Held biennially, the IPPA Piano Pedagogy Conference brings together teachers, scholars, and students for intensive hands-on learning and professional exchange. Led renowned pedagogue Dr. Scott McBride Smith at the University of Kansas School of Music, the 2026 event focuses on bridging technical foundations with the evolving needs of the modern pianist.
Conference Highlights:
- A Truly International Event: To foster a global dialogue, sessions will be presented in Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin.
- Practical Pedagogy: Gain down-to-earth, actionable insights for studio teaching and technical technical mastery.
- Professional Development: Experience a rich program featuring high-level competitions, masterclasses, lecture recitals, and collaborative workshops.
Join us from July 17–19, 2026, for a comprehensive professional experience designed to be as illuminating as it is impactful.
For questions, contact: conference@ippa.cc
Featured Events
On top of pedagogy presentations, lecture recitals, panel discussions, masterclasses, and social & networking events, the 2026 IPPA Piano Pedagogy Conference will also include:
Piano “Nerd-Out” Round Table Session:
What happens when you gather a table full of unapologetic piano nerds? Sparks fly. From the biomechanics of rotation to the hidden secrets of our craft, no detail is too small, no question too nerdy. Come eavesdrop on the conversations we usually save for after hours. Pull up a chair and nerd out with us!
AI and Music: a Brainstorming Session with IPPA CEO Mark Erickson
As artificial intelligence transforms education worldwide, what does it mean for piano pedagogy? Hear from IPPA’s visionary leader, Mark Erickson, who also happens to be an AI expert, as he explores the opportunities, challenges, and powerful possibilities AI presents for our field.
Kawai Piano Event: Unlocking the Instrument
How well do we truly understand the instrument we teach every day? Join a master technician from Kawai, the official sponsor of the 2026 IPPA Piano Pedagogy Conference, for an illuminating session on the inner mechanics of the piano. Discover how a deeper knowledge of the instrument’s action, structure, and sound production can transform the way you teach and communicate artistry to your students.
2026 IPPA PIANO PEDAGOGY CONFERENCE TIMELINE
February – May 2026
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Application Deadlines:
February – June 2026
2026 ONLINE SESSIONS
Session Dates:
July 2026
2026 IPPA CONFERENCE
General Conference Schedule
In-person Conference
July 17-19, 2026
2026 IPPA PIANO PEDAGOGY CONFERENCE
Pedagogy Presentation (25 min)
Lecture Recitals (15 min.)
Panel Discussions
Workshops
Pedagogy Symposium
Social and Networking Activities
2026 IPPA JUNIOR PIANO PROGRAM
**participants of the Junior Piano Program are welcome to all Conference events
Open Masterclasses
Feature Opportunity in Closing Collaborative Recital
Improvisation Workshop
Advanced Aural Skills Class
Optional Private Lessons with Faculty
2026 IPPA COLLEGIATE PIANO PROGRAM
**participants of the Collegiate Piano Program are welcome to all Conference events
Feature Opportunity in Closing Collaborative Recital
Pedagogy Presentation Opportunity
Career Development
Pedagogy Presentations
(25 min.)
Applicants are welcome to submit 150-word proposal abstracts that fall into the following categories:
– Piano technique, wellness, and health
– Research-based piano pedagogy
– Repertoire Underrepresented Composers
– Competition, audition, and recital preparation
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Lecture Recitals
(15 min.)
Applicants are welcome to submit proposals for a 15-minute lecture recital that include a mix of both teaching commentary and live performance.
Max performance time: 5 minutes
Panel Discussions
(30 min.)
Panel sessions are open to all conference attendees. Applicants applying for either pedagogy presentation or lecture recital can indicate if they are interested in leading a panel discussion.
Topic 1: Practice and Motivation
Topic 2: Effective Tools for Memorization
Topic 3: Piano “Nerd-Out” Roundtable
Workshops
Interactive sessions featuring guest faculty which focus on practical teaching tools and technical development
Open Masterclasses
Guest faculty members offer open masterclasses for Junior Piano Program students in a focused small-group setting, exploring a range of teaching approaches and musical themes.
Closing Collaborative Concert
This concert showcases performances of selected Junior Piano Program, Collegiate Piano Program, and Conference participants
Pedagogy Symposium
“What do judges hear in competition?”
July 17th, 2026
Open to all participants of: 2026 IPPA Final International Round, 2026 IPPA Junior Piano Program, 2026 IPPA Conference
Featured guest speakers: Jury Members of the Final Round
Social and Networking Activities
Join colleagues for guided conversations on teaching, practicing, and professional life at the piano. These informal, interactive sessions are designed to spark new connections, fresh perspectives, and lasting collaborations.
Open to all conference participants.
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Near Hotel Options
Book with the IPPA Group Rate:
SpringHill Suites Marriott Lawrence Downtown
Group Rate:
$139/night (Breakfast included)
Last Day to Book at the IPPA group rate: Saturday, June 20th, 2026
Reservation Link: Book with group rate for IPPA 2026
DoubleTree Hilton Lawrence
Group Rate: $119/night (Breakfast included)
Last Day to Book with the IPPA group rate: Saturday, June 12th, 2026
Reservation Link: DoubleTree Hilton, Lawrence – IPPA Conference
KU Campus Residence Hall Housing
8-10 mins walk from Murphy hall, KU School of Music
Group Rates:
Group Conference Rate for private room:
$78.00/person/night
Group Conference Rate for shared room:
$68.00/person/night
On-Campus reservation link：(available after March, 2026)
Deadline to apply for university housing is June 10th, 2026
Meet the 2026 IPPA Pedagogy Conference Planning Committee!
Dr. Belinda Chen
Bilkent University
Ankara, Türkiye
Dr. Ivy Lu Wang
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Dr. Scott McBride Smith
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Dr. Helber Fernandes Ribeiro
University of Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, Brazil
2026 IPPA PIANO PEDAGOGY CONFERENCE FEES
| In-person Conference General Fee | $350 |
| Collegiate Piano Program | $115 |
| Junior Piano Program | $395 * |
| Junior Piano Program Parent/Guardian | $100 |
Presenter Poster Example
Previous Conference Highlights
