PMTA's
For The Record Newsletter: July 2009 (download as PDF)
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK- JULY 2009
-DR. NANETTE KAPLAN SOLOMON
As I write this, my last column as president of PMTA, I marvel at how quickly almost two years has passed, and at how much has changed in the world (and PMTA) since I first assumed this position. While I was disappointed, as I am sure all of you were, that we had no conference last year- and I missed the chance to greet many of you personally- I do hope that I will have the opportunity to see lots of familiar and new faces at the MTNA-PMTA competitions and Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival at my home base of Slippery Rock University this November. I have also enjoyed communicating with all of you via this newsletter; I do hope you continue to use e-mail as well as the PMTA website to voice your comments and concerns.
Thanks to the creative ideas of our secretary Candy Hutchins, the PMTA Executive Board had a stimulating and fun day of brainstorming about several key issues of concern to the organization at the Nittany Lion Inn in June. Nineteen well-fed and highly caffeinated PMTA members discussed technology, volunteerism, conference themes and conference venue (please see summary of discussions below in this issue).
I am extremely pleased and excited to announce that we will depart from tradition and hold the 2010 conference at the OMNI BEDFORD SPRINGS RESORT! PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW FOR JUNE 11-13, 2010 for a fabulous weekend of stimulating concerts, nuts and bolts workshops on studio practice, pedagogy and repertoire, combined with spiritual renewal and recreational retreat. As some of you might already know, the Omni Bedford Springs Resort and Spa has been a healing place, a presidential retreat, and a luxurious escape for over 200 years. After a $120 million (!) restoration and expansion, the 2,200-acre resort and spa is one of the nation’s finest resorts. One of the resort’s greatest assets is its convenient location just 4 miles off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and just 1½ hours from Pittsburgh, 2 hours from Baltimore, 2 ½ hours from Washington, D.C. and 3 hours from Philadelphia. Because of this central location and enticing venue, we plan to invite MTNA members from Maryland and D.C. to join us. I recently spoke with my good friend, Scott Beard, the president of West Virginia MTA, and he was excited to spread the word to their membership as well. Jackie Herbein, Becky Lewis (who will be conference chair next year), and I did a lengthy site visit last month, and we were totally bowled over by the gorgeous facilities and graciousness of the staff. Because the conference has now been separated from the competitions, attendees will no longer be torn between monitoring or adjudication duties and professional development opportunities; moreover, the numerous recreational activities available at the resort (golf, spa, miles of hiking trails, a beautiful outdoor pool, the first indoor pool in the country!) will be an incentive to bring spouses, partners, and/or families. And because the site is self-contained, you can hop out of bed and attend a session, without worrying about driving, parking, or walking huge distances. The resort atmosphere will be conducive to spontaneous and informal socializing and networking. While there will be a catered event built into the conference- most likely the IMT luncheon on Saturday- you will have the flexibility of eating other meals at one of several restaurants at the resort itself, or opting for less expensive dining at various franchise restaurants near the Bedford or Breezewood exits on the turnpike. And the BEST news is that we have negotiated an amazing low price of $149 per room per night- so if you share with a friend the cost is very affordable. The hotel will also offer the conference rate for several days before and after the conference- what a great way to have a tax-deductible mini-vacation!!! I strongly encourage you to visit their website at: http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/BedfordSprings.aspx - and please stay tuned for more details in upcoming communications and on the PMTA website. While experimenting with a new format is always somewhat of a gamble, I am counting on your support to make this event a huge and resounding success.
Because the revised conference/competition timetable does not allow for a general membership meeting in November, we need a vehicle for voting on the new slate of officers for 2009-2011. Please be on the lookout for the ballot, which will be snail-mailed to you early this fall, and return the enclosed postcard. Your timely response to this initiative will ensure a smooth transition of officers. We have already had one change- Nancy DeSalvo has turned over the reins as Treasurer to James Rodkey. We thank Nancy for her many years of service, and send our best wishes to James for a successful term of office.
In closing, I would like thank my terrific and talented board, and the entire membership of PMTA for entrusting me with this position. It has truly been an honor to serve you. Although we have faced challenging times, I do believe that PMTA has a bright future, and I am grateful to have played a small role in steering us in some new directions.
