HELP THERESE ASSIST AUSTRALIAN PIANISTS BY MAKING A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION

I wish to train in New York City from May to July 2009 to become Australia’s first qualified teacher in the Taubman Approach to technique, an innovative method which has had remarkable success in the USA in assisting pianists, including myself, to (re)gain healthy virtuosity. Despite 26-93% of Australian pianists suffering from playing-related problems, documented by Dr. Peter Bragge, this method is virtually unknown in Australia.

I have been accepted into the Golandsky Institute’s Professional Training program to study with leading Taubman exponents Edna Golandsky and John Bloomfield. After certification, I will have the skills to assist Australian pianists, within Australia, in transcending injury and/or developing virtuosity.

A private donor has provided and booked the airfare. I am being mentored by Artsupport Australia in pursuing fundraising, grant applications and corporate donations and working with the Australia Business Arts Foundation, to raise donations from individuals to cover the costs of tuition and living expenses in NYC, estimated at AUD$30,000.

Why do I want to become a qualified Taubman teacher?

My life has been transformed by to the Taubman Approach.  From the beginning of my undergraduate studies I struggled with almost nine years of playing-related injuries.  Seeking every treatment I could find, I was injected with cortisone, had surgery, innumerable sessions of physiotherapy, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage, you name it!  At the end of nearly five years of forced rest from the piano, and seriously having to consider pursuing an alternative occupation which did not involve use of my hands, I was told of the Taubman Approach.  In 2003 I attended two intensive courses in the USA and Italy, with borrowed money in my pocket and dreams in my heart of being able to play the piano again.

After only one month, I came back to Australia having reclaimed the possibility of a career in music and a solid understanding of how to stay far away from injury. Since then, I have had no problems at all with my hands and arms, and my playing and teaching have gone from strength to strength.  This training allowed me the possibility of completing a Master of Music and building a strong performance career, which has led to me being able to attract high-level students and a teaching position at Young Conservatorium Griffith University.  In July 2007, I returned to the US with funding from Arts Queensland and attended another month of courses and lessons, which transcended my initial understanding of the work and opened up my playing and teaching to new levels of security, colour, virtuosity and inspiration.

With certification and training building on my current skills and experience, I believe I could give a tremendous amount to the Australian community as an inspiring and skilful Taubman teacher. Through my own struggle with injury, I also possess the necessary understanding of the psychological and emotional issues involved, in order to relate to, and work sensitively with, injured pianists.  There is no need for anyone to have suffered as I have, and I am determined to ensure that this information will reach those who are in need.

Why do I need to go overseas to train as a Taubman teacher?

This vital training program is only available in the USA. The only way to train as a Taubman teacher is to go where the teachers are, i.e. New York City, and fulfil the requirements of the Golandsky Institute Professional Training Program. This includes 40 hours of individual lessons, 20 hours of supervised teaching, lesson observation, attending the Golandsky Institute www.golandskyinstitute.org and any other teacher training seminars available.

How will my project contribute to the Australian music community?

For the first time, the Australian community will have a qualified Taubman Instructor.  Australian pianists will have the opportunity within Australia to access this vital information to find more freedom and ease at the instrument, through a clear understanding of the physicality behind a healthy, virtuosic technique. Injured pianists will have access to real, long-term solutions, rather than mere treatment of symptoms. They will again have the opportunity to participate in music-making, practice their art, and engage in quality musical experiences.

MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION!

I am very pleased to be working with the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) which enables supporters of this project to make tax deductible donations. This Fund was established to encourage people to donate to the arts and enable not-for-profit groups like myself to benefit from this generosity. All donations are made to the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) which considers donor preferences when allocating grants.

By contributing to this project, not only do you play a part in ensuring that Australian pianists can access this vital information through my training as a Taubman teacher, but you also get a tax deductible receipt for your gift. You can download the donation form here: ABAF Donation form PDF, which includes instructions on posting your donation to AbaF, and / or click on this link to make a secure online donation. You can also go to the AbaF website for more information www.abaf.org.au and click through links to Giving and Donating.

Thank you, on behalf of many pianists across Australia, for your support.

All the best,

Therese