Jo Ann Dunn Fargason Memorial Concert – THURSDAYThis exciting concert will showcase MTNA/TMTA State Performance and Composition Competition Winners.

Opening General Session – FRIDAYThe opening session of the 2020 TMTA Convention will feature a keynote address by Dr. Alan Walker. Walker is a world-renowned musicologist best known for his study of Chopin, of whom he will be speaking.

Performance Contest Winners Recitals – FRIDAYTMTA SA Performance Contest Winners will be showcased on these recitals. There will be an afternoon recital for 7th - 10th grade winners and an evening recital for 11th - 12th grade and Young Artist winners.

General Session – SATURDAYThe New College Faculty Recital and the premiere performance of this year’s commissioned composition by Martin Blessinger will constitute this General Session on Saturday.

Piano Master Class – SATURDAYComposer Dennis Alexander will lead a masterclass of intermediate students from throughout the state.

2020 Tentative Convention Agenda

Guest Artists Recital – SATURDAYJoin us for an exciting recital featuring the vocal duet Soprano and Tenor with vocalists Bronwen Forbay and Randy Umstead and pianist Sharon Lavery.

Collegiate Meet and Greet – SATURDAY College students are invited to join the TMTA President, Teresa Crawford, NCTM, Officers, and Board Members at a meet and greet on Saturday evening. This will be an excellent opportunity for college students and TMTA leadership to meet and mingle.

TMTA Collegiate Presentations – SATURDAY AND SUNDAYThese events will be intermixed with other convention activities on Saturday and Sunday and will spotlight exciting sessions and poster presentations by college students from Texas universities. Participants at any level of teaching experience are invited!

Delegate Assembly – SUNDAYLocal Association delegates and TMTA members should attend the Delegate Assembly before heading home. All members are welcome to come see how the voting delegates tend to TMTA business and influence the direction of the organization.

THURSDAY, JUNE 117 am – 5 pm Registration Open8 am – 7 pm Student Affiliate Performance Contests7:30 pm Jo Ann Dunn Fargason Memorial Concert

FRIDAY, JUNE 127 am – 6:30 pm Registration Open8 am – 7:30 pm Recitals/Workshops Sessions/Showcases Ensemble Rehearsals and Concerts Student Affiliate Performance Contests

Vocal Master Class9:30 am Opening General Session 9 am – 5 pm Exhibits Open3 and 7:30 pm Performance Contest Winners Recitals

SATURDAY, JUNE 137 am – 4:30 pm Registration Open9 am – 5 pm Exhibits Open8 am – 7:30 pm Recitals/Workshops Sessions/Showcases All-Star Festival Ensemble Rehearsals and Concerts General Session June Leondar Chamber Music/Ensemble Contest Piano Master Class Publication Awards Program6 pm Senior Awards Program8 pm Guest Artists Recital

SUNDAY, JUNE 147 am – 2 pm Registration Open8 am – 3:30 pm Recitals/Workshops Sessions/Showcases All-Star Festival Chamber Music Clinic Ensemble Rehearsals and Concerts Original Composition Recital9 am – 2 pm Exhibits Open3:30 pm Delegate Assembly

**All times are subject to change.**

TEXAS MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

106TH CONVENTION • JUNE 11-14, 2020

Featured Events

The 40-Piece ChallengeJanet Flanagan SollerThe 40-Piece Challenge is becoming a global phenomenon. This session discusses the benefits of the 40-Piece Challenge and how to implement it into your studio while supporting your studio’s purpose. This presentation includes resources and hand-outs developed in collaboration with Elissa Milne, developer of the 40-Piece Challenge program. Selected students will perform or demonstrate during the session.

Habits of Highly Effective PianistsDennis AlexanderOne of the greatest gifts that parents can give their children is piano lessons! This session will not only explore the many “life-long” benefits of learning to play the piano, but will also give students ideas that will make their practicing more fun, highly efficient and rewarding.

The Art of Teaching Piano TechniqueEkaterina Ryndina LoudermilkIn this session we will explore the main physical principals of piano playing. We will look at piano technique as a way of training the hand to move more efficiently, utilizing natural forces such as arm weight and gravity, rather than building muscles and endurance. When hands and body move in harmony, the pianist can finally break free from tension and fully express oneself. Attendees will leave this session with a clear picture of what is needed to eliminate tension and play with speed, ease and a beautiful sound. We will apply these concepts to both beginners and advanced students so they can discover for themselves that playing the piano well is easier than playing the piano poorly.

Saturday Sessions

Friday Sessions

Why Didn’t I Think of That?Dennis AlexanderOver the years, Dennis Alexander has received hundreds of questions from piano teachers at workshops, conventions, and through correspondence. This session will highlight numerous questions that deal with technique, motivation, repertoire, sight reading, rhythm, artistry, memorization, teaching adults, stage fright, and other issues that every teacher must deal with, regardless of the level of the student. Mr. Alexander will share numerous “solutions” to these questions through an interactive powerpoint presentation that will include input from members of the audience.

