Printed on 12/1/08
< Back to 2005-6 Newsletters
September 2005
Welcome Back!
Bill Popp, LAMTA President
Over the summer LAMTA wasn't idle. Several teachers brought students to the Alterra Assisted Living facility for two very successful half-hour performances. The residents really appreciated the music, and the students were great.This could also be a good venue for students wishing to get some pre-festival experience in October, before they go to the piano festival.
I hope everyone is ready for the busy year ahead. Debi Strick and others have already done a great deal of planning for the Piano Festival. If you haven't heard, the registration forms are currently available on our website HERE.Also, Judy Johnson has again lined up a very impressive and varied array of programs. I am looking forward to seeingmany of you at our first meeting.It should be a good one, with Sydney Thompson, master educator,presenting a variety of teaching techniques. And, don't forget the luncheon to follow. See you soon!
Meeting September 14, 9:03 AM
Program:Exploring Teaching Techniques with Sidney Thompson
Sidney plans to focus on the teacher, and has lots of great ideas to share.
A luncheon will follow this meeting so bring your favorite dish and plan to stay.
Location:The home of Debbie Rickard, 3118 Hiawatha Dr.Turn north from 29th Street onto Glendevey (a block East of Wilson) and turn left on Granada.It will turn to the right and become Hiawatha.Debbie's home is on the right.
Sidney lives and teaches in Ft. Collins.She grew up in Boise, Idaho.The beginning of her education was her mother's piano studio.She says that she listened to her mother's capable teaching for so long it became a part of her.She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Texas at Austin.She was a student one summer at the Aspen Music Festival and also attended the International Congregation of the Arts in Hanover, New Hampshire another summer. She feels that our education comes from everything we do.Her parents were both fine musicians and encouraged her music.Her favorite composers are Schubert, for his naturalness, and Rachmaninoff, for his controlled power.Her favorite musician, often heard on Public Radio (90.1 FM), is Murray Perrahia.She appreciates his poetic playing.Sidney'sfavorite vacation destinations are where her children and grandchildren live. One family lives in the upper peninsula of Michigan and two live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a place she would definitely not like to be at the moment.(They are ok, just without power.) Her favorite color is green.
Excellent Programs Scheduled
Judy Johnson, Vice President for Programs
I am looking forward to a very exciting year in LAMTA.I think we have some excellent programs, many of which require participation from our members.Please join us by preparing a Russian piece (needn't be difficult - a teaching piece is fine), finding out something about Mozart that you can share, prepare a piece to playor both,and reading "The Perfect Wrong Note." Please buy your copy from Music and Arts as soon as possible. They have given us a great deal and it is a terrific book.
There are also some programs that you can justsit back and enjoy.Of special note is the March program that features Alejandro Cremaschi who was a favorite at the State Conference.Don't miss this one!Also, Sonia Haxton tells me that her program on Summer Music Camps is not just general ideas, but specific materials that have been tried and tested.Carol and I are diligently practicing Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel's music and loving it.We are excited to share what we are learning with you.
Do whatever is necessary to clear your calendar on the 2nd Wednesday of every month so you can attend our meetings.We not only want you there, we NEED you there!
Do You Need Students?
Betty Lou is starting to get calls for teachers. If you have any openings, please let her know right away! (669-3473)
Children's Choir to Start
Michelle Lavin
I am putting together a children's choir for ages 6-13. We will meet once a week for one hour each time. There will be a cost of $5 per child per week. I am requiring that they pay per semester (Sept-Dec is the first one). This works out to be $80 for the semester. Family discounts will be available. If anyone has any students that might be interested please tell them to contact me at 970-663-5523. I also have informational flyers that I will be bringing to our September meeting.
New Book Report Available
Renee Clay has done a very thorough job reviewing the book The Challenging Child. You may read her review under BOOK REVIEWS.
PREP - Professional Reading and Enrichment Program
Carol Condit
What a wonderful topic we have offered to us this year in PREP! Please check page 13 of the July Notes and News for specific book titles. There are five listed, and Dr. Sue Williamson, Presenter, has suggested that they be read in order of listing. Please consider reading and reviewing one of these books for LAMTA. A signup sheet will be available at the September meeting, or phone Carol Condit (613.8987) in advance to reserve your favorite. You are asked to provide a brief overview of the book to be submitted to the Editor for publication in our newsletter. If you are interested in sharing a review with LAMTA, we welcome your input.
