PSU Magazine Fall 1995

Children and teachers work with donated keyboards. him have it," Kogen says, about all the things that were wrong with the university and the country. But to K,ogen's surprise, Duckworth sa id he was grateful fo r her honesty and offered to make a deal with her. She had to agree to attend his classes, but would be free to challenge him every time she thought he was wrong, This arrange– ment worked out so well that the next year Kogen became his assistant. "He sa id, 'I know you could be a gifted teacher,"' she says. "[ saw him work and was amazed." Kogen earned a master's degree in music education and has incorporated Duckworth's methods into her own teaching ever since. From there, Kogen's life fell into a predictable pattern-marriage to a college professor, two ch ildren, life in Illinois coll ege towns. Concentrating on her family, Kogen didn't start teaching until an opening came up at Eastern Illinoi University. Four yea r later, she had won the outstand ing facu lty award and was a confi rmed music education profe sional. During the same pe riod she had begun to explore another interests-group dynamics and communi cation. One day, sitting in her car at a stopIight, ~he says, she realized "it's all the same. 12 P U MAGAZINE FALL 1995 If you're a parent, spou e, teacher, fri end-we all teach the same thing." In 1979 Kogen's life changed profoundly. Her marriage had ended and he wanted a change of scene. Without any solid job prospects, she moved to Portland, mostly because she has some family here. But she immed i– ately knew it was the right thing to do. "[drove down the Gorge on July 4 and cried," she remembers. "It was like I'd come home." Fortuitously, a half-time position opened up at PSU almost immed iately. At her interview Kogen was asked to Mary Kogen (center) intends for the camp to build self confidence along with a joy of music. play the piano. "] ·aid, 'No. If you want a performer, don't hire me. Why hire me? Becau e l will estab lish the fine t pedagogy program on the West Coast."' Instead of pe1forming, Kogen taught a sample lesson for the hiring committee to observe. She got the job. Since then Kogen has worked hard to fu lfill her boast. Enrollment in PSU's piano pedagogy program has risen from six students in 1980 to 30 last year. "Too big," Kogen laughs. About a third of the participant are piano teachers from the Portland area. Fifty students have completed the graduate program. Two years ago Kogen's life took another ign ificant turn. Knowing PSU President Judith Rama ley was push ing fo r more community involve– ment, spec ifically with SE!, Kogen decided to put together a week-long event with the Portland soc ial service organization. She began rounding up volunteers and donations. Nine pianos were placed in nine students' homes so at least some kids could practice during the year. Thirty electronic keyboards were donated fo r use at the camp. T-shirts were des igned and videos made. Even in its fledgling year the camp was impressive, winning three education prizes. "We didn't really know what we were doing," Kogen laughs. That hasn't mattered too much so far. The camp seems to insp ire not