09/28/2026
Earth, Wind, and Fire: Environmental Music in Piano Teaching
Friday, October 2, 2026
10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Ottawa Mennonite Church
What are the connections between music, sound, environment, piano teaching, and stewardship? In this workshop we will explore how sounds from and representations of nature are present in piano music, including water, wind, trees, weather, mountains, birds, animals, and more. Drawing on examples from different levels of teaching repertoire, we will discuss how to teach and perform through an environmental lens. This includes helping students connect images and experiences of nature to the sounds they create at the piano, through performance, improvisation, composition, and more. This workshop is designed to help teachers feel more equipped to recognize and connect to what is environmental about piano music, and in turn help students engage the natural environment through sound.
Ryan Baxter is a pianist, organist, and music educator in London, Ontario. A versatile performer, he strives to play music from all major classical styles and explore repertoire outside of the common canon, especially contemporary and Canadian repertoire. A dedicated teacher, Ryan draws on his experiences as an orchestral and chamber musician, organist and church music director, and collaborative pianist to examine a wide spectrum of musical and technical perspectives with students. His interests include music by Indigenous composers in Canada (including a new cycle of pieces commissioned from Ottawa-based composer Beverley McKiver), music related to environment, piano-organ duets, and instructional design.
Ryan has completed degrees at Brock University, Humber Polytechnic, the University of Manitoba, Athabasca University, and Western University. Outside of university study, Ryan holds diplomas in piano and organ performance, and an ARCT in piano pedagogy. He is currently the music director and organist at Rowntree Memorial United Church in London. When Ryan is not practicing, teaching, or writing, he can be found walking outside, reading, cooking, baking, and applying to more programs. He is very happy to be part of ORMTA Ottawa Region’s workshop series this year!
Tagged: Professional Development, Meetings
