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| Submissions |
Complete submissions of articles, events or other piano themed features are welcome. All submissions are due by the 21st of each month to be considered for publication. Nuances Editor: Grant Billings c/o Steinway Piano Gallery 6629 Mineral Point Road Madison WI 53705
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| Board Meeting UpDate |
The dates for several Board Meetings have been changed from those listed in the Directory. Board Meetings will be held on: January 25 March 1
May 24
The locations listed in the Directory are correct. |
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Welcome New MAPTA Members Cynthia Stephan |
Since the beginning of the MAPTA year we have been happy to welcome 3 new MAPTA members. Please write these names and addresses into your membership booklet.
Sue Ellen Dubbert
1631 Jefferson St., Apt. 2
Madison, WI 53711
630-347-0700
sedubbert@gmail.com
Pamela McMullen
6749 Hammersley Rd., #2
Madison, WI 53711
608-285-5301
pamalucia@hotmail.com
Janice Wink
7707 Pamela Circle
Verona, WI 53593
608-821-0222
janwink@gmail.com
Please welcome them when you see them at our MAPTA meetings and events. |
| Spread The Love! |
Do you know someone who could benefit from joining MAPTA? Send them this issue of Nuances by clicking the link below.
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President's Message
Debbie Yee | 
Greetings!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A new year is upon us and 2011 is the year for new officers and chairs. Please make sure to look at the slate of officers which is posted in this issue of Nuances. The election for new officers will take place at the Friday Feb., 11th General Meeting at Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St. If you are not able to attend the Feb. meeting, please make sure to send your email votes to Grant Billings, chair of the nominating committee, prior to the meeting.
In addition to new officers, many committees are in need of new chairs as many of the current chairs have served their two year term. Please make sure to look at the list and join the board of this dynamic organization.
In the Feb. issue of Nuances, there will be a special survey. Its purpose is to find out what you, the essence of MAPTA, appreciate about your organization, would like to see changed and would like to see as new ideas. I, as president, and your board will review your responses to help plan for 2011-2012. Last year's survey resulted in a new round table discussion group. The group has met once a month since Sept., alternating Tuesday and Friday general meetings and very diverse and interesting program content for our 2010-2011 general meetings. Your input is both important and highly valued so please take the time to fill it out next month.
Also, be sure to note the registration form for the upcoming Honors Festival in Feb. This is the longest existing activity that MAPTA continues to offer to the intermediate and advanced students of MAPTA teachers. It is a great opportunity for these students to receive critiques from well-respected judges and to have the possibility to perform in a beautiful recital.
A new year is upon us....
Looking forward
Debbie Yee |
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General Meeting and Program Tues, Jan 11 - 9- 11 am
Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St. | |
This meeting will be worth braving the cold weather!
MAPTA Teacher Open Forum: Share Your Teaching Ideas and Share Your Music. There will be a music garage sale, a special speaker about a special event and a round table discussion in which we can share different teaching ideas.
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Round Table Discussion Group Fri, Jan 14 - 9:00 am
Debbie Yee's home, 5718 Piping Rock Road, Madison Judy Pasch | |
Topic: How do you handle December in your teaching plans
Teaching is by nature a solitary experience and arguably a lonely profession. But teachers in a school system have a "Teacher's Lounge" whereas a piano teacher, weary from an evening of lessons, can find no sympathetic ear other than their spouses'.
The greatest resource Madison Area Piano Teachers (MAPTA) has is the teachers themselves. The collective insight and wisdom of the members is priceless. It is with this recognition that a small group of MAPTA members came together and began sharing their experiences and seeking advice on piano teaching.
On October 8th, MAPTA members Jo Anna Grace, Cynthia Stephen, June Zeeh, Judy Pasch and Debbie Yee met at Yee's home for an official Roundtable Discussion. In the Yee home, a comfortable sofa replaced a "round table" in Yee's cozy piano studio environment. The topic for discussion was Musical Games Used to Encourage Learning.
Yee shared with the group the games she has incorporated over her 35 years of piano teaching. Yee borrows concepts from popular game shows ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire") and board games such "Candy Land." With simplicity in mind, Yee creates "spinner" games that employ music theory and history, piano technique, and listening skills. Multiple-choice games with monetary incentives, often leads to student involving families and friends in musical learning challenges. Other games discussed included standard teaching materials, e.g., flashcards and "Musopoly" available through catalogue companies such as Friendship House or music supply stores such as Ward Brodt in Madison.
If anyone has a special topic for the next meeting, please email Debbie Yee.
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Pro Goals Tues, Jan 18 - 9- 11 am
Ward-Brodt, 2200 W Beltline Hwy |
The Professional Goals Committee meets on the third Tuesday of January, February and March from 9:00-11:00 am at Ward Brodt.
