Hosted by Charleston Music Teachers Association

This presentation will explore various ways of helping students develop their own individual style and ability to improvise comfortably at the keyboard. Issues such as improvised ornamentation in Baroque and Classical repertoire, figured bass realization as a parallel with modern lead sheet reading, and the ability to create cadenzas using thematic and non–¬‐thematic material will be discussed. The ultimate goal is for students to find joy in creating and in expressing themselves spontaneously at the piano.

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Since his concerto debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age 15, Steinway Artist Steven Graff has maintained an active performing and teaching career. Major concert venues include Carnegie, Merkin and Alice Tully Halls, and tours of Norway and Japan, as well as an appearance with the NY Philharmonic Education sponsored Chamber series. Concerto performances include a tour of China playing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and the world premiere of John Carbon’s piano concerto. Dr. Graff has recordings on Centaur, Capstone, Zimbel and Convivium with Naxos worldwide distribution.

Graff has given lecture-recitals and master classes at the Gina Bachauer, Bar Harbor, and Aloha International Piano Festivals, MTNA and numerous colleges. Dr. Graff is a full-time professor at Converse University’s Petrie School of Music, having previously taught at Hunter College, Macaulay Honors College and the CUNY Graduate Center.

BM and MM, The Juilliard School, DMA, CUNY Graduate Center.