Although the end of the school year is packed to the brim with activities, I love the feeling of celebration that comes with it. As school choirs, orchestras, and bands perform their final concerts, they can look back on the growth they have made. Here in DVMTA, students participate in Achievement Day and can easily measure their progress through test results and evaluations. Awards Plus participants are honored for their hard work over many years. As our students play in spring recitals, I would hope that the same feeling of progress and measurable growth prevails. I include some sort of wall chart for my studio’s annual incentive program for that very reason. This year, we were learning about “E-fish-ient Piano”, so as students completed certain activities in theory, ear training, sight reading, performance, practice, etc., their fish on the wall got longer and longer. Throughout the year, when a student sight reads something well or nails a new scale, I sit back and remind them that they couldn’t have done that so well last year. It can be hard for students to see their own progress, so it’s up to us to show them.
Four of my students are seniors this year, graduating and moving on to new challenges. As I have been preparing posters for the two receiving the DVMTA Senior Scholarship, I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic. Seeing photos of these boys as far back as ten years ago, their excited little faces—it’s made me ponder the lasting effect we can have on their lives. More than anything, I hope to foster a love of music that will last them a lifetime. I don’t expect to see my former students soloing at Carnegie Hall, but it’s fun to see them playing for their praise band or church choir. I had a former student text me a few weeks ago out of the blue, sending me a short video of him at the piano with his toddler son banging away. It brought tears to my eyes as he shared his excitement about sharing his love of the piano with another generation.
Friends, what we do is important. It’s easy to feel like a low priority in students’ busy lives. But I know that whatever music we can get into them will bless their lives in countless ways. Know that I see and appreciate the work you do. One of the best benefits of DVMTA for me is knowing there are many friends who understand my struggles and my triumphs. Teaching can be hard, but as we continue to support and share with one another, we are strengthened and inspired to press on, doing our best to pass on our love of music. THANK YOU for all you do and are! I look forward to seeing you at our August Brunch on Friday, August 15!
Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President
Read the full May 2025 Newsletter
Four of my students are seniors this year, graduating and moving on to new challenges. As I have been preparing posters for the two receiving the DVMTA Senior Scholarship, I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic. Seeing photos of these boys as far back as ten years ago, their excited little faces—it’s made me ponder the lasting effect we can have on their lives. More than anything, I hope to foster a love of music that will last them a lifetime. I don’t expect to see my former students soloing at Carnegie Hall, but it’s fun to see them playing for their praise band or church choir. I had a former student text me a few weeks ago out of the blue, sending me a short video of him at the piano with his toddler son banging away. It brought tears to my eyes as he shared his excitement about sharing his love of the piano with another generation.
Friends, what we do is important. It’s easy to feel like a low priority in students’ busy lives. But I know that whatever music we can get into them will bless their lives in countless ways. Know that I see and appreciate the work you do. One of the best benefits of DVMTA for me is knowing there are many friends who understand my struggles and my triumphs. Teaching can be hard, but as we continue to support and share with one another, we are strengthened and inspired to press on, doing our best to pass on our love of music. THANK YOU for all you do and are! I look forward to seeing you at our August Brunch on Friday, August 15!
Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President
Read the full May 2025 Newsletter
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