PMTA's For The Record Newsletter: September 2008

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
-Dr. Nanette Kaplan Solomon

During my mid-summer reading and video viewing, I recently encountered two items that gave me occasion to ponder the myths and realities of extraordinary musical gifts.

“I believe in music the way some people believe in fairy tales”, says Evan Taylor, a/k/a August Rush, in the eponymous 2007 film. And indeed, in this magical realist tale, loosely based on the story of Oliver Twist, music is the driving force that ultimately unites the young “orphaned” hero- the offspring of a passionate one-night coupling between a promising introverted cellist and a charismatic Irish rock guitarist- with his parents eleven years later. If you can get past the incredibly contrived plot, the manipulative pull of the heartstrings, and the inaccurate rendering of cello and piano fingerings (what were they thinking!), the film scores some powerful points about the capacity of music to forge vital human connections. August, who like John Cage hears music in everything, turns down a home placement to instead begin his odyssey through Manhattan to seek his parents. Miraculously, at his first encounter with a guitar in Washington Square, he is playing soaring riffs and dazzling the crowds. When he escapes into a church, he is suddenly the master of the organ, and in an afternoon, papers the walls with prodigious amounts of musical manuscript (References to Mozart are made). Lo and behold, the pastor of the church has connections with Juilliard, and after one composition class, August’s “symphony” is chosen for performance at a special Central Park concert at which (of course), his mother is making a comeback appearance as cellist. If, as Thomas Edison stated, genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration, we are certainly not privy to any of the latter in this “fairy tale”!

Contrast that with a real-life “fairy tale”- the meteoric rise of Lang Lang from child of a nondescript Chinese industrial city to superstar of the international concert stage. Lang Lang’s unbelievable technique and visceral performances seem so natural as to have been channeled from an other-worldly sphere. Not so, according to Lang Lang in his memoir Journey of a Thousand Miles, reviewed in the July 19 issue of the Wall Street Journal. Instead, his prodigious pianistic prowess is the product not only of his obviously innate talent but of thousands and thousands of hours of practice, under calculating and often abusive parental domination. His father, an erhu player whose own musical ambitions were thwarted by China’s Cultural Revolution, taught himself enough fundamentals so that he could instruct Lang Lang at 18 months. At age 4, in turning Lang Lang over to a local teacher, his father claimed “He must be the number one piano player in all of China. And then the world”. At age 5, Lang Lang won a citywide piano competition. By age 6, he was practicing nearly seven hours a day; at age 4, his father smashed his toys in punishment for “insufficient” practice and several years later screamed for Lang Lang to commit suicide for displeasing a new teacher. He would often throw shoes at the boy’s head for committing pianistic mistakes. The appalling litany of incidences recounted makes Leopold Mozart look like Mr. Rogers in comparison! The real miracle in this tale is that Lang Lang’s charming personality and inherent joy in music-making transcend the circumstances of his upbringing.

While the popular imagination might latch onto the story of an August Rush – an orphan whose artistry springs forth whole cloth like a butterfly from a cocoon-we as musicians and teachers know better. The paradigm of no practice, no training is pure fantasy. The reality is that people of apparent easy genius are the products of intense parental discipline. Lang Lang’s story, though extreme, is far more believable, and unfortunately, consistent with historical prodigies throughout the ages.

Our role as music teachers is to nurture the talents in our studios. We need to inspire as well as guide, and strike a balance between spontaneity and discipline. We want to instill in our students the enthusiasm of an August Rush, and build the technique of a Lang Lang, without destroying the love of the process itself.

One of the ways for us to keep renewed in our profession is by attending the annual state conference. The Board of Directors recently met at Mansfield University to solidify plans for the conference, which will take place November 7-9 at Mansfield. Gilya Hodos, conference coordinator, has done a fabulous job of organizing a line-up of events you will not want to miss! I direct your attention to her article in this issue which outlines the conference in detail. I am particularly pleased that we will feature Suzanne Guy as “pedagogue–in-residence”. Many of you will have enjoyed Suzanne’s articles in Clavier magazine, and/or read her delightful inspirational volume If You Could Add Beauty to the World. Suzanne will not only give two workshops, but will be our featured speaker for the IMTF luncheon, which has become a highlight of the weekend. I am also pleased to announce that Cynthia Folio will be the commissioned composer. Cynthia is not only a composer but an accomplished flutist- her commission is for a work for flute and piano. I have performed a chamber work of Cynthia’s and am very impressed with her compositional skills.