PMTA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION SUMMARIES
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2009
Group I
Our question was: What would be the benefits of a weekend conference at a resort?
Our group consisted of Nanette Solomon, Ed Kuhn, Becky Lewis, Deb Ronning and Ellen Flint.
After considering what we would expect from a conference- to learn, to be inspired, to be refreshed, and what we would expect from a resort- relaxation, inspiration from nature, spiritual and intellectual renewal- we realized that the two, rather than being mutually exclusive, indeed dovetailed quite nicely. Other benefits we discussed were the possibility of younger PMTA members combining the conference with a family vacation, the adaptability of body awareness and wellness sessions to a resort setting, and being able to tax deduct a wonderful “retreat” weekend! Having the conference in the summer, without also having the responsibilities of student competitions or performances, would place the emphasis of the weekend on us, the teachers.
Nanette presented information from the historic Omni Bedford Springs Hotel, which recently underwent a $120 million renovation, and is offering us a terrific deal. the board later voted to hold the 2010 conference on June 11-13 at the Bedford Springs Hotel (see minutes). We also discussed marketing the conference to MTNA members in Maryland and the D.C. area, since Bedford is handy to both. We were all extremely positive and excited about this new venture.
As a postscript to this summary, Becky Lewis, Jackie Herbein and Nanette Solomon did a site visit with the sales manager at the resort, (and Candy Hutchins checked it out inadvertently after our State College Board meeting), and we all concur that the facilities and staff promise to be a fabulous augur of a possibly awesome conference retreat.
Group II
What are the potential uses and benefits of technology to communicate with the membership outside of the conference.
Members; Gilya Hodos, Millie Eben, Cheryl Gingerich, Elaine Friedlander
First and foremost is to make sure that what we do is in accordance with the overall PMTA Mission Statement. And to make sure that what is posted reflects the quality and professionalism of the organization.
Immediate Projects:
• Create an online Forum on the website for teachers to interact. Immediate focus will be for the IMT’s.
• Create an online searchable teacher directory on the website. This would be purely voluntary; without password security. It would be utilized by anyone looking for a music teacher in a particular area. Searchable by instrument, town or zip code. Updated once a year; $5 charge if updated more than that; managed by PMTA AA.
• Find out how traffic to the website might be increased by keyword searches.
• Have State Chairs do monthly informational e-blasts on a rotating basis.
• Encourage LA Presidents to send their monthly newsletters or calendars to each other; and to post the info on the website.
Long-term Projects:
• Additional forums for other groups, i.e. collegiate students
• Add videos (but not student recitals)
• Create a PMTA Facebook, or blog, or Twitter
Miscellaneous points:
• Posting of videos on the website is currently possibly. Care must be taken as to quality and content of postings.
• Due to liability issues, student performances should NOT be placed on line.
• Make sure that the person in the video has given written permission to post.
• While PMTA realizes the necessary of becoming more technology savvy, the issue of volunteer manpower is still a problem. Must make sure someone is willing to assume the responsibility of any of the jobs created.
Group III
Group Discussion: Workshops for the “Business of Making Music”
General Theme- Investment: “Invest in Your Career, Your Studio, Your Students and Yourself!”
Invest in Career- bring in financial experts including accountant and financial planner to help us with taxes, re-investing in our business and planning for retirement.
Invest in Studio- Group Discussion on setting studio policies, dealing with scheduling, knowing when to hire out jobs, networking, bartering or trading services
Invest in Students- Book Discussion – “The Psychology of Teaching”. It would be nice to hold this in the library at the resort.
Second workshop student related- bring in James Douthit dealing with troublesome students, special needs.
Invest in Yourself- spa or yoga professional to teach us relaxation and/or meditation techniques.
Those are the business ideas- and as discussed we will still include the usual type pedagogy/ repertoire workshops.
Group IV
What benefits can we provide to participating board members, other than the administrative committee, to attract new volunteers to PMTA?
Without a doubt, it is difficult to find volunteers to take over the myriad tasks necessary for PMTA to remain vital and to continue offering the many benefits for teachers and students to which we have become accustomed. As evidenced by the energy generated at the Leadership Summit, the more people in attendance, the better the flow of ideas. It becomes important then, that our board volunteers attend meetings and in these economic times that can create a hardship for some. The group suggested that President-elect Jackie Herbein and incoming treasurer James Rodkey examine the treasury to determine if some sort of financial compensation for board members to attend semi-annual meetings is feasible. Financial areas under consideration are: offering 50% hotel reimbursement, offering flat rate gas money depending upon mileage, and offering up to a 50% discount on conference registration. A recommendation to the board will be forthcoming at the November meeting.
