This talk explores African pianism, a fusion of African musical traditions and Western classical piano. Tracing its origins and development, it highlights its cultural significance and growing presence in the United States. The research argues that institutional contexts shape its reception and advocates for its inclusion to diversify and enrich classical music.

Music students often practice for extremely long hours, leading to fatigue and reduced productivity. This study tested whether short breaks improve practice quality. Results show that taking a break—regardless of type—enhances engagement and productivity, suggesting that incorporating recovery into practice routines can improve learning and performance among musicians.