Kristi Helfen
Adjunct Lecturer in Music
Education
BS| Asbury University| 1977
MM| Georgia State University| 2008
Accomplishments
2006 GMTA Educator Grant from Steinway Piano Galleries
Publications
"Back to School Later in Life: Is It for You?" Clavier Companion Magazine, May/June 2013.
"Perspectives in Pedagogy: A Review of Bastien Piano Basics," (co-contributor), Clavier Companion Magazine, March/April 2011.
Presentations
"Stephen Heller: Beyond 'The Avalanche'" - Georgia Music Teachers Association annual meeting, 2015. Lecture/solo perfomance on the life and music of composer Stephen Heller.
"Side-by-Side" - Greater Marietta MTA and Cobb County MTA, 2016. Challenges and solutions to playing piano duets (performances included), co-presented with Pamela Martin.
"Teaching Piano to Retirement-Aged Adults" - Coweta-Fayette Music Teachers Association, 2012.
Research Interests
Although I have taught piano to students of all ages and levels for many years, a long-standing interest of mine has been teaching piano to retirement-aged adults. I have seen a lack of materials available to this age group and level and have been researching and working on a beginner method book to meet this need. Adults in this group learn differently and generally have more time to practice, and I wanted to develop something that was paced in such a way that they could see themselves conquering skills one step at a time and be encouraged to move forward. The first book is now complete and has been submitted for copyright. I hope to have it ready for publication soon!