pdfdownload mmta newsletter - oct/nov/dec 2016

Welcome back to your teaching schedule and another exciting year of MMTA activities! I hope that you were all able to revitalize and rejuvenate over the summer. Our teaching life demands so much from us that we must absolutely make time to take care of ourselves and take time off to enjoy family and friends, new experiences and places. At last year’s MMTA convention, we were so fortunate to have Dr. Noa Kagemaya as our clinician. He imparted so many brilliant ideas for beating performance anxiety and practicing for performance success. I have followed Dr. Kagemaya since 2009 when I heard him speak at the MTNA conference in Atlanta. To hear and see him again in person was such a treat! I learned so much that I can now share with my students this year. For me, the most exciting part was to see him working with the students in the master class on Tuesday afternoon. To actually see the process at work was fascinating. How he implemented the research to help students achieve their best was truly remarkable. One of the recurring themes in how Kagemaya taught was on getting the students to imagine what they wanted to hear, to actually hear the sounds that they were making and lastly, to enjoy the sound! After all, music is not merely just notes, technique and mechanics, it is about the sound! He also directed them by asking many questions. Thus, helping them to formulate their own conclusions, to guide them in self-assessment and to empower them to continue learning for themselves. For instance, he asked a student, “What is your favorite part?” Then, he urged the student to “play it as if it is a competition such as the Van Cliburn; play as well as you can without screwing it up. Push the level up, take on the challenge, and move past your comfort zone. Prioritize ease, Trust and GO FOR IT!” “Go for 200 percent keeping ease and trust.” We all have a tendency to be too careful under pressure and in performance, for obvious reasons. It is like the Flight of Icarus - you don’t want to get too carried away, get too close to the sun. But in many cases, this holds us back as dynamic and expressive communicators. Rather, strive to keep a delicate balance between losing control and being too careful. To achieve this delicate balance, he asked questions like, “Who is your favorite pianist? Play it as if you are that person, with that person’s facial and body language.” In another case, he asked the student to focus on the sound that he wanted to produce and just let the fingers do the work. If the mind wandered, the student was to stop. In practice, this would be continued until one could extend the focus throughout the entire piece, starting with short sprints and moving towards longer time periods.

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10800 Lyndale Ave S, Ste. 120 Bloomington, MN 55420 (952) 345-0629 www.mnmusicteachers.com [email protected]

MMTA Board of Directors

Suzanne Greer, NCTM President

Marcia Vahl, NCTM President-Elect

Nancy Van Kampen VP-Piano Contests

Kirsten Levorson, NCTM VP-Convention

Sarah Mensen VP-Piano Educational Programs

Melissa Culloton VP-Vocal/Instrumental Programs

Kay Hawkins, NCTM VP-Finance

TBD VP-Membership

Jeannene Simonson, NCTM Recording Secretary

Karen Stiles, NCTM Treasurer

Jill KIlzer, NCTM Immediate Past President

MMTA Newsletter October, November, December 2016

Piano Contest Workshops ...2 Local Associations ...............3 Handbook Updates .............4 Call for Proposals ................5 Theory Program ..................6 Piano Contest Survey ..........7 Piano Contest List Updates 9 Prep for Piano Exams ..........11 Early Childhood Music ........13 Ind. Music Teachers ............14 MusicLink News ..................15 MTNA Foundation ..............17 MMTA Foundation .............17 2016 MMTA Convention ....18 2015-2016 Exam Awards ....20 2017 MTNA Conference ......22 Challenge Trophies .............22 Board Mtg. Highlights .........23 2017 MMTA Convention ....24

In this issue: page

MMTA President’s Letter

http://www.bulletproofmusician.com/

October, November, December 2016 [MMTA NEWSLETTER]

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Continued from p. 1

The goal is to keep that laser focus while experiencing flow in our performances - to be totally in the moment – listening, connecting with and inspiring our audience. When we have experiences such as these, we need to remember how they feel so that we can visualize future performances in mental practice by recalling those same feelings in great detail.

Over the summer, I had two such experiences – one was musical and the other was not. The first was while teaching a motorcycle class. I was riding a demonstration of proper cornering technique. I did what I always do – think through it while the other coach is giving the class verbal instructions. My men-tal practice went something like this: ease out the clutch, accelerate, shift…use both brakes to slow before the corner, look where I want to go, press and lean the bike while gradually rolling on the throttle. I imagined all of this in my mind. When it was time to begin, I was totally in the moment. I felt the wind, felt the throttle smoothly in my hand as I accelerated through the corner, heard the bike’s engine gradually get louder as I got faster, felt the lean of the bike. It all felt so easy, so incredibly smooth. When I finished, my co-coach said, “WOW! That was smooth as silk, great demo!” In motorcycling, if it feels good, it looks good and if it doesn’t feel good, it really doesn’t look good.

The second experience was during a lesson with Professor Daniel Pollack at the Northwest Master Class in Seattle. After an intense week of class, I had scheduled a private lesson with Mr. Pollack and I was terrified! I hadn’t practiced the piece I would play in my lesson with him all week because I didn’t have access to a piano. So, the night before, I sat with the score and thought about all of the things we learned during the class and how I could transfer those things to the piece I would perform the next day. I again visualized – this time on what each articulation would feel like, how I would shape and mold each phrase with my fingers, wrists and arms, how it would sound when telling the story of the music. The next day, I did have a chance to practice just a little before the lesson to try out some of the new techniques. The result – while playing, I focused on my intentions, on what I wanted to hear, I stayed in the moment and in the story. I let my fingers do the work and it went surprisingly well. Mr. Pollack said it was beautiful and he noticed all of the articulations and phrasing I was doing (he also offered some helpful suggestions for improvement)!

I feel so incredibly lucky to be in a profession that I am so passionate about, to teach something that I love. I am living the dream. So to you, my fellow colleagues, enjoy the ride, enjoy your year. Stay in the moment and don’t forget to make time for yourself.

MMTA offers us so much as teachers. Please take advantage of all that there is and ask questions about programs that you may not know about. Volunteer to learn about programs and make new connections.

Also, make plans now to attend year’s MMTA Convention on June 4 – 6, 2017! Our featured guest is Dr. Scott McBride Smith along with guest artist, Reed Tetzloff. It will be fantastic!

MMTA is a thriving organization because of its members!

Get in on the action by serving in one of the following ways: Sightplaying Exams Program Director Voice Exam Chair Marketing Chair Contact the MMTA Office at 952-345-0629 or [email protected] to volunteer or for information.

Suzanne M. Greer, NCTM

Live with Intention.

Walk to the edge.

Listen hard.

Practice wellness.

Play with abandon.

Laugh.

Choose with no regret.

Appreciate your friends.

Continue to learn.

Do what you love.

Live as if this is all there is.

- Mary Anne Radmacher

https://www.mnmusicteachers.com/mmta-convention-june-5-6-2017

mailto:[email protected]

[MMTA NEWSLETTER] October, November, December 2016

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Local Associations Kay Hawkins, NCTM, Chair

MMTA members and non-members are generally welcome to attend any of the events listed below:

Central Minnesota Music Teachers Association Contest Workshops: All sessions begin at 9 a.m. at the home of Ginny Shimota, 16 N. 5th Ave. Waite Park. The

fee for each session is $18. See below for schedule. Friday, Nov. 4, 9-11 a.m. – “Inspiration Through Connection” with presenter Richard Tostenson. Location TBD. Friday, Dec. 2 – Christmas Potluck. Details TBD.

Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum Contest Workshops: Doors open at 9:30 a.m.. Classes begin at 9:45 a.m. at Schmitt Music, Southdale Square.

The fee for each session is $18. See below for schedule. Tuesday, Nov. 1, 10:00 a.m. – Coffee Klatch: Using Solfege in the Piano Studio. Schmitt Music, Southdale Square Saturday, Nov. 5, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Master Class with Soojung Hong. Schmitt Music, Southdale Square. Contact

David Holland if interested. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 10:00 a.m. - Holiday Brunch with presenter Gabriel Quennevhlle-Behar. Minnesota Valley

Country Club.

Minnesota River Valley Music Teachers Association Tuesday, Nov. 15, 10:30-noon (Business Meeting 9:30) – “Minnesota High School Listening Contest” with presenter

Melissa Bergstrom. Discovery Methodist Church, 275 East Lake Drive, Chanhassen. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 9:30 a.m. – Holiday Party and Sharing of our Gifts (Member Performance). Home of Patricia

Langer, 7101 Antrim Court, Edina.

Minnesota Valley Music Teachers Association Friday, Oct. 14, 9:30-11:00 a.m. (Business Meeting 9:00) – Pianist and DMA student Fanya Lin will perform and also

speak on her experiences at Julliard, on Interactive Performances, and on the Expansion of Contemporary Repertoire. Twin River Arts Center, 523 S. 2nd St., Mankato.

Friday, Nov. 11, 9:30-11:00 (Business Meeting 9:00) – “Using Technology in the Private Studio” with presenter Erin Winchell. Twin River Arts Center, Mankato.

December Holiday Brunch – TBD

Rochester Area Music Teachers Association Thursday, Oct. 13, 9:00 a.m. – “Motivating Students from Game Culture” with presenter Sue Ruby. Mount Olive

Lutheran Church, Rochester. Thursday, Nov. 10, 9:00 a.m. – “Technique and Theory in the Lesson: Drill and Integration” with presenter Dr.

David Shaffer-Gottshalk. Mount Olive Lutheran Church.

Continued on p. 4

Location: Schmitt Music, Edina 9:45 a.m. Fee: $18 per workshop

October 4: Junior B; Clinicians: Jean Krinke & Camille Buddecke

October 11: Junior A, Primary, Pre-Primary; Clinician: Fern Davidson

Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum

MMTA Piano Contest Workshops

Location: Home of Ginny Shimota, 16 N. 5th Ave., Waite Park, MN. Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m. Fee: $18 per workshop


Central Minnesota Music Teachers Assn.

Location: Schmitt Music, Roseville 10a.m. – 12:30p.m. Fee: $18 per workshop

October 6: Junior B; Clinicians: Jean Krinke & Camille Buddecke


St. Paul Piano Teachers Association


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p. 27 – Theory prerequisites summary page has been expanded to included additional information for voice, guitar, and woodwinds.

p. 38, 51 – Theory Requirement/Prerequisite for Piano Contest and Vocal & Instrumental Contest must be fulfilled by December 1, 2016. Theory Exam level passed is to be indicated at the time of registration in order for the stu-dent to be eligible to compete in the Final Contest, if selected.

p. 40 – Piano Young Artist Contest Call-Backs are at Schmitt Music – Brooklyn Center p. 43, 45, 46, 47, 48 – Add 10/22/16 TCST University of St. Thomas, St. Paul 9/16/16 p. 48 – Add 11/19/16 NE College of St. Scholastica, Duluth 10/14/16 p. 48 – Delete 10/29/16 TCSC University of St. Catherine p. 58 - Change dates to: Nov. 20, 2016 2-4pm, Schmitt Music-Edina; and Feb. 5, 2017 2-4pm, Schmitt Music-Edina p. 61 – Change SCW to 11/6/16 at Bethel Lutheran, Willmar p. 61 – Change SW to 11/5/16 p. 61 – Add 11/13/2016 WA Calvary Lutheran Church, Alexandria 10/21/16 p. 61 – Ensemble Festival in Central District will be at St. Cloud University – Ruth Grant Recital Hall p. 94 – Ensemble Festival Site Administrator for NE Duluth has changed to Emily Valine.

2016-2017 Handbook Updates Visit the MMTA website to view an updated version of the book.

Continued from p. 3

St. Paul Piano Teachers Association Contest Workshops: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Schmitt Music, Roseville. The fee for each session is $18. See p. 3

for schedule. Tuesday, Oct. 11, 10:00 a.m. – “The Studio Interview: The What and the Why” with presenter Judy Sherman.

Schmitt Music, Roseville. Tuesday, Nov. 8, 10:00 a.m. – “Overcoming Barriers to Teaching Popular Music” with presenter Doug Rohde.

Schmitt Music, Roseville. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 10:00 a.m. – Holiday Tea. Guest Artist TBD. Home of Helen-Marie Plourde, 1606 Hillcrest Ave,

St. Paul.

South Suburban Music Teachers Association Tuesday, Oct. 4, 10:00-noon – “Music Study and Brain Benefits” with Music Advocacy Speaker Elizabeth Everett.

Grace Lutheran Church, 7800 West County Rd. 42, Apple Valley. Tuesday, Nov. 1, 10:00-noon – Discussion on “Tips and Tricks for Teaching Memory and Technique”. Grace

Lutheran Church, Apple Valley Tuesday, Dec. 6, 10:00-noon – Holiday Brunch. Location TBD.

Southwest Minnesota Music Teachers Association Saturday, Nov. 12, All Day – Dennis Alexander Festival and Competition at St. John’s University.

Willmar Music Teachers Association Saturday, Oct. 29, 9:30 a.m. – “Benefits of MMTA Membership” with presenter Suzanne Greer, MMTA President.

Bethel Lutheran Church, 411 Becker Ave. SW, Willmar. Saturday, Nov. 12, All Day – Dennis Alexander Festival and Competition at St. John’s University. Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. – “MMTA Theory Exams and Piano Exams” with presenters Kirsten Leverson and Gina

Skule. Megan Gilles Music Studio, 1601 Hansen Dr. SW, Willmar.

West Suburban Music Teachers Association Friday, Oct. 7, 10:30-11:30 (Business Meeting 10:00) – “Technique Secrets for the Young Beginner” with presenter

Paul Wirth. St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 15600 Old Rockford Road, Plymouth. Friday, Dec. 2, 10:30-11:30 (Business Meeting 10:00) – Member Ignite Presentations on “Preparing Students for AP

Theory Exam”, “Successfully Preparing Students for State Contest”, and “Teaching Lessons via Skype”. Holiday Salad Potluck. Home of Jan Friedrich, 5518 Lakeland Rd, Minnetonka.


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Do you have an area of expertise that you would like to share with our members? The MMTA Convention Committee is seeking the submission of proposals for the MMTA Convention in Plymouth, Minnesota, June 4-6, 2017. Our annual MMTA Convention provides opportunities for music educators to share knowledge and experiences concerning all aspects of music and music teaching. Proposals on the following topics are encouraged: General pedagogy Teaching popular and jazz music genres Music instruction for the young child Teaching the music student with special challenges Improvisation or composition The business of maintaining a music studio Artistry and technique Communication with parents Music history and literature The art of collaborative music Summertime teaching options Teaching for a lifetime of music making Proposals are accepted from the presenter or through recommendations. Lengths of presentations are generally 60 minutes including introduction, closing, and Q&A. Submissions are due by December 15, 2016. Proposals will be accepted through our online form. If you are chosen as a presenter, you will be contacted by January 15, 2017. Questions about the process? Contact Kirsten Levorson at [email protected].

