stone was awarded an Honorable Mention at the concerto competition, which included the participation of approximately 15 students. Only three students, including Ms. Stone, received a distinction, including the first prize winner.
-Ashley Stone, Best Improvement in Piano Award. Ms Stone proved outstanding development in her piano studies, even though she is not a performance major. Despite many health issues, she managed to get ready for master classes for Dr. Michelle Schumann and also to improved at a fast pace in a very short time.
The Peabody Preparatory of the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
2004 – 2006
Applied piano instruction to students of diverse ages from beginner to advanced levels. Invitation to adjudicate the Preparatory Honors Recital Competition and Signature Recitals, as well as teach repertoire classes to the Advanced and Intermediate levels. Member of grading committee for juries.
The Maryland Conservatory of Music, Bel Air, Maryland
2002 – 2006
Applied Piano instruction to students of diverse ages from beginner to advanced levels including adult students. The Maryland Conservatory holds on regular basis recitals, community performances, and other special events. Active participation of my students in all the events organized by the Conservatory such as the “Music Is Magic” concert, the most important event organized every year. Students chosen from a pool of almost two hundred young musicians to participate in such a prestigious event. Besides preparing students for the Conservatory recitals, held twice a semester, I was one of two faculty members in charge of developing curricula and teaching the Summer Piano Workshops held each summer. Invitation to the Guest Artist Series to offer master classes and give a lecture on stage presence and audition preparation.
Annual Peabody Piano Week, Baltimore, Maryland
Summers 2001, 2004, 2005, 2009
One of four faculty members invited to perform a recital, give a master class and a lecture, and offer private instruction. Organized annually by the Peabody Preparatory and the Peabody Elderhostel.
St. Ignatius Academy, Baltimore, Maryland
2002 – 2005
The student body at the St. Ignatius Academy is comprised mainly of African American and Hispanic boys. In charge of developing curricula for the growing music program as well as teaching Theory, History, and Keyboard Skills. I accepted this limited time position because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of those children who could not afford a professional musical education otherwise. Coming from a South American country in which poor economy prevents many talented students from having access to opportunities, I am aware of the role of those of us who have been granted a higher education as well as professional opportunities. It is my goal to not only instruct students professionally, but also to mentor them and provide them with the confidence needed to succeed on the concert platform.