MMTA Newsletter
10800 Lyndale Ave S, Ste. 263
Bloomington, MN 55420
(952) 345-0629
www.mnmusicteachers.com
mmta@mnmusicteachers.com
MMTA Board of Directors
 Jill Kilzer, NCTM
President
 Suzanne Greer
President-Elect
 Camille Buddecke, NCTM
VP-Piano Contests
 Sarah Mensen
VP-Convention
 Carol Gangwish, NCTM
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VP-Piano Educational
Programs
Lori Paakh
VP-Vocal/Instrumental
Programs
Beth Winterfeldt
VP-Finance
Mary Duncan
VP-Membership
La Rae Mills
Recording Secretary
Kim Nichols
Treasurer
Kirsten Levorson, NCTM
Immediate Past President
In this issue:
page
Piano Contest Workshops ...2
Local Associations ...............3
MusicLink News ..................5
Call for Presentations .........6
MTNA Foundation ..............6
Popular Styles Exams ..........7
Piano Exams .......................9
Piano Exams Blog ...............9
New on the Web ................9
IMTF ...................................10
Handbook Updates .............10
Tech Notes .........................11
In Memoriam ......................11
Early Childhood Music ........12
2012-2013 Awards .............13
Exam Awards ......................15
2014 MMTA Convention .....16
October, 2013
MMTA President’s Letter
Music Matters!
As I write this Presidents letter, the fate of the Minnesota
Orchestra as we know it hangs in the balance. We want to hear
that the MOA and the musicians union have resolved their
differences. The dispute has continued for 17 months. A whole
season of musical offerings to the public has already been lost.
(We know now that the world-renowned conductor, Osmo Vanska, will not remain on
the podium.)Deadlines have passed and still no resolution. World-class orchestral
musicians have moved on to other cities. Their livelihood is music making, both
financially and personally. Music not only pays their bills, but feeds their soul.
Music Matters!
Music is a part of so many significant events in our lives: Our precious babies are gently
soothed to sleep with a lullaby; Couples fondly recall songs they enjoyed during their
courtship; Music in our religious services express the mysteries and the tenets of our
faith and connection to each other. Funerals offer music to console the bereaved.
One only has to recall the Remembrance Service from Ground Zero in 2001 to reflect on
how music from many disciplines and cultures touched each of our hearts expressing
sorrow beyond words. Music expresses when words fail.
Music Matters!
And what of the impact music makes in the lives of our children and our students?
Besides preparing them for a possible career or avocation, music promotes imagination,
creativity, and self expression. Students learn to understand and appreciate their own
culture as well as that of others. Music adds enjoyment. Learning an instrument teaches
self discipline and collaboration. Musical training can often be an indicator of life
success. We’ve all seen the studies which conclude, “Music makes kids smarter!”
Music study also offers other life skills: Music is abstract; Musicians learn how to make
judgments when the only rules are found inside themselves; They come to discover their
emotional interior. Musicians learn that problems can often have more than one
solution. Musicians learn flexibility and openness to the subjective. Creativity in Art
dares to imagine and dares to communicate what is imagined; The arts provide a
counterbalance to life’s routines.
Music Matters!
Does music benefit society? Ask the MMTA teachers and students who participate in
MusicLink. Ask the student in financial need who receives a practice instrument and/or
music instruction through this national non-profit organization.
Continued on page 2
October 2013
[MMTA NEWSLETTER]
Continued from page 1
El Sistema began in poverty stricken areas of Venezuela as Dr. Jose Abreu, founder, saw classical music education as a
means of social rescue and cultural transformation. Because of their musical studies and diligence, students to become
role models for family and neighborhoods. (http://www.ted.com/talks/jose_abreu_on_kids_transformed_by_music.html)
Music Matters!
Music Therapy is a growing field of health care. It has been found to be therapeutic for those with physical, emotional,
or developmental challenges. Schools and hospitals are employing music therapists to assist students and patients in
education or recovery and rehabilitation. Many Music Therapists have gone into private practice. Some areas music
affects the body and mind are: brain waves, breathing and heart rate, state of mind, blood pressure, easing of tension.
Music Matters!
Does Music have an economic impact on our communities and our Gross Domestic Product? The arts advocacy
organization, Americans for the Arts, reports in “Arts and Economic Prosperity”, that in 2012 the U.S. arts and culture
industry generated $135.2 billion in economic activity -- $61 billion from non-profit organizations and $74 billion in
audience expenditures. In 2010 the U.S. arts and culture industry generated $22.3 billion in local, state, and federal
revenue and supported more than 4 million full time jobs. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/12/nonprofitarts-culture-americans-for-the-arts-economic-prosperity_n_1589799.html ) The facts and figures go on. . .
Maintaining the Minnesota Orchestra as one of many hallmark musical organizations in our state is very important.
Music has a positive impact on our children’s development, and the population’s physical and emotional well being.
Music “feeds” Minnesota’s quality of life, our economy, our culture. Music “feeds” our souls. Thank you MMTA
teachers, for adding so much to our lives.
Let the Music play – because Music Matters!
MMTA State Piano Contest Workshops
Central Minnesota Music Teachers Assn.
St. Paul Piano Teachers Association
Contest Clinics will be held in St. Cloud at the home of Kathie
Younker at 734 S. 14th Ave. The sessions are from 9-11:30am.
The fee per session is $18.
The MMTA Contest Materials Workshops will be held on
Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Schmitt Music—
Roseville, in the auditorium.
10/4
PrePri-JRA
Suzanne Greer
The cost is $15 per class, or $72 for all 6 classes (checks only)
The following are the days and clinicians:
Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum
Contest Clinics will be held this fall at Schmitt Music-Edina.
Clinics begin at 9:45 a.m. Cost is $15 per clinic.
10/1
10/8
JRB
PrePri-JRA
October 3:
October 10:
Merrily Stone
Suzanne Greer
For more information, please call Sue Freeman Dopp Haugen
(612) 600-3807 or Barb Rossow (651) 777-3423.