As it does every year, MMTA sits back and thinks about who in the organization stands out as an exemplary volunteer. There are many members who volunteer much of their time, and a big “thank you” to them. We value every one of you. We need every one of you to keep our organization moving, growing, servicing its members and providing the worker bees for our MANY exams and events. But there are always a few MMTA members who demonstrate impressive willingness to offer their time and gifts as volunteers. After the nominations came in, it was decided by the selection committee to select Angela Bergquist as the 2016 Volunteer of the Year. Those who know her describe her as hard-working, patient, a good problem solver…. always ready to cheerfully give a hand when needed. Her volunteer history consists of Theory Chair, Honors Concert Volunteer Chair, MMTA Foundation Board Member, Piano Contest List Committee Chair and perhaps other ways she has given to MMTA that you can recall. Congratulations, Angela, and thank you for your many contributions to MMTA. You are a role model for us all!!

2015-2016 MMTA Volunteer of the Year: Angela Bergquist Judy Sherman NCTM, Volunteer Resources Chair



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This fall begins year two of the new theory curriculum. Our members and students have done a stellar job of transitioning to this new program. Thank you to everyone for your patience and help as we iron out all the wrinkles. The theory development committee is continually editing the theory workbooks and exams to eliminate errors. These changes are incorporated into the workbooks as they are reprinted, but all errata can be found on the MMTA website under Member Resources: Teacher Resources – Ed Programs. If you or your students find an error in a workbook, please e-mail that information to me, Rebekah Richards, at [email protected].

The Theory Development Committee has made a few changes in the requirements – all of which are incorporated into the latest printing of the workbooks. These are: Level 1 and 2 Rhythm Play-Backs – The examiner will play the rhythm on the piano and the student will not be

allowed to watch the examiner’s hands. This will be a totally aural exercise. The student may clap or play back the rhythm.

Level 2 Harmonization – single pitches of the tonic and dominant notes are allowed Level 5 Keyboard Section, Chord Progression – Student will be asked to play the bass line with their left hand, for

no points, before playing the whole progression with both hands. Level 7 Aural Section: Ordered pitch Intervals – only three pitches will be played Level 7 Aural Section Harmonic Dictation – will be played 8 times Level 8: Ordered Pitch Intervals - will only span a perfect 5th. Level 8 Harmonic Dictation and Counterpoint Dictation – will be played 8 times.

If you have questions about any aspect of the theory program, please contact me, Rebekah Richards, at [email protected] or 651 468-7058. As the new state theory chair, I welcome your questions and comments.

MMTA Theory Program Rebekah Richards - Theory Program Director

Dennis Alexander Piano Festival and Competition November 12, 2016

Since his affiliation with Alfred Music Publishing Company in 1986 as a composer and clinician, Dennis

Alexander has earned an international reputation as one of North America's most prolific and popular

composers of educational piano music for students at all levels.

About the Compet i t ion and Fest iva l The Dennis Alexander Piano Festival and Competition is an event designed to bring students together

for a variety of activities to participate in and observe. It will be held November 12, 2016, at Saint

John's University, Stephen B. Humphrey building. Funding for the Festival and Competition is made

possible through the generous support of the Central Minnesota Arts Board and the College of Saint

Benedict/Saint John's University.

Learn more at https://csbsju.edu/music/dennis-alexander-piano-festival-and-competition



https://csbsju.edu/music/dennis-alexander-piano-festival-and-competition


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2017 MMTA Logowear Design Contest

MMTA Teachers! Now is the time to think about when and where and how you can be a help to our organization by volunteering to fill some need in the execution of the many MMTA programs and events throughout the year. During this early planning time in your studio, dedicate some volunteering time. To make it easier for the chairs and site administrators, fill out and mail the Volunteer Survey form available on MMTA website. We need many willing members to maintain and staff the many programs in MMTA so please do your part. Thank you.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Teacher Survey this Spring reviewing Contest. Many things we all know and love about Contest were affirmed - like the excitement and motivation it gives our students. They then push themselves to higher standards and levels as they perfect a piece and practice more. Repertoire has always been a point of discussion. In the Survey, half of those who had an opinion about repertoire change, wanted MORE challenging repertoire and half wanted LESS challenging repertoire!! Many were very satisfied . There were questions about scheduling and why we have the dates we have. The December 1st deadline is a scheduling issue for our Office Administration. It actually takes a lot of time to schedule 3000 students and organize their special requests and needs. As we become more automated, we will look into how we can improve this. The dates for Prelims are determined by the availability of Bethel University and the dates for Finals are determined by the availability of the U of M. The Honors Concert date is based on when the Convention Center is available. We do not have a lot of “choice” in any of these dates. The good part is that our dates are fairly consistent from year to year and we can plan accordingly. The out-state dates are a week before the TC because of the availability of judges. The feedback on the opened-ended questions was very helpful. Many comments were on judging and critiques. These have been passed on to our JEC (Judge Education Committee) for their consideration. Other comments were about challenges relating to the busy schedules of our students. For example, what if after Contest times are finalized a student has a last-minute conflict that comes up? This is a difficult situation to deal with, but it would be nice to be able to change the student’s Contest time. As we become more automated, we will make this a priority to look into. We will be considering your comments and suggestions!! We are working to communicate, grow and improve to make MMTA the best it can be through Contest, our new website, and all programs! Thank you for your help and participation in the Survey! It was a joy to hear from you.

MMTA Piano Contest Survey Nancy Van Kampen, VP-Piano Contests

Now accepting submissions for the 2017 MMTA Logowear Design Contest! Deadline: October 1, 2016

T-shirts sold at MMTA contest events in 2017 will feature the winning design. The contest is open to all students currently studying with an MMTA teacher. More information about design and entry procedures can be found on p. 65 of the 2016-2017 Handbook. Submissions may be sent electronically to [email protected], or by mail - if sending by mail, please use the form on p. 83 in the Handbook.

Questions? Please contact MMTA Treasurer Karen Stiles at (952) 322-5808 or [email protected]

https://www.mnmusicteachers.com/mmta-volunteer-opportunities



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Contest Registration Deadline: Thursday, December 1st!

Piano Contest and Vocal & Inst. Contest

Here are a few hints to keep the registration process efficient for both teachers and administrators:

Limit time requests and keep time request notes

short.

Carpool requests need only student name(s) and

level(s) in the Carpools box.

Special Needs box is for students with learning

challenges or disabilities a Site Administrator needs

to be aware of.

Contact a Site Administrator to ask what volunteer

opportunities are available.

Double-check information with students/parents

before submitting registrations, especially theory

requirements.


