DVMTA members and friends gathered on March 25th at My First Piano for our March General Meeting. Our presenter was Buffie Meeker, who has been a DVMTA member for many years. Buffie shared many teaching experiences and demonstrated the lesson structure she uses for her studio. Her rotating stations allow students the time and resources they need to progress and become the "useful and valuable" musicians she believes they can be. We enjoyed hearing from her and having some great discussions.

Our General Meeting on Friday, February 25th was a treat to attend. Our guest presenter was Natalie Burton, who is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at ASU. Ms. Burton gave an informative presentation on "How our Brains Memorize Music: Learning Strategies to Improve Memory." In it she explained the process of memorizing, focusing on creating strong neural pathways in the brain that can retrieve and recall information. She identified and demonstrated musical techniques and tips that teachers can use to help students develop skills for better memorization to help them free their imaginations as they perform.

After her presentation Natalie took time to give a Master Class. Two DVMTA students performed and received instruction and advice to further their performance progression. We love to have guests work with out students, to help them bring out the best in their pieces and performance. We are thankful to Natalie for taking the time to be with us, and wish her the best in her studies and career. 

Our January General Meeting was superb, and was a great way to begin the new year. Members and friends gathered together in person, and some attended virtually, to learn from Autumn Hunt, who is a faculty member at Chandler Gilbert Community College, and a DVMTA member. Autumn shared many of her teaching experiences and philosophies on giving students Roots and Wings to help them continue to learn and fly. She is an amazing teacher and instructor, and provided many teaching tools she uses to meet students on their level, and motivate them to reach higher. We loved hearing from her, and appreciated her inspiring words to help us become well-rounded teachers who produce well-rounded students through understanding that music is for everyone. 

With the holiday season upon us, it is always nice to relax and get together as DVMTA friends and members. We gathered for a delicious brunch at La Madeleine Cafe, and enjoyed great conversation in front of a cozy fire. We are so glad to have an organization that promotes camaraderie and friendship, and for those who took the time to come and visit with us.