Merrily Stone
Suzanne Greer
MMTA State Piano Contest List Update
Please note:
Junior B: L'Arabesque by Burgmuller should be listed as a Romantic era piece
2
JRB
PrePri-JRA
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] October 2013
Local Associations
Kay Hawkins, NCTM, Chair
Alexandria Area Music Teachers Association
 Saturday, Oct. 26, Dennis Alexander Workshop (see CMMTA)
 Friday, Nov. 22, 12:00-2:00 p.m. – “Arts Advocacy and the Douglas County Arts/Music Community” with
presenter Karen Erickson. Shalom Lutheran Church, Alexandria.
Arrowhead Music Teachers Association
 Saturday, Oct. 12, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – “What Every Musician Needs to Know About the Body” with presenter
Melanie Sever. First United Methodist Church, 230 E. Skyline Parkway, Duluth 55811. Registration is due by
September 30th. Please email Dr. Lanzer (katelanzer@gmail.com) for more information or to register. This
program is sponsored in part by a grant from the MMTA Foundation.
Central Minnesota Music Teachers Association
 Contest Workshop, Friday Oct. 4, 9:00-11:30 a.m. - Pre-Primary, Primary, and Junior A, with presenter Suzanne
Greer. Home of Kathy Younker, 734 14th Ave S, St. Cloud.
 Saturday, Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 pm. – Dennis Alexander Workshop. Two presentations: “Teaching Romantic
Style Music”, and a presentation/discussion on teaching elements of his own compositions, including those on
the 2014 Contest List. College of St. Benedict.
Lakes Area Independent Music Teachers
 Friday, Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m.- Ensemble music performed by members, and lunch at the home of Holly Heisserer,
1239 Minnesota Ave., Detroit Lakes.
 Friday, Nov. 22, 11:30 a.m.- “Planning for Theory Exams”, and lunch at the home of Jennifer Turnwall, Richwood.
Minneapolis Forum Music Teachers Association
 Education/Contest Workshops, Tuesdays through Oct. 8 at Schmitt Music in Southdale Square. Doors open at
9:30 a.m. Class begins at 9:45 a.m. Open to all. $15.00 per class. See opposite page for schedule.
 Tuesday, Nov. 5, 10:00 a.m. – “Inspiration through Connection” with presenter Richard Tostenson. Schmitt
Music, Southdale Square.
Minnesota River Valley Music Teachers Association
 Tuesday, Nov. 12, 10:30 a.m. (Business Meeting 9:30 a.m.) – “Incorporating Sight-Playing into Every Lesson” with
presenter Julie Rasmussen. Shakopee Public Library, 235 s. Lewis St., Shakopee.
Minnesota Valley Music Teachers Association
 Friday, Oct. 11, 9:00-11:00 a.m. – “Teaching Composition” with presenter Dr. Sarah Miller. Twin River Council for
the Arts, 523 S. Second St., Mankato.
 Friday, Nov. 8, 9:00-11:00 a.m. – “Paul Wirth’s Gravi-DVD: Discussion of a Relaxed Approach to Techniquie”.
Twin River Council for the Arts.
Northwest Suburban Music Teachers Association
 Thursday, Nov. 14, 10:00-11:00 a.m. (Business Meeting 9:30 a.m.) – “Teaching Students with Learning
Disabilities”, Round Table Discussion. The studio of Sylvia Lange, Maple Grove.
Rochester Area Music Teachers Association
 Thursday, Oct. 10, 9:00 a.m. - A Clavinova presentation by a Clavinova representative at Petit Music in Eyota.
St. Paul Piano Teachers Association
 MMTA Piano Contest Materials Workshops - see opposite page for details.
 Tuesday, Oct. 8, 10:00 Social Time/10:20 General Meeting - “Piano Studies and Physical Health” with presenter
Jason Strandberg. Schmitt Music, Roseville.
 Tuesday, Nov. 12, 10:00 Social Time/10:20 General Meeting – “Jazz and Vernacular Style” with presenter Karen
Pieper. Schmitt Music, Roseville.
Local Association News continued on p. 5
3
October 2013
4
[MMTA NEWSLETTER]
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] October 2013
MusicLink News
Sue Wege, State Chair
As many of you already know, Minnesota has the strongest MusicLink (ML) program in the nation. This is largely due to
the unprecedented level of support it enjoys from the State and Local MTA’s. MMTA waives all its program fees for ML
students, offers discounts on its educational materials and co-sponsors the annual MusicLink Playathon. Most teachers
know about these state level benefits, but do you know what the local MTA’s are doing? Here’s list of the benefits
available from many of our local MTA’s:
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Mpls. Music Teachers Forum—Waives fees for recitals, YACE, 9th Grade Auditions and Senior Auditions
MN River Valley MTA—Waives fees for its programs
St. Paul Piano Teachers Association—Waives fees for its programs
Southwest MN MTA—Waives fees for Ensemble, 3 local MN Federation Festivals and their Spring Joint Recital
West Suburban MTA—Waives fees for Ribbon Festival and Music Olympics
If your local MTA is offering benefits for ML students and they are not listed here, please let me know so I can add you
to the list.
MANY thanks to MMTA and all our local MTA’s that are helping those students struggling with financial need to have
the opportunity to participate in the many fine programs that are offered.
If you would like to learn more about how you can become involved in the MusicLink program and help a child in need,
please contact me at:
swege71@comcast.net, 651-458-0143; or visit the MusicLink website at:
www.musiclinkfoundation.org
Help Make MusicLink a Top Rated Non-Profit
If you love our work then tell the world! You have an opportunity to help us make even more of a difference in our
community. GreatNonprofits – a review site like TripAdvisor – is honoring highly reviewed nonprofits with their 2013
Top-Rated List. Won’t you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a review of your experience with us? All
reviews will be visible to potential donors and volunteers. It’s easy, only takes a minute and your review could help
us win a spot on the 2013 Top-Rated List. Go to http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/musiclink-foundation/
Local Association News, cont’d.
South Suburban Music Teachers Association
 Tuesday, Oct. 1, 11:00 a.m. – “Group Discussion: Sharing the New Music Festival Piano Pieces.” Grace Lutheran
Church, Apple Valley.