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2017 Piano Contest List Updates

PrePri: Dennis Alexander’s Pepperoni March should have: TAKE D.C. al Fine

Primary: Melody Bober’s Jazzy Cat should have: TAKE D.C al Coda Kevin Costley’s Sneaky should have: TAKE D.C. al Fine Lee Evan’s Awesome should have: TAKE D.C al Coda Kevin Olson’s The Hermit Crab Cha-Cha should have: TAKE 1st and 2nd endings Reinagle’s Minuet should have: TAKE REPEATS

Junior A: Bela Bartoks’ Folk Song Miniatures is on page 156 Baumgartner’s Funky Monkey should have: TAKE D.S. al FINE De Gambarini’s Minuet in F Major should have: TAKE BOTH REPEATS McLean’s Petite Nocturne is on pages 4-5 only Catherine Rollin’s Pirate’s Tarantella should have: TAKE D.S al CODA only Rossi’s A Wild Chase should have: TAKE D.C al Coda Scarlatti’s Menuetto in C Major is on page 69 and should have: TAKE BOTH REPEATS

Junior B: Scarlatti’s Minuet in G minor should have: TAKE BOTH REPEATS

Intermediate A: Handel’s Prelude in G Major should have: TAKE REPEATS Seixas’s Toccata in C minor should have: TAKE REPEATS Diabelli’s Sonatina should have: TAKE REPEAT and 1st and 2nd ENDINGS Kuhlau’s Tyrolian Song should have: NO REPEATS, TAKE 2nd ENDING Schubert’s Waltz in B Minor should have: TAKE 1st and 2nd ENDINGS

Intermediate B: Cimarosa title is Sonata in D Minor Mozart title is Sonata in E-flat Major Gade’s Little Girls Dance should have NO REPEAT, TAKE D.S. al FINE Mendelssohn’s Song Without Words, Op. 19, No. 2 should read: dotted quarter = 42 Schumann’s Remembrance, Op. 68, No. 28 page number should be: p. 44

Senior A: Bach’s French Suites should have: TAKE REPEATS Handel’s Suite in A Major should have: NO REPEATS Scarlatti’s Sonata in G minor should have: NO REPEATS Mozarts Sonata K. 330 should have: NO REPEATS Chopin’s Mazurka in A Minor has no repeats in the score Mendelssohn’s Scherzo in E minor has no repeat in the score Schumann’s Forest Scenes has no repeats in the score

Senior B: Scarlatti’s Sonata in E Major should have: NO REPEATS Beethoven’s Sonata in G Major should have: NO REPEATS Haydn’s Sonata should have: NO REPEATS Brahms’ Rhapsody should have: NO REPEAT (singular) Chopin Waltz in E Minor should have: TAKE 2nd ENDINGS Schumann’s Fantasiestucke has no repeats in the score Barber’s Souvenirs has no repeats in the score Bolcom’s Graceful Ghost Rage should have: TAKE 2nd ENDINGS

Please make note of these changes to the 2017 Piano Contest Materials List in order to properly prepare your students for the MMTA Piano Contest in January.

Questions? Contact the MMTA Office.


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Preparing Good Answers to the Oral Questions Kirsten Levorson NCTM, Piano Exam Development Committee Chair

Here’s a fun fact from the original edition of our comprehensive piano syllabus, first published in 1970. At that time, students taking level five and higher were required to write a brief essay expounding on the composer or style characteristics of one of their pieces. Students brought the essay to the exam, where it was read and scored by the judge. Within ten years, the exam syllabus had been revised and the essay requirement was replaced by the oral questions for levels three through eleven. While perhaps less daunting than an essay, the questions can still be a sticky challenge for some students. Some students memorize static answers, while others are well prepared to discuss deeply with the judge. What’s the intent behind the oral questions? Let’s look closely at the explanation found in the introduction to the syllabus on page 5. In Levels 3 through 11, students are asked oral questions about the repertoire performed. Note that the questions are about the repertoire performed by the student. If a student is asked a question about

style characteristics, their answer should relate to the piece performed, not just to general characteristics for that style period.

Questions at the lower levels tend to have factual rather than subjective answers, such as, what is the key of this piece, or, what does [this dynamic marking] mean?

As students move into the higher levels, the expectation is that they will provide more thoughtful, well developed answers rather than a single word or brief phrase.

They should be prepared to give information regarding anything on the printed page. This includes the key signature, time signature, composer, meaning of words printed in the text, and meaning of the title. In levels 6-11, students are asked to choose one selection from their repertoire and describe the form of that piece, including the keys and key relationships. When a student describes the form of a piece, they might be pointing in the score, saying, “The A section starts

here in the key of G minor, and the B section starts there in the dominant key, D Major. Here’s the return of the A section, again in the tonic key, G minor.”

Often students are able to articulate the sections of Sonata Form with the exposition, development and recapitulation, and most students are able to identify the tonal center of each section. Many students forget to describe key relationships such as tonic and dominant, or a minor tonic moving to the relative major.

They are also asked to point out elements of their music that are characteristic of the historical style. Most students have learned to identify a couple general characteristics of each style – that baroque music is often

contrapuntal, or that classical music is more homophonic, or that 20th century music may be atonal. The tricky situation is when the specific piece the student is performing does not match the general characteristic. Remember, the questions are about the repertoire performed. A student performing a jazzy piece for their 20th Century list would discuss characteristics like syncopated rhythms or use of the blues scale, rather than atonality.

A chart showing these characteristics can be found in the Piano Exam Preparation Packet or bought as a chart; however, legitimate answers should be acceptable even if they are not in this chart. Page 129 of the reference section of this syllabus has a list of the questions which may be asked at any level. Remember that the goal of these oral questions is to assess the student’s understanding of the music they are

performing. Delve deeply into these concepts with your students throughout the time they are learning their pieces! Don’t wait until the week before the exam to prepare them for these questions (especially on the questions of form and style), and help them think of their answers as a discussion with many possible correct answers rather than a true/false quiz.


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I remember the day my piano teacher cried. It was my senior year of high school and after 13 years of traditional lessons (the last four with her) I was going to major in fashion merchandising. Piano no longer interested me, not even to play for fun. Fourteen years and a few careers later I dusted off my few remaining piano books to audition for the Music Ed program at the University of South Carolina. It was in my first elementary methods class in 2002 that I was introduced to the theories of music learning of Dr. Edwin Gordon that would change my life, both personally and professionally. As the new Early Childhood Music chair of MMTA, I’d like to give a brief summary of the late Dr. Gordon’s findings, and connect the “How” of music learning with the “Why” of the approaches of music teaching. “The piano is simply the instrument we choose for the expression of musical ideas. Music itself is in the mind, and therefore the teaching of it should be distinctly a mental training.” Edwin E. Gordon Audiation Audiation is the foundation of musical understanding and is a skill that is developed over time. Audiation is to music what thought is to language. It is when your brain gives meaning to musical sounds – similar to thinking in language. Babies and young children go through a music “babble” stage, during which they need “informal” music guidance. Language Analogy Gordon’s research found that we learn music like we learn language, in the same order: listening, speaking (singing and chanting), thinking (audiating and improvising), reading, and writing. The most important is listening. Babies develop a listening vocabulary of many words in context, with which they learn to then speak and eventually read and write. Patterns Just as words make up the content of language, rhythm and tonal patterns make up the content of music (our brains are pattern magnets!). Tonal and Rhythm patterns are the vocabulary of music. The more patterns students have in their vocabulary, the more connections and comparisons they can make. This is how learning happens. Context is Key Our brains look for meaning and context. We understand something when we can compare it to something else, and make associations and connections. The context of music is tonality and meter. Major and minor, duple and triple, and more. The resting tone, or tonic (DO for major, LA for minor) provides tonal context, and meter provides rhythm context (specifically microbeats). For students to develop audiation they need informal music guidance by hearing songs without words in a variety of tonalities and meters while moving with flow. They need to listen to, chant and sing tonal patterns in major and minor, duple and triple. Improvising Musical improvising is like conversation in language. For young children, start with short rhythm patterns. Once children have heard and chanted several rhythm patterns (words), they can begin putting those together to improvise musical phrases. Start by having them play a pattern on one key, then repeating it, or playing a different pattern. Early improvising gives students the readiness to read and write music notation (the third and fourth vocabularies) with ease and understanding. But, when music notation is presented before a child has had LOTS of experience with listening and singing/chanting and has a firm vocabulary of tonal and rhythm patterns, their audiation will be stunted. Putting music in front of a child before they are ready shuts down the ears.

