We are a family who loves to ride bicycles, and we’ve done so from the time our children were carrier-size to gooseneck-size to training wheels, and then on their own. I’ll never forget the day my husband had taken the training wheels off our 4-year-old son’s bike and, after keeping him balanced awhile by running alongside him, he let go. When my son realized what happened, he squealed in delight, “Look, Mom! I’m riding my bike and I don’t even know how to!!”

That’s a bit how I’ve felt these last couple of years as President of DVMTA – I’m doing it, and I don’t even know how to!! I can say that there have been SO many members running right alongside me, ready to catch me when I start to wobble, and giving me encouragement along the way. I could not be more grateful for the wonderful teacher friends who have been on this journey with me. It’s been exhilarating, alright! I said yes to the nomination just weeks before COVID lockdown started, and then stepped into a situation I could never have imagined. Who would have known we would be so resilient, would embrace the challenge to continue providing outlets for our students to thrive, and would be a community willing to share ideas and help one another navigate the new territory? I have gained SO MUCH by stepping up and just being willing, having no idea if I even had what it takes. Let me assure you that DVMTA is an organization that allows you to learn, and grow, and try new things, and there are people who have your back around every bend. I want to encourage you to say YES to stepping into a leadership role this next term, because you will be all the better for it, and you’ll realize you can do things you never even knew how to!

Lori Weidemann
DVMTA President 2020-2022

​Read the full April 2022 Newsletter

We look forward each year to having our DVMTA Awards in Excellence, which allows students to perform and be judged, and to receive cash and trophy awards for their excellence. Auditions were held on April 9, 2022 at Hammer and Strings Conservatory, where 65 students from 10 different DVMTA teachers performed for our outstanding judges. They received scores, along with thoughtful praise and suggestions for improvement. Those selected as winners in each level were invited to perform at one of two Winners Recitals, which was held on April 23, 2022 at the same location. Performances were beyond amazing, and prizes were awarded to the winners and those who received honorable mention status. Many thanks to all teachers who prepared their students so wonderfully, to our judges, and to Lorri McHardy, and the Awards in Excellence committee. 

What a wonderful, busy, exciting time of the year it is! The exhilaration and feelings of accomplishment and success that Cavalcade brought propel us forward. The final weeks of the school year still hold the Awards in Excellence piano competition, April Brunch, Achievement Day, the Awards Plus recognition ceremony, and possibly your own studio recitals. But first --- SPRING BREAK! I know the kids are looking forward to it as much as the teachers!! I hope you will take some time to rest and rejuvenate yourself for the final push of the school year ahead. Don’t forget that what is needed MOST is encouragement to finish strong and not grow weary. I hope you will find a few moments to recognize and congratulate each of your students for their efforts and accomplishments, great or small. I have challenged myself to find new ways to do just that. Going beyond “good job,” you can say:

• “Listen to that! I can tell you put a lot of work into this piece.”
• “You didn’t give up. What made you keep going?”
• “Congratulations! That took a lot of time and effort, and you really improved.”
• “Wow! How did you do that?”
• “Look at that! You spent a lot of time focusing on the trouble spots and your piece really shows it!”
• “You really challenged yourself and your hard work and effort has paid off!“

There is no end to the ways in which we can encourage, motivate and inspire our students, which will rejuvenate them AND you --- and you’ll be glad you did!

Lori Weidemann

​Read the full March 2022 Newsletter

DVMTA members and friends gathered on March 25th at My First Piano for our March General Meeting. Our presenter was Buffie Meeker, who has been a DVMTA member for many years. Buffie shared many teaching experiences and demonstrated the lesson structure she uses for her studio. Her rotating stations allow students the time and resources they need to progress and become the "useful and valuable" musicians she believes they can be. We enjoyed hearing from her and having some great discussions.