I had to grin when I asked one of my students what she thought of fourth grade so far and she replied enthusiastically, “I think it’s going to be my best year yet!” After being with many of you at the August Brunch and hearing about the year’s events from the board, I can also say this could be DVMTA’s best year yet!

We invite you to embark on musical journeys that will empower you and your students with learning and growth. Decide where you will go with your students and DVMTA can help you get there with tools and support.

1. Educational General Meetings: Sharpen your skills

Effective teachers in any field are continually learning. Professional development is about building your skill set and knowledge base so you can improve your teaching. That’s why we encourage you to attend the five General Meetings planned for the year. You learn proven teaching techniques, gain fresh perspectives, and deepen your understanding of piano pedagogy. The Meetings are planned to provide you with ideas and strategies that will invigorate your teaching and give you confidence. The September General Meeting will give you an opportunity to take a front row seat to watch a professional teacher work with two students.

2. Motivating Student Events: Exploring new musical horizons

Let’s challenge ourselves to explore new horizons with our students. Encourage them to embark on musical journeys that go beyond their comfort zones. Whether it’s preparing a piece to play for an audience or judge, mastering a challenging composition, or collaborating with other musicians, the possibilities are endless. The upcoming Music Marathon in October provides the opportunity for students to perform for an audience at various locations in the community. Students entering the Original Composition Festival go through the process of composing a song, performing it, and receiving valuable feedback from an experienced musician.

The great composer, Leonard Bernstein said, “To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.” Let’s plan together as an organization and in our studios to make this year exceptional.

Thank you for being a part of DVMTA. We’re thrilled to have you on board for what
promises to be a remarkable year of learning and growth.

See you at the September General Meeting, where we’ll kickstart our journey together!

Tammy Shorts
DVMTA President 2022-2024

Read the full September 2023 DVMTA Newsletter

Welcome to a new year of musical adventure, learning, and inspiration! As we move forward, we are excited to embark on Empowering Musical Journeys together as teachers and with our students. These journeys will be transformative and enriching musical experiences that will nurture growth, creativity, and a love of music.

What Empowering Musical Journeys will you and your students embark on? Where do you want to go? Imagine guiding a young student as they discover the joy of composing their first piece, or witnessing the confidence bloom in a shy performer as they take the stage. These are the moments that make our journey as piano teachers so rewarding and fulfilling. Maybe you will journey to improve your skills in teaching technique or sight-reading so you can better help your students.

Throughout the year, we have an array of engaging meetings and events planned to bring our theme to life. From workshops that highlight teaching techniques and skills to performances that celebrate the accomplishments of our students, there is something for everyone.

DVMTA is a community of dedicated piano teachers who believe in the power of music. We strive to enrich the lives of our students and ourselves through the art of piano playing. Come join us and be part of a great organization that will benefit you and your students. We invite you to participate actively, share your insights, and contribute to the collective musical wisdom that makes our organization so special. 

Mark your calendars for the August Brunch being held August 25. It’s an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and enjoy each other’s company as we set the tone for the months ahead. The food is always delicious. Looking forward to the year ahead!

Tammy Shorts
DVMTA President 2022-2024

Read the full August 2023 Newsletter

Happy summer, wonderful teachers! 

What are your plans? You might be teaching this month and enjoying a more flexible schedule. Maybe you are traveling, vacationing, or spending precious time with family and friends. I think we can all agree that this time of year is more laid-back and less stressful than the school year, so let’s enjoy it! 

Summer is a great time for us to organize our studios, get new ideas, and make plans for Fall. It’s also a wonderful time to work on projects or enjoy other passions and hobbies. As for me, my third grandchild will be born today or tomorrow so I’m so excited to head to Texas soon to meet this sweet little girl!

Our DVMTA chairs and committees are busy setting dates and making plans and preparations for another fabulous DVMTA year. Event information will be posted on the website soon so you can begin planning.

We will kick off the new school year with our August Brunch on Aug. 18, and we invite you and anyone else interested in joining DVMTA to attend. Music Marathon will be Oct. 28 at several wonderful venues. Our budding composers will shine at The Original Composition Festival on Nov. 18 and 19, and the December Brunch will be Dec. 1.

It’s going to be another great year with DVMTA. I look forward to seeing everyone at the August Brunch. Until then, I hope each of you can enjoy the opportunity to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate.

Tammy Shorts
DVMTA President 2022-2024

​Read the full June 2023 Newsletter

Our last three DVMTA events for the year were nothing short of spectacular, beginning with the April Brunch on April 28. Many thanks to Kelli Riding for organizing this fun gathering. The delicious food and time spent together were enjoyed by all as we celebrated the successes of the year and recognized our members who serve. All three of our brunches were great!

Achievement Day was held May 13 at MCC. Carolyn Rooder and an army of dedicated volunteers implemented this year-end event flawlessly. Thank you to all who helped and to those teachers who prepared students to participate. I enjoyed watching the students come to the evaluation rooms with some nerves and eager anticipation and then seeing the look of satisfaction and accomplishment on their faces when they finished!

May 15 was the Awards Plus recognitions. Jenna Hartley, Jenni Caddy, and 5 DVMTA teachers recognized and honored 15 Devoted Performers and 3 Senior Scholars for their participation in DVMTA events over the years. It was inspiring to get to know these dedicated musicians and to hear their teachers honor them.

It's been a great year for DVMTA! We have enjoyed getting to know seven new members, and we appreciate them jumping right in to get involved. Each of our events was successful and provided students with opportunities to prepare, perform, and grow as musicians. I would like to extend a resounding thank you to all the event committee chairmen and volunteers who dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to ensure the success of our organization’s events. I also want to thank Toni Tetreau, our Vice President, who organized the speakers for our General Meetings. The topics were interesting and helpful, and each presenter was knowledgeable and entertaining.

I especially want to thank each of you - our wonderful piano teachers. Your dedication, passion and ability to inspire and encourage have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of your students. Congratulations on another year of piano teaching! It’s an honor and privilege to associate with and learn from so many talented and amazing friends and peers, who give so much to DVMTA. This organization doesn’t happen without the contributions and service of so many, and I truly appreciate all you do.

I hope you have an enjoyable summer and that you take this time to recharge, rejuvenate, and indulge in some well-deserved rest. I look forward to seeing everyone again at our August Brunch, Friday, August 18th to begin a new year!

Tammy Shorts
DVMTA President 2022-2024

Read the full May 2023 Newsletter