Click here for directions
For more information, see the Membership Directory or contact Anita Schulz.
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PSP Meeting Fri, Jan 21 - 1:00 pm
Patty Ladpli's Home, 9406 Whippoorwill Way, Middleton
Ruth Heinecke |
We are busy planning our program for the Performers Supporting Performers recital at Capitol Lakes' Grand Hall on Sunday, February 27, 2:00 p.m. All MAPTA members are cordially invited to the recital.
Anyone interested in playing in the recital, send Ruth an idea of what you may perform.
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MAPTA Board Meeting Tues, Jan 25 - 8:30 - 10:30 am
Farley's House of Pianos, 6522 Seybold Rd, Madison | |
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Honors Festival Sat, Feb 19 - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Madison Christian Community Church, 7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison
Helga Swatzak | |
It is our honor to co-chair the Honors Festival 2011. We would like to encourage you to start thinking of any students you might have, 10 - 18 years old, who might want to work towards the auditions taking place on Saturday, February 19th, 2011.
Students may play one or two pieces from memory within a 10-minute time slot for two wonderful guest judges. We highly encourage the preparation of unique and imaginative repertoire by lesser known composers, and look forward to an exciting Honors Recital on Sunday, March 6th.
If extra time is needed, auditions will also take place on Friday, February 18th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Click here for directions
Janet Smith & Helga Swatzak
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Here ye Here ye Debbie Yee | |
The following committees are in need of new chairs. Please consider becoming an integral part of our dynamic organization by becoming a chair. Contact Debbie Yee, at (608) 273-3299, if you are able to serve.
Adult Music Socials Pro Goals Honors Fesitval Referral Hospitality Webmaster Nuances Young Artist Recitals Piano Composition Festival Performing Supporting Performers Programs (co-chair with Stacey Fehr Regehr)
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Nominating Committee | |
The Nominating Committee was formed in accordance with the MAPTA Bylaws.
President: Patty Ladpli
Vice-President: no candidate
Secretary: Denise Taylor
Treasurer: Pamela McMullen-Clinton
Grant Billings - Chair
Mickey Lytle
- Members from General Membership
Matt Jordan
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Should MAPTA Members Be Paid For Their Work? Cynthia Stephan | |
Throughout the past 2 years, at various times, a question has been raised at board meetings concerning paying MAPTA members, specifically the executive board members, for the work they do. Strong opinions have been expressed on both sides of the issue. Some feel that the workload of certain positions is heavy and constant and, therefore, should be compensated in a monetary way. Others feel that MAPTA is a non-profit organization and members should execute their positions as volunteers. At the present moment, the by-laws state that MAPTA members will not be paid for their duties.
A sub-committee is forming to study this issue. At the present time, the following people have volunteered to be on this committee: Anita Schulz, Grant Billings, Debbie Yee, Gloria Chuang, and Cynthia Stephan. We would welcome additional members. Each member will be given a small assignment to be completed by the end of February. There will be one meeting in early March to collate information gathered and one meeting in late March or early April to prepare a recommendation for the board. These meeting dates are still to be determined. Should you want to join us or have an opinion that you would like to share, please contact Cynthia Stephan , committee chair, by the end of January, 2011. Your opinion will, anonymously, become part of the information gathered in order to make the final recommendation.
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MAPTA Continuing Ed Scholarships | |
Scholarship funds are available to MAPTA members for attendance at non-MAPTA events, such as regional and national conferences, events, etc. $500 has been allocated for such scholarships for the 2010-11 year.
A teacher must fill out this form and forward it to the Vice President (currently Dr. Gloria Chuang). Upon board approval and following the event, the member will submit an article for Nuances (about 200 words) and make a short presentation about the content at a MAPTA General Meeting. Recipients will be reimbursed after submission of the article, and completion of presentation.
We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about piano teaching, and gain valuable knowledge which can in turn be shared within our MAPTA community!
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Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Young Artist Concerto auditions Sun, Jan 23 Michael Allen | |
For questions, please contact Michael Allen, at (608) 257-0638.
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Key-Up-for-Kids Piano Playathon Sat, Feb 12 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Hilldale Shopping Center, Midvale Blvd
Renee Farley |
The 19th annual Playathon raises awareness of the happiness playing the piano can bring. This goes beyond the player to his/her family, friends, the general public and recuperating children in particular. All Hilldale merchants were sent a letter in the early fall reminding them of the event. Some have already sent in monetary donations; some are planning to give the participants coupons. Any student bringing in honored pledges of $100 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a one-night's stay for a family of four at Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells. The teacher whose studio brings in the most donations will receive a $100 gift certificate. More importantly, the contributions will go to the American Family Children's Hospital Child Life Division. The goal this year is to raise $12,000 for the Child Life program to provide activities for children at the hospital. Watch for the thermometers at each site rise to the top!
