DVMTA has many wonderful music partners in the community, and we are very thankful for the support of Josh Wallace and My First Piano. Josh was our guest at the February General Meeting, and he shared his journey of discovering the power of music in his life, and how it has affected the decisions he has made, and continues to make, in his business, and in his own life. Such an inspiring story, and we enjoyed hearing from him. Josh also provided useful information for teachers and families to consider when deciding to purchase a piano. The benefits of buying new verses used, what kind and size to buy, brands that are highly regarded, and questions to ask were some of the topics. Thank you to Josh for a great meeting!

Students and teachers began the "Road Trip" Cavalcade adventure by attending rehearsals at The Music Store in Mesa. Led by enthusiastic DVMTA directors, students practiced playing together as groups, making sure to stay together, and giving attention to all the musical details. We enjoyed great energy and great success over these three weeks. Thank you to The Music Store and DVMTA members for all their help.

To me, Valentine’s Day is the day we recognize the special people in our lives for all they have done for us.  This year, I’d like to thank the members of DVMTA for helping to make me the person I am today.  In the midst of our country’s current divisive, uncompromising, hateful atmosphere, I am so thankful to be part of an organization that is proving itself to be above all that!  In the past seven months, I have had the honor to work with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met!  The way people have pitched in to keep the organization strong is truly inspirational.  We have faced challenges and still have many obstacles ahead to surmount, but instead of taking sides and blocking progress toward reaching the goals our organization aspires to, we have all focused on trying to find the best solutions for meeting the needs of the largest majority of our members.  For this, I am truly grateful!

If you are reading this, count yourself lucky!  You are a part of a unique organization that has so much to offer!  I definitely wouldn’t be the teacher I am today without DVMTA.  I have learned so much from fellow members as well as outside presenters!  Count your students lucky as well!  Think of the wonderful opportunities you are able to provide them!  Whenever I acquire a transfer student that has come from a studio that provides nothing for the students other than a yearly recital, the parents and student light up like the 4th of July when I tell them about Marathon, Original Composition Festival, Cavalcade, Awards in Excellence and Achievement Day!  They can’t wait to get started!  And the best part – all of our events are available to all students.  No one is ever denied the opportunity to participate!

As you enter this time of love and friendship, I hope you will think of the good friends you have made through DVMTA and how fortunate you are to be part of such a fine organization!  I know I will!  Happy Valentine’s Day!
 
Carolyn Rooder
DVMTA President 2018-2019 

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DVMTA members were privileged to have Dr. Barbara Spoelman Russell present a master class.  She is a delight to know and learn from.  Dr. Russell worked with four talented and brave students to improve and develop technical and artistic skills in pieces they are currently learning. Thank you to Dr. Russell for sharing her knowledge and experience!