Continued on p. 10

Evolution, Not Revolution Wendy Pace, Early Childhood Music Chair


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Independent Music Teachers Forum - CONNECT Laura Harding, NCTM, Chair

As I sit down to write this article, it is a little over a week before the studio year begins. I am in the midst of planning, researching new music, adding event dates to my calendar and organizing for the year ahead. This task can sometimes be isolating, which reminds me that as independent teachers it is important for us to also find ways to connect with each other throughout the year. To keep us on track for the year ahead, here is a little acrostic to help up remember the importance of connecting as independent teachers.

Call up another teacher to have coffee or lunch date. This is probably the easiest and most instant way to connect

with another teacher. Even just a quick coffee date can invigorate us!

Offer your time as a volunteer for various MMTA events. Are you curious about a specific MMTA event? What better

way to learn more about it than by volunteering at the event! This is also a great way to network with other teachers and learn more about the programs offered.

Network online. Did you know that MMTA now has a Facebook group? This is a great resource to ask a question

about a program, get teaching tips, and just get to know other teachers.

Never stop learning. Have you thought about trying a new MMTA program this year? I am excited to get started with

Popular Styles and will be doing the workbook along with a student.

Energize your music by attending a live music event with a friend.

Convention: This annual event is a highlight of my studio year. I so enjoy seeing familiar faces, attending stimulating

sessions and browsing through music in the exhibit hall. I come away from the MMTA Convention with so many new ideas and a reaffirmation of what I am doing as a teacher.

Take time to attend a Local Association meeting. We can learn so much from each other.

Continued from p. 9

We want to guide (not teach) our students to become independent musicians and independent musical thinkers. This comes from the ability to audiate, to process and communicate music like we do with language. Kids will begin to teach themselves when they are ready, with guidance, to read. The visual representation of music will become “icons that sing”. As Gordon said, students are “reading to learn”.

Get them to be musical! Young children need as much time as possible to absorb and experience music aurally, to develop audation, performance and improvising skills. It is a process that can not and should not be rushed. Much of what occurs in deep learning is an internal process and not demonstrated by the child for what may seem like a long time. Be patient and keep your eyes on the long term goals.

Like Ed Gordon himself, Music Learning Theory is like an iceberg – the visible tip seems massive enough, but dip below the surface and there is much more. This shouldn’t discourage us, though. Gordon himself continually encouraged teachers to just start small, with one little step. I would like to encourage any of you who are interested in learning more about Music Learning Theory, practical applications, or how to implement pattern instruction to get in touch with me. You can watch Dr. Gordon’s lectures on Music Learning Theory here.

Learn more about audiation and early childhood music at the Gordon Institute for Music Learning.

Wendy Pace teahes piano using the audiation-based curriculum, Music Moves For Piano. She lives in Minnetonka and also plays for her church and performs in a duo as “Carolina Red”. You can reach her at [email protected]

https://www.youtube.com/user/GIMLPublications/videos

http://www.giml.org

http://www.pacemusicstudio.com

http://www.musicmovesforpiano.com



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MusicLink News Sue Wege, State Chair

The MusicLink program exists to provide low income children with the opportunity to study music. Many talented children never get the chance to have lessons because the cost is simply too high for their families to afford. Teachers, willing to reduce their fee by at least half, are at the heart of the MusicLink program. The MusicLink Foundation supports their outreach by offering discounts on music and materials, reimbursement to the teacher for any expenses and performance and scholarship opportunities for the students. MMTA supports the work of the MusicLink Foundation by waiving all program fees and offering discounts on educational materials for MusicLink students.

If you would like to volunteer to teach a child in need, visit the MusicLink website (www.musiclinkfoundation.org ) and click on “How to Participate”.

Congratulations go to Timothy Baek, the 2016 winner of the Ruth Stenson MusicLink Award. He was presented with the $1,000 cash award during the Honors Concert at the MMTA Convention last June.

New Business Partner Offer—Carol Matz is offering her new “Interactive Piano” method to all active MusicLink students free of charge for as long as they are in lessons with a MusicLink teacher. Get your free studio copy of Level 1 and then contact Carol to learn how to get the free materials for your MusicLink students.

Mark your calendars for the 2017 MusicLink Playathon

Feb. 11th & 12th Let’s make this the biggest and

best Playathon ever!

http://www.musiclinkfoundation.org


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MTNA Foundation Fellow Award Raeanna Gislason, NCTM, Chair

Zoe Ann Abrahamson

Helen Baumgartner

Paul Baumgartner

Marcia Benson

Patsy Bode

Ruth Borash

SherrieBelle Brinkworth

Fern Davidson

Linda DeRocher

Mary Duncan

Karen Erickson

Geneva Eschweiler

Elizabeth Everitt

Katherine Faricy

Anna Jeanne Flesner

Raeanna Gislason

Suzanne Greer

Sylvia Gunderson

Jean Hegland

Annette Helder

Mary Hitzeman

Emily Ireland

Janice Jurgenson

Sharon Kaplan

Melanie Katragadda

Jill Kilzer

Marcia Knuttila

Kay Koehnen

Mary Kovell

Sue Krebsbach

Pat Langer

Caroline Langfeld

Mary Kay Lanz

Marlene Larson

Carolyn Laufenburger

Evelyn Lee

Kirsten Levorson

Margaret Maxwell

Kristi McNellis

Susan Munson

Mary Neidermeier

Jenna Popp

Carol Prescher

Dianne Prieditis

Rebekah Richards

Elizabeth Richter

Barbara Rossow

Sue Ruby

Linda Seime

Diane Steen-Hinderlie

Stephanie Tesch

Barbara Thompson

June Torrison

Debra Tucker

Linda Turpening

Sue Wege

Gretchen Wilson

Chris Wolf

Mary Young

K & S Studios

Central MN MTA

The MMTA Foundation wishes to thank the following people for their donations in 2015-2016:

MMTA Foundation

Judy Sherman NCTM - Foundation President

THANK YOU for the generous contributions MMTA members made to the MTNA Foundation Fund in 2015. Our grand total for the year from 110 individuals and Minnesota River Valley MTA was $5,615.25. We placed 3rd nationwide in total amount given. Very impressive and very generous! We now have several Foundation Fellow Awardees from Minnesota named on the wall in Cincinnati: Ruth Anderson, Sue Freeman Dopp, Sue Wege, Marianne Bryan, Jean Hegland, Gordon Howell, Merrily Stone, Annette Conklin, Kathleen Hasse, Sharon K. Wesbrook, and Ruth Stenson. It is very exciting to be part of the MTNA Foundation Gala each year at the national conference. There are usually about thirty-five Fellow Awards given and it is heartwarming to hear about the impact each person has made within our profession, both statewide and nationwide. Dr. Paul Wirth will be our 2017 MTNA Fellow at the MTNA Conference in Baltimore and we need continued member support of donations this year for his honor. Last year, even though we had a record number of people donating and we placed 3rd in the nation, only one member in five remembered to put Merrily’s name on their donation. I checked with MTNA in July this year and again, only one member in five donated to the Paul Wirth Fellow Fund during the first half of the year. Help! Spread the word! ALL OF THE MONEY FOR THE MTNA Fellow program goes to support the programs of the MTNA FOUNDATION FUND including the MTNA Competitions, local and state association grants, the Composer Commissioning Program, various awards, Teacher Enrichment Grants and Program Enrichment Grants. When you make your next donation to the MTNA Foundation Fund, PLEASE designate your donation to the Dr. Paul Wirth Fellow Award. HONOR DR. WIRTH BY SENDING DONATIONS TO: MTNA FOUNDATION FUND 1 West 4th Street, Suite 1550 CINCINNATI OH 45202 WRITE DR. PAUL WIRTH’S NAME ON THE MEMO LINE OF YOUR CHECK. Prefer online? www.mtnafoundation.org. Click on contribute online, go past the established endowments listing, fill in your name and credit card info and (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!) type Paul’s name at the bottom of the form.

Dr. Paul Wirth

http://www.mtnafoundation.org/


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HIGHLIGHTS of the 2016 MMTA Convention--inspiration through presentations, master classes, performances, collaborations, networking, exhibits and more! The palate of offerings included some new colors including a cabaret event called Monday Music Madness on Monday evening. What pleasure to hear these students of MMTA teachers perform with a backup band. Thank you, Doug Rohde, for directing this! And we ended the conference with Tefsa, the singing guru, leading us in song!

Dr. Noa Kageyama - excellent presentations with humor and research all in one!

Collaboration and celebration - Composition Winners Recital!

Vocal and Instrumental Ensemble Recital

MMTA Foundation Award Recital performers and winners.

Camaraderie, networking and making and renewing friendships!

2016 MMTA Convention


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Monday Music Madness

And a final send off— singing with Tefsa!

Master Classes Lifting up and thanking those in leadership

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR FINE STAFF!


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Piano Exam Awards Level 5, cont’d. Level 7, cont’d.

Henstrom, Levi Hawkins, Kay Limaye, Atharva Kramer, Eleonora

2015-2016 Hooten, Chloe Nuguid, Rosanna Lin, Brian Frayman, Lyudmila

Level 4 Jacobs, Jerome Kramer, Eleonora Liu, Crystal Lungwitz, Lisa

Andrew, Nikhill Kramer, Elena Johnson, Zoe Kopitske, Grace Machholz, Dylan AbuAyed, Tami

Bai, Alyssa Krinke, Jean Kirkpatrick, Betsy Davidson, Fern Rochlin, Noah Langer, Patricia

Basil, Jacob Low, Philip Larsen, Kjersten Vahl, Marcia Tan, Elijah Nuguid, Rosanna

Chen, Ashley Smirnov, Nadine Li, Linden Henry, Marilyn Tian, Maggie Langer, Patricia

Chen, Matthew Hawkins, Kay Liao, Elaine Filler-Schloner, Lillia Toste, Francesco Kontorovich, Marina

Christopher, Emma Valine, Emily Liu, Sharai Abrahamson, Zoe Ven, Ben Kramer, Eleonora

Close, Megan Parker, Jennifer Lowe, Alexandria Nuguid, Rosanna Watkins, Grace Rasmussen, Julienne

Darang, Erin Parker, Jennifer Lowe, Lydia Nuguid, Rosanna Xiong, Kevin Qiu, Lin

Dysthe, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Jacob Murphy, AnnaKate Graffunder, Ann-Marie Zhang, Julia Lange, Kim

Ferris, Hamilton Gallaher, Sarah Pettys, Alivia Nustad, Corinne Level 8 Frost, Toby Lungwitz, Lisa Prohofsky, Ryan Karelse, Elizabeth Bhat, Amith Kopitske, Grace

Jankowski, Anna Harding, Laura Rotz, Rachel Rotz, Maria Blomme, Nicolette Petersen, Rennae

Jiang, Derek Krinke, Jean Salmon, Elliot Millner, Mary Beth Cao, Michelle Krinke, Jean

Johnson, Tanner Sather, Candace Sego, Benen Kopitske, Grace Castro, Tricia Feneis, Judy

Jones, Misha Richter, Elizabeth Shankar, Swetha Johnson, Barbara Chen, Kevin Hong, Jessica

Judd, Erin Mishler, Ann Williams, Luke Grantier, Charlotte Den Hartog, Lily Dierauer, Nancy

Keller, Iris Thompson, Barbara Yiu, Mansfield Ellis, Ann Fan, Emily Van Doeren, Kathleen

Kivi, Nikolai Van Dorn, Frances Zeeb, Deni Jacobs-Bowman, Kim Holt, Ryan Stenzel, Sandra

Klein, Macy Wolf, Chris Zhang, Raymond Nuguid, Rosanna Johnson, Collin Koehnen, Kay

Kratky, Zdenek Millner, Mary Beth Zheng, Henry Kramer, Eleonora Lai, Chelsea Lungwitz, Lisa

Li, Grace Filler-Schloner, Lillia Level 6 Madhok, Gauri Langer, Patricia

Li, Linden Henry, Marilyn Alm, Isobel Richards, Rebekah Mi, Ellen Kramer, Elena

Lundeen, Anika Peterson, Melinda Bowman, Carly Jacobs-Bowman, Kim Miller, Grace Thompson, Barbara

Meng, Amy Yao, Ying Copland, Lauren Langer, Patricia Nathan, Jared Nuguid, Horacio

Ojard, Edward Ojard, Helen Dahlke, Emily Krohn, Melissa Niu, Melissa Kramer, Eleonora

Ong, Jackie Qiu, Lin Greenberg, Madeline Graffunder, Ann-Marie Qian, Tiffany Yao, Ying

Parker, Zoe Waldoch, Deidra Hernandez, Patricia Williamson, Kathryn Rochlm, Noah Langer, Patricia

Pederson, Clare Smith, Linda J Lenertz, Jenna Buddecke, Camille Scott, Madie Plourde, Helen-Marie

Pham, Andrew Lungwitz, Lisa Moore, Alex Cader, Ann Stewart, Josiah Gerstenkorn, Solveig

Rock, Sari Van Dorn, Frances Peterson, Adrienne Peterson, Melinda Ta, Michelle DeGia, Charleen

Son, Nicki Maxwell, Margaret Roth, Britta Baumgartner, Helen Taylor, Joshua Bryan, Marianne

Vadrevu, Sravanti Grantier, Charlotte Ven, Ben Kramer, Eleonora Teh, Annika Sather, Candace

Vundamati, Vishnu Kopitske, Grace Voneschen, Mitchell Kapeluck, Sharon Von Holtum, Jenna Knuttila, Marcia