Thanks to the hard work of Millie Eben, Yvonne Alling, and Theresa Smith, PMTA brings you a new and improved Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival and Concerto/Ensemble Festival. Please enter your students in this event- they gain so much from it! Unlike the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, our organization is computer-savvy, and registration for the DSPF is now on-line. This will streamline what was once a very cumbersome procedure, and lighten the load for entrants and volunteers.

As for some excuses for not attending the conference- let me counter them one by one:

1)“I can’t take time off from teaching”. We are professionals. Lawyers attend seminars, CPAs do continuing education, doctors attend meetings. The knowledge and inspiration you gain at a conference will sow benefits in your studio long after the weekend is over. Build the conference into your fall schedule!

2) “ I can read articles about teaching, and listen to CD’s etc.” Yes, but can you have coffee or a meal with the author, and discuss issues of importance to you with your colleagues? There is no substitute for the personal connections made at a conference!

3) “ The price of gas makes it prohibitive to drive”- Well, we’re all feeling the pain- arrange for carpools with people from your local association!

So, I hope to see many of you in November. In the meantime, I wish you all a restful end of summer, and an inspiring and invigorating boost as you resume the full swing of fall activities. Let us all keep the music alive in ourselves and our students, for as Lorenzo says in The Merchant of Venice

“The man that hath no music in himself,
Nor is not mov’d with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils;
The motions of his spirit are dull as night,
And his affections dark as Erebus:
Let no such man be trusted.”

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Dear Fellow PMTA Members:
We have an ULTRA EXCITING Annual Conference planned for this coming November 7-9th 2008 at Mansfield University. Not only do we have the outstanding pianist, Brian Ganz, as our Conference Artist, but we are extremely fortunate to have acclaimed lecturer and ultimate Independent Music Teacher, Suzanne Guy, as both our Pedagogue-in-Residence and IMT Keynote Speaker. Mr. Ganz will be conducting a master class with students and Mrs. Guy will be presenting two fascinating, not-to-be missed workshops. We will also be treated to a recital by members of the Mansfield University Faculty as well as a World Premiere of a newly commissioned work for flute duo by Conference Composer, Cynthia Folio. Come! Rejuvenate and nourish your musical spirit, surrounded by the stunning and dramatic scenery of the Mansfield University Campus.

We are looking forward to bringing back the popular Just Duet clinics as well as the delightful Collegiate Ensemble program. There are a bevy of motivating and stimulating workshops that will offer you new perspectives and inject fresh ideas into your teaching studios beginning with Suzanne Guy’s topics of “How to Practice as Little as Possible (and Get Big Results)” and “How to Learn a New Piece”

Please start thinking about potential students to nominate for a chance to perform in Brian Ganz’s master class. A request for performers will be coming shortly!

As always, we will have a full day of MTNA Competitions on Friday followed by the ever-popular Winners Recital. The Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival Showcase Recitals will be taking place on Sunday. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the up & coming talent in the State of Pennsylvania!

Hotel accommodations have been reserved with the group rate of $77.00 per night, plus tax at the Comfort Inn in Mansfield. There is a complimentary continental breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. each morning. In order to receive the group rate, you must indicate that you are part of the PMTA GROUP. You must book your reservation by October 23, 2008 in order to receive the group rate. Rooms are limited, so make your reservation early! Call 1-800-822-5470 or 570-662-3000 for reservations.

We have been working hard to create meals that will match the inspiration and excitement of the conference while keeping our budgets in mind. We are transforming the format of the IMT meeting into a special occasion that will include the IMT Banquet Luncheon with Keynote Speaker, Suzanne Guy. This event will allow us to come together as a group and include a sumptuous feast with something for everyone. Be sure to attend this special meal that will culminate with the PMTA Annual Membership meeting.