 Tuesday, Nov. 5, 11:00 a.m. – “Creative Composition in the Studio” with presenter Wynn-Ann Rossi. Grace
Lutheran Church, Apple Valley.
West Suburban Music Teachers Association
 Friday, Oct. 4, 10:30 a.m. (Social Time 9:30 a.m., Business Meeting 10:00 a.m.) – “Let’s Talk Tech in the Private
Music Studio” with presenter Erin Winchell. St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 15600 Old Rockford Road, Plymouth.
 Saturday, Nov. 2, 2:00 p.m. – Master Class with world class pianist Sam Rotman. Free admission; non-perishable
food donation encouraged. If questions regarding submitting an application, contact Mary Fadden at
m.fadden@mchsi.com or (952)473-5931. Wayzata Evangelical Free Church, 705 County Road 101 N, Plymouth.
 Saturday, Nov. 2, 7:00 p.m. – Sam Rotman, pianist, in concert. Free admission; freewill offering will be taken.
Wayzata Evangelical Free Church, Plymouth.
Willmar Music Teachers Association
 Saturday, Oct. 26, Dennis Alexander Workshop (see CMMTA)
 Saturday, Nov. 16, 10:00-11:00 a.m. – “Balanced Lesson Plans – It’s All About Timing” with presenter Dr. Amy
Grinsteiner. Calvary Lutheran Church, Friendship Room, 302 Olena Ave SE, Willmar.
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October 2013
[MMTA NEWSLETTER]
Call for Convention Presentations
2013 MMTA Convention, Crowne Plaza West - June 9-10, 2014
Save the date on your calendars! Our Annual MMTA Convention is a great opportunity to continue your education,
network with fellow colleagues, make new friends, get inspired and have fun!
The MMTA Convention Committee requests the submission of proposals for the MMTA Convention in
Plymouth, Minnesota, June 9-10, 2014.
The Annual MMTA Convention will provide opportunities for music educators to share knowledge and experiences
concerning all aspects of music and music teaching. To facilitate MMTA’s membership, proposals on the following
topics are encouraged:
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Music instruction for the young child
Learning styles
Artistry and Technique
Use of movement in music education
Music history and literature
The collaborative art
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Improvisation or Composition
The business of maintaining a music studio
Topics of pedagogical interest
Teaching the music student with special challenges
Your area of special musical interest
Proposals are accepted from the presenter or through recommendation. Lengths of presentations are generally 50
minutes including introduction, closing, and Q&A. Submissions are due by December 15, 2013.
Email a one-page letter including:
 Name, mailing address, phone number, and email address.
 Summary of presentation proposal (approximately 150-250 words).
If you are chosen as a presenter, you will be contacted by January 15, 2014. Email all proposals to Evelyn Lee at
evelyn.k.lee@gmail.com.
MTNA Foundation Fellow Award
Raeanna Gislason, NCTM, Chair
As was announced earlier this year, Jean Hegland, a past state president and tireless worker for
MMTA, is being honored with the MTNA Foundation Fellow Award at the national convention in
Chicago, March 24, 2014. We have a good start already toward the total of $1,000 which must
be raised by the end of this year from contributions by Minnesota members and friends to
support the award.
Honor Jean Hegland by sending donations to:
MTNA Foundation Fund ▪ 441 Vine St., Suite 3100 ▪ Cincinnati, OH 45202
Write Jean’s name on the envelope and on the memo line of the check:
Jane Doe
111 Any Street
Somewhere, MN 55555
Pay to the
Order of
MTNA Foundation Fund
DATE
October 1, 2013
$
Jean Hegland
Jean Hegland
DOLLARS
Twenty and 00/100
For
20.00
Jane Doe
Contributing online? www.mtnafoundation.org. Click on “Donation form” then scroll down past the established
endowments listing and put Jean’s name in the “Fellow” box. Entering necessary credit card info follows.
When we make a contribution to the MTNA FOUNDATION FUND we are helping to promote programs that nurture the
creation, performance, study and teaching of music. It’s a win-win proposition.
Thank you for your past and future generosity and your part in providing student awards, teacher recognition awards/
grants, and local and state association grants - a sampling of the MANY components of the MTNA Foundation.
6
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] October 2013
Let Your Ears Be Your Guide
Mary Gustafson, Popular Styles Committee
Susie bounces into the room, excited to show me what she’s practiced.
“I learned the left hand for “Happy Farmer” this week!
“OK, I want to hear that, but play the F scale first.”
The F scale is played fluidly. Now, I’m hopeful that the dreaded B naturals don’t show up in her playing… but there they
are! It’s as if she made no connection between the F scale and the key of the piece. As she finishes and turns proudly
to me, I have a choice. I can point out each mistake, leaving her deflated, or I can have her play the first phrase again.
As I repeat the phrase correctly, I ask, “What note in my phrase sounds different than in yours?” I’m helping her “turn
on” her ears – letting her ears be her guide in playing correctly and musically. In addition to assigning repeated
listening of Happy Farmer, I could open up the Popular Styles Syllabus Level 1 (downloaded from
www.mnmusicteachers.com - Member Resources – Teacher Resources Popular Styles). I’d have her play the F major
chord progressions and the F major sight reading exercise using the same chord progression, but giving her the
freedom to add in her own left hand rhythms if she desires. Finally, I can have her listen to Amazing Grace 20 times
this week and begin learning the lead sheet using the backing track (also available on the MMTA website), for more
enjoyable practice playing in the key of F.
The Popular Styles Syllabus is not just for students who don’t want to play traditional piano music, but it can contribute
to every student’s aural awareness. The Syllabus helps develop the ear while providing the freedom of harmonic and
melodic expression that classical piano cannot provide, simply because it’s all notated. Here are some practical ways to
open your students’ ears by using the Popular Styles Syllabus:
 Use the Analysis examples, where the student sings and claps the melody and then the bass line of short
phrases. Learning to sing the bass lines helps them hear the harmonic basis for the music they’re playing.
 Use the Chord Progressions with Sight Reading selections in the same key.
 Help students make a playlist they can put on their iPods or phones (use selections from the Popular Styles
Listening Resource list). Then, at the next lesson, give them a simple I-IV-V progression and have them play
the left hand using the rhythm pattern of one of the styles they listened to while you play a simple melody
over it.
