Dr. Mario-Ajero

Dr. Mario-ajero

Description: Learn how to harness the power of technology to give young pianists the skills necessary to perform with other musicians. Whether your students have an acoustic piano, digital piano, computer, or iPad, attendees will discover something new to enhance their students` performances and make them better listeners. Teachers will learn simple ways to connect with students outside of the studio including long-distance and online teaching delivery methods.

Bio: Internationally recognized as an authority in incorporating technology in piano pedagogy and music education, Dr. Mario Ajero is frequently sought as a presenter for conferences around the world. His engagements include being a keynote presenter at the Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conference and a featured presenter at the Summer Summit at the Royal Conservatory of Music. His TEDx talk “Unreal Music Making Experiences with Technology” features a performance by his award-winning son and piano student, Antonio “Nio” Ajero. He has authored articles for Clavier Companion and American Music Teacher and has presented at the MTNA National Conference and National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy. Dr. Ajero is Professor of Piano at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX where he also serves as the Keyboard Area Coordinator.

Mario Ajero, Ph.D., NCTM
Professor of Piano Pedagogy
Keyboard Area Coordinator

Stephen F. Austin State University

7-year-old pianist Olivia Ajero plays "Funky Beat" composed by Bradley Sowash. Funky Beat is available as an in-app purchase on the SuperScore app for iPad from Timewarp Technologies: www.timewarptech.com

How to import sheet music into your iPad using the built-in camera, the JotNot Pro scanner app, and ForScore music reader app.

I demonstrate how to connect iPads to pianos or digital keyboards using wireless Bluetooth MIDI technology for both musical and educational purposes. The instruments featured are a Yamaha Disklavier Pro Grand Piano and a Yamaha DGX-640 Portable Grand Piano. The Bluetooth MIDI interfaces used were the Yamaha MD-BT01 and UD-BT01 wireless MIDI adaptors.