Successful Summer Seminars


Mary Vandersteen, a leading teacher in the Green Bay, WI area, attends the Yamaha STS seminar held at the University of Kentucky last July
Success is measured in many ways, and Yamaha’s Summer Technology Seminars certainly achieve gratifying results on many levels. Participants learn how to use Clavinova CVP digital pianos and the MLC-100 Lab Control units to support student learning, and receive an in-depth review of software and new materials by leading music publishers. Those who attend often become avid Yamaha spokespersons, and become a very strong unofficial sales force: in 1996 and 1997, of participants who responded to a survey, 68 percent influenced their students to buy Clavinova digital pianos. Indications are strong that retail sales percentages for 2000 will be even higher.

Joy Carden, educational consultant for Yamaha, reports that four seminars held last June and July attracted a large number of music educators—representing all levels of instruction, from private studios to grade schools and universities—and Yamaha music retailers. The three-, four- and seven-day seminars were held at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX; Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA; University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY; and Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA.

One key to the success of these seminars is their emphasis on musicality and performance, a focus that’s extremely important when working with traditional teachers.

“So many times, ‘technology’ seminars teach people about all the button-pushing without going to the next step and showing people how to apply what they’ve learned,” says Carden. “But emphasizing the musical aspect of technology makes the experience truly appealing to teachers who care about quality performances. Technology does not eliminate the need for musical study, practicing or giving attention to phrasing and interpretation,” she concludes. “We show participants how to use the cutting edge technology of the Clavinova digital pianos to achieve deeply satisfying musical results.”

Orville Hammond, a well-known jazz pianist, experiences the excitement of playing in the Yamaha Keyboard Ensemble during the Yamaha STS seminar held at the University of Kentucky last July
In the hands-on seminars, Yamaha clinicians Dennis Stanfill and George Litterst demonstrate the Clavinova’s vast capabilities, including sequencing, recording, and computer related topics. Along with Stanfill and Litterst, Carden and Susan Ogilvy focus on these options for more effective teaching. Combined with creative projects and performance demonstrations, the seminar offers a comprehensive scope of opportunities.

“It’s so important to show off the Clavinova as a performance instrument and not just a teaching tool,” Carden adds. To bring the point home, concert performances by GRAMMY-winning Yamaha artist David Benoit, Yamaha artists Phillip Keveren and Sue Downs, Larry Keenan, Bob Rogers, and several Clavinova ensembles were featured. Carden calls performing with an 18-member Clavinova ensemble “the most exciting thing I’ve ever been involved in. It’s just incredible!”

In Pittsburgh, about 60 percent of those attending were local teachers, with technology experience levels ranging from none to extensive. “Joy’s just a genius with this,” says Patricia Neeper, vice president at Trombino Music Centers. “The teachers had a great time!”

Participants of the Summer Technology Seminar held in Pittsburgh, PA
“This was not supposed to be a selling event,” Neeper notes. “It was set up to build relationships between our store and the teachers. But we sold four Clavinovas.” The buyers included one teacher who purchased a Clavinova for his home so he would be familiar with the instrument’s capabilities—and ready when his school’s new Clavinova lab is finished.




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