Each year DVMTA students who consistently participate in DVMTA events over a number of years are recognized as Devoted Performers at Awards Plus. Additionally, senior high school students who have devoted years to studying music and participating in DVMTA and other school and community organizations are recognized as Senior Scholars. This year, ten Devoted Performers and two Senior Scholars were awarded with these honors at a reception on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Southeast Valley Bible Church. These students are dedicated and passionate about music, and we love recognizing their efforts and encouraging them to continue as they leave high school. What a wonderful evening. Many thanks to Lori Sprague, the committee chair, and her committee, and those who helped. Thanks also to the amazing teachers and families who support these students!

Achievement Day, our last DVMTA student event for the year, was held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Chandler Gilbert Community College. Students from every level arrived and eagerly completed their performance, theory, sightreading, and ear training testing, as well as other optional categories. Every single participant — whether they were there for the very first time or fifth, sixth, or tenth time — brought something genuine and unique to the day. Watching these students rise to the occasion, we were reminded of why music education matters so deeply. It builds discipline, builds confidence, and builds character. The students of DVMTA are living proof of that. Many thanks to Randi Buell, the committee chair, and her committee, and the many teachers who made this day so successful. This is a favorite event of many students and teachers because it provides an opportunity to showcase the year's accomplishments. Thank you to all who participated!

The winners of the annual DVMTA Awards in Excellence competition performed their winning pieces for guests on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Hammer & Strings Conservatory. Two recitals were held and the winners showcased their accomplishments in a grand display. It was very impressive what their efforts achieved. Many thanks to those who auditioned. Some received honorable mentions, while others were awarded as winners with a trophy and monetary prize. Thanks also, to the Awards in Excellence chair, Carolyn Eldredge, and her committee, and the teachers and parents who spent so much time preparing and encouraging their students. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to prepare and perform. 

Auditions for DVMTA's annual piano performance competition were held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Hammer & Strings Conservatory in Gilbert. After months of preparation students performed and were judged, with amazing scores and results. This was a wonderful  opportunity for students to prepare pieces beyond simply learning the basics. 

We had 61 students from 10 teachers participate in the auditions. There's a lot of hard work that goes into this level of preparation, and we're proud of all of the students who participated. Congratulations to our 2026 Awards in Excellence winners and Honorable Mention students! Special recognition goes to the teachers of these students. The winners of each level will perform in an Awards in Excellence recital on Saturday, April 25, 2026. 

We appreciate our judges who gave wonderful feedback to all the students. Our judges were Dr. Radmila Stojanovic-Kiriluk, Susan Martinez, Dr. Mandarin Cheung-Yueh, and Dr. Barbara Russell.