Wang, Ian Qui, Lin Xiong, Kevin Qiu, Lin Wang, Gemily Lungwitz, Lisa

Zhao, Annie Kramer, Eleonora Yiu, Crystal Ellis, Ann Watkins, Merytl Barr, Cora

Zheng, Bowen Yao, Ying Level 7 Wu, Eric Hedman, Mark

Zhou, Grace Smirnov, Nadine Callens, Maria Wambeke, Helen Xu, Clara Nuguid, Rosanna

Level 5 Cao, Michelle Krinke, Jean Yang, Audrey Kontorovich, Marina

Akhtar, Zoya Hedman, Mark Cao, Mike Lo, Jackie Yang, Brian Langer, Patricia

Blackstone, Tommy Muelich, Lois Deng, Emily Nuguid, Rosanna Yu, Frank Frayman, Lyudmila

Breidenbach, Heather Lange, Sylvia Duan, Aaron Kontorovich, Marina Yuan, Jamie Lungwitz, Lisa

Bremseth, Abigail Van Doeren, Kathleen Fobbe, Elliot Plourde, HelenMarie Yuan, Maggie Krinke, Jean

Busker, Shelby Jorgenson, Anne Gao, Claire Olson, Kristen Zheng, Irene Yao, Ying

Carl, Megan Parker, Jennifer Juaire, Michaela Thompson, Barbara Zheng, Megan Yao, Ying

Ernst, Nathiel Grantier, Charlotte Kanatkaly, Jasmin Bolin, Tatyana Zhu, Joyce Lo, Jackie

Feng, Sarah Krinke, Jean Kostanecki, Piotrek Howe, Sondra

Goetz, Michaela Boecher, Nancy Lee, Karen Yao, Ying

Gullingsrud, Phoebe Langer, Patricia Li, Kennan Kilzer, Jill


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. Level 9 Theory Exam Awards

Theory Level 5 cont’d.

Adams, Evelyn Davidson, Fern Tribault, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Jacob

Cao, Michael Qiu, Lin 2015-2016 Wang, Gemily Lungwitz, Lisa

Castro, Tricia Feneis, Judy Level 5 Weinberger, Christopher Erlich, Julia Elkina

Ching, Joseph Pepper, Kozue Adams, Evelyn Davidson, Fern Xu, Clara Nuguid, Rosanna

Gong, Grace Kramer, Eleonora Amen, Annie Turco, Beth Yang, Brian Langer, Pat

Hainy, Cameron Eppeland, Myrna Anderson, Stefan Karelse, Elizabeth Yuan, Jamie Lungwitz, Lisa

Harrell, Charity Hawkins, Kay Azar, Elizabeth Langer, Pat Zhang, Sarah Hong, Jessica

Kivi, Emily Maxwell, Margaret Bachmeier, Erin Fitzpatrick, Jacob Zheng, Aunika Krinke, Jean

Lamoreaux, Colin Thompson, Barbara Baer, Dominic Nustad, Corrine Level 6

Li, Helen Nuguid, Horacio Bernard, Michael Sherman, Judy Besonen, David Wolf, Chris

Liu, Doreen Lange, Sylvia Berran, Jake Buddecke, Camille Cao, Michael Qiu, Lin

Madhok, Gauri Langer, Patricia Bommaredy, Sailaja Kopitske, Grace Knier, Paige AbuAyed, Tami

Marmet, Zach Thaler, Natalie Cameron, Hainy Eppeland, Myrna Li, Linda Hong, Jessica

Meng, Christopher Lange, Kim Camp, Jessica Parker, Jennifer Monson, Kristen Fitzpatrick, Jacob

Menk, Anya Baumgartner, Helen Cao, Michelle Krinke, Jean Pham, Lucas Lungwitz, Lisa

Olson, Benjamin Sather, Candace Cao, Mike Lo, Jackie White, Isadora Kaplan, Sharon

Pham, Lucas Lungwitz, Lisa Carl, Megan Parker, Jennifer Yang, William Madsen, Beverly

Stewart, Thomas Gerstenkorn, Solveig Egan, Thomas Perun, Gwen Level 7

Subramanian, Mira Lungwitz, Lisa Erlich, Max Tsevetovat, Yelena Besonen, David Wolf, Chris

Thibault, Sara Fitzpatrick, Jacob Feng, Sarah Krinke, Jean Goetzman, Abigail Severtson, David

Tong, Eunice Li, Tzong-Huei Fischer, Katie Sherman, Judy Harley, James Karelse, Elizabeth

Tu, Minh Kaplan, Sharon Frantz, Lily Rassmussen, Julie Jeanette Benson Award Highest Score Level 7 Voth, Michelle Henry, Marilyn Fuller, Rebecca Lange, Kim

Wang, Meryl Krinke, Jean Garlapati, Subbarao Kopitske, Grace Besonen, David Wolf, Chris

Wang, Mimi Payne, Judy Goetzman, Julia Severtson, David Harley, James Karelse, Elizabeth

Wu, Isabella Hong, Jessica Gorman, Audrey Langer, Pat Voice Exam Award - Level 3

Zheng, Aunika Krinke, Jean Harrell, Charity Hawkins, Kay

Zhi, Emily Hong, Jessica Hayday, Elena DeGia, Char 2015-2016 Zhou, Martin Kramer, Eleonora Head, Eric Krumholz, Sandra McGarness, Kennedy Culloton, Melissa

Level 10 Holt, Ryan Stenzel, Sandra

Bai, Sephanie Yao, Ying Jiang, Evan Kramer, Eleonora Guitar Exam Awards

Ballen, Hannah Thaler, Natalie Johnson, Jacob Bach, Narissa Strong

Fang, Wendy Yao, Ying Lai, Chelsea Lungwitz, Lisa 2015-2016

Hong, Tyler Qiu, Lin Li, Anna Hong, Jessica Pickers & Pluckers Level 4 Knier, Paige AbuAyed, Tami Machole, Dylan AbuAyed, Tami Gulati, Nikhil Carlson, Kevin

Kopecky, May Sundseth, Joel Madhok, Gauri Langer, Pat Lochen, Ethan Carlson, Kevin

Lee, Gabriel Qiu, Lin Miller, Mckenna Bostrom, Jean Pickers & Pluckers Level 5 Lin, Ivy AbuAyed, Tami Munger, Gabriella AbuAyed, Tami Deans, Connor Carlson, Kevin

Loken, Emily Saliny, Sandra Nie, Melissa Kramer, Eleonora Mead, Andrew Carlson, Kevin

Sanders, Mary Ann Eppeland, Myrna Nykamp, Charles Krinke, Jean Pickers & Pluckers Level 6 Weng, Jason Kontorovich, Marina Nykamp, Daniel Krinke, Jean Scheele, Esther Carlson, Kevin

White, Isadora Kaplan, Sharon Panciera, Isabel Winterfeldt, Beth

Yang, Kerui Kramer, Eleonora Peterson, Adrienne Peterson, Mindy Violin Exam Awards

Rochlin, Noah Langer, Pat Level 11

Curoe, Jonathan Miller, Sarah Saini, Varun Kramer, Eleonora 2015-2016 Menk, Austyn Baumgartner, Paul Schack, Francesca Bratsch, Cheryl Yang, Jonathan Lo, Jackie

Nelson, Jacob Millner, Mary Beth Sherman, Mary Fadden, Mary Zhang, Matthew Lo, Jackie

Shen, Kevin Qiu, Lin Spenst, Rachel VanderZanden, Basia Wu, Joey Lo, Jackie

Yang, Claire Kramer, Elena Stewart, Josiah Gerstenkorn, Solveig Lai, Emma Lo, Jackie

Elaine Kingsley Award Highest Score Level 11

Taher, Sabriya Stone, Merrily Ma, Stephen Lo, Jackie

Taylor, Joshua Bryan, Marianne Yeung, Jeremy Lo, Jackie

Curoe, Jonathan Miller, Sarah Toensing, Emily Grina, Gail


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Need a gift for a student, friend, or family member? Why not get them something with the MMTA logo! There are lots of great items to choose from, and each purchase supports MMTA.