October Meeting
Our meeting on October 12, will feature Sonia Haxton and Hunter Moncure taking about their very creative music camps for piano students. Sonia recommends you view her WEBSITE in advance to get an idea of what they offer, and see some great photos.
2005 - 2006 Program Schedule
If you have not already done so, be sure to check out our schedule of meetings for the coming year under ACTIVITIES.
Julianna Bishop-Hoch to Perform
Ruth Hale
I hope many of you will plan to attend Juliana Bishop'sAfternoon of French Song, to be held Sunday afternoon September 18, at 3:00. The performance will take place at the home of Dave and Rebeka Aldrich, 8133 Scenic Ridge Drive.This is just east on the Windsor exit.Please call 663-7928 for reservations and further directions.
Alfred Workshop
Maurice Hinson will be the guest presenter at a Alfred Piano Teacher Workshop on Saturday, September 10, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at Rockley Music Center, 8555 W. Colfax Ave. in Lakewood. Contact Liane Rockley at 303-233-4444 to register, or EMAIL her. A light lunch will be served following the workshop.
MTNA Piano Survey
MTNA is working in partnership with Piano Manufacturers Association International (PMAI) on an important activity entitled The 21st Century Piano Project. The purpose is to work with members of the "Piano Community" to develop a model that will enable all of us to successfully and profitably serve the needs of traditional piano students, serve the interests and expectations of diverse demographic segments and expand the number of people who play the piano. An important aspect of the project is a survey of the membership of leading music associations, as well as current piano shoppers and recent (within the last five years) piano purchasers. This project also is supported by the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG), the Retail Print Music Dealers Association (RPMDA), NAMM: the International Music Products Association and retailers throughout the U.S.
The piano community has long relied on assumptions and anecdotes without concrete data to support them. The findings from the surveys will be used to help develop a strategic plan for the future based on accurate data. The 21st Century Piano Project is unique in that it will involve every segment of the piano community, which is defined as those professionals and those organizations whose financial well-being is affected by an increase or decrease in the number of people who play the piano.
To complete the teacher survey, MTNA members may simply click on PIANO SURVEY to access the survey.The survey is now ready to complete and will remain on the site until October 31, 2005.
Thank you for taking time to complete this very important survey.The results will be reported to you by MTNA.
Bill Popp, LAMTA President
Over the summer LAMTA wasn't idle. Several teachers brought students to the Alterra Assisted Living facility for two very successful half-hour performances. The residents really appreciated the music, and the students were great.This could also be a good venue for students wishing to get some pre-festival experience in October, before they go to the piano festival.
I hope everyone is ready for the busy year ahead. Debi Strick and others have already done a great deal of planning for the Piano Festival. If you haven't heard, the registration forms are currently available on our website HERE.Also, Judy Johnson has again lined up a very impressive and varied array of programs. I am looking forward to seeingmany of you at our first meeting.It should be a good one, with Sydney Thompson, master educator,presenting a variety of teaching techniques. And, don't forget the luncheon to follow. See you soon!
Meeting September 14, 9:03 AM
Program:Exploring Teaching Techniques with Sidney Thompson
Sidney plans to focus on the teacher, and has lots of great ideas to share.
A luncheon will follow this meeting so bring your favorite dish and plan to stay.
Location:The home of Debbie Rickard, 3118 Hiawatha Dr.Turn north from 29th Street onto Glendevey (a block East of Wilson) and turn left on Granada.It will turn to the right and become Hiawatha.Debbie's home is on the right.
Sidney lives and teaches in Ft. Collins.She grew up in Boise, Idaho.The beginning of her education was her mother's piano studio.She says that she listened to her mother's capable teaching for so long it became a part of her.She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Texas at Austin.She was a student one summer at the Aspen Music Festival and also attended the International Congregation of the Arts in Hanover, New Hampshire another summer. She feels that our education comes from everything we do.Her parents were both fine musicians and encouraged her music.Her favorite composers are Schubert, for his naturalness, and Rachmaninoff, for his controlled power.Her favorite musician, often heard on Public Radio (90.1 FM), is Murray Perrahia.She appreciates his poetic playing.Sidney'sfavorite vacation destinations are where her children and grandchildren live. One family lives in the upper peninsula of Michigan and two live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a place she would definitely not like to be at the moment.(They are ok, just without power.) Her favorite color is green.
