4th Annual Robert Jordan Piano Festival, February 13-14, 2024
Special Guests:
- Lauren Sturm Sclafani, '12
- Dr. John Patrick Murphy, '10
The 2024 Robert Jordan Piano Festival brings two Fredonia piano alumni back to campus for workshops and lectures. These events are free and open to the public, thanks to generous support from The Robert Jordan Piano Scholarship and Distinguished Lectureship Endowment, held at the Fredonia College Foundation.
Schedule of Events:
All events subject to change; Eastern time zone
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
7:00PM in Rosch Recital Hall
Lauren Sturm Sclafani: "Introduction to the Steinway Spirio"
This presentation will give an overview of the latest in piano technology at Steinway & Sons through interactive demonstrations of the Spirio|r - Steinway’s high-resolution player piano. We’ll explore the catalog of music, demonstrate recording and editing capabilities, connect through Steinway's proprietary streaming platform, Spiriocast, and explore how Spirio technology can be integrated into the everyday lives of performers and students alike.
Learn more about the Steinway Spirio
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
4:00PM in Rosch Recital Hall
Dr. John Patrick Murphy: "Piano Pedagogy in the 21st Century: Navigating Tradition and Innovation
This session will explore effective teaching practices aimed to resonate with today's diverse student population. Topics to be covered include current trends in piano pedagogy research, empathetic teaching practices, characteristics of Generations Z and Alpha students, and the integration of technology in the piano studio.
5:00PM in Rosch Recital Hall
Panel Discussion: "Career Paths for Pianists" with guest speakers Lauren Sturm Sclafani and John Patrick Murphy, joined by members of SUNY Fredonia: Jiyong Kim, Sandra Leary, and Anne Kissel (moderator).
Becoming a performer is perhaps the most common dream we have as young musicians, but it surely isn't the only possibility. Ms. Sclafani, for example, started her career as a double major in Piano Performance and Pedagogy/Sound Recording and Technology at SUNY Fredonia and has risen to become the Chief Spirio Technician and Lead Sound Engineer for the Music, Technology, & Media department at Steinway & Sons in New York City. There are many different paths one could take; from becoming a music educator to a music therapist, doing collaborative work and chamber music, to paving one's unique path as an entrepreneur in the field. Join us to hear about our panel members' unique experiences and learn what could be possible for young musicians today.