 Play “Call and Response” phrases with them (simple improvised melodies - see Betsy Keno’s Popular Styles
Article from the May newsletter).
As you begin using the Syllabus in your studio, you’ll discover a multitude of possibilities for helping your students let
their ears be their guide as they make beautiful, expressive music.
Please contact committee chair Doug Rohde, drohde@bitstream.net, 612-234-5395 If you:
 Are interested in scheduling students for the Popular Styles exam next spring
 Would like to join the committee
 Want to attend the Popular Styles workshop, Friday, January 10, 2014 from 8:45-12:15 at McNally Smith
College of Music in St. Paul
 Desire further information
Thank you!
Materials
from
MMTA
Convention
Now
Online
A select variety of materials presented at the 2013 MMTA Convention are now available on the
MMTA website. Log in; then look under “Member Resources” for the “Teacher Resources Ed. Programs” page.
Materials include:
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Hints and helps for preparing students for Piano Exams
Teaching sight-reading to beginners
2014 Theory Exam Syllabus
7
October 2013
8
[MMTA NEWSLETTER]
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] October 2013
Piano Exam Syllabus 2020: First Steps
Kirsten Levorson, NCTM, Piano Exam Development Committee Chair
A few years ago, the MMTA Board set a ten year schedule for revising the piano exam syllabus. The 2010 Syllabus is
fully operational, so the Piano Exam Development Committee is beginning to take its first steps toward developing the
2020 Syllabus.
Our first step is to listen to you, our members.
Over the next year, we will distribute surveys and ask to meet with you one on one or in small groups. We’ll ask your
feedback about a variety of things:
 Do you use the syllabus with all your students, or only some?
 What do you find helpful about the 2010 Syllabus, especially if you have used previous editions?
 How do you “sell” the program to your students and their parents?
 What resources would be helpful to your students as they prepare for exams?
 What repertoire selections would you like added to the syllabus, and what pieces can be left out of the
next edition?
Your answers to these and other questions will guide our revisions for the next edition. Please feel free to contact any
member of the committee with your feedback.
While we’re starting to think about the next edition, our committee is also thinking about how we can support
teachers as they use the syllabus. For years, committee members have written helpful articles for this newsletter.
Those articles have now been gathered in one spot online at http://mmtapianoexamhelpspot.blogspot.com/.
If you have questions about getting started with the syllabus, or using the syllabus with students of different gifts and
abilities, or ideas about how to incorporate the skills and repertoire into your lessons throughout the year, the MMTA
Piano Exam HelpSpot is the place to find some answers.
Please contact us with your questions and comments about the syllabus. Piano Exam Development Committee
members include: Kathie Younker, Elaine Wipf, Judy Payne, Sarah Mensen, Gina Skule, Grace Kopitzke, Elise Rieke.
Did you know there are errata lists for the Piano Exam Syllabus and to the P.E.P.P.? They are available on the MMTA website, free
to teachers. There were mistakes in the original documents which have been corrected. Many students are not playing the skills in
the designated manner. We apologize that we did not catch these mistakes before going to print, but with your help,
corrections were made and on line by the end of the first year. We allowed a grace period during which time we did not penalize
the students, but that period needs to end. Please print the errata lists and make sure that your students are following the
correct "formulas”.
Edition Correction
New on the Web!
The Minnesota River Valley Music Teachers Association,
in commemoration of their recent 25th anniversary,
commissioned a piano suite by Melody Bober. The suite
of four solos was printed and released last spring.
MMTA is happy to announce some new and updated
features:
Due to an error, the suite was released as a tribute to
the Mississippi River, not the Minnesota River, as shown
by the cover and the descriptions of each of the
pieces.
The work was recalled and a new,
correct edition was printed. Unfortunately, some of the
originally released copies are still in the music stores.
When ordering the suite, please ask for the correct stock
number: 41026.
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Online registration has been added for these
programs: Vocal/Instrumental Contest; Young Artist
Contest; and Music Bridges.
Back by popular demand:
Registrations in the
shopping cart can now be edited!
“My MMTA Story” videos are available for viewing.
Watch as fellow members remember how they came
to be involved in MMTA and how it has benefited their
teaching career.
Need help with the website? Contact the MMTA Office at
952-345-0629 or mmta@mnmusicteachers.com.
9
October 2013
[MMTA NEWSLETTER]
Independent Music Teachers Forum
Megan Gilles, Chair
Yes, we are independent but…
We are independent music teachers but are there benefits of connecting with our colleagues? Definitely yes! When I
moved to Willmar (two hours west of the Twin Cities) I began connecting with fellow teachers. One teacher connected
me with MMTA. The first few years in MMTA were overwhelming. There were so many great programs, but where to
start. Eventually I tested the waters and tried the State Piano Contest-one program at a time and adding a new one
each year. I now participate yearly in the ensemble festival, theory exams, Music Bridges, piano exam, and the
Challenge Award. If it hadn't been for this colleague, who served as my official MMTA mentor, I certainly would not
have experienced all of the wonderful things that MMTA has to offer.
This year as we begin our teaching year, if you are a seasoned member of MMTA or a newbie to MMTA, connect with
others in our great organization. Here are some suggestions to increase our strengths as individuals and improve the
experience we offer our students.
1. Consider connecting with other teachers. Every new member should find a mentor to guide them. If you are
seasoned member, reach out to those new members and show them why you love MMTA.
2. Attend state conventions. Not only do you get to meet composers and editors for music your students may play,
the interaction with colleagues is tough to beat. The cost is definitely affordable for the quality and quantity.
3. Attend and participate in local association meetings.
4. Volunteer to assist at an MMTA function. Not only do you meet other teachers, you learn more about how the
event works and you help the event happen.
5. If we all work together, we can increase the professionalism of our profession. We can also potentially increase the
numbers of students in our studios if other teachers are able to recommend us to others when their studios
are full.
6. Check what others are charging for lessons. Assess where your rates are compared to others. One colleague told
me she raises her rates every year just a bit so that her students can someday come back to her rural community
and make a living teaching.