With such an action packed schedule, we did not want to take time away from the myriad of events taking place. The boxed lunch choices for Friday include a Greek Salad, Bistro Grill (grilled chicken with mozzarella and pesto), or Italian Wraps (salami, ham, & provolone cheese). Each lunch comes with a small side salad, chips, brownie, and a 20 oz. beverage) for $10.00.

Dinner Friday night will be elegantly plated in the Manser Dining Hall. Diners will have a choice between Penne Pasta with grilled, marinated vegetables, balsamic vinaigrette, and goat cheese or a Sesame Seed encrusted Salmon Filet, served over spinach & shiitake mushrooms, golden rice pilaf, and glazed baby carrots. A scrumptious Caramel Apple pie will be served for dessert. Cost: $20.00

Saturday night’s dinner will begin with a mushroom fontina cheese turnover with a rich chive cream sauce. Diners will have to choose between a chicken breast stuffed with a cornbread apple stuffing, roasted squash, and duchess potatoes, or a Szechwan Crispy Tofu Stir Fry served over rice. For dessert: a decadent chocolate tart. Cost: $20.00

Sunday’s boxed lunches will include a choice of a vegetable baguette, a Turkey & Cheddar Wrap, or a Sweet Beef Sandwich (roast beef with caramelized onions on a baguette). Again, these will come with a small side salad, chips, brownie, and 20oz. beverage. Cost: $10.00

With so many fabulous events and meals planned for this year’s conference, we KNOW you’re going to want to make your reservations early!!! Remember – The more we know, the more we can share with our students!

Hope to see you all November 7-9th, 2008 at Mansfield University!

Sincerely,

Dr. Gilya Hodos, NCTM
Conference Chair

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GUEST ARTIST

Brian Ganz is widely regarded as one of the leading pianists of his generation. Washington Post critic Joan Reinthaler has written: “One comes away from a recital by pianist Brian Ganz not only exhilarated by the power of the performance but also moved by his search for artistic truth.”

Brian Ganz was winner of one of two First Grand Prizes awarded in the 1989 Marguerite Long Jacques Thibaud International Piano Competition in Paris, where he was also awarded special prizes for the best recital round of the competition and the best performance of the required work. That same year he won a Beethoven Fellowship awarded by the American Pianists Association, and in 1991 he was a silver medalist with third prize in the Queen Elisabeth of Belgium International Piano Competition. After his performance in the finals of the Brussels competition, the critic for La Libre Belgique wrote: “We don't have the words to speak of this fabulous musician who lives music with a generous urgency and brings his public into a state of intense joy.”

For more information on Brian Ganz, click HERE

Mr. Ganz will be presenting a workshop Saturday at 10:45 am.

Recital, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Keynote Speaker — Pedagogue in Residence

"And at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."

From Little Gidding in T. S. Eliot's Four Quartets.

Suzanne Guy is an MTNA certified master teacher of piano with her studio in Norfolk, Virginia. She has authored or co-authored several dozen books of piano literature and pedagogy, including two popular series published by FJH: EXPRESSIVE ETUDES and FOCUS ON MELODY (co-edited with Victoria McArthur). Her children’s picture books have been honored in presentations at the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum. Guy’s lectures, motivational workshops and master classes for state and local music teachers organizations have taken her to 44 states and overseas.

To read more about Suzanne Guy, click HERE

Mrs. Guy will be presenting and/or speaking at the following times:

Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
How to Practice as Little as Possible
(and Get Big Results)

IMT Luncheon, Saturday, 12:00

Sunday, 11:00 a.m.
How to Learn a New Piece

Commissioned Composer

Cynthia Folio (b. 1954) is an alumna of the Eastman School of Music, having received from there her Performer’s Certificate in flute and her Ph.D. in music theory. There she studied flute with Bonita Boyd and composition with Joseph Schwantner. She is currently Associate Professor of music theory at Temple University, where she was honored with a Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. Other awards include a National Endowment for the Humanities grant, composer residencies at the Yaddo Artist Colony and at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, 15 consecutive ASCAP standard awards for composition, and a winning entry in the National Flute Association Newly Published Music Competition.

Learn more about Ms. Folio by clicking HERE.

Ms. Folio will present her composition during the Mansfield Faculty Recital Saturday evening.

For detailed information on the workshops listed below, please click HERE.

