Big Leap™
World-Class Piano Pedagogy 12-Month Training Program by Ory Shihor
BIG LEAP IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Introduction
The Big Leap is a 12-month piano pedagogy training and mentorship program created by award-winning pianist and master teacher Ory Shihor. It is based on the teaching philosophy and method behind his success as a performing artist and educator.
As a concert pianist and winner of multiple prestigious international competitions, Ory Shihor has the insight and experience to know what it takes to elevate repertoire to its highest performance level. His extensive academic background as well as his deeply rooted interest in piano pedagogy propelled him to develop a methodology that is designed to cultivate students’ musical potential to its fullest.
The Big Leap program is designed for experienced teachers interested in developing their teaching technique and repertoire knowledge as they progress through the 4 Stages of Growth. The program’s repertoire training focuses on teaching early intermediate to young artist level students.
The Big Leap also includes entrepreneurship and mindset training designed for classical piano teachers who are interested in building and maintaining a studio that aligns with their core values and strengths.
Our goal is that by the end of the 12-month program, teachers will have made a ‘big leap’ in their teaching as well as their lives.
THE 4 STAGES OF GROWTH
Program Overview
I. MONTHLY GROUP TRAINING
The monthly group training will cover topics essential for developing teaching technique and repertoire knowledge based on the OSI Teacher Development Framework.
Meet once a month for 3 hours
Schedule: 3rd Monday of each month from 5 PM to 8 PM PST
All sessions will be recorded and available for teachers who cannot attend live
II. MONTHLY PRACTICUM (for Practicum Track only)
The practicum is designed for teachers interested in gaining more personalized hands-on experience in a semi-private and motivating setting under Mr. Shihor’s expert guidance. Repertoire levels will be determined based on individual goals and preference.
Monthly teaching masterclass (pods of 2-3 teachers)
Monthly lesson observation & group discussion
III. FOUNDATIONAL TUTORIALS
Teachers will have access to foundational tutorials to support their development as they go through the 12 month program. Each of these tutorials are organized in easy to consume short videos format along with supportive course materials. The purpose of these video tutorials is to provide teachers the foundational skills and knowledge they need to teach each piece effectively.
IV. ENTREPRENEURSHIP & MINDSET TRAINING
We believe in a holistic approach to achieving fulfillment in both teaching and in life. Hence, the entrepreneurship and mindset portion of the Big Leap training plays a critical and complementary role in your 12-month pedagogical journey with us. LEARN MORE
Two Program Tracks
CE TRACK (72 CEUs)
All participants will receive training from the CE Track, which includes:
12 live group trainings (3 hours per month)
21 foundational tutorials presented by Ory Shihor
Repertoire case studies videos where teachers will deepen their repertoire knowledge and teaching technique
A private 1:1 planning session with Ory and Maria to help you get the most out of your 12 month program
Time commitment: 3-4 hours per month. Optional coursework and assignments will require additional time.
PRACTICUM TRACK (144 CEUs)
Practicum Track participants will receive:
All training from the CE Track
12 teaching masterclasses (pod of 2-3 teachers)
12 lesson observation & group discussions
2 private progress review sessions with Ory Shihor
2 private coaching sessions with Maria Liu to support your journey as you progress to the next stage of growth.
Time commitment: 5-6 hours per month. Optional coursework and assignments will require additional time.
In addition, the Practicum Track provides teachers an opportunity to explore becoming an OSI certified teacher so they can be eligible to teach for OSI upon completion of the program and certification requirements. CEUs earned in this program can be applied toward the OSI Teacher Certification requirements.
RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENTS
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive an official sealed certificate to display in their piano studio as well as a pedagogy portfolio showcasing their accomplishments during the 12-month training program.
Enrollment Information
PROGRAM PERIOD
January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
CE Track: 3 or more years of teaching experience.
Practicum Track: 3 or more years of teaching experience and a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Equivalent standing is based on a combination of credentials and demonstrated experience. Every application is reviewed individually.
RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITE
12-MONTH TUITION
CE Track: $950 or $87/mo
Practicum Track: $2800 or $250/mo
Add on private piano lessons or business coaching package is available upon request at a special member rate.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit your application.
Applicants will be notified of the decision within a week of submission.
OSI Pedagogy and Teacher Training Program Reviews
— Carol Schindler, Piano Teacher; President of MTAC, Sonoma County Branch
California, US
“The OSI pedagogy courses have provided me with tools that have enabled me to construct individualized modules for my students based on the OSI curriculum. This has kept the direction of the lessons focused and organized while dealing with the challenges of distance learning.
The 4D objective evaluation standards have given parameters with which to direct both the technical and repertoire aspects of the instruction.
Ory’s IPDS model has brought efficiency and effectiveness to the learning process. I have found it helpful in my own practice for learning as well as retaining.
The interactive nature of the OSI courses with Ory and Maria gives it the feel of colleagues with a level playing field helping one another, which makes learning attractive and winsome. Maria and Ory make a great team in presenting the materials. Their passion and kindness are evident throughout our time together.”
— Mai Takeuchi, Piano Teacher, California, US
“Through my one-on-one piano lessons with Ory, I have never felt so comfortable, fun, inspired, and improved as a pianist in my life. He knows exactly how to motivate students, and when, what, how much to give for the best improvement.
As a piano teacher myself, I learned a lot from his pedagogy method. I experimented with Ory’s principles from his pedagogy training program into my piano lessons and I could see a big difference in my students’ reactions and attitude! I am excited to learn much more from the upcoming 12-month OSI Piano Pedagogy Certificate Program!
— Christine Branaum Brosius, Piano Teacher, California, US
I've had the honor of being a part of his pedagogy intensives last year and absolutely loved them! I've not seen any program like this all these years. I enjoyed them so much that I signed up for the 12-month OSI Piano Pedagogy Certificate Program which begins in January.
From taking the previous pedagogy intensives, I have come away with more teaching ideas, ways to communicate with my students, and other ways of approaching particular pieces, amongst so many other benefits! There is a sense of community with the group of teachers that I'm a part of and it's informative, fun, interesting, and helpful.
It definitely is inspiring and I certainly look forward to each session. I really enjoy watching them live when I can, and would encourage anyone who is thinking about taking any of the OSI pedagogy programs to sign up immediately! You won't be disappointed!"
— Michelle Santoso, Piano Teacher, California, US
“Thank you so much for such a fabulous Training and Coaching Program. Any teachers will be able to grow and enrich their teaching mastery by joining this program set in such a close, sharing, warm atmosphere”
— Dr. Benjamine Wong, DMA, Piano Teacher, Texas, US
"Ory is kind-hearted, extremely inspirational, and philosophically wise. We need more pedagogues like him in our industry."
— Dr. Jennifer Cruz, Assistant Professor/Director of Keyboard Studies (California Baptist University), US
"I have learned so much and can't wait to incorporate many of your tips in my own teaching/classes, particularly on how to engage students as well as Technical tools and pedagogical tips/strategies for effective teaching."
— Purwati Sundjojo, Piano Teacher, Singapore
“I’ve been teaching piano for decades and rarely find a pedagogue at Ory’s level that so generously shares his knowledge with other teachers.”