7. "Like" MMTA on Facebook. This is one more way you can see what is happening.
2013-2014 Handbook Updates
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10
p. 8, 15 - correct phone # for Kate Lanzer:
715-214-9769.
p. 30 - new address for Erica Friesen:
1087 Tyler St. S., Shakopee, MN 55379
p. 47, 49, 50, 55 - new phone # for Gina
Skule: 651-468-6723.
p. 50, 52, 54 - Site Administrator for TCN:
Change to Gayle Marcus and Carol Gangwish
p. 60 - SE Ensemble date is 11/2/13, deadline
9/27/13.
p. 61 - Ensemble Festival - WA Site
Administrator is Ruth Aaseng.
p. 62 - Music Bridges - add SWNU on
4/12/14. Site: Martin Luther Coll., New Ulm.
p. 62 - Music Bridges TC: March 1st date
changed to March 22nd, deadline is 2/14/14.
p. 66 - String Recital - Feb. 9th recital is at
Schmitt Music-Edina.
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] October 2013
Tech Notes - What Music Teacher’s Helper Can Do for You
Jeannine Robinett
I first learned about Music Teacher’s Helper (www.musicteachershelper.com/) at an MMTA event. At the time, I was
looking for a way to post all my studio handouts online so I didn’t have to keep making copies. I also didn’t want all of
those handouts available to the whole world, so the MTH duel format (a website the world sees, plus a personalized
page once someone logs in) was perfect for me. Now, more than 4 years later, it has totally changed how I approach
the business side of teaching.
With the Calendar feature, you have the option of adding lessons yourself, or creating “Open” slots that students can
register for. Although I will set up the regular fall schedule, my students are now responsible for taking care of all
canceling and rescheduling of lessons on the website. When a student selects the lesson to cancel, they see a
reminder of my cancellation policy. I’ve also set up automatic email reminders that go out to students three days
before the lesson.
The Calendar isn’t just for lesson scheduling. Everything related to your studio can be added to the calendar and you
can select which students will see each event. MMTA events and registration deadlines are all on my studio calendar.
You can even add yourself as a “student” and use the calendar for your personal planning too. Color coding for types
of events and icons for location can help everyone recognize important events on the Calendar. If you choose to
reconcile, you can also send lesson notes and/or information about attendance. Both parents and students receive
these emails, so it keeps parents informed about what is happening during lessons. This information is then saved in
Lesson History, so students, parents, and teacher can see all of the lesson data since the first lesson.
The options listed under the Billing Tab are extremely helpful. Here you can charge fees, give credits, record
payments, and keep track of studio expenses and mileage. You can also set up automatic invoicing (if you bill on a
regular schedule) or you can create invoices manually. At tax time, you just download the Reports and all the math is
already done for you.
This spring as I prepared for the MMTA Convention session on MTH, I started working with all the other features that I
hadn’t yet fully explored. I’ve activated the online payment option, and I think I will be keeping it. PayPal does take a
percentage, and the transfers to my bank account aren’t instant, but it does seem easier for parents. Also all
payments through PayPal are automatically recorded in MTH, so I save time on book keeping. The Lending Library
takes a little time to set up, but I think it’s worth it. I don’t require my students to use the Practice Log, but it has been
helpful for the students that do use it. The Repertoire Tracker is nice, if I remember to use it. You can add information
about when the song was performed, if it was used for a contest, and what score the student received.
Feel free to visit my blog at http://jmrvoicenotes.blogspot.com/p/music-teachers-helper-and-me.html to learn more
about how I use Music Teacher’s Helper. You can also email me at robinejm@msn.com if you have questions.
In Memoriam
MMTA Member Audrey Larson
Audrey Anna Larson, age 96 of Chaska, MN, died on Friday, August 23. Born in Minneapolis on
August 3, 1917, Audrey graduated from Macphail Center for Music, earning a degree in music
education. She taught piano lessons for many years until she moved to a nursing home due to
failing health. She was a long time member of MTNA, MMTA and three local associations:
Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum/Minneapolis Forum Music Teachers Association, West
Suburban Music Teachers Association and the Minnesota River Valley Music Teachers
Association, for which group she served as an officer, committee member and
chair. Among Audrey's favorite activities were the MMTA and MTNA conventions and she
attended many of both. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, daughter and
son-in-law, three grand children and nephew.
11
October 2013
[MMTA NEWSLETTER]
Which Method?
Fern Davidson, NCTM, Chair
Maybe you have already chosen a method book for your younger students but are not sure it is working for that
student. Perhaps a new method series is in order, or maybe a reworking of your present ideas.
I have been on a LinkedIn piano teachers group for a while and have gathered some ideas from other teachers who
responded to a question of method books for young children. Here are a few of my favorite responses.
Kathy Fisher • I love the Faber Piano Adventures for pre-reading; it incorporates relaxed moving all around the piano,
uses directional reading from the page as well as listening skills. I've used it for 4 years with students 4 to 6, and they
love it! There are a cast of friends, animals, and the piano teacher, plus Mozart and Beethoven; later Haydn appears.
Creative, fun, and touching all the bases I want covered. I go into their primer level when the student has finished the 3
levels of the Lesson book and the Writing book. Then I might continue in the Adventures series, or I might add some of
the Helen Marlais books, which move somewhat more quickly.
Dee Cucinotta • Bastien Piano For the Young Beginner Primer A has it all and at a pace that allows you to see if they are
mastering the very basic concepts before moving on. I also like the keyboard at the top of each page. Even if parents
know nothing about music, it's simple enough for them to be able to make sure their little one is actually pressing the
right notes while practicing. The kids think the little pictures are cute, funny, etc.
Glenna Cook• Look at the Animal Note Method by Noteimals. I teach children as young as 3 with it with great success.
They love it and can understand what they are doing, so it makes teaching much easier and a lot more fun! It transfers
easily to standard music notation at the end of the series of books.
Orlia Amarl • Children age 4-6 (and even older!) tend to LOVE games and anything involving active large muscle groups.