Successful Piano Teaching in a Rapidly Changing WorldLisa BastienTwenty floors above the streets of New York City, Lisa Bastien’s piano studio has been abuzz with the joyous sounds of students making and learning about music for over 25 years. Learn her time-tested tips to encourage and motivate students, and practical and innovative behind-the-scenes secrets to managing a thriving piano studio in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world. Lisa adores teaching piano and finding new ways to share her love of music with students. Now let her share that with you.

Teaching My Students How to TeachLori BastienLori Bastien began teaching piano at the age of 12. Some of Lori’s first teaching experiences involved assisting her mother, Jane Bastien, with her young piano students. In this session, Lori will demonstrate how she now incorporates teaching her own students how to teach in a step-by-step, natural progression. She will show how integrating this one aspect into her curriculum has inspired teenage students, keeping them motivated and involved in piano throughout their busy high school years. Come and see how the joys of teaching can be shared with

students in simple, practical ways, adding interest, curiosity and new life into regular piano lessons!

From the Voice Lesson to the Practice Room: A Guide to Effective Practicing for VocalistsRebecca Bell EcholsThere seems to be a trend among many students studying voice. Many students feel lost on how to practice effectively and efficiently. There is often a discrepancy between teacher expectations and, in many cases, a student’s sense of direction during weekly practice. A typical vocal student sees their teacher for one hour per week, so it is vital that they have a clear sense of direction when they leave their teacher’s studio and head to their own practice space. The progress that students make largely depends on how effectively they practice on their own. This presentation will explore the benefits of using rubrics, vocalises, and self-assessments as tools to aid in more effective practice sessions.

Ensemble Music Reading SessionCelinda HallbauerJoin fellow teachers in a fun ensemble sight-reading session. Celinda Hallbauer works with publishers to bring new and “tried and true” pieces to this session. This provides an excellent opportunity for local associations to get a head start on choosing ensemble pieces for their teams in 2021. This session will be repeated on Sunday.

Use Technology to Extend Learning During the WeekMichelle SislerWhat can you and your students do between lessons to make more progress? Creating flipped lesson activities can be an effective teaching tool between lessons and save teachers valuable lesson time. Using these activities, students can complete basic assignments at home, then come to lessons prepared to work on improving those skills. This session will cover tips and steps for creating an instructional library of videos, independent learning assignments, quizzes and projects using web-based free resources such as Google Forms and YouTube.

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SENSEational Studio BrandingAndrea MillerBranding may seem like an unnecessary “extra,” but when done well, it serves a very practical purpose: it connects us with our ideal students! Not the students who will enroll for a month and then disappear, but the ones who will stay in our studios for years and bring their friends with them. In this session, teachers will identify the unique aspects of their studios and learn creative ways to communicate these differences to students using all the senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and even a few more!

Argentine Piano Gems: The Keyboard Works of Carlos Guastavino (1912-2000)Luis SanchezIn recent years, there has been increased attention on music from South American and non-Western cultures. However, many composers still remain to be recognized for their great contributions. As we commemorate twenty years since his death, Carlos Guastavino’s piano gems await to be discovered. With works from intermediate to advanced levels, Guastavino created a style that possesses a distinctive and incomparable sound. This presentation will explore the piano music of Carlos Guastavino. From stylistic elements, to historical background and teaching strategies, attendees will leave with the necessary tools to discover, teach, perform, and fall in love with Guastavino’s works.

Use Any Device to Engage and Interact with StudentsMichelle SislerTechnology is a part of our everyday lives and everyday lessons. Making effective use of technology can help enhance lessons and propel students to the next level of learning both in lessons and at home during the week.Teachers will learn how to effectively use their device in lessons to organize apps and websites, set device restrictions and keep students on-task, set app presets and use QR codes to efficiently and quickly assign custom lessons, choose apps and websites to meet lesson goals, and suggestions for viewing results of assignments.

Trauma-Informed Piano Pedagogy: The Power to TransformGloria Tham-Haines, NCTMThe National Child Traumatic Stress Network states that one out of every four children in schools have adverse childhood experiences which can negatively impact learning and behavior. This session will introduce strategies from Trust-Based Relational Intervention®, an attachment-based, evidenced-based, trauma-informed, neuroscience researched therapy model for at-risk children which focuses on building connections. Would you like to see sustainable, lasting change in your studio? How do you distinguish misbehavior from a fear-based response? How can you regulate the brain, and empower you and your student? Come and discover practical strategies trauma-informed pedagogy has to offer you.

Tex Talks, Op. 6: The Future of PedagogyRick ValentineJoin Rick Valentine as he moderates the 6th version of this popular TMTA favorite. This fast paced session based on the popular TED Talks will revolve around the future of piano pedagogy.  The world has changed so much in the last 10 years, and it seems fitting as we enter a new decade to explore how teaching has evolved. We will take a look at how student learning has changed and how we as educators can use the latest techniques and tools to engage our students to learn at their peak capacity.

