Congratulations to Cassa Piano Instructor - Dr. Karen Gerelus!

We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Karen Gerelus, whose article, “Envisioning a Future Musical Self: Identities of Dropout and Continuing Adolescent Piano Students,” has been named MTNA e-Journal Article of the Year for 2026.

Her publication examines how imagining a future musical self influences students’ present musical experiences. Drawing on two studies, the findings show that students who continued piano study had a stronger musical identity and long-term vision, while those who dropped out struggled to see music as part of their future. Read her publication here.

We congratulate Karen on this well-deserved honor and thank her for advancing important conversations about student identity, persistence, and the future of music education! Dr. Karen Gerelus will be one of the instructors on the 2026 Cassa Piano Summer Programs team.

Register for Cassa Piano Immersive and Cassa Adult Piano today to learn more from Dr. Karen Gerelus and other Cassa piano experts!