November Program
November 14, 2025 | Margarita Denenberg - Tension to Freedom; Exercising in the Name of Music
Topic Description
Tension and discomfort often creep into our piano lessons. Understanding our bodies and their natural movements can help prevent injuries and enhance our playing. This presentation will begin with a brief overview of the anatomy and physiology of our arms, emphasizing the range of movements available to us.
Next, I will share a variety of exercises that teachers can implement in their lessons. The essence of these exercises is to help students experience tension release, allowing them to transition safely from one movement to another. Each exercise targets a specific concept through movement, enabling students to produce a full, colorful, and vivid sound. All exercises focus on utilizing arm weight and building a healthy pianistic foundation.
The presentation will include two sets of exercises: "off the bench" exercises and those performed at the piano. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in these exercises together, creating a practical and interactive experience.
Speaker Biography
Dr. Margarita Denenburg is an Associate Professor of Practice in Piano Pedagogy and a Director of the Piano Project at the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin. Previously, she taught at Heidelberg University in Ohio as an Associate Professor of Keyboard Studies. A passionate musician and pedagogue, Dr. Denenburg was recognized for her teaching effectiveness through the “Innovative Teaching Award” and the “Excellence in Education Award” for the state of Ohio. Dr. Denenburg held several leadership positions on the board of the Ohio Federation Music Clubs, Ohio Music Teachers Association, and College Music Society. Recent positions for the Ohio MTA board included: President-Elect, Vice President for Student Activities, and chair for the Commissioned Composer Award.
Dr. Denenburg's research interests are in wellness, the history of piano pedagogy, elementary piano teaching, and technology. Dr. Denenburg has published multiple articles in the American Music Teacher Journal, The Piano Magazine, Clavier Companion Magazine, and Piano Pedagogy Forum. She presented at the Music Teachers National Association National Conference, the College Music Society National Conference, the National Group Piano/Piano Pedagogy Forum, Ohio Music Teacher Association, the Texas Music Teacher Association as well as many College Music Society regional conferences.
Margarita Denenburg holds a Bachelor's and Master of Music degrees in piano performance from Arizona State University where she studied under the tutelage of Dr. Baruch Meir. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Southern California where she studied with Professor Bernadene Blaha. For more information about Dr. Margarita Denenburg please visit:
https://www.margarita-denenburg.com/An active church pianist and accompanist, Melody has also held the position of church music director. In addition to teaching piano in her private studio, Melody’s music teaching experience includes 20 years in public schools and two years at the university level.
A dynamic clinician and innovative composer, Melody is in great demand at conventions and workshops for piano teachers across North America. She resides in Minnesota with her husband, Jeff.