Can you believe it’s 2026 already?! As I’ve welcomed my students back this week, focusing intently on writing the correct year in their assignment books, I just can’t process that another year has gone by so quickly. But I appreciate the freshness a new year brings.

As I’ve pondered the idea of fresh starts and new beginnings, it’s made me think about goal setting. In years past I would set a bunch of goals in many different areas, determined to change everything about me that needed  changing. You can imagine the results as goal after goal went unmet or only partially completed. It led to frustration and several years of just skipping the whole resolutions thing. I had an “all or nothing” mentality that was holding me back.

Fortunately age brings a bit of wisdom and helped me see that I was trying to change too many things all at once. Better to set smaller, reachable goals, and to focus on one thing at a time. Some of my friends are trying one new thing just for a month. It may become a habit they keep, or it may fall by the wayside as they try a new goal for the next month. Another dear friend, who happens to be my daughter-in-law, introduced me to the idea of “all or something”. Rather than beat myself up for not completely reaching the goal, celebrate whatever progress was made. Recognize that life sometimes gets in the way. The 30 minutes I planned to devote to whatever it was may have only been 5 minutes that day, but that is still 5 minutes more than I used to do. It’s something, and that is progress.

One of my students is working toward participating in Awards in Excellence for the first time. We chose her pieces months ago, as her busy high school schedule can wreak havoc on her practice time. We have worked on setting reasonable goals, biting off small sections to memorize, even just two measures. It’s easy for her to get overwhelmed and frustrated, but these small victories will help her keep pressing forward toward the eventual goal.

I hope all of you teachers recognize the important work you do. One sweet student made me a card this week with an admittedly odd-looking sixteenth note drawn on the front, with “Just a little note saying thank you” written across the top. She transferred to my studio in August and was quiet and withdrawn as she began. As I focused on making her lessons as positive and friendly as I could, she began to blossom. Her shy smiles became hesitant conversation, and now she freely shares stories with me. It reminded me once again that teaching music--the songs, theory, technique, etc.--is only part of what I do. I am helping to build confidence, encourage perseverance, nurture creativity, teach time management and problem-solving skills, develop focus and attention to detail, and provide a way to express feelings and combat anxiety. My students may never grace the stage at Carnegie Hall, but they know that I love them. I care about their progress in music and as people. I love that I can share my passion for music with them and feel like I’m making a positive difference in their lives. As you begin this new year, take a moment and recognize your vital role. Appreciate the opportunity we have as teachers to make an impact on our students. I am grateful for each of you, for your positive influence on my life.

Happy New Year!

Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President

Read the full January 2026 Newsletter

Wow, the last quarter of the year always seems to fly by! Several of my students have had fun playing spooky Halloween songs in October. They were a little surprised this week when I had a stack of Thanksgiving songs to replace them. As much as I love Christmas music, I want to be sure we give Thanksgiving its due. I love that we have a national holiday devoted to gratitude. Focusing on the many good things in our lives can lead to greater satisfaction, better mental health, and overall happiness. I try to remember that with my students as well. Rather than focusing on the things they didn’t accomplish in their practice during the week, I’ll be grateful that they came and compliment them on the progress they have made.

Because scales and technique are often the things that get “forgotten” or that students “run out of time” for, I’m excited for our November 21 general meeting. Our guest speaker from ASU will be just the shot in the arm I need to find ways to use technique more effectively. Every year technique goals are part of my annual incentive; sad experience has taught me that it must be done year-round, not in a flurry of preparation for Achievement Day. Yet still I find students pass off other areas of our incentive that are “more fun” than working on technique. I am confident that Ms. Choi can provide me with the technique tips I need to help my students.

If you’re like me, the calendar is filling up with musical events as we approach the holidays. I am choosing to view this as a wonderful blessing. Making music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to participate so fully. It just doesn’t seem like Christmas if I don’t have 7,000 songs bouncing around in my head. But as we get busier, I would encourage you to remember the Lokahi balance concept. Take the time to keep body, mind, and spirit healthy and functioning as one. Your self-care may look different from mine, but it’s important that we feel nourished and balanced.

