Hurray for another new year with DVMTA! The theme that came to my mind for this year is:
COLLABORATE, CREATE, AND CELEBRATE!
One of the greatest strengths of DVMTA is that we work together, harnessing our collective efforts to create something bigger and better than any one of us could ever do alone. Each of our events takes many hands, and we unite to serve our students and each other. I love hearing the “shop talk” at our brunches and meetings as friends ask each other how they have handled different challenges that arise in our studios. Every member brings unique strengths and experiences, and we openly share our ideas and help one another to succeed. That spirit of collaboration has blessed my life for over 25 years, making me not only a better teacher, but a better person.
Over the years, I have found that creativity is vital to the human soul. It has been linked to improved physical and mental health, as well as increased happiness and well-being. Creativity allows us to think outside the box, communicate better, and build relationships and connections with others. Whether in business, cooking, parenting or as musicians, creativity is necessary for our success. I love it when students decide a piece needs a final low note or they want to play in a different octave (as long as it’s not for Awards in Excellence!). Helping them discover the beauty of dynamics or the contrast between Romantic and Baroque music is exciting and keeps them engaged. We are constantly creating as we try out new repertoire or come up with new approaches to teach the same old concepts. DVMTA has helped me find ways to be a creative teacher.
And finally, I want us to celebrate together. This year marks our 40th Cavalcade of Rhythm!! Think about how many thousands of students have been able to participate over the years! I’ve spoken with students who graduated long ago, and they remember clearly the fun they had playing in Cavalcade or at the mall for Music Marathon. What we do as teachers is important, and we need to recognize the impact we are having on our students. I salute each DVMTA teacher, whether you have been teaching for 40 years or have just begun. You share something wonderful that will bless their lives for years to come, and that is certainly worth celebrating.
So join me at the August brunch on Friday, August 16 as we “Collaborate, Create, and Celebrate!”
Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President
Read the full August 2024 Newsletter
COLLABORATE, CREATE, AND CELEBRATE!
One of the greatest strengths of DVMTA is that we work together, harnessing our collective efforts to create something bigger and better than any one of us could ever do alone. Each of our events takes many hands, and we unite to serve our students and each other. I love hearing the “shop talk” at our brunches and meetings as friends ask each other how they have handled different challenges that arise in our studios. Every member brings unique strengths and experiences, and we openly share our ideas and help one another to succeed. That spirit of collaboration has blessed my life for over 25 years, making me not only a better teacher, but a better person.
Over the years, I have found that creativity is vital to the human soul. It has been linked to improved physical and mental health, as well as increased happiness and well-being. Creativity allows us to think outside the box, communicate better, and build relationships and connections with others. Whether in business, cooking, parenting or as musicians, creativity is necessary for our success. I love it when students decide a piece needs a final low note or they want to play in a different octave (as long as it’s not for Awards in Excellence!). Helping them discover the beauty of dynamics or the contrast between Romantic and Baroque music is exciting and keeps them engaged. We are constantly creating as we try out new repertoire or come up with new approaches to teach the same old concepts. DVMTA has helped me find ways to be a creative teacher.
And finally, I want us to celebrate together. This year marks our 40th Cavalcade of Rhythm!! Think about how many thousands of students have been able to participate over the years! I’ve spoken with students who graduated long ago, and they remember clearly the fun they had playing in Cavalcade or at the mall for Music Marathon. What we do as teachers is important, and we need to recognize the impact we are having on our students. I salute each DVMTA teacher, whether you have been teaching for 40 years or have just begun. You share something wonderful that will bless their lives for years to come, and that is certainly worth celebrating.
So join me at the August brunch on Friday, August 16 as we “Collaborate, Create, and Celebrate!”
Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President
Read the full August 2024 Newsletter
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