Excellent Programs Scheduled
Judy Johnson, Vice President for Programs
I am looking forward to a very exciting year in LAMTA.I think we have some excellent programs, many of which require participation from our members.Please join us by preparing a Russian piece (needn't be difficult - a teaching piece is fine), finding out something about Mozart that you can share, prepare a piece to playor both,and reading "The Perfect Wrong Note." Please buy your copy from Music and Arts as soon as possible. They have given us a great deal and it is a terrific book.
There are also some programs that you can justsit back and enjoy.Of special note is the March program that features Alejandro Cremaschi who was a favorite at the State Conference.Don't miss this one!Also, Sonia Haxton tells me that her program on Summer Music Camps is not just general ideas, but specific materials that have been tried and tested.Carol and I are diligently practicing Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel's music and loving it.We are excited to share what we are learning with you.
Do whatever is necessary to clear your calendar on the 2nd Wednesday of every month so you can attend our meetings.We not only want you there, we NEED you there!
Do You Need Students?
Betty Lou is starting to get calls for teachers. If you have any openings, please let her know right away! (669-3473)
Children's Choir to Start
Michelle Lavin
I am putting together a children's choir for ages 6-13. We will meet once a week for one hour each time. There will be a cost of $5 per child per week. I am requiring that they pay per semester (Sept-Dec is the first one). This works out to be $80 for the semester. Family discounts will be available. If anyone has any students that might be interested please tell them to contact me at 970-663-5523. I also have informational flyers that I will be bringing to our September meeting.
New Book Report Available
Renee Clay has done a very thorough job reviewing the book The Challenging Child. You may read her review under BOOK REVIEWS.
PREP - Professional Reading and Enrichment Program
Carol Condit
What a wonderful topic we have offered to us this year in PREP! Please check page 13 of the July Notes and News for specific book titles. There are five listed, and Dr. Sue Williamson, Presenter, has suggested that they be read in order of listing. Please consider reading and reviewing one of these books for LAMTA. A signup sheet will be available at the September meeting, or phone Carol Condit (613.8987) in advance to reserve your favorite. You are asked to provide a brief overview of the book to be submitted to the Editor for publication in our newsletter. If you are interested in sharing a review with LAMTA, we welcome your input.
October Meeting
Our meeting on October 12, will feature Sonia Haxton and Hunter Moncure taking about their very creative music camps for piano students. Sonia recommends you view her WEBSITE in advance to get an idea of what they offer, and see some great photos.
2005 - 2006 Program Schedule
If you have not already done so, be sure to check out our schedule of meetings for the coming year under ACTIVITIES.
Julianna Bishop-Hoch to Perform
Ruth Hale
I hope many of you will plan to attend Juliana Bishop'sAfternoon of French Song, to be held Sunday afternoon September 18, at 3:00. The performance will take place at the home of Dave and Rebeka Aldrich, 8133 Scenic Ridge Drive.This is just east on the Windsor exit.Please call 663-7928 for reservations and further directions.
Alfred Workshop
Maurice Hinson will be the guest presenter at a Alfred Piano Teacher Workshop on Saturday, September 10, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at Rockley Music Center, 8555 W. Colfax Ave. in Lakewood. Contact Liane Rockley at 303-233-4444 to register, or EMAIL her. A light lunch will be served following the workshop.
MTNA Piano Survey
MTNA is working in partnership with Piano Manufacturers Association International (PMAI) on an important activity entitled The 21st Century Piano Project. The purpose is to work with members of the "Piano Community" to develop a model that will enable all of us to successfully and profitably serve the needs of traditional piano students, serve the interests and expectations of diverse demographic segments and expand the number of people who play the piano. An important aspect of the project is a survey of the membership of leading music associations, as well as current piano shoppers and recent (within the last five years) piano purchasers. This project also is supported by the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG), the Retail Print Music Dealers Association (RPMDA), NAMM: the International Music Products Association and retailers throughout the U.S.
The piano community has long relied on assumptions and anecdotes without concrete data to support them. The findings from the surveys will be used to help develop a strategic plan for the future based on accurate data. The 21st Century Piano Project is unique in that it will involve every segment of the piano community, which is defined as those professionals and those organizations whose financial well-being is affected by an increase or decrease in the number of people who play the piano.
To complete the teacher survey, MTNA members may simply click on PIANO SURVEY to access the survey.The survey is now ready to complete and will remain on the site until October 31, 2005.
Thank you for taking time to complete this very important survey.The results will be reported to you by MTNA.
< Back to 2005-6 Newsletters