Davis Dorrough

Davis Dorrough is a passionate pianist, educator, and author with an unwavering commitment to advancing music education. He holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma, studying under the esteemed Jane Magrath and Barbara Fast, and a B.A. in Music with a piano emphasis from Arkansas Tech University under the inspiring mentorship of Timothy Smith.

Recognized as a leader in the field of music teaching, Dorrough frequently shares his expertise at events such as the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Conference, the National Music Council of the U.S., and Music Ed Connect. He has also co-authored ten books, including the well-regarded Easy Piano Lead Sheets and Chord Charts series, along with numerous educational piano compositions that inspire students and teachers alike.

Dorrough’s dedication to the music community is further evidenced by his impactful service roles within MTNA, where he has served as Chair of the National Certification Commission, contributor to the MTNA Business Digest, and a past member of the National Conference Planning Committee. His contributions have earned him multiple accolades, including the prestigious MTNA MarySue Harris Studio Teacher Fellowship Award, the Piano Technicians Guild Foundation Award, and the MTNA Foundation Fellow Award.

Currently, Dorrough continues to shape the future of music education as the piano editor at Alfred Music, where his editorial insights help guide and inspire the next generation of musicians.

Clinic Offerings

Class Piano Starter Kit: How To Set Up a Successful Group Piano Curriculum

Have you ever wanted to start a group piano curriculum but didn’t know where to begin? This session will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide for creating a group piano program from scratch, even if piano isn’t your primary instrument. We’ll cover essential skills, curriculum pacing, piano configuration, textbook options, testing strategies, ensemble ideas, collaborative activities, engaging games, and much more! Join us to gain the confidence and tools you need to successfully launch your new group piano class.

From Chords to Creativity: Lead Sheets Made Easy!

Lead sheets and chord charts offer a creative approach to teaching functional piano skills such as accompanying, harmonization, improvisation, music theory, and more. This contemporary pathway to making music is accessible to students of many ages and skill levels and can be implemented quickly, even when class time is limited. This interactive session will provide out-of-the-box strategies for chord-based instruction, including preparatory activities, games, methods, and other resources that will be valuable to music educators from a variety of backgrounds.

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