Elizabeth Burnett — Incorporating Composition In The Private Lesson (Friday)

João Paulo Casarotti — Ernst Mahle’s Musical Legacy In Brazil And His Pedagogical Works For Piano (Sunday)

Shellie Gregorich – Extended Piano Techniques In George Crumb’s Vox Balaenae (Saturday)

Kay Hooper — Body Mapping In The Piano Studio (Sunday)

Kay Hooper — Ambient Awareness: Training Attention in An ADD World (Friday)

Maria Hubler — Introducing Taubman Technique to Children: Suzuki and Traditional Repertoire (Sunday)

Marja Kaisla — How To Choose The Best Teaching Materials (Method Books) For Piano Teachers, For Students Beginner and Early Intermediate Levels (Friday)

Nanette Kaplan Solomon — Past(iche) And Present: A Performance Of George Rochberg’s Carnival Music As A 90th Birthday Tribute To The Composer (Saturday)

Christine Fish Moulton — Free Breathing and Its Benefits – For Pianists, String Players, Wind Players, and Other Musicians Who Breathe – An Experiential Workshop (Sunday)

Susan Nowicki — Octave Tune-Up For Pianists (Sunday)

Judith Radell & Sarah Hager — Teaching Bach’s Inventions With A little Help From The Composer (Saturday)

Nicole Saylor — Orange or Blue? Using Color From The First Lesson Through The Fugues (Saturday)

Crystal Whitaker — Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel: Biography and Six Lieder (Sunday)

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YOUR BEST “LINK” TO THE CONFERENCE!!! USE THE INFORMATION BELOW.

Directions to Mansfield University, please click HERE

Mansfield University Campus Map, please click HERE

Information on lodging and directions, please click HERE

Information on meals, please click HERE

Registration form, please click HERE

Conference At-A-Glance, please click HERE

Be sure to visit the Sponsors page. Click HERE

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From Jane O’Mara, NCTM, Chair

Approximately 66% of the members have renewed as of 06/30/08. If you are in the remaining 34%, please pay your dues so that our records may be current. The new year began on 07/01/08. You can pay on line at MTNA.org. You must be a paid member to participate in the Dorothy Sutton Festival or the MTNA competitions.

Local Membership Chairs, please continue to email any change of members’ contact info to janesnotes1120@hotmail.com.

Welcome New Members

For more information on membership, click HERE.

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(To see all the Local Associations, click HERE)

Philadelphia

Friendraiser - On April 23, 2008, the Philadelphia Music Teachers Association hosted a "Friendraiser" Luncheon at the Mary Louise Curtis Branch of Settlement Music School in South Philadelphia. The purpose of the event was to attract new members and to re-energize former and current members. Attendees came from the Philadelphia area and its suburbs, as well as from the New Jersey area. The guests were welcomed by Co-President, Marilyn Granahan, followed by Fran Schwartz's brief history of the Philadelphia Music Teachers Association. Throughout the catered luncheon, which was generously provided by Jacobs Music, several members spoke about the activities of PhMTA.

Joan Krzywicki, Chairperson of the Spring Festival, presented an overview of the annual spring Festival.

Lena Solaiman, First Vice-president, Chair of the Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival and Programs Director, discussed the requirements for the Festival and mentioned the upcoming programs for the 2008-2009 year which also includes a Teachers Forum, where teachers meet to discuss musical issues.

Frances Gage, Second Vice-president, talked about the biannual Master Class programs. Among the names of past presenters whom Fran mentioned were: Nelita True, Gyorgy Sandor, Ingrid Clarfield, Harvey Wedeen, Marvin Blickenstaff and in 1998, Andre Watts.

Joy Kiszely described the Fall Unauditioned Recital as well as the Dr. Andor Kiszely Auditioned Recital which is held in February. The latter recital is based on an audition which the student takes in late January. Those who pass the audition will then play in the February Recital.

Our Teacher Salon Musicale is held twice a year in the home of one of the members. Sara Sablosky, chair of the Salon, explained that this is an opportunity for teachers to perform for each other in an informal setting.

