DVMTA loves to recognize students for their hard work and dedication to participating in DVMTA events. These students are recognized at our annual Awards Plus ceremony, which was held Monday, May 15, 2023 at Southeast Valley Bible Church in Gilbert. Sixteen students were awarded with Devoted Performers, which recognized them for participating in four out of the five DVMTA events each year, for three years out of five years. They were presented with trophies and monetary gifts. Three high school seniors were presented with Senior Scholarships, which awards them scholarship money based on their participation in DVMTA events over the years, and their involvement in school, church and community music programs. We love this opportunity to recognize this dedication and commitment to the learning of music. Their teachers and families were also recognized and thanked for all their support. Thanks to Jenna Hartley and Jenni Caddy for putting this wonderful evening together. 

DVMTA held our annual Achievement Day at Mesa Community College on Saturday, May 13, 2023. We gathered in the Music Building, a wonderful facility, and students were able to display many of their achievements for the year. They were tested on Theory, Sight-Reading, Ear-Training, Composers and Duets. Students who chose the standard option played two pieces for an adjudicator, and one piece was memorized. Students who chose the expanded option played three pieces, all memorized, for an adjudicator. Hats off to all of the students and their teachers for their hard work.  Many, many hours of practice goes into getting ready for an event like this. Thanks also to all the DVMTA teachers and helpers who made the day successful. A special thank you to the Achievement Day chair, Carolyn Rooder, and her committee, Lisa Wallace and Hillary Bitter.

Our last three DVMTA events for the year were nothing short of spectacular, beginning with the April Brunch on April 28. Many thanks to Kelli Riding for organizing this fun gathering. The delicious food and time spent together were enjoyed by all as we celebrated the successes of the year and recognized our members who serve. All three of our brunches were great!

Achievement Day was held May 13 at MCC. Carolyn Rooder and an army of dedicated volunteers implemented this year-end event flawlessly. Thank you to all who helped and to those teachers who prepared students to participate. I enjoyed watching the students come to the evaluation rooms with some nerves and eager anticipation and then seeing the look of satisfaction and accomplishment on their faces when they finished!

May 15 was the Awards Plus recognitions. Jenna Hartley, Jenni Caddy, and 5 DVMTA teachers recognized and honored 15 Devoted Performers and 3 Senior Scholars for their participation in DVMTA events over the years. It was inspiring to get to know these dedicated musicians and to hear their teachers honor them.

It's been a great year for DVMTA! We have enjoyed getting to know seven new members, and we appreciate them jumping right in to get involved. Each of our events was successful and provided students with opportunities to prepare, perform, and grow as musicians. I would like to extend a resounding thank you to all the event committee chairmen and volunteers who dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to ensure the success of our organization’s events. I also want to thank Toni Tetreau, our Vice President, who organized the speakers for our General Meetings. The topics were interesting and helpful, and each presenter was knowledgeable and entertaining.

I especially want to thank each of you - our wonderful piano teachers. Your dedication, passion and ability to inspire and encourage have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of your students. Congratulations on another year of piano teaching! It’s an honor and privilege to associate with and learn from so many talented and amazing friends and peers, who give so much to DVMTA. This organization doesn’t happen without the contributions and service of so many, and I truly appreciate all you do.

I hope you have an enjoyable summer and that you take this time to recharge, rejuvenate, and indulge in some well-deserved rest. I look forward to seeing everyone again at our August Brunch, Friday, August 18th to begin a new year!

Tammy Shorts
DVMTA President 2022-2024

Read the full May 2023 Newsletter

The annual DVMTA Awards in Excellence competition allows students to thoroughly prepare two pieces from a leveled repertoire list and audition for a judged score. Winners are selected, and showcase their pieces at a winner's recital, and also receive a trophy and cash prize. This year's auditions and recital were held at Hammer & Strings Conservatory in Gilbert, AZ, and were a wonderful success. Students presented their accomplishments, and teachers, students and families were able to witness the amazing growth and development that occurs with this kind of event. We were so proud of all who auditioned on April 8, 2023, and all who were awarded as winners and honorable mentions. The two winner's recitals on April 22, 2023 were beautiful, and the audience showed great appreciation for the music that was shared. What a tremendous accomplishment for these young pianists. Many thanks to Claire Westlake, the Awards in Excellence chairperson, to her committee, Yali Luo and Hong Zhu, and all DVMTA teachers who helped to prepare their students.

Awards in Excellence Auditions April 8, 2023