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Education: PhD, University of Washington

Myrna Capp is an instructor of music at ������, where she teaches piano, piano pedagogy, class piano, and keyboard skills in music theory. She holds both a master’s degree and a doctorate in music from the University of Washington, where she studied piano with Neal O’Doan and master lessons with Kendall Taylor and Bela Nagy. Her dissertation is related to improvisation in piano instruction. Dr. Capp is active as a collaborative pianist; a frequent adjudicator throughout Washington state; and a member of Music Teachers National Association, Dalcroze Northwest, and the Society for Ethnomusicology.

Dr. Capp has lectured, performed, and done research in Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa, and Namibia. Her book Keeping the Embers Alive: Zimbabwean Musicians, was published in 2008 by Africa World Press and The Red Sea Press. , her second book (also available in ), was published in June 2012. Presentations at national and international ethnomusicology conferences include “Intercultural Learning Through the Arts: Improvisation as a Link Between Musical Cultures”(London); “Musical Hybrids in Zimbabwe: Improvisation as the Link Between Musical Cultures" (Toronto); and “Transition in Zimbabwe: A ‘Conservatory’ Embraces Ethnomusicology" (Michigan).

Lecture and clinical presentations/publications include book and music reviews for The American Music Teacher Journal; and workshop presentations for local chapters of the Washington Music Teachers Association on such topics as “Classical Pianists CAN Learn to Improvise!”; “We Are MORE Than Music Teachers: Psychological Issues in the Studio”; “Practical Applications of Understanding Learning Styles”; and “Teaching Students With Learning Disabilities.” Dr. Capp's research interests are improvisation in piano instruction; improvisation as a cross-cultural link; psychology and music; and African music, especially Zimbabwe.

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