CCM Prof. Michelle Conda receives Frances Clark Center Lifetime Achievement Award
The award recognizes Conda's extensive contributions to the field of piano pedagogy
UC College-Conservatory of Music Professor Michelle Conda is a recipient of the 2023 Frances Clark Center Lifetime Achievement Award. The Frances Clark Center Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor and is presented on behalf of the Frances Clark Center to individuals who have made substantial and enduring contributions to the field of piano pedagogy and to the work of the Center.
Conda, who serves as the Division Head of Keyboard Studies at CCM, was praised for her "extraordinary" contributions to the field of piano pedagogy in the Frances Clark Center's announcement. Her "influence and impact on the profession are demonstrated across the country and internationally, exemplifying outstanding dedication to the field of music and piano teaching."
Conda is a frequent writer and presenter for the Frances Clark Center, and former Associate Editor for Clavier Companion magazine. Her specialty is andragogy (adult education), and she also does workshops on Piaget and microaggression. She is a founding member of the Steering Committee of the National Group Piano/Piano Pedagogy Forum (GP3). National conference participations include the Steering Committee of the Adult Learning session of Music Teacher’s National Association (MTNA), Steering Committee of the Carnegie Hall Achievement Program and Steering Committee member of the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP). She lectures locally and nationally, including MTNA National Conference, GP3 and NCKP.
In addition to her editorship, Conda's articles have appeared in Keyboard Companion, Clavier Companion, Yamaha Key Action, American Music Teacher and Piano Pedagogy Forum. She is also the author of "Sensible Piano Skills for the College Age Musician," a guide to learning piano for students studying other music performance disciplines. Her most recent book is "Learning Piano by Chords," written to teach pop music and lead sheets.
Her pedagogy studies were with Jane Magrath and E.L. Lancaster. At CCM, she is the head of the Keyboard Division and Secondary Piano and Pedagogy Department. Furthermore, she is a frequent collaborator with the Cincinnati Community Orchestra, having performed nine concerti with them to date.
About the Frances Clark Center
The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy is a not-for-profit educational organization 501(c)(3) that serves the advancement of piano teaching, learning, and performing through highest quality resources and programs. The Center includes the divisions: Piano Magazine, NCKP: The Piano Conference, New School for Music Study, Online Teacher Education, and Piano Education Press.
The Center strives to enhance the quality of lifelong music making, educate teachers dedicated to nurturing lifelong involvement in music making, and develop and curate the highest quality resources that support an artistic and meaningful learning experience for all students regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. The work of the Center is based on the philosophy of music educator Frances Clark (1905-1998) whose life work revolutionized the field of music education in the twentieth century.
Additional Contacts
Curt Whitacre | Director of Marketing/Communications | UC College-Conservatory of Music
whitaccp@ucmail.uc.edu | 513-556-2683
Related Stories
Hillel Holds Memorial for Daniel Pearl
March 5, 2002
The wailing of the noon civil defense sirens March 6 began a somber UC service in memory of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.
University Pavilion: On The Move
November 14, 2002
University Pavilion, the second anchor of MainStreet to open for business this fall, is now filling up with workers across student service offices. The move started Nov. 4 into the $32 million, six-story building designed by Leers Weinzapfel Associates and GBBN Architects. Construction started on the building in January 2001.
Discover New Delights at CCM's 'Moveable Feast'
January 7, 2003
Sample old favorites and discover what's new at CCM in an evening of drama, opera, musical theater, chamber and orchestral music, and more.
'Marriage of Figaro' To Open Opera Season
January 23, 2003
Guest Director Paula Williams leads CCM opera students in this timeless tale, opening Feb. 13.
'The Wild Party' On Stage Feb. 27-March 9
January 27, 2003
CCM presents Andrew Lippa's racy musical, set in the roarin' '20s.
CCM To Perform Dvorak's 'Stabat Mater'
January 27, 2003
CCM faculty members will be featured soloists in this rarely performed work.
Documentary Gives Voice to Architects
February 4, 2003
University of Cincinnati professors have designed a documentary that describes the professional life of architects. Next, they'll record the views of those involved in Zaha Hadid's Contemporary Arts Center.
Opera Studio Offers Free Double Bill
February 13, 2003
CCM graduate student Chía Patiño's "Dreamwalker" featured in March 7-8 studios.
Willkommen to Campus, AWL Middle Schoolers
February 13, 2003
The German Studies department is reaching out to students at a nearby public school.
CCM Performance Features 80-Voice Chorus
February 13, 2003
Winter choral concert features classical, jazz and popular compositions.