I mentioned the Well-Balanced Pianist program in a different thread about summer programs and another user requested I start a new thread to share more information. It slipped my mind until I saw on this program's facebook page that the early bird deadline for registration is approaching! Sorry, Everyone! Hopefully this is not too late!

I think my fellow forum member was interested in the details of this program. It is for all ages - I am currently a grad student (performance and pedagogy) and have attended three times over the last several years. I have attended with retirees, piano professors, private teachers, college students and even a high school student. It has always been really comfortable and easy to relate to everyone even though we are all at different places in our lives.

We receive private lessons and we all have the opportunity to observe each other's lessons and practice in pairs. This is one of my favorite aspects of the program. I also love the meal time discussions regarding mind set, performance preparation, etc. These have helped me form really good performance prep habits.

I guess it is difficult to capture the essence of this program in words - it is uncanny how such a diverse group of people can come together and be so productive. But it is a really warm supportive environment and I think the bottom line is that everyone wants to be there because they love to play the piano. There is no competition, no judgement - it is just a really positive place to be.

Also, I have only attended three times - I know there are people who have attended over and over again so if you read this and you've attended many times, please comment because you might have more insight!

I am familiar with The Well Balanced Pianist as I have known Susan Nowicki (the Philadelphia-based Director) for years. The Steinway in her home had its new soundboard done here at Cunningham in Philadelphia and we have sponsored the past Philly based programs by providing them with pianos for the event.

I actually do not know if there will be a Philly based program this year as they skip a year every now and again.

I have only spoken to Teresa Dyvbig by phone, but have heard wonderful things about her teaching from attendees.

I strongly suggest if someone is looking for a summer program to consider this one.

Someone told me I'd find you here! Thank you, areiser, for your kind thoughts, and Rich, it's nice to hear from you! Thank you too!

I hunted down areiser's previous posts and found Peter K. Mose's posts about Williams (sounds like a great program) AND about running a successful adult piano retreat. You made me laugh with your comment about needing obsessive planning and tweaking! It's true!!

So, yes, the Early Bird deadline for The Well-Balanced Pianist is coming up, this Thursday, February 16. Like Peter and his cohorts, we have many repeat attenders, but we enjoy newcomers too.

The Well-Balanced Pianist is open to pianists high school age and above. All the programs are for small groups of people because we want to give everyone a lot of personal attention. The Colorado program is our largest, open to 24. We offer clinics, lessons, discussions, presentations, and performance classes in musicianship, healthy whole-body movement, healthy technique, healthy mindset for practice and performance, and pedagogy. It is my dream program, and I only have instructors who are passionate about helping pianists achieve their most while feeling happy and fulfilled.

It warms my heart to read that areiser says there is no competition and no judgment at The Well-Balanced Pianist. We all want people to feel they're in a positive, supportive environment. And I think we succeed. I don't want to speak for the participants though, and even if I did I don't think it would be credible! But you can read a lot of what our participants have to say about the program (including quirky things like poems and song lyrics), and check out the Colorado program at the link below.

Teresa Dybvig
BTW, pianoworld forum helped me determine the name of the program a few years ago!

Teresa,

Good to "see" you here! I hope all goes well this summer and please feel free to visit when you are out this way again.

Good luck this summer!