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.
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.
Join us in celebrating the Keyboard Area at Northern Kentucky University School of the Arts by participating in a series of recitals on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Our primary goals are to raise funds to update our keyboard inventory by rebuilding or replacing instruments in practice rooms, studios, and classrooms. Additionally, the funds will help to support needed materials and bring in guest speakers and artists essential to support the Pedagogy Program at NKU.
● What: NKU Keyboard Festival 2024
● When: Sunday, November 10, 2024
● Where: NKU Greaves Concert Hall
● Registration: 2024 Keyboard Festival
Please contact Dr. Richard Van Dyke at vandyker1@nku.edu or (859) 572-5792 for any questions regarding repertoire and event details.
To attend please register online at 2024 Keyboard Festival Registration
The Seventeenth Northern Kentucky Winter Piano Pedagogy Conference will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Greaves Hall in the NKU School of the Arts. Co-sponsored by Northern Kentucky University (NKU), the Northern Kentucky Music Teachers Association (NKyMTA), and the Ohio Music Teachers Association Southwest District (OhioMTA-SW), this annual event offers an enriching experience for piano educators and students alike. The conference provides a valuable platform for piano majors to connect with local teachers and gain exposure to distinguished guest speakers and artists through engaging presentations, hands-on workshops, and wellness-focused sessions designed specifically for musicians.
The conference will begin with a special pre-conference recital on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Greaves Concert Hall. This year's featured artist, Dr. Brianna Matzke, will perform Tremor, a recital and discussion of newly commissioned piano works inspired by her journey with an essential tremor diagnosis.
On Saturday, the conference will feature a keynote presentation by Barry Green, the renowned author of Inner Game of Music. Barry will deliver an interactive lecture demonstration and master class focused on overcoming mental barriers in performance through the techniques of Awareness, Commitment, and Trust. His session will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The afternoon will offer rotating mini-sessions that provide small-group workshops introducing relaxation techniques and practical strategies for students with Dyslexia. Topics include Raising the Bar on Dyslexia presented by NKU student Noah Jacobsen, Alexander Technique led by Corrie Daniely from the SOTA Theater Program, and Yoga for Musicians facilitated by Kimberly Lazzeri, also from the SOTA Theater Program.
Registration for the conference is free and can be completed at the link below.
For more information, please visit nku.edu/piano or contact Dr. Richard Van Dyke at vandyker1@nku.edu.
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.
Richard Van Dyke, D.M.A., N.C.T.M.
Lecturer, Keyboard Area Coordinator
vandyker1@nku.edu
(859) 572-5792
Katie Barton, M.M.
Lecturer, Choral Studies; Lecturer, Piano
Christina Lalog Seal, D.M.A.
Adjunct Professor of Piano; Staff Collaborative Pianist
Melinda Hickman, D.M.A.
Adjunct Professor of Piano
Hye Eun Suh, M.M.
Adjunct Professor of Piano; Staff Collaborative Pianist