DSPF NEWS – Teri Smith, Chair
Ensembles must now be heard at the local festival and rated. Only those receiving a Superior will be eligible for the State festival. Theory requirements for ensembles: students also in the solo festival need only take one test at their own level; students who only perform in an ensemble must take a test, but may take the level of the least advanced member. 85% is required for both solo and ensembles to perform on a Showcase Recital. Theory certificates have been discontinued. Local festivals may set instrument limits on their own festival, depending on the number of pianos involved and size of room used. Series A is being used; corrected tests will be sent on a CD to local chairs in August. The concerto event will be the only non prejudged event at the State festival. Online registration is available for solo, ensemble, and concerto state events. Check PMTA website for new information, as all is currently being updated.
PMTA Local Associations Report
Valerie Uschock, Chair
2009-2010 Grants Approved A total of three applications were submitted for 2009-2010. All applications were approved by the PMTA Board on June 12, 2009. Congratulations to all of the applicants!! The programs for the 2009-2010 period are as follows:
i. Northern Delaware Valley – “Sheila Page Master Class”
ii. Philadelphia – “Alexander Technique with Robert Bedford”
iii. Main Line – “Marylene Doss Master Class
Changes to the Grant Application Process
The Grant Review Committee expressed concern with the low number of applicants in the past couple of years, so it was suggested that some changes be made to encourage more chapters to apply in the future. The following changes were approved for next year:
1. The new deadline for 2010-2011 applications will be July 1, 2010.
2. The review committee will be authorized to approve grants totaling $1200.00
3. During the application process, “pedagogy related workshops for teachers” will be favored over other requests (such as master classes).
4. Joint projects will be encouraged and promoted.
5. The list of workshop topics and presenters will be updated on the website.
Please keep an eye out for more information regarding grant applications.
What You Can Do If you are not already submitting your local association news to the PMTA newsletter, please consider doing so.
If you should have any other suggestions for workshops or improvements in communication between local associations, please do not hesitate to contact me at val@mtprogressions.com
Respectfully submitted by:
Valerie F. Uschock
PMTA Local Associations Chair
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
Jane O’Mara, NCTM, Chair - July, 2009
I am pleased to report that as of June 30, 2009, 70% of our members have renewed. Thank you for your prompt response to membership dues. To the other 30%, please make an effort to get your dues paid by August 15, 2009 to make all of our records current.
You have received your membership renewal from MTNA. The calendar year for MTNA/PMTA runs from July 01 through June 30. You are no longer a member after June 30, 2009 if you don’t renew your membership dues for the year July 01, 2009 through June 30, 2010. The easiest way to do it is online at MTNA.org. Please check your membership renewal form to make sure you local chapter is included!
If you paid half year dues from January 09 through March 09, your membership expires on June 30, 2009 and you will need to pay the new dues to be an active member. If you enter students in Dorothy Sutton or intend to enter students in the MTNA competitions, you must pay your new dues.
To all local membership chairs: If you print teacher lists for the fall, do not include members who have not paid their new dues. The local treasurers will receive a printout each month of members who have paid their dues. If for some reason you know of a person who says they have joined MTNA/PMTA but you have not received their local dues, please contact me at janesnotes1120@ hotmail.com. They can send the local chapter their local dues, but I will need the information for PMTA and MTNA records.
Please read the Welcome New Members section below. If there is a member who is not listed with a local, and their hometown is near your chapter, please contact them and invite them to join your local.
