Supporting your child's journey: A workshop for Parents

June 20, 2026 | 9:30 AM | Steinway Piano Gallery

As a piano parent, it can be hard to know what real progress looks like; whether your child is on track for their age and level; how to encourage effective practice at home, and when to ask questions or adjust goals. This interactive and approachable workshop with our panel of professional piano teachers will break it all down in clear, practical terms — no musical background required.

In this workshop, you will learn:

• How piano progress is measured beyond "playing the notes"
• What teachers listen and look for at different stages of development
• How to recognize meaningful improvement at home
• How to set realistic short- and long-term goals for your student
• Simple ways parents can support practice without stress or conflict

This session is designed to empower parents with the tools and language to confidently partner with their child and teacher, helping students stay motivated, focused, and successful. Whether your child is just beginning or has been studying piano for several years, this workshop will help you better understand the learning process and make informed decisions for the future.

This workshop is free, but registration is required by filing out the registration form below. We look forward to welcoming you and supporting you in your role as a piano parent!

*Please note: This workshop will be for parents during our Roomful of Piano Student Rehearsal. At the conclusion of the workshop (about 45 minutes), we will join the students for their performance to celebrate International Day of Making Music! 

Our Professional PIANO Teacher GUEST Panel:

AMY SAURIOL is the Steinway Partnerships Director at Steinway Piano Gallery Cleveland, bringing a strong background in piano performance and education and a deep commitment to serving Northeast Ohio’s musical arts community. A graduate of The University of Akron with both BM and MM degrees in Piano Performance, she maintains a full private teaching studio, performs with ensembles such as Singers Companye and Trio Levain, and collaborates with local colleges and schools. Amy’s experience includes roles as music director and church pianist/organist, virtual instruction with the Playground Sessions app, and active volunteer leadership with the Western Reserve Music Teachers Association, Ohio Federation of Music Clubs, and National Guild of Piano Teachers. In her current role she connects music teachers, students, and organizations with Steinway’s staff and resources to support music education and events throughout the region.

 RALITSA GEORGIEVA is a pianist and educator on the Collaborative Piano Department faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she completed her Professional Studies degree under Anita Pontremoli. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Piano Performance from the State Conservatory of Music in Sofia, Bulgaria, and a second Master’s degree from the University of South Florida, where she studied with Dr. Svetozar Ivanov. A recipient of the Steinway Top Teacher Award in 2016, 2017, and 2022, Ralitsa is recognized for excellence in teaching, performance, and community service, with students appearing at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. She is deeply engaged in Cleveland’s musical community through her work with the Cleveland International Piano Competition and numerous local performances, and she is the founder and artistic director of Music for Our Children, a concert series benefiting UNICEF and related outreach programs serving local crisis nurseries. Her performance career includes appearances at major institutions and festivals in the U.S. and Europe, and she has collaborated extensively with members of the Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Music faculty, and internationally renowned performers and Steinway Artists.

   JENNIFER TINKHAM graduated from The Unviersity of Akron with a Piano Perforamcne Bachelor of Music Degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music (emphasis on Voice.) As much as she enjoys performing, her great passion is teaching. Jennifer served on the board of the Tuesday Musical Association and held the position of co-counselor of Brahms Allegro Junior Music Club for three years, organizing and facilitating this music organization for school-age students. She taught general music for several years to all the students at Akron Montessori school, focusing on singing, theory, and planning school performances. Jennifer also has 20+ years experience teaching private piano lessons. She greatly enjoys currently teaching at the Akron Music Institute on the piano faculty. She also teaches lessons private lessons at her personal home studio.

It brings her great joy to personally know, care for, and build up every student. She wants each student to feel seen. Her desire is to help each one find what they love about music and grow in their abilities.