Warmest greetings to you all as we move into the summer months.  Some teachers take a break, some continue teaching, but the business of DVMTA carries on through the summer to prepare for an exciting piano year ahead!  Cavalcade music is selected, calendar dates are firming up and each event chairperson is fine tuning and preparing for their upcoming event.  

A HUGE thank you to Lorri McHardy, Wendi Heslop and Carolyn Rooder as the outgoing officers.  We look forward to getting acquainted new officers Sara Pratt Vice President, Jenna Hartley Secretary and as Tammy Shorts as Treasurer.  The rest of the board positions are nearly filled and we move forward with the exciting task of helping our students learn and grow in their pursuit of piano skills and the blessing of music in their lives.

I appreciate the patience of our DVMTA members as I learn new skills and do what I can to fill the shoes of the amazing Presidents who have preceded me. Piano lessons and teaching has always been an important part of my life and I’m grateful for the many ways this has blessed my life.  I have met so many friends, taught incredible students, and expanded my knowledge of music and culture through learning beautiful, inspiring piano pieces.  

Here’s to a great summer!  Rest, relax and rejuvenate and prepare for a great year ahead!

Diana Palmer
DVMTA President

Read the full June 2026 DVMTA Newsletter

Each year DVMTA students who consistently participate in DVMTA events over a number of years are recognized as Devoted Performers at Awards Plus. Additionally, senior high school students who have devoted years to studying music and participating in DVMTA and other school and community organizations are recognized as Senior Scholars. This year, ten Devoted Performers and two Senior Scholars were awarded with these honors at a reception on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Southeast Valley Bible Church. These students are dedicated and passionate about music, and we love recognizing their efforts and encouraging them to continue as they leave high school. What a wonderful evening. Many thanks to Lori Sprague, the committee chair, and her committee, and those who helped. Thanks also to the amazing teachers and families who support these students!

Achievement Day, our last DVMTA student event for the year, was held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Chandler Gilbert Community College. Students from every level arrived and eagerly completed their performance, theory, sightreading, and ear training testing, as well as other optional categories. Every single participant — whether they were there for the very first time or fifth, sixth, or tenth time — brought something genuine and unique to the day. Watching these students rise to the occasion, we were reminded of why music education matters so deeply. It builds discipline, builds confidence, and builds character. The students of DVMTA are living proof of that. Many thanks to Randi Buell, the committee chair, and her committee, and the many teachers who made this day so successful. This is a favorite event of many students and teachers because it provides an opportunity to showcase the year's accomplishments. Thank you to all who participated!

Our last DVMTA general meeting of the year is our April Brunch where we gather and celebrate the year's accomplishments, and recognize those who supported and strengthened DVMTA. Our brunch this year was held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The gavel was passed from our DVMTA President the past two years, Lorri McHardy, to Diana Palmer, the incoming President. The executive board and board members were thanked for their dedication and work in helping our meetings and events be so successful. We look forward to a relaxing summer, and to a new DVMTA year with new board members. DVMTA is successful because of those who volunteer and make it great!