Workshops and Presentations
One of Janna’s great passions is working with other piano teachers. A regular presenter at Music Teacher Associations, she inspires others with vision, ideas and resources. Janna always makes sure to give context and investigate the “why” behind what we as piano teachers do.
For Janna’s qualifications, click here.
To have Janna speak to your group, please use the Contact button above.
HOUR-LONG PRESENTATIONS
Demystifying Memorization: Stop “hoping for the best” and discover what really works
When faced with an upcoming memorized performance, most students will practice their piece by playing through over and over, and then, in the moment of performance, “hope for the best.” In this presentation, Janna Williamson will discuss the physiological and psychological realities of memory. Offering over 35 practice techniques for students of all levels, Janna will empower teachers to help students build their memorization muscles, overcome typical memorization problems, and rebound from memory slips. Specific repertoire examples from the intermediate levels will be used.
“This presentation really hit home as Janna discussed the different facets of memory, why they are important, and how we can apply them to strengthen our own performances and those of our students. In general, Janna's insight and clarity in regard to all things piano pedagogy is inspirational.” Erica Ogden, President, Indiana Music Teachers Association
Free to Play - Preventing and Managing Performance Anxiety
Sweaty palms. Faster heart rate. “Butterflies” in the stomach. These are all normal physical feelings that humans experience when the body’s stress response is triggered. Most of our students will experience feelings of “nervousness” on a spectrum as they study music and perform in recitals, evaluative events, and more. It’s every teacher’s job to understand “performance anxiety” well enough to explain it to our students and their parents. In this session, Janna will offer practical tools for preventing excessive anxiety and managing issues that arise with students preparing for performance.
20/20 Vision for Piano Teachers: Building a foundation for expressive performance
In this session, Janna Williamson discusses the importance of a clear vision and examines how having a vision specifically for expressive advanced performance can inform our teaching at the elementary and intermediate levels. Musical expression can and should be strategically taught at the lowest levels, and our own experience as more advanced musicians and performers should be incorporated in how we train even the least advanced students.
“This was an excellent presentation, well-organized and clearly articulated. Janna urged us to think about our goals and strategies as we strive to help our students play expressively and to love making music. Our group was given many things to ponder and practical ideas to improve our teaching from a passionate teacher and musician.” Elizabeth Mackenzie, Vice President for Programs, WSMTA
Stepping Up: The Unexpected Role of Leadership in the Piano Studio
Brene Brown defines a leader as “anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas, and has the courage to develop that potential.” Certainly, by that definition, all music teachers are leaders. Studio teachers who are interested in developing better musicians, pianists, and human beings must accept their status as leaders and be willing to develop their own unique leadership. Self-awareness and self-acceptance are the first steps on this journey. This presentation will not get lost in corporate mumbo jumbo. Instead, it will apply these principles to everyday teaching and management tasks in an independent studio.
Schubert: Man of Melody and Mystery
Reflecting upon the well-loved, yet often mysterious and sometimes misunderstood Franz Schubert and his piano compositions, Janna explores questions of meaning in the composer's music and how biography and historical context can inform our understanding. Included is an overview of pieces appropriate for pre-college teaching, either in order of general difficulty or according to an individual state exam syllabus.
“Janna Williamson approached the tried-and-true topic of the life of Franz Schubert with wonder and delight, making for a fresh and accessible online convention session. She was a pleasure to work with, both personable and professional.” Doug Rohde, Vice President - Convention for the Minnesota Music Teachers Association
Taking Off the Training Wheels: Effectively teaching past the method book and into the intermediate level
Quality beginning piano methods are vital for student success in their earliest years of study. But what do teachers do after the method? How do we navigate the vast sea of repertoire available to piano students and teach the intermediate level with success? In this session, Janna Williamson will offer tips and resources on how to transition out of the elementary and into the intermediate level with confidence as well cover what a well-rounded intermediate curriculum might look like, casting a vision for excellent teaching at the intermediate level.
Top Ten Tips for Piano Teachers
Originally designed for an undergraduate pedagogy class as a practical set of suggestions “from the front lines” of a guest presenter, this talk has evolved to include a wealth of wisdom from one regularly teaching transfer students and mentoring less experienced teachers. The content is ideal for private music school piano faculty or pedagogy classes and works well in-person or online.
“Janna brought inspiration, ideas, and loads of resources to our teachers in a positive way and was able to spark collaborative conversation from our team on how to better their teaching skills. She covered a variety of topics including curriculum, resources, technique, communication, practice, expectations, common teaching issues, and so much more. As a business owner and pianist/teacher, I highly recommend the investment into your private studio or multi-teacher studios!” Hannah Warner, Director of Temecula Music Teacher
Effective Judging Techniques
After years of coordinating ISMTA Achievement in Music Performance Exams, Janna has extensive experience training judges for evaluative events. This presentation ranges from philosophical to practical and covers subjects such as what to listen for in repertoire from various time periods, the relationship between teaching and judging, and effective written communication skills.
LONGER WORKSHOPS
Preparing Confident Performers
Material from Janna’s popular and comprehensive online course can be chosen and combined for use in workshop format. Topics include
Studio Teachers as Leaders - creating studio performance events that are inline with studio values and goals
Practical tips for ensuring students are prepared on the day of a performance
Creative and developmentally-appropriate performance opportunities for students of all ages
Teaching memorization
Understanding, preventing and managing "performance anxiety," and helping students reach peak performance
Crafting an excellent studio recital
“Janna crafted a great pedagogical workshop on performance preparation. She wove together the research and the teaching applications seamlessly. The pedagogical framework laid out in this workshop is practical and ensures students reach their highest potential while also enjoying the process and feeling confident during performances.” Michael Richey, Vice President of Programs, Nashville Area Music Teachers Association
Teaching the Music of JS Bach
Bach is indispensable for pianists. Unfortunately, many piano students approach his keyboard works in the same way they would a finger exercise, void of expression. In this workshop, Janna will address leveling and difficulty, performance practice, technical concerns, and most importantly, how we can help our students appreciate and connect with this essential historical repertoire.
Janna will give an overview of teaching pieces including selections from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena, Little Preludes, Inventions, Suites, and the Well-Tempered Clavier.
Included in this presentation for attendees is Janna’s resource called The Bach Leveler.
Teaching the Music of Debussy
Debussy didn’t write anything easy for pianists, but he did write several pieces that are beloved by late-intermediate and early-advanced students. His music comes with many challenges. In this workshop, Janna offers information on Debussy’s style and historical context, preparatory repertoire for students to learn before approaching Debussy and alternatives in similar style, and ideas on leveling. She will also offer teaching and practice suggestions for some of Debussy's most popular pieces (such as Children's Corner, Reverie, Arabesque No.1, and the easiest Preludes).
This workshop talk would pair well with a masterclass on popular student selections by Debussy.