It is heartening to see the new light of Spring work its magic on our northeastern landscape. In a similar way our pedagogical studies refresh and renew our teaching. At the February Speaker Series event we heard a wonderful collection of new compositions, along with one amazingly modern-sounding piece from the mid-16th century, presented and discussed by John McDonald, a prolific composer and dedicated teacher who emphasizes the importance of "inviting students to do something new." Please click on this link to see notes from the meeting beautifully prepared by Jean Alderman.

Our next speaker, Nelita True, has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as concert artist, professor and adjudicator. Many of her students have garnered top awards and international acclaim. I hope that you will join me on Monday, March 19 when Ms. True will share with us her insights on "Your First Beethoven Sonata"!  

Best Regards,

Colleen Campbell

President

Since our last newsletter five more outstanding student recitals have taken place. The students' talent, dedication and hard work are evident in their impressive performances.

 
I wish to thank all of the teachers who have participated in these events, particularly the following recital chairs and their committees:    

Intermediate II Recitals: Lyubov Shlain, Selma Ramic and Ludmila Bekker  

20th/21st Century Recital: Miriam Gargarian and Alex Foaksman

Jazz & Pop and Composition Recitals: Ruth Shyu  

Senior Recital: Niva Fried, Eleanor McLaughlin and Janet Ainsworth 

SENIOR RECITAL PARTICIPANTS

Our remaining recitals will take place on Sunday, March 25: the Ensemble Recital at M. Steinert & Sons in Boston and the Adult Recital at the home of Dr. David Rosenthal, 37 Belknap Road in Framingham. We look forward to a beautiful day of music making!

Also upcoming, the Mildred Freiberg Middle School Competition on March 31, and the Hamlet-Davidson High School Competition on April 14. 

NEPTA is pleased to announce the following winners of the Nancy Oliva Award who performed at the Intermediate I Recitals on January 29, 2012:

Alec Sun, student of Helena Vesterman

Andrew song, student of Tanya Schwartzman

Peter Wang, student of Natalia Harlap

Congratulations to the winners and their teachers and many thanks to Kathy Maskell, Chair of the Nancy Oliva Award committee!

The following students who played in the Intermediate II Recitals on February 12, 2012, were recipients of the Wanda Paik Award:

Ben Gerlovin, student of Cara Quinn

Michelle Chen, student of Nilly Shilo

Catherine Song, student of Tanya Schwartzman

Wynne Yau, student of Luba Pyatkovskaya

Congratulations, students and teachers! Many thanks to Janice Zaganjori for chairing the Wanda Paik Award committee, and to Dianne Impallaria and Lisa Caliri for assisting.

I am very pleased to announce that this year's luncheon will return to "The Talk" restaurant located just a few blocks away and within easy walking distance of the First Parish. Please click here to access the luncheon application and delightful menu choices. Nina Grimaldi is once again expertly coordinating the event. Won't you please join us on Monday, May 21, 2012 after NEPTA's annual meeting and awards recital? 

The NEPTA Music Sale will begin promptly at 9am on Monday, March 19 prior to the Speaker Series meeting at the First Parish in Watertown.  If you are looking for a particular book or piece, please contact Ruth Ross in advance:  rrosspiano@aol.com.  Ruth will be happy to search the collection and set any music aside for you to purchase quickly and easily on March 19! Arrive early to browse through the extensive collection. All proceeds go to the NEPTA Scholarship Fund.  

Exciting changes to the NEPTA website are in the works. Many sophisticated, interactive features are being developed to keep NEPTA in the forefront of the piano pedagogy world. Stay tuned!

NEPTA is now on Facebook! Please visit us at www.facebook.com/NEPTApiano. You will need to have your own Facebook page in order to "like" the NEPTA page and to post relevant information.