Welcome NEW Members (*Reinstated)
Catherine Brown, Media, DVC
Pat Cressman, Bethlehem, LVC
Tim Foster, New Oxford, YKC
*Larry Huslin, Mountville, LAC
Jeffrey Madsen, Pittsburgh, GPC
Sophie Mooney, Kingston
Susan Spevak, Yardley, DVC
*Sharon Chalres, Landenberg
New Collegiate Member
Lindsay Fletcher, Ridley Park, Westchester
2010 STAR MEMBER Jennifer Noel, Allison Park
MusicLink – Sue Garnhart, Chair
We have now come to the end of another successful school year of MusicLink lessons and have reached over 3,500 students nationwide in total, with teachers contributing 240,000 hours of instruction. If you are offering lessons on scholarship, look into the benefits of MusicLink on this website: www.musiclinkfoundation.org/
• Discounts and free music from major publishers
• Camp scholarships for your MusicLink student(s)
• Grass Roots Grants for alliance partner organizations
• Teacher Reimbursement Grants to assist in materials and music
• Assistance in providing instruments for your MusicLink student
• Communication with teachers nationally who share your interest in reaching students in need through music.
My first ML student was from my church and had expressed interest in piano lessons. The student I am teaching now was my regular paying student and because her father lost his job, she was going to have to quit taking. She was a good student and well-prepared so I offered ML as a way she could continue. I feel sure that many of you have had experiences like this in helping a worthy student.
If you're a music teacher and you currently have students whom you teach for free or for reduced fees, please complete the MusicLink Registration Form and become part of the MusicLink Foundation of teachers. Sue Garnhart suegarnhart@verizon.net
Local Association News
Philadelphia Chapter
October 11: Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival Local Prelims at Temple University
October 25: Suzanne Guy presenting "How to Practice as Little as Possible and Get Big Results". This is a joint venture with NDVC, at Jacobs in Willow Grove
November 1: Unauditioned Recital at Jacobs Music on Chestnut Street
November 18: Teachers' Forum and Jacobs Music on Chestnut Street.
Board meetings are on September 9 and December 2 at Jacobs Music on Chestnut Street
Northern Delaware Valley Chapter
September 16: 9:30–1:00 Board Meeting followed by Member Luncheon and Presenter Millie Eben – The Business of Piano Teaching - at Jacobs Music Willow Grove. Contact Lois Forbes –loisjf3@aol.com
October 10: 9:00-5:00 Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival at First Church of the Brethren. Contact Olga Bondarchuk-Huque – oltazee@comcast.net
October 17: Dorothy Sutton Honors Recital Jacobs Music, Willow Grove. Contact: Olga Bondarchuk-Huque – oltazee@comcast.net.
October 25: 2:00-5:00 Presenter, Suzanne Guy – cosponsored with the Philadelphia Music Teachers Association, “How To practice as Little as Possible (and Get Big Results)” at Jacobs Music, Willow Grove. Contact Lois Forbes – loisjf3@aol.com
November 15: 2:00-4:00 Student Recital, Jacobs Music, Willow Grove. Contact – Nina Muto - ninamuto@gmail.com
Lancaster Chapter
Sep 27: 12:30-5:00 Dorothy Sutton at Lancaster Bible College; Contact: Loine Bert; Co-Coordinators: Linda Krick and Jana MacKay
Oct 4: 2:00-4:00 Honors Recital, Pleasant View Retirement Community; Contact: Rachel Moore; Co-Coordinator: Carolyn Diedrichs
Oct 24: 2:00-4:00 Halloween Recital, Bretheran Village Retirement Community; Contact: Jaye Grochowski; Co-Coordinator: Candy Tame
Nov 8: DSPF State Festival, Teri Smith, Chair; Slippery Rock University
Dec 5: Adult Piano Party; Helen Little’s Home Studio; Coordinator: Mike McKeever; Co-Coordinator: Helen Little
Capital Area Chapter
Unless noted, all Chapter Meetings will be held at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lemoyne. The address is 509 Hummel Avenue, Lemoyne.
Sept 16: Monthly Chapter Meeting, Suitable Festival Repertoire - Carolyn Houck, Barbara Leidich, and Boyd Cedel
Our leaders are working hard to provide us with some great ideas for Festival repertoire. There will be a special surprise at the end of the meeting as they will play something special for everyone!!
Oct 21: Monthly Chapter Meeting, Gregorial Chant - Mary Catherine Tierney. Come learn more about the Gregorial Chant from this wonderful local music teacher.
Oct 25: (Sunday) - Fall Honors Recital 2 pm, Allison Methodist Church in Carlisle. Registration is due by October 5 to Arlene Hyde. Local members, please see the handbook for specifics. For more information, please contact the chapter.
