Location: To be announced
Presenting District: Blue Mountain
Presenter: Melissa Terrall

Program Description (in two parts): Developing Expressive Voice and Musical Agility  10:00 AM – 12:00 PM In classical music lessons and master classes, students are typically taught to play expressively via a teacher-led model, recreating their teacher’s suggestions for each performance piece. In this presentation I advocate for a student-led approach in which advancing performers develop their personal expressive voice through creative practice assignments and musical treasure hunts. From “opposite practice” to “the Goldilocks game,” this session will cover practical, engaging strategies to guide musicians through the process of crafting a convincing, expressive performance. This approach engages students’ curiosity and creativity, resulting in more agile and independent musicians. Turning Performance Anxiety into a Super Power  1:30 – 3:30 PM  How can music teachers help students face the daunting challenge of performance anxiety? In this practical workshop, we will discuss strategies to prepare students for successful performances, from mindset shifts to performance conditioning. Attendees will receive a digital packet of materials and activities for a fun and insightful studio group class on performance preparation!

Presenter Bio: Melissa Terrall is a classical pianist and piano teacher from Portland, Oregon. As a 2023-24 Fulbright scholar, she studied Mexican piano repertoire with Dr. David Rodríguez de la Peña at Mexico City’s National Conservatory. While abroad, Melissa offered lecture recitals and master classes, expanding her skills in her second language. Melissa holds a master’s in piano performance from the University of Kansas, where she studied with Dr. Scott McBride Smith. A passionate educator, Melissa has held interim professorships at Clark College and Linfield University in addition to overseeing her private piano studio.