Finally, Co-President, Jonathan Fairchild, talked about our Members Recital which takes place every two years. Jon noted that this event began in the year 2000, and it has been a successful recital, with over 15 membvers performing. After the luncheon, the group was treated to an impressive concert performed by Teresa McCann, a student at Settlement Music School, who played works by Mozart, Chopin, Grieg, Barber, and Copland. It was significant that the McCann family has enjoyed a long time relationship with Settlement School.

The event concluded with the drawing of 3 door prizes. The lucky winners were: Lean Solaiman, Carol Bonnet and Maggie Condon. All agreed that the Friendraiser fulfilled its purpose in bringing people together with a common interest.

Oct 5 – DSPF Local Auditions, Rock Hall, Temple University

Nov 2 – Unauditioned Recital, Jacobs Music, Chestnut St, Philadelphia

Oct 26 – James and Kathryn Douthit presenting “Storm in the Studio” at Jacobs Music in Willow Grove. Topic will deal with learning disabled children in the studio, and will be a joint venture with Northern Delaware Chapter.

September 4, - 9:30-11:30 – Board Meeting at Jacobs Music, Willow Grove. Contact Sally Hardy, e-mail - salsings2@yahoo.com.

September 17 - 9:30-12:00 - João Paulo Casarotti - lecture recital: “Ernst Mahle’s Legacy in Brazil and his works for piano” with Jacob’s sponsored luncheon at Jacobs Music, Willow Grove. Contact Sally Hardy, e-mail - salsings2@yahoo.com.

September 27 - 9:00-5:00 - DSPF Church of the Brethren. Contact Lois Forbes, e-mail – loisjf3@aol.com.

October 5 - 2:00-4:00 - DSPF Honors Recital at Jacobs Music Willow Grove. Contact Lois Forbes, e-mail – loisjf3@aol.com.

October 26 - 2:00-4:30 - James Douthit – “Storm in the Studio” at Jacobs Music Willow Grove. Contact Sally Hardy, e-mail - salsings2@yahoo.com.

November 12 - 9:30-12:00 - Charles Abramovic – “Techniques of Expression” at Jacobs Music Willow Grove. Contact Sally Hardy, e-mail - salsings2@yahoo.com.

November 16 - 2:00-4:00 - Student Recital at Jacobs Music Willow Grove. Contact Nina Muto, e-mail – nina0320@temple.edu.

Main Line

Sept. 9, 9:30 am - Theory Panel and New Members Brunch at St. Peter's Church in the Great Valley. Approaches of teaching theory will be addressed by 4 members, including a West Chester University professor. Contact: Bev Byers - heybyers@gmail.com

Oct. 5 - Dorothy Sutton Preliminaries held at West Chester University. Postmark deadline for participation is Sept. 9. Contact: Deborah Rodgers - debarodgers@hotmail.com

Oct. 19, 2:00 pm - MLMTA 30th Anniversary Project concert at Malvern Prep. Child prodigy Yang Bao, age 17. Open to public. Contact: Marge Majka - mmajka@comcast.net

Oct. 21, 9:45 am - Master Class: Faina Lushtak from Tulane University. Hosted at West Chester University, Swope Hall. Contact: Bev Byers - heybyers@gmail.com

Nov. 2, 3:00 pm - Fall student recital at St. Peter's Church in the Great Valley. Postmark deadline for participation is Oct. 17. Contact: Bev Byers - heybyers@gmail.com.

Nov. 11, 9:30 am - Master Class with Dr. Donna Beech, at St. Peter's Church in the Great Valley. Presenting variation of form within the style of a sonata. Contact: Bev Byers - heybyers@gmail.com

Greater Pittsburgh

September 24, 10:00 am Instructional Games for the Occasional Group Lesson – Bring your favorite ideas to share. Leader – Ellen Johnson (412- 343-7432) Location – Trombinos, South Hills

October 29, 10:00 am, The Lesson – Overwhelming or Just Right? - A discussion on pacing and planning the music lesson. Leader – Sue Garnhart (412-835-7640)
Location – Trombinos, South Hills

November 19, 10:00 am, Jacqueline Herbein - Toys and Tools. Combined meeting with PPTA. Location – Christ Church at Grove Farm. Contact Deb Busche (724-941-6064)

Lois Streator / Lois Smith Memorial Award Competition March 21, 2009
More detail in November newsletter. Contact Jeff Harris (412-521-0169)

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