API Teacher Forum

A unique forum for teachers of piano exploring creative approaches to piano pedagogy

As part of our annual Summer Festival, API is proud to present the API Teacher Forum: a unique gathering of teachers and performers to explore creativity in our teaching. Through interpersonal communication and sharing our love of music, we create a spontaneous environment of mutual learning. The participants and observers will experience the widening of our awareness and understanding of this process. New insights are limitless and have the potential to enhance your love of music, your teaching, and your quality of life.  

Teacher Forum 2025 Essentials

Registration

To register for the API Teacher Forum, click here to submit the registration form and then proceed to pay the registration fee (click the button underneath the form, or go to our online store).

Teacher Forum program

This year, the API Teacher Forum will feature in-depth repertoire discussions, offering a unique opportunity for professional exchange and growth. To ensure a rich and focused experience, we kindly ask each participant to nominate three pieces or excerpts (any difficulty level is welcomed). The selected works will be shared with you in advance. Our hope is for everyone to demonstrate during the class, especially if your nomination is selected.

For the current list of works to be discussed, see the Teacher Forum Repertoire List.

In order to foster more meaningful dialogue, we also invite you to pose specific questions related to your chosen repertoire. For example: “What challenges do you encounter as a performer or a teacher in this piece?” or “What considerations guide your selection of fingerings when teaching this work?” These inquiries will allow for a more focused and productive conversation, tailored to your needs and interests.

We strongly encourage all teachers to attend the morning masterclass prior to the Forum session, as this will offer valuable context and insights.

We look forward to your participation and to a dynamic exchange of ideas.

As a reminder, participants in the API Teacher Forum may also join any of the Summer Festival 2025 activities, including masterclasses, workshops, and the Student Artist Showcase Recital.

Testimonials

“I just wanted you to know what a positive and motivational experience participating in the Teacher Forum was for me.”
– Kathyrn Rood

“The classes were also very motivating to me and I think it was nice to see that many of us have the same struggles and successes.”  
– Jennifer Hoppe

“The Arizona Piano Institute’s Teacher Forum, held at Festival 2022 and expertly led by Professor Eugene Pridonoff, provided an important means for active round table discussion on a variety of important topics of interest to the local teachers in attendance. A very motivational experience, the practical sessions inspired us all, and we left wishing for more opportunities of this type. We shared our viewpoints on pedagogical topics and experiences. I gained a renewed sense of professional purpose through the sharing of many ideas, concerns, and experiences.” 
– Ann Nagell DMA

“It was refreshing to connect with other passionate educators who were just as enthusiastic about piano teaching as I am. Professor Pridonoff masterfully led insightful and informative discussions. I gained a wealth of knowledge and ideas that I can use to enhance my teaching and benefit my students.” 
– Snezana Krstic