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.

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!

DVMTA members were elated to gather in person for our annual April Brunch to celebrate another DVMTA year's success. What a year it has been, and we were grateful to visit in a social gathering. The brunch was held at Toni Tetreau's home, where we enjoyed delicious food and wonderful companionship. DVMTA President, Lori Weidemann, spent time thanking DVMTA Board Members, Committees and individual members for all the hard work to make this year happen. Despite many challenges related to COVID-19, DVMTA was able to adapt and carry on. Whether in person, virtually, or a combination of both, all of our Student Events and General Meetings were able to be held, and were successful. Thank you to all! Thanks also, to the April Brunch Committee, Wendi Heslop and Amy King, for a wonderful morning. 

DVMTA members and friends gathered either online or in person at Hammer & Strings Conservatory in Gilbert for our last General Meeting of this year. We were privileged to hear from Dr. Karali Hunter, owner and founder of Hammer & Strings Conservatory. Dr. Hunter discussed "Sound in Motion" as she worked with three students of DVMTA teachers. Each student performed and Dr. Hunter helped each to further develop their motion skills to enhance sound, and to invite the audience into the performance. In just a short amount of time, such a difference was seen and heard in each student's ability technical skills, and in their ability to create imagery and expression. Thank you to Dr. Hunter for sharing her skills and knowledge and for connecting with these students in a personal and amazing way.