DVMTA members and friends met on February 24, 2023 to hear our own DVMTA members, Jessica Heidt and Hong Zhu, present Interpreting Piano Literature. Hong gave an analysis of the Baroque time period, and Jessica presented analysis of  Classical and Romantic time periods. Members were engaged and given wonderful information to help students as they determine how best to approach learning and playing pieces from these eras. The time period and the instrument capabilities were factors to consider, and different options and clues were placed within each piece of music to aid in the playing style. We thank these wonderful members for sharing their information and insights. 

Our first DVMTA general meeting of the new year was a great success. Members and friends met on January 27, 2023 at My First Piano. We were privileged to have Dr. Hannah Creviston be our presenter. Dr. Creviston is a Clinical Associate Professor of Piano Pedagogy, Director of the Music Prep Program, and Coordinator of Class Piano at ASU. She instructed us on Teaching Rhythm, not Math: the Use of Music Learning Theory Principles in the Private Studio. Dr. Creviston shared many tools to help students learn rhythm through listening and movement. Members were able to participate in learning how movement allows students to learn principles of rhythm and the demonstrations were a lot of fun. Thank you to Dr. Hannah Creviston for an inspiring meeting. 

DVMTA members met Friday, November 18, 2022 at My First Piano for the November General Meeting. Our guest presenter was Dr. Michael Bryson, Chairman of of the music department at International Baptist College and Seminary in Chandler, AZ. Dr. Bryson was delightful as he shared practical tools on composing music, and teaching composition to our students. Composing and arranging are creative ways to deepen a connection to music, and allow students the opportunity for self-expression. We are very grateful to Dr. Bryson for sharing his wisdom, and for sharing simple techniques to teach and motivate students as they develop their composition skills.

The October General Meeting is the music preview for the Cavalcade of Rhythm Duets that will be performed in February. We always have a great time at this meeting, and enjoy reading through these fun duet pieces together. This year's theme is "Pirate Partners," and we cannot wait to have students learn and perform. The read through was held Friday, October 29th at The Music Store. We are grateful for their hospitality, and for the Cavalcade Committee, who have worked hard all summer to prepare.