About the Authors

Linda Prai-Sheppard graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Music with her teacher’s diploma (first class honours), as well as receiving her Licentiate from the London College of Music (TD). Her teachers included Diane Szarapka, Edward Parker and Dr. Charlene Pauls as well as master classes with Maureen Hollins, Winifred Scott Wood, Robert Rogers, and Sheila Hardy. Mrs. Prai received a National Scholarship (History) to Simon Fraser University and studied history for three years before dedicating herself to music full-time. Mrs. Prai is the author of a series of popular music history books, support products and theory flashcards which sell across North America in stores through her company, Longbow Publishing. She is also a guest author in the popular book Piano Pedagogy: A Practical Approach. Mrs. Prai teaches piano, theory, history and pedagogy at her studio in Surrey BC, is a clinician, adjudicator, reviewer and editor as well as Past President of the Greater Vancouver RCM Alumni chapter. Longbow Publishing is an MTNA Corporate member.

Edward J. Parker is known throughout Canada as an adjudicator and recitalist. During the past 50 years he has adjudicated at music festivals throughout Canada and the United States, and is a retired member of the Royal Conservatory of Music College of Examiners. Mr. Parker took his Bachelor of Music with a major in piano performance at the University of British Columbia and received his Master of Music degree from the University of Washington, U.S. Mr. Parker is a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music from which he received the Gold Medal for achieving the highest marks in Canada in the Solo Performer and Teacher’s piano examination. He also holds a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music, London, England and is a Fellow of the Trinity College of Music, London, England. In addition to his university studies, Mr. Parker’s musical training has included intensive private study with the renowned American concert pianist, Grant Johannsen. He attended master classes with Mme. Rosina Lhevinne of the Juilliard School of Music in New York, with the noted pianist and teacher, Eduardo del Pueyo from Belgium, and with distinguished Canadian pianists such as Anton Kuerti. Mr. Parker has been teaching piano for the past five decades, including ten years at the University of British Columbia and ten years at the University and Conservatory in Victoria, B.C. He currently maintains a large private studio in Burnaby, B.C.

Mary H. Fraser received her Performer’s ARCT and went on to study at the University of British Columbia where she spent two years studying harmony and history with the renowned Canadian composer and teacher Jean Coulthard. After graduation from UBC Ms. Fraser spent five years working in the UBC library, but never ceased teaching music. In the end she established a successful studio in Burnaby, BC where she remains active today. In addition, from 1977-1997, Ms. Fraser taught Harmony, Counterpoint and History courses at Douglas College Night School, finding much enjoyment in classroom teaching. Since 1993 she has published her Handbook Series of textbooks and exercise books.

Lauren Schack Clark is Assistant Professor of Piano and Keyboard Activities Supervisor at Arkansas State University. She was awarded the honor of being voted the 2008 Teacher of the Year by the Arkensas State Music Teachers Associaiton. Dr. Schack Clark performs frequently as a soloist and collaborative artist. She has given solo performances and master classes at the University of Mississippi, University of Central Arkansas and Henderson State (AR) University. She has played with principle players of the Boston Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Scottish National Symphony, Slovenian Radio Symphony, Cincinnati Orchestra, Arkansas Symphony, and Memphis Symphony, and with faculty members of the Eastman School of Music, New England Conservatory, Cincinnati-College Conservatory, Oberlin College, the University of Texas, the University of Memphis, and Arkansas State University. She is President of the Delta Music Teachers Association, chair of the Arkansas State Music Teachers Association Chamber Music and Young Artist Competitions, and has served as Secretary of the Massachusetts Music Teachers Association and the Greater Memphis Music Teachers Association. She is certified in piano and pedagogy through the Music Teachers National Association, and has published in Clavier Magazine. Dr. Clark taught at the University of Memphis and was Director of the Community Music School there. She received the 2006 Faculty Award for Professional Service from the ASU College of Fine Arts. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from Boston University and has published a Keyboard Theory and Technique Book through Longbow Publishing.