Our first General Meeting of 2025 was wonderful! DVMTA members gathered January 31, 2025 at Next Gen Piano Recital Hall for "Practice Made Better." We discussed the topic of "Ideas and Tips for Improving Students' Practice Habits" to motivate students and parents to improve practice skills. This was a great brainstorming and discussion session amongst our own members where ideas and concerns were shared. It was a fun and casual discussion with inspiring ideas shared to pass along to our students!  

Happy New Year! I love the flurry of activity associated with the holidays, but I’ll admit it’s also nice to settle back into a normal routine again. It’s been wonderful to welcome students back, to hear their excited news, and to see what might remain of the Cavalcade music we learned before the break. . .

January often brings a feeling of a fresh start. Whether you’re one of those super-organized types that has already set goals in multiple areas of life, or whether you just feel a nudge to try something different, let DVMTA be part of that reset. For yourself, attending our general meetings can give you inspiration and tools to be a better teacher. Plus it’s great to have friends who understand the challenges you face. For your students, our events are set up to help them progress and succeed. If you have not yet tried our spring events, I encourage you to do so. If you didn’t register anyone for Cavalcade, I invite you to come and see the show for yourself. As a director, sometimes that first rehearsal makes me cringe and wonder whether we’ll put it together in time. But somehow, it always works out and the students put on a fabulous show. If you’ve not tried our April competition, take the plunge and enter just one student. It’s not too late to choose music and prepare two songs, especially for a lower-level student. If you’d like some help in getting them ready, talk to Diana Palmer about having them play at the February masterclass. It’s an excellent way to get outside feedback and extra preparation for that student. And if you haven’t yet tried Achievement Day, I can’t recommend it highly enough. That event alone has transformed my teaching. Whatever annual incentive we’re working on is always set up with Achievement Day in mind. We work on theory, ear training, sight-reading and more throughout the year so that March and April don’t become a cram-it-all-in-desperately overload. But again, it’s not too late to think about it. There are multiple practice tests and other helps on our website. Maybe you could try having your primer and level 1 students try it out this year, then keep expanding as you feel confident. Randi Buell, our event chair, would be happy to answer any questions, as would any of us that have participated.

I hope to see you all at our January 31 general meeting. It will be a wonderful opportunity for us to collaborate and learn together.

Happy New Year!

Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President

Read the full January 2025 Newsletter

DVMTA members and friends gathered at Next Gen Piano Recital Hall on November 22, 2024 for our General Meeting. Charlotte Stewart, former DVMTA member and licensed music therapist, was our presenter. She discussed Music Therapy as a career, and the opportunities and applications of combining music and psychology to help others. She provided great information for students who want to pursue a degree in a musical field that is not performance or education. A former DVMTA student studying Music Therapy at ASU also spoke, and provided insight into the program. What an informative meeting!

DVMTA members gathered at Sassy's Cafe in Mesa on December 6, 2024 for our annual December Brunch. We love getting together, but especially love being able to get together and relax while enjoying great food. Thanks to all who came, and to Kelli Riding, for organizing this fun morning.