Crystal Zimmerman grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where she earned a dual Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Wichita State University. At the University of Oregon, she earned a dual Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy and her Doctor of Musical Arts degree with an emphasis in Piano Performance and a supporting area of Musicology.
Crystal is professor of piano at Willamette University where she teaches class piano, individual piano lessons, as well as courses in music technology. At Willamette, she is also staff accompanist and coordinator of the accompanying program. She frequently performs in collaborative, chamber music, and solo recitals as well as being pianist in the Salem Chamber Orchestra. Zimmerman is in demand as a lecturer and clinician, and her articles have been featured in American Music Teacher magazine. She is currently working with FJH music company on the series, Succeeding with Sonatinas.

We will explore a variety of learning style models, with the most focus primarily being on the NLP (Handler-Grinder model). The subconscious mind is a powerful tool – this is where deep learning can be experienced, and as teachers, is often a tool we overlook. Though we utilize all our senses when playing music, we each have a preferred sensory mode. Identifying and teaching to your students’ preferred sensory mode, will not only enhance your non-verbal communication and overall rapport, but it will also help you identify what sensory modes might need further development. We will explore how to identify which sensory mode is favored, and how to strengthen those modes that may not be a highly engaged.