Nov 7: PMTA Student Competitions at Slippery Rock University.
Nov 8: The Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival at Slippery Rock University.
Nov 18: Monthly Chapter Meeting, “Studio Business”, Donna Houser and Joan Boytim. Come ready to learn more about the "business" aspects of running a piano studio from these talented local teachers.
Dec 9: Covered Dish Christmas Social at the home of Ruth Tierney, Hummelstown. If interested, please call the chapter for more information.
Greater Pittsburgh Chapter
Sep 30: General Meeting, Topic: What in the World Are They Thinking? A Discussion About Teaching Children to Read Music
Leader: Jo Ann Wagstaff, Group Discussion
Sep 27: Dorothy Sutton local auditions. Location: Trombino’s at the Galleria, Mt. Lebanon
Oct 28: General Meeting, Topic: Performance Opportunities for Students. Leader: Deb Busche, Group Discussion (724-941-6064)
Location: Trombino's – Galleria, Mt. Lebanon, PA
Nov 18: (share with PPTA) General Meeting, Topic: Beethoven and the High School Pianist. Speaker: Presented by Dr. Steven Smith, Penn State University; Location: Christ Church at Grove Farm, Rt. 79 Mt. Nebo Exit; Contact: Deb Busche (724-941-6064)
Nov 8: 2009 Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival for state at Slippery Rock University
Main Line Music Teachers Association
Sep 8: 9:15 am - Tatyana Roytshteyn will present a lecture entitled "Guiding Parents to a Musical Home Environment" at St. Peter's Church in the Great Valley. A welcome brunch will follow. Bring a piano teacher friend! Contact: Elaine Friedlander at elaine.friedlander@verizon.net.
Oct 20: 9:45am-12:00 - Internationally acclaimed artist Marylene Dosse will present a Masterclass at West Chester University in the Phillips Autograph Library. Optional luncheon/reception will follow for $10.00/person. Contact: elaine.friedlander@verizon.net for more information.
Oct 25: 4:00 pm - Marylene Dosse Piano Recital will be held at Central Presbyterian on 100 W. Uwchlan Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335. Reception at church to follow recital.
Nov 10: 9:30 am - MLMTA member Joanne Crystle-Hartley will present a program entitled "Improvisation For Anyone" at St. Peter's Church in the Great Valley. Contact: elaine.friedlander@verizon.net.
PMTA/MTNA Performance Competitions
Jackie Herbein, Chair
The Pennsylvania State level of the MTNA Performance Competitions will be held at Slippery Rock University on Saturday, November 7, 2010. Entry deadline is September 15 – visit www.mtna.org for further information. There have been a number of significant changes to the MTNA performance competitions. The changes are listed below for your convenience.
2009-2010 Competition Changes:
1. Junior Brass competition has been discontinued.
2. The piano concerto requirement for the Senior and Young Artist levels has been discontinued.
3. The performance times have been modified to fit the performance requirements:
a. Junior: all students will have twenty (20) minutes of performance time.
b. Senior:
State level: twenty-five (25) minutes for brass, piano, piano duet, string, woodwind. Voice will have twenty (20) minutes.
Division/national levels: thirty (30) minutes for brass, piano, piano duet, string, woodwind. Voice will have twenty (20) minutes.
c. Young Artist:
State level: thirty (30) minutes for all categories.
Division/national levels: forty (40) minutes for brass, piano, string, woodwind. Voice will have thirty-five (35) minutes.
d. Chamber Music:
State level: thirty (30) minutes
Division/national levels: forty (40) minutes
4. Accompanist fees have also been adjusted:
Junior: $80 for forty-five (45) minutes rehearsal and performance (no change)
Senior Instrumental: $150 for sixty (60) minutes rehearsal and performance
Senior Voice: $90 for forty (40) minutes rehearsal and performance
Young Artist Instrumental: $175 for sixty (60) minutes rehearsal and performance
Young Artist Instrumental: $200 for ninety (90) minutes rehearsal and performance
Young Artist Voice: $175 for sixty (60) minutes rehearsal and performance
NOTE of Interest for all Teachers: An organization also called PMTA (Professional Music Teachers Association) is sending ads to people about being listed on a professional website for money. Our PMTA is associated with MTNA and the other PMTA group has nothing to do with us.
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