Like my students, I have been looking forward to Fall Break. This is a busy time of year, as we’re prepping for recitals and Music Marathon, finishing up and recording compositions, looking ahead to Cavalcade, and now also adding in January Jazz registration. And like you, DVMTA and piano are not all I do. Add in choir rehearsals and concerts, church responsibilities, ball games and many other family activities, and it can seem overwhelming. The mind side of my Lokahi triangle can get a little overburdened.

Some of my students play very much from the mind side of the triangle. They neglect to add any sort of feeling to the notes on the page. As we approach performance time, I find myself singing, directing, even coloring in dynamics to help them play more musically. Others of my students are already very musical and play with lovely expression, but refuse to take the time to seriously work out the technical aspects of certain passages. They try to cover a lack of consistent fingering by adding creative flourishes, which can be fun but aren’t always appropriate. Helping students find the right balance of mind, body, and spirit in their playing is challenging, but oh, so rewarding when they get it. When my mind is full to the brim, it’s time to tend to the body and spirit sides of my triangle. That will look different for each person. Some may enjoy a strenuous hike or pounding workout at the gym. Others may escape into a pedicure or spa treatment. For me, getting outside for a walk, playing peaceful music on the piano, or taking time to read or sew makes all the difference. My brain clears; I am rejuvenated and ready to dive back in. Whatever helps you stay in balance, I hope you make time for that in the busyness of life. I know I find much more joy when my Lokahi triangle is stable.

I look forward to seeing you at Marathon later this month and at our general meeting on Friday, October 31 at 9:30 am in the LDS church building at 1100 N. Cooper in Gilbert. It will be our Cavalcade read-through, a chance to hear all the fun music on the list for this year. Registration opens that morning, and as a reminder, registration for Original Composition AND January Jazz will be due that day as well. See you there!

Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President

Read the full October 2025 Newsletter

DVMTA members met September 26, 2025 for our General Meeting at Next Gen Piano Recital Hall. We were privileged to hear from DVMTA's own Toni Tetreau, who presented "CRAZY CREATIVE CHORDS. Lead sheets with chord symbols--What are they?"  She taught us about crazy chords, lead sheets and much more.  Several of our teachers were able to improvise with her using a lead sheet. Toni discussed why should we use them and how they are helpful to the average student.  These simple tools open doors to learning chords, improvising theory, and add to each student's creativity. Thank you for a wonderful meeting!

How wonderful to see so many of you at the August Brunch! Thank you to Kelli Riding and her committee for the delicious food, and the Hawaiian decorations made me feel extra relaxed and comfortable. A great deal of information was shared about our upcoming year, and I’m excited for all that is to come. Check out our website for all dates and documents.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for me, as I’m sure it has been for many of you. I could feel myself getting a little out of “Lokahi” balance, with certain family needs taking over and tipping my triangle. I was able to take some time this weekend and refocus a little, and I feel much more prepared to tackle the week. My mind, body, and spirit are working together a bit better and I feel refreshed.

I had fun with my students last week. All of them, from the littlest to the oldest, reviewed the basic concept of sitting at the piano. I have a couple of girls who like to sit too close to the keyboard, and some boys who slump or don’t keep their feet flat on the floor. Some like to scootch on the bench when they play high or low. We all did some exercises to find the proper distance, posture, and relaxation, then talked about how this “body business” affects their playing. If their bodies are not comfortable and aligned properly, they cannot play with power or sensitivity. As I’ve said a million times before (and probably will many more times), “playing the piano is not just about the fingers”. It takes body, mind, and spirit all working together in balance (Lokahi).

A couple of reminders: Our Organ Stop Pizza Night is coming soon: Tuesday, September 16 from 4-8 pm. This is a fun and easy way to fund some of our spring scholarship events. You’ll find the flyer in this newsletter, and in separate emails. Please forward that to your students and encourage them to join us that evening for some pizza and a great show.

Our general meeting on Friday, September 26 will be fun and informative, with Toni Tetreau sharing her composition skills and tips with us. Remember that Music Marathon registration will be due that day. I hope to see you all there!

Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President

Read the full September 2025 Newsletter

We held our annual DVMTA August Brunch Friday, August 15, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Mesa. President Lorri McHardy welcomed everyone to the new year and the upcoming meetings and student events were introduced. Our board members have planned a fun and fabulous year for us!  Students are going to have so much fun while learning, performing, composing, competing and so much more.  Many thanks to Kelli Riding and her committee for organizing our delicious brunch, it was wonderful to visit after the summer break!