How does a teacher set goals for their students? How can we help them achieve "small" goals, as well as long-term success? These were the questions addressed at DVMTA's September General Meeting on September 30, 2022. "Glorious Goals" was presented by DVMTA members Carolyn Rooder, Claire Westlake, and Carolyn Eldredge. These wonderful teachers provided insight into how our DVMTA student events can help to achieve the small and simple goals, as well as the larger and more meaningful aspirations students have. We love to get together and discuss student success, and we are thankful for all of the advice and experience that was shared by everyone. 

I received a text a week ago that warmed my heart and made me smile. It was from a piano student that recently graduated from high school and just completed his first two weeks of college at ASU. He was coming home for the weekend and asked if I could meet him at the church and teach him how to play the organ. Of course, I emphatically replied, “Yes!” I have been his teacher since he came to me at level two and part of his journey was learning to play hymns.

As we sat on the organ bench together, more as friends now, I was able to hear about his transition to college life. We laughed as he told me that he fit his digital piano in his dorm-room. He was shy and introverted in high-school, and it was so apparent to me in that moment what a blessing music is in his life - it has given him a voice and a passion.

We explored the incredible sounds and capabilities of the organ and how it works. He played hymn after hymn getting used to the different touch, and he commented that he now understood why I told him fingering and legato playing is important to transition to the organ. He was even brave enough to play with the foot pedals. It was rewarding to watch him smile as he enjoyed the sounds he was creating and to realize he will be able to play the piano and organ throughout his life.

Don’t ever forget that what you do as a music teacher is important and really matters in the lives of your students. I heard a quote this week from Wendy Stevens that really touched and inspired me.

“You teach the most beautiful language in the world to the most beautiful of all creations.”

It was wonderful to see so many of you at the August Brunch, and I look forward to our September General Meeting where we will learn from each other how DVMTA events can help us meet our studio goals. Make it a goal to attend so you can learn and grow as a teacher.

Tammy Shorts
DVMTA President 2022-2024

Read the full September 2022 Newsletter

Welcome to a new year of teaching! It’s great to be with my students again and to hear about their first week of school adventures. I’ve been talking with my students about their piano goals and what they hope to accomplish this year. I’ve also been thinking about what I want to accomplish as their teacher and what we want to accomplish as an organization. Creating Lifelong Musicians seems to sum up our goals as teachers and supports our DVMTA mission. We want our students to reach their highest potential as they study with us and gain a love and appreciation for music so they will continue to play, and then share their talent with their future families and communities. We create lifelong musicians as we strive to Inspire, Challenge, and Encourage our students. We as teachers also need to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged. We have an important job that really matters and DVMTA can help us. A presenter at a General Meeting can inspire us with a new idea that helps us become better teachers. We can challenge a student to participate in a new event, which also challenges us to learn new things. We feel encouraged as we network with other teachers - we feel camaraderie and support. So come join us and be part of a great organization that will benefit you and your students. If you haven’t been a member recently, we would love to have you back, and we welcome new members.

We are excited to invite you and anyone else interested in DVMTA to our August Brunch being held on August 19. You will enjoy delicious food, get to know other members, and hear about the year’s events.

Being connected is important. We have so much in common and a lot we can learn from each other.

Tammy Shorts
DVMTA President 2022-2024

​Ready the full August 2022 Newsletter