Jacqueline Herbein
Jacqueline Herbein is an active teacher, pianist and arts advocate in Western Pennsylvania. Her students of all ages and advancement consistently perform, audition and compete in local and state events. In addition to her respected private studio teaching, she is also widely known for her creative approach in unraveling musicians’ pain and injury issues by working with biofeedback, imagery and alternative therapies in order to awaken connections within the body. Her articles have appeared in a number of professional journals in the US and Canada and she regularly presents workshops on technique, perception and wellness at state, national and international conferences. An energetic member of the Music Teachers National Association, Ms. Herbein holds numerous leadership positions at local, state and national levels and has previously been honored with state service and teaching awards.
Education
Master of Music in Piano Performance, University of North Texas, 1975
Bachelor of Music, Converse College, 1974
Publications
Piano Technique Beyond the Bench: A primer for reducing repetitive strain injury in students - Clavier Companion, January 2013
The Draggin’ Dragon: Some Lighthearted Tools for Serious Sitting - American Music Teacher, December 2006
Having a “Ball” with Staccato - American Music Teacher, August 2006
Using the Body’s Wisdom to Unlock Technique - American Music Teacher, June 2003
Awards
Independent Music Teacher of the Year - 2019, Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra and Academy of Music
Distinguished Service Award - 2010, Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association
Teacher of the Year Award - 2005, Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association
Organizations
Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association - Board Member, Past President, Treasurer, 1998-present
Westmoreland Music Teachers - Past President, Treasurer, 1998-present
Music Teachers National Association - National Junior Competitions Coordinator, 2013-present
Friday Evening Music Club of Greensburg, member
Pittsburgh Piano Teachers Association, member
Tuesday Musical Club of Pittsburgh, member
Presentations
"Listen to What Your Body is Whispering" (using biofeedback) – Allegheny College, Winter 2019
"Performance Anxiety…Exploring the Physical Connection" – Greater Pittsburgh MTA, Fall 2018
"Wellness Alternatives for Musicians" – Reading MTA, Summer 2018
"The Art of Cheating – Techniques for Teaching Small-handed Pianists" – Main Line MTA, Spring 2018
"Listen to What Your Body is Whispering" – Seton Hill University, Winter 2018
"Alignment, Movement and Breathing" – Dorothy Taubman Piano Festival at Montclair State University, Summer 2017 & 2019
"Listen to What Your Body is Whispering" – International Women’s Brass Conference, Summer 2017
"Holistic Alternatives for the Musician" – ISME Conference (Glasgow, Scotland), Summer 2016
"Finding Dynamic Alignment through Imagery" – ISME Conference (Glasgow, Scotland), Summer 2016
"I Feel Your Pain – Wellness Alternatives for the Teaching Warrior" – MTNA National Conference, Spring 2016
"Holistic Alternatives and Biofeedback" – West Virginia State Conference, Fall 2015
"Tools for Finding Dynamic Alignment at the Keyboard" – SEOMTA Regional Conference, Fall 2015
"Listen to What Your Body is Whispering" – Converse College (SC), Fall 2015
"Toys and Tools for Developing Whole-Body Awareness at the Keyboard" – Philadelphia MTA, Spring 2015
"Listen to What Your Body is Whispering" – University of South Carolina, Fall 2014
"Performance Anxiety…Exploring the Physical Connection" – Penn State University, Fall 2013
"This is Your Brain on Practice!" – West Liberty University, Winter 2013
"The Musician’s Choice – Making the 600:1 Dynamic Work for You" – Duquesne University, Fall 2012
"Begin the Journey to Transform Your Playing!" (using biofeedback) – West Virginia Universit, Summer 2012
"A Physically Perceptive Teacher’s Toolbox" – Florida State MTA Conference, Fall 2010
"Using Your Body’s Wisdom to Unlock Technique" – Valencia College (FL), Fall 2010
"The Dragin’ Dragon" – MTNA National Conference (Atlanta), Winter 2009
Certifications
Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) – Music Teachers National Association
Certified and Registered Yoga Teacher 200 Hours (RYT) – Yoga Alliance
Certificate in Anatomy and Physiology – Massage Therapy Institute of Western Pennsylvania
Certificate in the Embodied Breath – Therapeutically researched, evidence-based breathing techniques
Certificate Reiki Level II – Usui Method of Natural Healing