The challenges of the past year have caused us to adapt to the times and circumstances we are in, and DVMTA members have been up to the task of reimagining our Student Events. Cavalcade has always been an exciting time for students to gather in groups and perform duet ensembles, with as many as 15 pianos onstage. This year looked much different, but thanks to our talented and innovative Cavalcade Committee, the show was able to go on. This year's performance occurred virtually, with students and teachers submitting their "Rock On!" themed pieces with a digital recording. Sara Pratt, head of the Cavalcade Committee, compiled the recordings and put together an amazing video performance, which was released on YouTube. Sara and her committee, Carolyn Eldredge and Yuerong Gong,  deserve much thanks, for their hours of dedication to this project and event. Similarly, teachers deserve a huge thanks for helping their students learn and record their pieces, with most even playing along. Great job, everyone!

It’s February, and signs of LOVE are all around us! I’m pretty confident you echo my sentiments when I say, “I love teaching, and think we piano teachers have an incredibly rewarding job!”
I decided a long time ago that the day I dreaded waking up to a day of teaching lessons, I would quit and find something else to do. Well, I’ve been at it since 1986 – 35 years – and I still look forward to my piano lesson days! I love sharing my passion for music, introducing young minds to new possibilities, beauty, creativity, enjoyment, and a sense of accomplishment. I also love instilling discipline of practice, diligence to work at a piece methodically and the perseverance to keep at it until it’s right, and the stretching process that happens when I push my students beyond what they think they are capable of. I love when they experience a huge sense of accomplishment, or develop more self-confidence. It takes effort, lots of it, but I love the challenge to inspire and encourage them, to keep it fun and fresh, and to give them the experiences and tools they will need to be lifelong lovers of music. I hope you’re doing what you love, too!

Lori Weidemann, DVMTA President

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DVMTA members gathered in person, and virtually, for another wonderful General meeting. The topic was, "Making Music Theory a Priority in Your Studio." Our own DVMTA members, Lori Kaye Faler and Lacy Range, presented techniques, games and tools that have worked for them in keeping students engaged as they learn music theory. The discussion was excellent, and the resources shared will be used by many. Thank you for the wonderful presentation, Lori Kaye and Lacy!