Use this to your advantage:
1. Simon says (e.g. "Simon says touch toes with finger 4's, Simon says play all the D's Forte), acting out rhythms (e.g.
clap all quarter notes, stomp half notes, turn around whole notes), things like that.
2. Get them to improvise and play by ear when possible, as book reading won't be appealing in the least unless
the child is already fairly confident with their non-musical reading (This one from much experience with
young beginners).
3. Pick a method that appeals to you. Good ones include Faber's First Piano Adventures, Music for Little Mozarts, and
Bastien for the Young Beginner. I know of teachers who swear by Thompson's Teaching Little Fingers to Play, but I
personally don't care for it (too many finger numbers, students ignore actual notes!)
4. This blog post from "Teach Piano Today" gives additional insight for teaching those who can't sit still and have a
short attention span: http://www.teachpianotoday.com/2013/03/04/how-to-teach-piano-in-84-seconds/
Fern Davidson • Be sure to get the student off the bench often: walking around the bench to go to the low/high notes,
playing their piece on a keyboard with a beat for variety; marching, jumping, running depending on what the music
dictates. This is also a great opportunity to compose music--the teacher can compose simple pieces for the student and
the student can compose at the earliest level by simply writing the note names directionally on a paper. I think that a
small group class is the most fun for this age, but for private students I prefer the Faber First Piano Adventures.
2012-2013 Student Award Winners - MMTA Exams
Students who earn high scores on their Comprehensive Piano, Theory and Vocal/Instrumental Exams are eligible to
receive monetary awards! A list of students who were granted these awards in 2012-2013 is available on the next
page; as well as on the MMTA website, Newsletters page.
Congratulations to these students and their teachers for their outstanding achievements!
12
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] October 2013
Piano Exam Awards
2012-2013
Level 4
Level 8
Level 5, cont’d.
Herland, Lauren
Thompson, Barbara
Andreas, Jane
Lange, Kim
Keller, Grace
Lange, Sylvia
Ballen, Hannah
Thaler, Natalie
Kronmiller, Anna
Duncan, Mary
Baumann, Katie
Kopitske, Grace
Anderson, Stefan
Bode, Patsy
Lamoreaux, Colin
Thompson, Barbara
Davis, Alex
Simonson, Jeannene
Beulke, Megan
Sather, Candace
Li, Amelia
Kilzer, Jill
Donaldson, Caroline
DeRocher, Linda
Cai, Tony
Frayman, Lyudmila
Makela, Brooke
Winterfeldt, Beth
Donaldson, Elizabeth
DeRocher, Linda
Calder, Oliver
Sather, Candace
Marmet, Zachary
Thaler, Natalie
Franz, Megan
Feneis, Judy
Ching, Joseph
Pepper, Kozue
Menk, Anya
Baumgartner, Helen
Galagedera, Nirupa
Thaler, Natalie
Chung, Andrea
Lo, Jackie
Qian, Tiffany
Langer, Patricia
Hong, Tyler
Qiu, Lin
Clarissa, Guo
Qiu, Lin
Seigler, Allison
Lungwitz, Lisa
Huang, Belinda
Lange, Kim
Fobbe, Elliot
Plourde, Helen Marie
Suvarna, Bhavana
Everitt, Elizabeth
Huschka, Paige
AbuAyed, Tami
Gao, Haochen
Krievans, Inese
Uppaluri, Satish
Lungwitz, Lisa
Kashyap, Samir
Brustad, Jill
Gorman, Audrey
Langer, Pat
Walsh, Sarah
Clark, Susan
Kennedy, Erin
Plourde, Helen Marie
Han, Vincent
Richter, Elizabeth
Witherspoon, Clayton
DeGia, Charleen
Kirsch, Margaret
Sather, Candace
Hanson, Sam
Duncan, Mary
Wu, Kaitlyn
Cheng, Mui
Knoecne, Alexis
Maxwell, Margaret
Huan, Jason
Hartman, Kathy
Yuan, Jamie
Lungwitz, Lisa
Krause, Cynthia
Millner, Mary Beth
Johnson, Abby
Janisch, Bethel
Lafleur, Ezra
Sizer, Lois
Kraftson, Shad
Hartman, Kathy
Liberko, Joshua
Plourde, Helen Marie
Lin, Hubert
Kloehn, Jo Ellen
Level 6
Kruc, Kathrine
Krievans, Inese
Balasubramanian,
Lakhshanya
Liu, Crystal
Lungwitz, Lisa
Drapeau, Noelle
Sather, Candace
Loken, Emily
Saliny, Sandra
Liu, Doreen
Li, Lei
Fang, Wendy
Yao, Ying
Luo, Christine
Thaler, Natalie
McCoy, Jeddie
Kovell, Mary
Han, Myra
Chang, Chun-Chi
Makela, Jacob
Winterfeldt, Beth
Panciera, Isabel
Winterfeldt, Beth
Heck, Cyndi
Mishler, Ann
Mariah, Sipper
Knuttila, Marcia
Petersen, Ellie
Schlickbernd, Brenda
Jiang, Eileen
Qiu, Lin
Moskowitz, Irene
Ruby, Sue
Petersen, Levi
Schlickbernd, Brenda
Larson, Helen
Henry, Marilyn
Newgaard, Olivia
Grantier, Charlotte
Peterson, Isaac
Winterfeldt, Beth
Lu, Winston
Thaler, Natalie
Parks, Emily
Thaler, Natalie
Pletcher, Kate
Saliny, Sandra
Meckle, Bethany
Nustad, Corinne
Sharma, Sanjana
Kramer, Elena
Pope, Finn
Henry, Marilyn
Pham, Lucas
Lungwitz, Lisa
Shen, Rex
Kramer, Elena
Rose, Henry
Kaplan, Sharon
Robinson, Colin
Lungwitz, Lisa
Spaeth, April
Jorgenson, Anne
Rothmeier, Jocelyn
Wendy, Lommen
Wethern, Alrene
Nustad, Corinne
Stowe, Kevin
Stenzel, Sandra
Skillon, Erin
Li, Juan
Wu, Austin
Hedman, Mark
