2008 IPPEC Examiner

University of St. Thomas
　

Vanessa Cornett-Murtada is Assistant professor of Piano and Piano Pedagogy at the University of St. Thomas. She obtained the D.M.A. degree in piano performance and the Certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She earned her B.M. degree in piano performance and M.M. degree in piano pedagogy from West Virginia University, where she was awarded the Presser Scholar Award, the Music Alumni Award for Outstanding Graduate, the Young Artist Concerto Competition Award, a Presidential Scholarship in the Arts, and a Graduate Teaching Fellowship.

She is a certified hypnotherapist (C.Ht.) who specializes in the treatment of performance anxiety for musicians. Dr. Cornett-Murtada previously taught at North Carolina A & T State University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Guilford College, and West Virginia University.

She was recognized as an Outstanding Teacher at the UNCG School of Music, and was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award from the Music Academy of NC. She has lectured nationally and regionally for the Music Teachers National Association, College Music Society, and several state and local chapters of MTNA and MENC throughout the United States. Her dissertation examines quotation and the influence of Charles Ives in the piano music of Frederic Rzewski. Other articles appear in Clavier, Proceedings from Pedagogy Saturday (MTNA), CD liner notes for ACA Digital Recordings, and an interactive multimedia CD-ROM for piano students. Her current research focuses on human consciousness and music performance.

Message from
Dr. Cornett-Murtada, Vanessa

October 25, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

In the summer of 2008 I had the honor to serve as the chief examiner for the International Piano Performance Examinations Committee (IPPEC) during the month of August. As I traveled around Taiwan, I marveled at both the beauty of the country and the high level of musicianship of the Taiwanese piano students.

I am impressed by the level of preparation of these students, including the accuracy of their performance and, when appropriate, their technical studies, sight reading ability, and comprehensive knowledge of the literature. The students I encountered were well-taught, extremely respectful, and played with poise and confidence.

It is evident that IPPEC is an extremely well-organized and professional organization, as administered by its respected director, Charlene Chia, her committed staff, and her outstanding interpreters. The IPPEC exams are carefully arranged into twelve grades plus a diploma, allowing for the participation of every level of student, from beginner to advanced. The selected sight reading and technical studies are appropriate for each level, the required literature is tasteful and well-chosen by IPPEC, and expectations of the students are clearly communicated. In addition, advanced students have the opportunity to audition for continued study abroad, at one of several cooperating universities in the U.S., U.K., and Australia.

These international exams are essential for the growth and achievement of piano students of all ages and levels of ability. IPPEC clearly helps advance the value of music study, encourages students to perform with competence, and supports the level of professionalism of music teachers throughout the country. Each year the organization nurtures the development of each student’s musical potential, while at the same time promoting national unity and pride in Taiwanese communities. Because of its international reputation, IPPEC repeatedly demonstrates continued excellence in music education.

I strongly encourage teachers and students to participate in these exams during each formative year of piano study. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet such outstanding students and teachers in Taiwan.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Cornett-Murtada, D.M.A., C.Ht.
Director of Keyboard Studies
University of St. Thomas