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Publication Date

9-22-2007

Year of Release

2007

Note(s)

Christopher Fisher, clinician

Katherine Fisher

Workshops/Lectures

Two Heads (or Twelve) Are Better Than One:

Applications of Selected Cooperative Learning Techniques to the Group Piano Learning Environment 10:30 a.m. Smith Music Hall room 212

The educational concept of cooperative learning is not a new one. The instructional model has existed for centuries and has been thoroughly researched and developed as reflected in the professional literature. The clinician contends that cooperative learning strategies may be effectively employed for group piano, and may potentially produce greater learning and a more thorough understanding of basic keyboard musicianship concepts and principles.

This workshop will present a brief history of group piano teaching as well as a thorough discussion of cooperative learning theory, theorists, and techniques. An exploration of current research will be presented. Participants will learn how the basic principles of cooperative learning theory can be effectively structured for group piano teaching. Video excerpts of these instructional strategies in action will also be presented.

Dynamic Duets:

An Introduction to the Collaborative Arts for the Intermediate Pianist

2:30 p.m. - Smith Recital Hall

The experience of making music with other musicians can be one of life's greatest joys! The art of collaborative music entails specialized skills that are valuable to all pianists. Therefore, the clinician contends that collaborative music making should be an integral part of all young pianists' early training.

This workshop will present a discussion of the merits of collaborative training for the intermediate pianist, benefits of the studying piano duets, a brief history of the medium, an exploration of ideas for the implementation of such a program in the independent studio, practical teaching and rehearsal strategies for both teachers and students, as well as demonstration of important works from the early and intermediate piano duet repertoire.

Biographies

The Fisher Piano Duo, formed in 2004, has performed recitals throughout the United States. Recent appearances include performances at Steinway Hall in Akron, Ohio as well as recitals in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio. The Fisher Piano Duo was awarded first prize in the Adult Duo Division of the Graves Piano and Organ Company/OhioMTA Piano Competition in 2007. The duo was recently featured in concert at the 2007 Wichita State University Summer Piano Pedagogy Institute. Dedicated educators, the Fisher's are committed to furthering the art of duet and duo piano playing in young pianists in the United States.

Katherine Fisher is an affiliate faculty member of the Athens Community Music School at Ohio University Katherine Fisher is an affiliate faculty member of the Athens Community Music School at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Her responsibilities include teaching private piano lessons and leading group classes for adult pianists, as well as coordinating the Piano Preparatory Program for children who are beginners at the instrument. A native of Ohio, Katherine obtained her degrees from the University of Oklahoma (Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy) and the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music (Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance). Her former teachers include Jeongwon Ham, Jane Magrath, Barbara Fast, Karin R. Edwards, and Nancy Bachus.

Katherine performs actively as an accompanist at Ohio University. She also collaborates frequently with pianist and husband Christopher Fisher as part of the Fisher Piano Duo. Additionally, Katherine adjudicates piano festivals and competitions throughout the Midwestern United States. She is an active member of the Music Teachers National Association.

Christopher Fisher is Assistant Professor of Piano and Coordinator of Group Piano at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he teaches both group and applied piano, as well as courses in piano pedagogy. A native of Missouri, Dr. Fisher received degrees from Wichita State University (Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy) and Northwest Missouri State University (Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude). He was awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma where he was the recipient of the prestigious Alumni Graduate Fellowship. His teachers include Edward Gates, Jane Magrath, Barbara Fast, Julie Bees, Sylvia Coats, Richard Bobo and Betty Preston.

An active performer, Dr. Fisher frequently plays both solo and collaborative recitals, including duo/duet piano performances with wife and pianist Katherine Fisher. The Fisher Piano Duo was awarded first prize in the Adult Duo Division of the Graves Piano and Organ Company/OhioMT A Piano Competition in 2007. The duo was recently featured at the 2007 Wichita State University Summer Piano Pedagogy Institute

In demand as a workshop clinician, Dr. Fisher has presented lectures nationally and internationally, including the National Conferences of the Music Teachers National Association, the National Group Piano and Piano Pedagogy Forum, and the American Music Therapy Association. Recent appearances include a presentation at the 2007 Collaborative Conference of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Association, Music Teachers National Association, and the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as well as lectures at the 8th Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conference in Canberra, Australia. Dr. Fisher served as the featured clinician for the Wichita State University Summer Piano Pedagogy Institute in 2007. Additionally, he was invited to present his research at the International Society for Music Education in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

As a researcher and author, Dr. Fisher has published articles in Keyboard Companion, American Music Teacher, and Clavier, and will release a group piano pedagogy textbook in 2008 published by Oxford University Press. A group piano specialist, Dr. Fisher is currently engaged in research exploring the application of cooperative learning theory to the teaching of piano in group environments.

An active member of Music Teachers National Association, Dr. Fisher presently serves as Vice-President for Conferences for the Ohio Music Teachers Association as well as faculty advisor for the Ohio University MTNA Collegiate Chapter. Additionally, Dr. Fisher maintains a studio of pre-college students who have been successful at regional piano competitions and festivals. Dr. Fisher frequently serves as an adjudicator and master class clinician at piano festivals throughout the United States

Note

Smith Music Hall

Note

Smith Recital Hall

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Fine Arts | Music | Music Performance

Marshall University Music Department Presents a Piano Workshops, featuring clinician, Christopher Fisher, Two Heads (or Twelve) Are Better Than One, Dynamic Duets, and a, Duo Piano Recital, featuring, Christopher and Katherine Fisher, The Fisher Piano Duo

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