Wang, Amy
Lungwitz, Lisa
Wang, Richard
Qiu, Lin
Machholz, Mason
AbuAyed, Tami
Wang, Michelle
Millner, Mary Beth
Yang, Alex
Hartman, Kathy
Wiita, Kayti
Thaler, Natalie
Yang, Brian
Langer, Patricia
Heck, Cyndi
Mishler, Ann
Yang, Kerui
Kramer, Elena
Yiu, Crystal
Ellis, Ann
Huang, Jeffrey
Hong, Jessica
Yuan, Julie
Lungwitz, Lisa
Yuan, Jamie
Lungwitz, Lisa
Johnson, Katherine
Sather, Candace
Grantier, Charlotte
Level 7
Level 9
Zhang, Amy
Mishler, Ann
Johnson, Maren
Thompson, Barbara
Adkins, Patrick
Zhu, Joyce
Lo, Jackie
Loken, Emily
Saliny, Sandra
Andrews, Caroline
Mezeritski, Alex
Lu, Frank
Thaler, Natalie
Backstrom, Sarah
Muelich, Lois
Hawkins, Kay
Level 5
Patrow, Dennis
Althoen, Claudia
Maxwell, Margaret
Lu, Jeffrey
Thaler, Natalie
Bruffey, Marissa
Beretta, Giglia
Percuoco, Ann
McGlone, Anna
Misner, Sara
Chang, Crystal
Kramer, Elena
Bradach, Emily
Caltvedt, Siri
Menk, Austyn
Baumgartner, Paul
Cook, Justin
Marcus, Gayle
Daniels, Paige
Spalding, Jennifer
O'Sullivan, Lydia
Stiles, Karen
Curoe, Jonathan
Miller, Sarah
Hong, Jessica
Gates, Nicole
Patrow, Dennis
Scheeler, Gideon
Piastro, Elena
Deng, Tyler
Gorman, Audrey
Langer, Patricia
Visness, Daniel
Hartman, Kathy
Fryxell, Anna
Cader, Ann
Hemler, Charlie
Patrow, Dennis
Voth, Michelle
Koehnen, Kay
Johnson, Ella
Lungwitz, Lisa
Johnson, Emily
Lange, Sylvia
White, Isadora
Kaplan, Sharon
Kapoor, Shre
Levorson, Kirsten
13
October 2013
[MMTA NEWSLETTER]
Level 9 cont’d.
Theory Exam Awards
2012-2013
Larson, Benjamin
Maxwell, Margaret
LaFond, Maddy
Goering, Christopher
Li, Katie
Krinke, Jean
Nelson, Jacob
Millner, Mary Beth
Avenido, Ryan
Novinger, Angelica
Skaran, Tiffany
Ozbun, Anne
Brascugli, Suzanne
Peng, Moriel
Stenzel, Sandra
Rao, Sujay
Grantier, Charlotte
Level 3 cont’d.
Smith, Keira
Smith, Marlene
Su, Grace
Li, Juan
Swanson, Alex
Nustad, Corinne
Williamson, Kathryn
Thomas, William
Baer, Philip
Nustad, Corinne
Tyson, Spencer
Danner, Colleen
Greer, Suzanne
Baum, Curtis
Wang, Meryl
Krinke, Jean
Cai, Elizabeth
Nuguid, Horacio
Krinke, Jean
Will, James
Cattanach, Seth
Li, Juan
Yang, Laura
Maxwell, Margaret
Bunday, Grace
Level 3
Robinson, Julia
Lungwitz, Lisa
Danbury, Emma
Sherman, Judy
Shen, Kevin
Qiu, Lin
Davis, Alex
Simonson, Jeannene
Stang, Ann
Feneis, Judy
Dev, Rahul
Langer, Pat
Bather, Avery
Stenzel, Sandra
Stelter, Martha
Winterfeldt, Beth
Donaldson, Caroline
DeRocher, Linda
Byun, David
Allen, Tom
Curoe, Jonathan
Miller, Sarah
Li, Juan
Level 4
Thomas, William
Danner, Colleen
Donaldson, Elizabeth
DeRocher, Linda
Yang, Tracey
Kramer, Elena
Gates, Nicole
Patrow, Dennis
Jiang, Ruth
Goldberg, Emily
Miller, Ardell
Lin , Karena
Level 10
Adkins, Patrick
Patrow, Dennis
Grant, Beatrice
Grant , Maria
Luttman, Tyler
Kramer, Elena
Mattison, Carol
Cattanach, Seth
Li, Juan
Gu, Mitchell
Song, Ariana
Tan, Carine
Deng, Melissa
Qiu, Lin
Haak, Jaclyn
Krall, Beverly
Everitt, Elizabeth
Tranvik, Joey
Lindlief, Wendy
Ernst, Madison
Grantier, Charlotte
Halvorson, John
Waldoch, Deidra
Yuan, Mina
Thaler, Natalie
Guo, Hanting
Hong, Jessica
Harder, Daniel
Haakenstaad, Annie
Thaler, Natalie
Haugen, Amber
Pitcher, Chris
Benson, Marcia
Cook, Justin
Level 5
Jiang, Amy
Li, Juan
Johnson, Ella
Lungwitz, Lisa
Jing, Serena
Hong, Jessica
Kashyap, Samir
Brustad, Jill
Fagerstrom, Aaron
Marcus, Gayle
Knutilla, Marcia
Langley, Marcus
Percuoco, Ann
Keller, Paul
Luttman, Tyler
Mattison, Carol
Lou, Mengdi
Lungwitz, Lisa
Kepler, Theo
Lange , Sylvia
Spector, Tania
Stocking, Nathan
Luo, Charlene
Thaler, Natalie
Koenig, Michael
Sundvall, Alex
Mao, Michelle
Hong, Jessica
Komschlies, Jonathan
Wirth, Paul
Thaler, Natalie
Kontorovich, Marina
Fitzpatrick, Jacob
Whelan, Julia
Miller, Sarah
Monzo, Ellen
Vahl, Marcia
Koopmeiners, Curt
Orlandi, Vittorio
Kontorovich, Marina
Krause, Cynthia
Schwartz, Christine
Winterfeldt, Beth
Lamoreaux, Colin
Sebald, Matthew
Simmons, Lee
Walker, Andrea
Feneis, Judy
Millner, Mary Beth
Level 6
Fagerstrom, Aaron
Knutilla, Marcia
Lee, Corrin
Thompson, Barbara
Abrahamson, Zoe
Ryberg, Courtney
Steele, Deann
Skaran, Tiffany
Lee, Gabriel
Qiu, Lin
Sebald, Matthew
Simmons, Lee
Wei, Alice
Hong, Jessica
Lee, Jeffrey
Stahl, Connor
Fitzpatrick, Jacob
Yang, Claire
Kramer, Elena
Limaye, Atharva
Grantier, Charlotte
Kramer, Eleonora
Yang, Daniel
Kramer, Elena
Lindvall, Jake
Hintermeyer, Debbie
Liu, Minda
Massova, Lily
Lohmann, Elise
Kopitske, Grace
Level 11
Jeanette Benson Award Theory Level 5 Highest Score
Luttman, Tyler
Mattison, Carol
Cao, William
Nuguid, Horacio
Loken, Emily
Saliny, Sandra
Cheng, Tiffany
Wang, Ling-Ya
Ma , Jenny
Revennaugh, Rachel
Henry, Marilyn
Marmet, Zachary
Kramer, Elena
Thaler, Natalie
Ryberg, Courtney
Steele, Deann
Marton, Samantha
Langer, Pat
Stevens, Ben
Wilson, Gretchen
Nyberg, Melissa
Peng, Moriel