Just go to www.cafepress.com/mnmusicteachers to view the product options.

Got awards?

Deadline for ordering trophies for students

who have earned them is: November 15th

Go to www.mnmusicteachers.com/Events.

Scroll to November, View Details, Add number

of trophies needed to cart. Then, go to the

Shop to add the trophy/trophies to the cart.

Begin the check-out process, then enter

Student Names.

Complete the check-out process. The MMTA

Office will notify you when trophies come in.

For Sale: 1975 Steinway Model B—ebony satin piano. Steinway refurbishment in 2004 - details available.

Asking price is $45,000. Children have grown and no longer play it. Would like it to find a loving home.

Contact Annette Swanson (651) 690-5502.

T he 2017 MTNA National Conference will take place in Baltimore, Maryland, March 18–22. Set on the city’s famous Inner Harbor and within walking distance to most of

downtown’s wonderful attractions, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront will play host to nearly 2,000 music teachers, students and industry experts for our annual celebration of the music teaching profession. Conference highlights include evening concerts from husband and wife piano duo Leon Fleisher and Katherine Jacobson, and also the musical and theatrical duo Igudesman & Joo. David Cutler, a leading voice on careers in the arts, will give the keynote address. Fleisher and noted pedagogues Diane Hidy and Elissa Milne will lead master classes.

All other Challenge awards

may be ordered at any time.

All points earned after September 2010 or September 2015* may be applied toward Challenge Awards, including the trophy.

For more Information, see the 2016-2017 Handbook p. 33.

http://www.cafepress.com/mnmusicteachers


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THE MMTA NEWSLETTER

Official Publication of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association

affiliated with the Music Teachers National Association.

Mission Statement The mission of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association is to advance the profession of music teaching through education, certification, networking and advocacy.

MMTA Purpose The purpose of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association is to enhance the professional status of its members, to sponsor and participate in programs for the enrichment of music education, and to encourage music performance and creativity. All members are committed to the highest standards of music teaching and are dedicated to upholding and improving the standards of all music education in Minnesota.

Statement of Function The function of the MMTA Newsletter is to reflect the Purpose of MMTA, to serve as a vehicle of communication to the membership, to inform the membership of events and ideas; to report musical activity in the state and to stimulate and encourage active interest, participation and support for the MMTA as it maintains a role of leadership in the State of Minnesota.

MMTA NEWSLETTER POLICY Promotions of recitals, workshops or other events of interest to music teachers which have a charge or fee must be inserts as advertisements. Exceptions are MTNA and MMTA-sponsored events, and the fall education classes on contest materials (i.e., SPPTA, MMTF, St. Cloud, New Ulm, etc.).

ISSUES AND DEADLINES Oct./Nov./Dec. September 1st Jan./Feb./Mar.: December 1st April/May/June: March 1st

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS The statements of the advertisers

are not necessarily those of MMTA.

ADVERTISEMENT RATES Full Page 7 1/2w x 10 h $175 Half page 7 1/2 w x 4 3/4 h $115 One-fourth page 3 1/2 w x 4 3/4 h $80 One-eighth page 2 1/4 h x 3 1/2 w $45

WANT AD RATE SCHEDULE 6 Lines $20 3 Lines $10

(MMTA members pay half price on Want Ad rate.)

SUBMIT ARTICLES & ADVERTISEMENTS TO:

[email protected] OR

MMTA, 10800 LYNDALE AVE. S, STE. 120 BLOOMINGTON, MN 55420

MMTA Board Minutes Highlights—September 2016

The new MMTA website is now finished. Thank you to August Ash Inc. for their quality work.

The MMTA Convention Committee will offer a survey to members who did not attend convention.

The VP Membership position on the Board is still vacant, as well as several other positions throughout the organization. MMTA President Suzanne Greer will be taking the lead on finding members to serve in these areas.

The MMTA Finance Committee will be meeting to review payments made to Program Personnel to determine if they are in line with the current MMTA budget.

The e-Piano Junior Festival will once again be held during the MMTA Convention in June 2017 at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth. Convention attendees are invited to attend the performances.

MMTA Board Minutes Highlights—August 2016

A motion was made to accept Marcia Vahl as President-Elect.

Rory Thompson has agreed to serve as Nominating Committee Chair.

Kay Hawkins has agreed to serve as liaison to MMTA Foundation.

A motion was accepted to pay exam graders a flat fee of $25 for a half day (9:00 – 1:00 or 1:00 – 4:00) and $50 for a full day.

Updates were made to Board documents to reflect the change in office staff roles - Riley Pritchett is now Office Administrator, Sonja Gustafson is now Director of Operations.

MMTA will enter into a reciprocal arrangement with VocalEssence to promote a Stephen Hough concert in Spring 2017. VocalEssence will provide a limited number of tickets, MMTA will provide advertising space and place information in Weekly Updates.

MMTA Board Minutes Highlights—June 2016

A sincere thank you to Jennifer Parker who has served as Vice President -Membership for the past two years.

The Education Council is asking the MMTA Finance Committee to look into paying graders a flat fee for the Twin Cities Exam Sites.

Levels 4 – 8 String Exam participants (Distinction or High Distinction) will be receiving monetary awards this spring (2016).


Dr. Scott McBride Smith, Featured Guest

Scott McBride Smith is a recognized leader in worldwide music education. As the Cordelia Brown Murphy Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the University of Kansas (since 2010), he focuses on national issues of teacher training and piano pedagogy. As President and CEO of the International Institute for Young Musicians, he leads a summer program offering specialized training for gifted young performers from around the world. And as co-author of the groundbreaking new series American Popular Piano, he has helped create a course of study for today’s student – providing tools that inspire the necessary hard work while playing music they love.

Scott McBride Smith is President-Elect of the Music Teachers National Association of the United States.

Reed Tetzloff, Guest Artist

Reed Tetzloff has been praised as a “young American to watch” by The Cincinnati Enquirer, which lauded his “magical tone” and “richly communicative” playing. At the XV International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2015, Reed was one of twelve semi-finalists, receiving wide acclaim in Russian media as the “lyric hero of the competition”.

Born in 1992 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he studied with Dr. Paul Wirth and won over ten first prizes in state, regional, and national competitions prior to college. Reed earned his Bachelor’s degree at Mannes College, studying with Piano Department Chair Pavlina Dokovska. He currently pursues his Master’s degree at Mannes on a full scholarship as the recipient of the Nahum Guzik Piano Award.

pdfdownload mmta newsletter - oct/nov/dec 2016

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