Joanna Grace is scheduling the teachers' studios. Some teachers are requesting more than one hour of performance time. At the MAFOP meeting on Dec. 17, 2010, it was decided that teachers are allowed to book up to an hour and a half for their studios, as long as each student performs only once. If not all the time allotted is anticipated to be used, it is important that teachers communicate extra time slots immediately by contacting Joanna Grace, at (608) 663-0257. Extra time will be delegated to other teacher's studios in order to allow all students to perform. If the sites fill up, we will keep the Metcalfe's site past 5 PM.
Piano teachers should have received a personal letter from Madison Area Friends of Piano that has the letter to piano teachers, to piano students and parents, a poster for the Playathon and the pledge sheet. If you did not get this mailing, please contact Renee Farley and one will be mailed to you. Read about the wonderful way this event helps children and also brightens the public's hearts seeing so many piano students playing for such a good cause. MAFOP thanks all of you for encouraging your students to participate. If you've never done this event before, how about starting in 2011? The students raised over $10,000 this past February. |
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Madison Symphony Bolz Young Artist Competition: Final Forte March 16
Overature Hall Michelle |
The Bolz Young Artist Competition brings young musicians from across the state to Madison to compete for top honors. The competition is open to 9th-12th grade Wisconsin students who play violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, harp, piano, percussion, saxophone, organ and classical guitar.
After preliminary rounds have pared the field down to four finalists, the MSO, in partnership with Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television, presents Wisconsin Young Artists Compete: The Final Forte, a free concert in Overture Hall with live and later broadcasts throughout the state. Judges are present to choose the two top winners.
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| Goshen College Piano Workshop and Academy June 20 - 24 | |
We are very pleased to announce that plans are underway for the next Goshen College Piano Workshop and Academy. View the link below for information about our guest clinicians and performers (Carolyn True, Garik Pedersen, Melody Bober) and other details.
Please forward this Nuances to piano teachers, piano students ages 13-18, and other music enthusiasts who would benefit from this opportunity.
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Exploring Music Resources
Valerie Walth |
New addition to Carol Matz's Famous & Fun series:
Famous & Fun Duets, Books 1-5, $6.95 each
These books feature arrangements of themes from symphonic, operatic, popular and keyboard literature. A sampling of titles includes: La Cucaracha, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, You're a Grand Old Flag. All arrangements have been written for two evenly skilled players.
Piano Teacher's Resource Kit
Reproducible Worksheets, Games, Puzzles, and More!
by Karen Harrington, $29.99
This resource contains worksheets in 5 levels from beginning to intermediate. Over 80 pages of Sudoku games, crossword puzzles and practice charts covering topics such as notespelling, rhythm, chords, and key signatures. Perfect for group or private instruction.
The following 5 pieces are new instructional sheets.
Scaling the Peaks by Randall Hartsell, $2.99 A technical piece for the student who likes to play fast. Includes scalework in the key of C. Late elementary. Moonlit Paths
by Randall Hartsell, $2.99
This piece in 6/8 time paints a picture of pathways in moonlight with its gentle
phrases and mysterious sounding harmonies. Patterns make it easy to learn.
Late elementary. Alley Cat Caper
by Hannah Cruse, $2.99
This piece has a "cool cat" walking bass and uses syncopation. In the key of A minor. Early Intermediate. Twilight Tarantella
by Glenda Austin, $2.99
Another audienc pleaser, this piece has a James Bond-like theme that twists and
turns. In the key of A minor. Late elementary. Chromatic Craze
by Carloyn C. Setliff, $2.99
As the title suggests, chromatic scales (both parallel and contrary motion) are included. Students will love the flashy ending. In the key of C Major. Late elementary. Grade 2A is now available for Dr. Helen Marlais' piano method, Succeeding at the Piano.
Lesson and Technique Book w/out CD $6.95
Lesson and Technique Book with CD $7.95
Theory and Activity Book $6.50
Recital Book $6.50
Merry Christmas $6.50
Flash Card Friend $5.95
Sticker Book $5.95
(The Preparatory Level and Grade 1 have been reviewed in a previous newsletter.) Along with reinforcing concepts learned in Grade 1, Grade 2A introduces eighth notes, Major and minor five-finger patterns/triads in C, G, D and A, the damper pedal, cross-hand arpeggio, key signature, first and second endings, ritardando, the sonatina, ostinato patterns, A minor, fermata, a tempo, and dotted quarter notes. Still to come are Grades 2B, 3A, 3B and 4.
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The Final Note Grant Billings | |
"Music expresses that which cannot be put into
words and cannot remain silent"
-Victor Hugo
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