NEWS AND EVENTS
"What's New" in Piano Pedagogy Research column, American Music Teacher
Beginning in August 2023, I became columnist for MTNA's American Music Teacher's "What's New" column. The column is published three times per year and features current research and practice in piano pedagogy.The column can be accessed on MTNA's website Stay tuned for more information.
NEW RELEASE on Albany Records: Sojourn–new works for piano
Sojourn features new works for solo piano (and two with percussion) all written in the 21st century, six of which are newly commissioned. I’ve always been a passionate advocate for the performance of new music and have premiered over 50 solo and chamber works over the course of my career. I love focusing on the performance of works by women and other underrepresented groups, who continue to be systemically marginalized in classical music.
All works were recorded on a DS Standard 5.5® (“7/8”) size piano keyboard (https://dsstandardfoundation.org). As a pianist with a small hand-span, I have spent my entire professional career seeking creative strategies for performing on conventional-sized keyboards. Since the life-changing moment I started practicing and performing on an alternatively-sized piano keyboard, I experienced a whole new level of artistic and technical freedom. This seems like the perfect pairing: performing on a smaller keyboard that fits my hands (studies show that the conventional keyboard is too large for 87% of female pianists!), while championing works by women composers who are typically underrepresented.
It is a tremendous responsibility to premiere a new work. I am deeply indebted to Serra Hwang, Elena Ruehr, Laura Schwendinger, and Brianna Ware for believing in me and providing this life-changing opportunity. It is a privilege and honor to work with each of you. My heart is full of gratitude.
European Piano Teachers Association International Conference
Beneath the Iceberg: What We Have Learned from Our Breakdowns and Breakthroughs
Midori Koga and Jess Johnson
February 29, 2024
Lucerne, Switzerland
2024 Music Teachers National Association National Conference
Beneath the Iceberg: What We Have Learned from Our Breakdowns and Breakthroughs
Midori Koga and Jess Johnson
March 16-19, 2024
Atlanta, Georgia
2023 National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP)
Beneath the Iceberg: What We Have Learned from Our Breakdowns and Breakthroughs
Midori Koga and Jess Johnson
Saturday, July 29 9:00 am, Grand Ballroom GH
Wisconsin Youth Piano Competition, Milwaukee, WI
The MSO and PianoArts Wisconsin are pleased to announce that the WYPC will be offered on June 16-19, 2023. After the 2023 competition, the WYPC will return to the biennial cycle and will be offered next in 2025.
Serving as adjudicator and presenting a masterclass on Monday, June 19, 2023.
https://www.mso.org/education/competitions/wisconsin-youth-piano/concerto_dates/
2023 WMTA State Conference
Cultivating Joy and Self-Compassion in Our Music-Making and Teaching
October 19-21, 2023
La Crosse, WI
https://www.wisconsinmusicteachers.com/state-annual-conference/2023-state-wmta-conference
