Sandy McKane began piano instruction at age eight with renowned French pianists Gaby, Jean, and Robert Casadesus, who became primary influences in her early formative years. Their tutelage began in the United States and continued in France, where Mrs. McKane spent several summers studying with them both at Fontainebleau Academy near Paris and the Ravel Academy in Ciboure, France.
At age 15 Sandy began instruction with Sasha Gorodnitzki and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music at The Juilliard School. In addition, she taught ear training in The Juilliard Pre-College Division for ten years. In 1988 Sandy joined the music department faculty at Hartwick College and chaired the department from 2002-2006. She has been offering private instruction to students of all levels for over twenty years. Her primary teaching focus has been developing musical literacy.
Inspired by the outcome of Charlotte’s Circle, a parent/child service learning model, Sandy has most recently directed her creative energies toward the development of a national K-12 service learning model.
Literacy at the Piano 