Compositions that Sparkle and ShineDennis AlexanderCompositions that appeal to both performers and audiences are always great fun to discover! Over the years, Dennis Alexander has written hundreds of compositions that students love to practice and perform. This session will give budding young composers building blocks that will help insure that their own

original compositions, no matter what level, will indeed “sparkle and shine”!

Functional Movement Hacks — Protecting your Body and Teaching CareerSarah Alexander, NCTM and Taylor ReyesAs teachers, we assess our students’ posture, form, and technique to help build a sustainable approach to music making. We aim for maximum results with minimum effort. However, how often do we assess our own posture and movement in our teaching environment? Do body aches and headaches limit your teaching endurance? This session brings the practicality of functional physical therapy to the specifics of music teaching. Through discussion and demonstrations, attendees will learn how to assess their own movements with an intro to the realm of functional movement - moving freely and efficiently. Learn how to support and maintain your body to provide longevity to your music career.

Everything is Better in Twos!Patricia Griggs Burnham and GeorgeAnn StrongThis session will explore the benefits of duo piano playing, partner lessons, practice techniques for piano partners and teaching strategies for selected duo piano works. Learn how students can have twice the fun learning technique, theory, and repertoire. Strengthen their rhythm, sight-reading, and musicianship skills, develop long-lasting relationships, build confidence, increase student interest and experience the joy of playing music by living composers! The session will also feature performances of duo piano works by modern educational composers such as Bober, Miller, Rocherolle, Garcia and more.

Sunday Sessions

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Incorporating Piano Students with Special Needs into Traditional Adjudicated EventsCrystal LileIncluding students with special needs into adjudicated events is an important idea for independent piano teachers to consider. From choosing repertoire, requesting accommodations, to mentally preparing your students, learn from a music therapist what you can do to better prepare your students with special needs for a successful performance in a traditional adjudicated event. An increased number of performance opportunities for students with special needs is an added facet that is sure to enhance each independent teacher’s studio.

Dancing with Bach: Creating Moving Performances for the 21st CenturyAbigail MaceEven today, Bach’s music has an undeniable ability to make us move. The reason? Dance! Taking inspiration from Meredith Little and Natalie Jenne’s, “Dance and the Music of J. S. Bach,” this session explores how dance forms found in Bach’s works can inspire a fresh take on the master’s works. Participants will brush up on stylistic characteristics that define each dance, try a few baroque dance steps of their own, and discover new ways to apply this information practically for the beginner to the advanced student. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of baroque dance of J. S. Bach’s time in a quest to breathe new life and relevance into the master’s works for the 21st century.

Level 12: Then and NowShelly DavisLevel 12 will be added to testing under the 2015 TMTA Theory Syllabus beginning in Fall 2020. Teachers and students are wondering what is different between the current test and the updated test based on the 2015 TMTA Theory Syllabus. We will go question by question to discuss the changes and updates. Session attendees will come away with a clearer understanding of what is covered on the new test and how to prepare their students to succeed on their exam.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Collaborative PianistsMegan DufratDrawing on her experiences as a collaborative pianist and teacher, this presentation will discuss the pedagogical importance of collaborative music-making, providing you with the tools to successfully integrate accompanying into your piano studio. When students engage in collaborative music-making, they gain a valuable set of skills including: highly sophisticated and refined listening skills, the ability to react and respond to other musicians, and musical independence; all skills essential to their development as solo pianists. Pedagogically, collaboration only enhances the work students are doing in their solo piano studies and is essential to developing well-rounded musicians.

Ensemble Music Reading SessionCelinda HallbauerJoin fellow teachers in a fun ensemble sight-reading session. Celinda Hallbauer works with publishers to bring new and “tried and true” pieces to this session. This provides an excellent opportunity for local associations to get a head start on choosing ensemble pieces for their teams in 2021. This session will also be presented on Friday.

Sunday SessionsCreating Powerful Piano Community: Innovative Ideas for Uniting Universities, Independent Music Teachers, and StudentsDino Mulic and Valerie McInroy, NCTMAre you looking to expand the horizons of your students and to connect with your local university? This session will outline a summary of the partnership established between Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Corpus Christi Music Teachers Association, and the beneficiaries of this partnership--our students! See how our week-long event has transformed our community, bringing professionals and amateurs together in a new and exciting way. We will demonstrate how our model of partnership can easily be applied in other locations to achieve and experience the highest level of creative expression and bring people together in celebration of the mastery and artistry of piano performances.

Refresh, Remember, and Reward: The Reasons to Become an NCTMHsinyi WangWe will discuss the reasons it is important to get certified, and how to become NCTM. Sometimes looking back helps us to move forward. No matter if you are still in college, just graduated and ready to take on the world, or a veteran music teacher, you are encouraged to the take the journey and get certified. Remember your first year of teaching. Feel refreshed with your years of experience and achievement. And, you deserve the reward as NCTM.

ZumbaAndrea WarrenZumba takes the work out of working out. We will dance away some of those convention kinks. No prior experience necessary. Come join the party!

Visit www.tmta.org

for more information and to

pre-register.

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