Stone, Merrily
Stenzel, Sandra
Sarma, Nibir
Kramer, Elena
Schaffran, Erik
Sather, Candace
Pederson, John
Carlson, Kevin
Shen, Kimie
Krinke, Jean
Honkomp, Josh
Carlson, Kevin
Elaine Kingsley Award Highest Score Level 11
Ryberg, Courtney
14
Steele, Deann
Gladys Markley Award Theory Level 6 Highest Score
Sebald, Matthew
Simmons, Lee
Guitar Exams - Levels 4, 6
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] October 2013
MMTA
Student
Awards
Thanks to your generous contributions to the MMTA Foundation, we
are able to increase award amounts given to students! Watch for
an invitation from the Foundation to add to the balance of the
Award Fund.
Level
Amount
Level 4, High Distinction
$20.00
Level 5, High Distinction
$25.00
Level 6, High Distinction
$25.00
Level 7, High Distinction
$30.00
Level 8, Distinction
$30.00
Level 8, High Distinction
$35.00
Level 9, Distinction
$40.00
Level 9, High Distinction
$55.00
Level 10, Distinction
$80.00
Level 10, High Distinction
$160.00
Level 11, Distinction
$105.00
Level 11, High Distinction
$210.00
*Only students who take all three parts of the exam on the same day
(repertoire, keyboard and sightplaying) are eligible for awards
Theory
Level 3, Distinction
$20.00
Level 4, Distinction
$30.00
Level 5, Excellent
$55.00
Level 5, Distinction
$80.00
Level 6, Excellent
$80.00
Level 6, Distinction
$160.00
Elaine
Highest Level 11, Piano,
$100.00
Kingsley
Distinction or High Distinction
Jeanette
Highest Level 5, Theory
$100.00
Benson
Gladys
Highest Level 6, Theory
$100.00
Markley
Score of Distinction or higher.
These three awards are selected from students receiving
cash awards in addition to the regular award.
Level
Amount
Flute
Level 4, High Distinction
$20.00
Level 5, Distinction
$30.00
Level 5, High Distinction
$40.00
Level 6, Distinction
$55.00
Level 6, High Distinction
$80.00
Level 7, Distinction
$105.00
Level 7, High Distinction
$160.00
Piano*
Guitar
Level 4 or 5 High Distinction
Level 6 or 7 High Distinction
Level 8 High Distinction
Level 9 Distinction
Level 9 High Distinction
Level 10 Distinction
Level 10 High Distinction
Level 11, Distinction
Level 11, High Distinction
Level 12, Distinction
Level 12, High Distinction
$20.00
$25.00
$30.00
$30.00
$35.00
$40.00
$55.00
$80.00
$105.00
$105.00
$160.00
Level 2, High Distinction
Level 3, High Distinction
Level 4, Distinction
Level 4, High Distinction
Level 5, Distinction
Level 5, High Distinction
$20.00
$30.00
$55.00
$80.00
$105.00
$160.00
THE MMTA NEWSLETTER
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Minnesota Music Teachers Association
affiliated with the
Music Teachers National Association.
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teaching through education, certification, networking
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Association is to enhance the professional status of its
members, to sponsor and participate in programs for
the enrichment of music education, and to encourage
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15
June 9-10, 2014
Featuring Guest Clinician:
Ingrid Clarfield
Ingrid Jacobson Clarfield, nationally recognized teacher, clinician, pianist, and author holds a Bachelor of
Music degree from Oberlin College where she studied with John Perry. She also holds a Master of Music
degree from the Eastman School of Music. Clarfield is Professor of Piano and Coordinator of the Piano
Department at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey. She has directed
Westminster Choir College's Piano Week for High School Students since 1984.
Ms. Clarfield has given lecture-recitals, workshops and master classes in more than a hundred cities across
North America, including many presentations at state and national conferences of The Music Teachers
National Association. She has presented numerous master classes and pedagogy sessions at the National
Conference of Keyboard Pedagogy, the TCU/Van Cliburn Institute, the National Piano Teachers Institute, the
Music Teachers Association of California, World Piano Pedagogy Conference, and the Calgary Arts Summer
School in Alberta, Canada.
Clarfield’s life is the subject of a new documentary full-length film TAKE A BOW, released in 2011. It tells her
inspirational life story depicting her tenacious fight back to teaching after a devastating stroke that occurred
in 2007. She is also honored to have received recognition from her peers in music education. In 2009 she was
the first recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award from the New Jersey Music Teachers Association
(NJMTA). In 2012 she was named the prestigious “Teacher of the Year” by the Music Teachers National
Association (MTNA). In 2006 Professor Clarfield was selected as an MTNA Foundation Fellow.