Share some of your experiences, and learn how to be more effective with this diverse population.  In this virtual presentation, Thomas will share some research surrounding this population, and will proceed to offer proactive tips and ideas for lessons that are fun, productive, and affirming for both the teacher and student.

Dr. Thomas Swenson, NCTM, is currently Chair of the Piano Department at the Music Academy of North Carolina (Greensboro), and Visiting Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (filling in for Dr. Annie Jeng who is on a well-deserved sabbatical).  Thomas has previously held teaching and administrative positions at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Salem College, and North Carolina A&T State University.  He has served on the MTNA Board of Directors as Southern Division Director, and is a Past President of the North Carolina Music Teachers Association (NCMTA). He is also a member of the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy Committee for Adult Learning, and has written articles, reports, and reviews for many music education journals including The Piano Magazine/Clavier Companion, American Music Teacher, the Piano Pedagogy Forum, and online publications. He has presented at local, state, and national conferences on topics such as teaching adults (andragogy), piano ensemble music, piano technique, preparing students for festivals and competitions, and teaching tips for preparing students for the NCMTA Piano Performance Festival.    

Dr. Swenson is the recipient of the NCMTA Teacher of the Year award, an Outstanding Service Recognition Award from the Frances Clark Center, and is an MTNA Foundation Fellow. He holds degrees from Minnesota State University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and the University of Oklahoma.