One of the great advantages of DVMTA is the opportunity members have to meet to collaborate and share ideas. Our March General Meeting, which was held March 27, 2026 at Next Gen Piano Recital Hall, was a discussion on teaching tips. Diana Palmer led the discussion as members asked questions and shared their experiences and ideas. We are better together, and our members are valuable resources for each other. Thank you to all who participated and shared. 

Do you ever look at your calendar and just sigh? Or quiver in trepidation? Everyone is busy these days, but spring is super-busy as piano teachers. You may be preparing students for Awards in Excellence auditions, plus looking ahead at Achievement Day requirements. We’re counting up events for Awards Plus applications, not to mention preparing for our own spring recitals. And that doesn’t even include family, school, and community obligations. It’s very easy to feel overwhelmed.

Time to remember Lokahi, the Hawaiian concept of keeping life in balance. Three triangle points of mind, body, and spirit need to stay in harmony with each other. Lokahi contains an element of sustainability, of harmony between people, nature, and the divine. It is essential for a healthy life and connections with the land and with other people. When I find my mind getting overburdened with responsibilities, it’s time to step back and see what I need to do to restore balance to my life. Am I neglecting connections with people I care about? Do I need time alone to take a walk and breathe in the scent of those lovely citrus blossoms? Is my spirit in need of a recharge, whatever that looks like to you?

As we’re preparing students for spring events, we need to teach all three points of the triangle. We teach their minds, helping them read, memorize, and prepare mentally for performances. We teach their bodies, posture, hand position, fluidity and technique. We teach their spirits, helping them play expressively and understand the rich traditions of the music. Different aspects will come easier to different students. I have some who excel at memorizing notes but struggle to play with passion. I have others who display more passion than correct technique. My job is to help them keep all aspects of learning music in balance. As they become well-rounded musicians, they can find joy in music for the rest of their lives, regardless of what the future brings. We are so privileged to play a role in their development, as musicians and as people. Our role is vital to these students—thank you for all you do for them!

Lorri McHardy

Read the full March 2026 DVMTA Newsletter

DVMTA members look forward to our annual Master Class, which was held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Next Gen Piano Recital Hall. Autumn Hunt returned as our clinician this year, and we were thrilled to watch her guide and direct three DVMTA students. These students performed their pieces for her, and she provided ideas and techniques to improve phrases and sections.  She truly is amazing! So calm, kind and brilliant. She was able to bring amazing things out of the three students that participated. We learn how to better teach by observing wonderful teachers such as Autumn. It was a wonderful meeting, thank you to all who participated. 

After many months of practicing and rehearsals, over 200 DVMTA students performed in their duet ensemble groups at DVMTA's Cavalcade of Rhythm on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The event was held at Mountain View High School in Mesa. Groups met for one last dress rehearsal in the morning and then performed for an exuberant audience in the evening. The "Rock On!" themed songs were so fun! The students loved them, and parents and families felt the good vibes. Rock and roll fashion was on display, toes were tapping, and pianos were blazing. All of the hard work from the students, and the teachers, was rewarded, and everyone had a blast. Many thanks to Cavalcade committee members Sara Pratt and Anna Phelps, and to all the DVMTA members who contributed their time and efforts to making this evening a huge success.