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Keynote Address

Double the Joy: Unlocking the Educational Power of Duo Pianism in the Studio

Head of the School of Music at The University of Queensland and President of the Australian Piano Duo Festival, Professor Liam Viney shares insights on incorporating duo piano teaching into your studio.  Celebrate and explore the art of duo pianism – its repertoire, execution, and energy, and the vast educational opportunities it can offer the next generation of students.

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Professor Liam Viney

Presented by Prof Liam Viney

Session 2

The Power of We: Transforming Piano Education Through Social Learning

Explore the cognitive, social, and economic benefits of group piano teaching!  Unpack what group teaching really is, why it is the preferred learning model of the next generation, and how it can give you more time, more freedom, and a better financial return on your teaching hours.  Many teachers struggle to find a pathway from one-on-one to group teaching and how to maintain a quality learning experience for their students.

In this session, discover invaluable methods, insights, and resources, and learn how to make 2025 your best teaching year ever.  Take control of your teaching journey and design the life you want now!

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Gillian Erskine

Presented by Gillian Erskine

Session 3

Cracking the Code: Studio Business Lessons from my Chiropractor

Running a successful music studio isn’t just about great teaching—it’s about smart business strategies.  But what if some of the best business insights didn’t come from the music world at all?  In this unexpected and thought-provoking session, Tim shares surprising parallels between chiropractic care and running a thriving studio.  From more effective marketing to improved student retention and innovative pricing strategies, discover how simple mindset shifts and strategic "adjustments" can transform the way you run your studio teaching business.  Whether you’re looking to get more students in the door, simplify your operations, automate repetitive processes, or just save time and reduce your admin burden, this session will challenge the way you think about business.  Expect fresh perspectives, practical takeaways, and a few laughs along the way.  And to ensure the changes you make are as easy to implement as possible, Tim will demonstrate how AI can be your perfect (and free) virtual assistant.  Get ready to crack the code and realign your studio for growth!

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Tim Topham

Presented by Tim Topham

Session 4

Behind the Scenes of Series 19: Insights into the AMEB’s forthcoming piano grade book series

Be among the first in Australia to preview works from Series 19, prior to the official launch in November.  

With insider insights into the selection process from AMEB’s Principal Keyboard Consultant, you’ll hear highlights from the repertoire across various grades, including some lesser-known gems and first-time featured Australian composers. 

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Angela Turner

Presented by AMEB - Angela Turner

Session 5

Staying Ahead of Student Distraction

As life gets busier and attention spans seem to grow ever shorter, piano teachers in the 21st century are constantly challenged to find new ways to engage students and hold their focus.

Our growing awareness of the needs and learning styles of today’s students means that the format of the traditional piano lesson - 30+ minutes sitting at the piano, focusing on scales and pieces – is no longer relevant or appropriate.

In addition, students are often distracted away from the ‘standard’ repertoire we are used to teaching. They are sourcing their own arrangements and tutorials, and so our role is evolving to not just being the teacher, but also the curator of online materials.

In this session, Samantha will demonstrate activities and resources that maximise engagement and refresh attention within the piano lesson. You will come away with excellent ideas and strategies that you can implement immediately, with every student.

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Samantha Coates

Presented by Samantha Coates