DVMTA members gathered at My First Piano Recital Hall, in Mesa, as well as virtually, to attend the September General Meeting. We were privileged to have Elizabeth Gutierrez, NCTM, as our guest and presenter, through a webinar platform. Elizabeth shared her approach to teaching students to be better readers through Five Pillars: Eye Tracking, Keyboard Geography, Rhythm Reading, Note Reading by Pitch, and Note Reading by Interval. She also demonstrated helpful activities to teach these principles to beginning students, transfer students, and students needing to review their note reading skills. She is a wealth of information, and we are so happy she took the time to meet with us and share her knowledge and techniques. In addition to this webinar, members were invited to view her online course and webinar offerings at pianoteacheracademy.com.

It was wonderful to see so many of you again at our August Brunch, and the year ahead promises to be an exciting one! DVMTA has so much to offer -- General meetings provide tremendous learning opportunities as we gain insight from each other and from other professionals in our field; our social activities give us opportunities to network, problem solve and simply enjoy getting to know each other better; and our events, described here in the newsletter, provide even the most reluctant, struggling student opportunities to shine!

I’m looking forward to working with you all to provide these wonderful opportunities, knowing that “Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success!”

​Lori Weidemann
DVMTA President 2020-2022

Read the full September 2021 Newsletter

DVMTA members and friends gathered to celebrate our annual August Brunch and kick off a new DVMTA year. We were thrilled to meet in person, as well as virtually, to reconnect and announce plans for this year's General Meetings and Student Events. 

DVMTA President, Lori Weidemann, shared the theme of "Better Together," and described how bringing our strengths and talents together unites us in our shared purpose, which is to make DVMTA exceptional. The theme was evident in the wonderful decorations, such as photos of dynamic duos, and the delicious food pairings, including cookies and milk, and cinnamon and sugar. Many thanks to the August Brunch Committee, Nancy Chase, Amy King, and Juleene Farr, and all those who helped. DVMTA members make a great TEAM, understanding that Together Everyone Achieves More!

Welcome back to a new year – we’re so glad you’re joining us! As we kick off another exciting year, I want to point out that we are Better Together because Together Everyone Achieves More! Can you see the word hidden in that phrase? The benefit of being a part of DVMTA is that you are part of a TEAM that is working together to provide opportunities for our students, professional development for our members, and connection with fellow musicians. Because we’re in this together, teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success! The purpose and strength of DVMTA is working together to achieve that which we could not on our own, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards while providing opportunities in which students and teachers can thrive.
We are excited to invite you and anyone else interested in joining DVMTA to our August Brunch being held on August 20. This is a great opportunity to meet with the other members and get information about this year’s events! Being connected is so important, so let’s look for ways to encourage and support one another because by combining our effort we can accomplish so much more!
Lori Weidemann
DVMTA President 2020-2022

Link for full Newsletter