Skip to main content

The Keyboard Area emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum of solo performance, pedagogy, accompanying, and chamber music within a broad array of degree programs. Our students receive thorough training and guidance from renowned faculty giving each student the attention they need. Students have many opportunities to perform not only as soloists, but also in chamber music ensembles coached by faculty as part of the curriculum. Performance classes provide an opportunity for collective feedback on the progress of each student by faculty while discussing specific topics of interest.

Piano Pedagogy

The Piano Pedagogy track is designed to help pianists and teachers develop skills in the art of teaching piano and in operating a financially successful independent teaching studio. Curriculum is structured to the study of teaching materials and approaches for students at all levels and in all age groups from preschool children to adults. Pedagogy classes are interactive including teaching demonstrations by faculty, and guest lecturers plus field trips to independently owned music schools for observation. Students in their Junior and Senior years, will be offered the opportunity to serve as Junior Music Instructors in the Music Preparatory Division at NKU.

Piano players on stage

Winter Piano Pedagogy Conference

February 2-3, 2024

 

The Sixteenth Northern Kentucky Winter Piano Pedagogy Conference will take place on the campus of Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in Greaves Concert Hall on February 2-3, 2024. The conference is co-sponsored by Northern Kentucky University, the Northern Kentucky Music Teachers Association, and the Ohio Music Teachers Association, Southwest District.

A Pre-Conference recital will feature a solo Harpsichord recital by Dr. Michael Delfin, performing the Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 by Johann Sebastian Bach in Recital on Friday, February 2 at 7 p.m.

The Pedagogy Conference will convene on Saturday, February 3, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, focusing the Adult Learning Process. Michelle Conda, PhD, an internationally regarding specialist in andragogy, will present the Keynote Address, “Tales from the Crypt:  growing old with my students.”

●      What: Northern Kentucky Winter Piano Pedagogy Conference

●      When: Feb. 2-3, 2024

●      Where: NKU Greaves Concert Hall

●      Information: nku.edu/piano

For more information, please visit nku.edu/piano or contact Dr. Richard Van Dyke at vandyker1@nku.edu.

To attend please register online at 2024 Winter Piano Pedagogy Conference

cq-text-component-placeholder

 

Keyboard Area Highlights

  • Keyboard Area Recitals each semester featuring students enrolled in applied lessons and chamber music classes.
  • Chamber Music Ensembles that promote collaborative performances with fellow student vocalists and instrumentalists
  • Private study with actively performing faculty members trained at the finest conservatories in the United States
  • The Annual Northern Kentucky Winter Piano Pedagogy Conference, draws internationally renowned performers and pedagogues as presenters
  • Networking with members from the Northern Kentucky and Ohio Southwest District Music Teachers Associations
  • Opportunities to attend concerts and master classes featuring internationally known pianists performing in the Cincinnati Metropolitan Area with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Xavier Piano Series.
  • Keyboard Faculty have been recognized as presenters at National, State and Local workshops, sessions and master classes including the Music Teachers National Association Conference, National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy and the MTNA Collegiate Symposium.

 

Faculty

Students will work with highly qualified faculty while pursuing their degree at NKU. Here is a link to the faculty in music directly involved with the Keyboard Area Curriculum.

cq-text-component-placeholder
Richard Van Dyke

Richard Van Dyke, D.M.A., N.C.T.M.
Lecturer, Keyboard Area Coordinator
vandyker1@nku.edu
(859) 572-5792

  • Specializes in Performance Practice and Pedagogy
  • Teaches Applied Lessons, Class Piano, Piano Pedagogy and Piano Proficiency
  • Oversees all keyboard activities
cq-text-component-placeholder
Katie Barton

Katie Barton, M.M.
Lecturer, Choral Studies; Lecturer, Piano

  • Teaches Ensemble Accompanying
  • Director of Choral Studies
cq-text-component-placeholder
Christina Seal

Christina Lalog Seal, D.M.A.
Adjunct Professor of Piano; Staff Collaborative Pianist

  • Specializes in Chamber Music with Piano
  • Coaches piano chamber ensembles
  • Teaches Applied Lessons and Class Piano
cq-text-component-placeholder
Melinda Hickman

Melinda Hickman, D.M.A.
Adjunct Professor of Piano

  • Teaches Applied Lessons and Class Piano
cq-text-component-placeholder

Hye Eun Suh, M.M.
Adjunct Professor of Piano; Staff Collaborative Pianist

  • Specializes in Class Piano
  • Teaches Applied Lessons and Class Piano
cq-text-component-placeholder