GP3 Forum: invigorates ... inspires ... renews.

Every other August, collegiate group piano and piano pedagogy teachers gather for a very special two-day event, the National Group Piano and Piano Pedagogy Forum (GP3). This year, the gathering will take place in Norman, Oklahoma, and if past years are any indication, it will be a remarkable event.

When details of the first GP3 Forum were announced back in 2000, I was intrigued. What a great opportunity to focus on two of the major components of my own teaching position, group piano and piano pedagogy. I had chatted with colleagues at MTNA conferences and other professional gatherings but we never had enough time to explore topics in depth.

That first GP3 Forum exceeded my grandest expectations. The organization was impeccable, the session and discussion topics ever so timely and on-target, and I met many wonderful fellow teachers. I didn't realize until then how many piano faculty around the country shared my combination of teaching responsibilities. And yet, we are a specialized group, whose every need can't always be effectively met within the context of a more generalized conference. At GP3 we have the chance to concentrate on issues that are especially relevant for us in our teaching areas.

I look forward to certain conferences for specific reasons. I eagerly anticipate the MTNA National Conference each year, knowing I will take in inspiring sessions, see the latest print music and electronic developments from exhibitors, hear outstanding young performers, and renew contacts with colleagues and friends from around the country. Often, the best ideas I take back with me come from conversations with colleagues at receptions, in the lobbies or just standing around chatting in the exhibit hall.

It is that conversation element that is utilized so effectively at the GP3 Forum. I have attended every GP3 Forum, and each time, I have left invigorated, inspired and renewed. This is a conference unlike any other I know. There are no exhibitors, no concerts and a very modest registration fee. Instead, there is a tremendous opportunity to focus on what we, as collegiate teachers of group piano and piano pedagogy, do.

Each Forum has a specific theme--this year's is "The Millennial Student"--which is explored through a small number of guest speakers and panels and the all-important discussion groups. Forum registration is intentionally kept small, historically about 100 participants, so that discussion groups are also small and conducive to a genuine exchange of ideas. Attendees represent a mix of small colleges, large universities, music conservatories, firsttime teachers and veterans, large music schools and small music departments--all with important insights to offer.

My favorite part of GP3 is the discussion groups. These are the best opportunities to talk with colleagues, find out what they are doing and how they have solved problems, and learn about effective teaching at other schools. These discussion groups are at the heart of the GP3 Forum. Discussion group leaders facilitate the sessions, helping to keep the conversations focused, making sure everyone has an opportunity to share his or her ideas.

One of the unique features of GP3 is the sharing of course syllabi and assignments. This was invaluable to me when I was preparing to teach pedagogy for the first time; I had the chance to look at how courses are structured at institutions all across the country. Perusing colleagues' favorite assignments has given me wonderful ideas as well. Furthermore, I was able to use information gathered from these materials to support a request for curricular change at my own university.

When you come to a GP3 Forum, be prepared to think a lot, talk a lot and absorb a lot. By the end of the second day, I'm relieved that it's only a two-day event; any longer and I fear I'd go into information overload! At the same time, I'm incredibly energized by all the ideas I've absorbed, all the things I want to take back to share with my students.

If you've attended GP3 in the past, no doubt you are looking forward to this year's gathering. If you've never attended before and you teach collegiate group piano or piano pedagogy, you really should include this event in your summer plans--you'll be glad you did.

Bonus BYTE

For more information regarding the GP3 Forum and registration about this year's event, go to www.gp3forum.org

Carlyn Morenus is associate professor of piano and keyboard area coordinator at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. She has concertized and presented workshops and master classes across the United States and abroad.