Curtis Pavey

Curtis Pavey

Motivation and Creativity: Unlocking Connection and Inspiring Passion

Abstract:

Piano students of today commonly start with great enthusiasm and interest in music lessons, but maintaining that initial spark challenges all teachers. Today’s students are also quite different from those of the past. In a quickly evolving world, students are often overwhelmed by the distractions that surround them, especially innovations in technology and AI. While digital tools continue to develop new creative abilities, it is human creativity that will continue to inspire, connect, and unite us.

In this session, we will explore connections between theories of motivation and strategies for teaching creativity through improvisation and composition as a strategy for today’s young pianists. With an emphasis on the intermediate level, the presentation will provide insights from current research on motivation and Generation Alpha as well as practical strategies to implement creative activities with students. Attendees will leave inspired to revitalize the creative energies of their young musicians.

Bio:

Dr. Curtis Pavey is a pianist, harpsichordist, and educator based in Columbia, Missouri where he serves as Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy and Performance at the University of Missouri. Prior to his appointment at MU, he taught at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. As an active performer, his recent residences include performances at universities across the US, the Bruno Walter Auditorium in Lincoln Center, and the Madison Performing Arts Foundation. In addition to his performances, Pavey has presented talks at many prominent conferences including the MTNA National Conference, The Piano Conference: NCKP, and the College Music Society National Conference. In July 2023, he was invited to present a live webinar for MTNA titled, which is archived on the MTNA website. At The Frances Clark Center, Dr. Pavey serves as Manager of Online Publications, assisting with a variety of publications. Pavey received his DMA from the University of Cincinnati under the tutelage of James Tocco and Dr. Michael Unger, as well as piano and harpsichord degrees from Indiana University under Edward Auer, Elisabeth Wright, and Evelyne Brancart.