Thank you for being an uplifting presence in my life. So many of you have had a positive impact on my teaching and on me as a person. I hope that you all find the holidays filled with joy, peace, and love.

Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President

​Read the full November 2025 Newsletter

Like my students, I have been looking forward to Fall Break. This is a busy time of year, as we’re prepping for recitals and Music Marathon, finishing up and recording compositions, looking ahead to Cavalcade, and now also adding in January Jazz registration. And like you, DVMTA and piano are not all I do. Add in choir rehearsals and concerts, church responsibilities, ball games and many other family activities, and it can seem overwhelming. The mind side of my Lokahi triangle can get a little overburdened.

Some of my students play very much from the mind side of the triangle. They neglect to add any sort of feeling to the notes on the page. As we approach performance time, I find myself singing, directing, even coloring in dynamics to help them play more musically. Others of my students are already very musical and play with lovely expression, but refuse to take the time to seriously work out the technical aspects of certain passages. They try to cover a lack of consistent fingering by adding creative flourishes, which can be fun but aren’t always appropriate. Helping students find the right balance of mind, body, and spirit in their playing is challenging, but oh, so rewarding when they get it. When my mind is full to the brim, it’s time to tend to the body and spirit sides of my triangle. That will look different for each person. Some may enjoy a strenuous hike or pounding workout at the gym. Others may escape into a pedicure or spa treatment. For me, getting outside for a walk, playing peaceful music on the piano, or taking time to read or sew makes all the difference. My brain clears; I am rejuvenated and ready to dive back in. Whatever helps you stay in balance, I hope you make time for that in the busyness of life. I know I find much more joy when my Lokahi triangle is stable.

I look forward to seeing you at Marathon later this month and at our general meeting on Friday, October 31 at 9:30 am in the LDS church building at 1100 N. Cooper in Gilbert. It will be our Cavalcade read-through, a chance to hear all the fun music on the list for this year. Registration opens that morning, and as a reminder, registration for Original Composition AND January Jazz will be due that day as well. See you there!

Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President

Read the full October 2025 Newsletter

How wonderful to see so many of you at the August Brunch! Thank you to Kelli Riding and her committee for the delicious food, and the Hawaiian decorations made me feel extra relaxed and comfortable. A great deal of information was shared about our upcoming year, and I’m excited for all that is to come. Check out our website for all dates and documents.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for me, as I’m sure it has been for many of you. I could feel myself getting a little out of “Lokahi” balance, with certain family needs taking over and tipping my triangle. I was able to take some time this weekend and refocus a little, and I feel much more prepared to tackle the week. My mind, body, and spirit are working together a bit better and I feel refreshed.

I had fun with my students last week. All of them, from the littlest to the oldest, reviewed the basic concept of sitting at the piano. I have a couple of girls who like to sit too close to the keyboard, and some boys who slump or don’t keep their feet flat on the floor. Some like to scootch on the bench when they play high or low. We all did some exercises to find the proper distance, posture, and relaxation, then talked about how this “body business” affects their playing. If their bodies are not comfortable and aligned properly, they cannot play with power or sensitivity. As I’ve said a million times before (and probably will many more times), “playing the piano is not just about the fingers”. It takes body, mind, and spirit all working together in balance (Lokahi).

A couple of reminders: Our Organ Stop Pizza Night is coming soon: Tuesday, September 16 from 4-8 pm. This is a fun and easy way to fund some of our spring scholarship events. You’ll find the flyer in this newsletter, and in separate emails. Please forward that to your students and encourage them to join us that evening for some pizza and a great show.

Our general meeting on Friday, September 26 will be fun and informative, with Toni Tetreau sharing her composition skills and tips with us. Remember that Music Marathon registration will be due that day. I hope to see you all there!

Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President

Read the full September 2025 Newsletter