SMTA General Meeting
May
17
9:00 AM09:00

SMTA General Meeting

9:00AM Coffee and pastries, catch up with old friends and colleagues and meet new ones

9:25AM Performance by SMTA member, TBA

9:30AM Business

10:00-11:00AM Presentation by Mack Grout: Teaching Jazz Improvisation to Beginners

Teaching improvisation to beginning improvisers and beginning musicians can be a fun, different approach to get music students engaged with the instrument and work on some ear training. In this presentation we will discuss tactics, strategies and improv games that teachers and students can work on to have a new perspective and diversify their lesson material.

Mack Grout is a jazz pianist, educator and composer based in Seattle, Washington. Since graduating with a music degree from Cornish College of the Arts in 2008, Mack has travelled and performed extensively throughout the United States and Asia as a soloist, educator, and with a variety of different musical acts. From 2012-2016 he also worked as a musical director for jazz clubs throughout China.

Upon returning from living overseas Mack founded Seattle Jazz Academy, a jazz specific music school and community for musicians, instructors and students. As Seattle Jazz Academy continues to grow Mack is spending more time connecting with the musicians and educators in the region to curate concerts, masterclasses and spread the fun of what it is to study jazz and improvisation.

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Jun
1
to Jun 2

MusicLink Teachers Stipend application deadline

This year, five $600 Dorothy Woodcock MusicLink Teachers Stipends will be awarded on a first- come, first-served basis to SMTA teachers who are registered through MusicLink and actively teaching students registered through MusicLink for at least 3 months. Teachers are eligible for one stipend per year regardless of how many MusicLink students they are teaching. The stipend contributes to the teacher’s reduced income for teaching at half their normal fee. Apply early! The application period closes June 1 or when funds are exhausted.

Details: https://www.seattlemta.org/stipends-grants

Application: https://www.seattlemta.org/musiclink-application

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Jun
1
to Jun 2

Conference Attendance Grant Deadline

To encourage participation in State and District conferences, the SMTA Board of Directors approved

$1,500 to help defray the registration fee for members who wish to attend. Grant requests for one-half

the early-bird registration fee must be made after registration and will be processed on a first-come,

first-served basis. Reimbursements will be issued until the $1,500 amount is exhausted. Details and the grant application form can be found on the SMTA website.

Apply here: https://www.seattlemta.org/conference-attendance-grants

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Jun
1
to Jun 2

Teacher Education Grant Deadline

The Dorothy Woodcock Teacher Education Grant assists teachers financially to attend workshops,

lectures, master classes or other learning situations. Excluded are degree programs and MTNA or

affiliate-sponsored programs or events. Grants are given for up to $150 per teacher per year for one

event. For the fiscal year July 1 to June 30, grants will be awarded until the $450 total has been

exhausted. Each grant is awarded after attendance as a reimbursement for some of the expense. The

application can be found on the SMTA website. Requests can be made throughout the fiscal year; the

annual deadline for requests is June 1.

Apply here: https://www.seattlemta.org/music-teacher-education-grant

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Jun
1
to Jun 2

Safe and Sound Grand Application Deadline

Recommended by the Dorothy Woodcock Oversight Committee, the Board approved another round of Safe and Sound Grants for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Ten grants of $100 each will be available starting December 1. This grant is intended to assist SMTA members with the purchase of pandemic-related teaching supplies such as microphones, tripods, lights, headphones, gloves, sanitizer, air filters, and more!

Application Guidelines:

This grant may be used for any purchase made after July 1, 2023. Applicants who have never received a Safe and Sound Grant may apply starting December 1. Applicants who have previously received a grant may apply starting February 1. Please apply online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6MzQiyHIsf3cfTKWFPaBfQ9z0id2wniPlFEdVpvaq3gF7_A/viewform

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Jun
30
to Jul 1

National Certification Grant application deadline

Encouraging and supporting SMTA teachers in obtaining their National Certification is a priority for SMTA. For this reason, SMTA offers five $100 grants to teachers who complete their Certification during the fiscal year. In addition, WSMTA offers $100 grants once they apply for Certification, so the entire process ends up costing successful applicants nothing but their time. Contact Chair for more details or to apply.

Caroline Allen Certification Grant

WSMTA will reimburse one-half of the certification application fee for WSMTA members who successfully apply for MTNA Certification. Documentation that the member has applied and paid MTNA must be submitted to the WSMTA Certification Chair. Requests for grants must be made prior to receiving NCTM designation.

Contact the SMTA office for more information.

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Jul
27
10:00 AM10:00

Bach to the Future

  • Roosevelt Light Rail station AND Beacon Hill Light Rail station (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SMTA is thrilled to add Bach to the Future to its lineup for the 2023-2024 season!

Performances will be held at both the Roosevelt Light Rail station AND the Beacon Hill Light Rail station, all day from 10AM-6PM.

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May
5
6:30 PM18:30

Adult Student Soirée

The adult student soirées are a perfect place for adult students to participate with other adults learning to play an instrument. They offer a fun and supportive environment, where all levels and instruments are welcome. Performances are followed by social conversation. They are open to all adult students of SMTA member teachers.

We are excited to be in a new venue this time, at The Point in Redmond!

Want to participate? Contact Chair Karin McCullough through the SMTA office.

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Apr
28
2:00 PM14:00

Marsha Wright Sonatina Festival

The Marsha Wright Sonatina Festival

Date:  April 28, 2024 @ 2:00 and 3:45pm

Registration: March 11-April 12, 2024

Location: Wedgwood Presbyterian Church

Co-chairs: Tom Lee and Ondine de Mer

Event Description: SMTA hosts the Marsha Wright Sonatina Festival each year to celebrate the creative variety in this musical genre. Students of all ages have the opportunity to perform sonatinas (not sonatas) for solo instruments, duos, or ensembles of any size and makeup. We encourage teachers and students to program a wide variety of both Classical and non-Classical sonatinas, and newly composed works are most welcome! Performers have the opportunity to present interesting insight about the piece or composer to the audience. There is no judging or ranking, but rather a chance to perform in a less formal setting for the entire community.  


FAQ and registration at this link: https://www.seattlemta.org/marsha-wright-sonatina-festival

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Apr
21
5:00 PM17:00

NEW MEMBER! Information session and happy hour

Are you a new SMTA member? We’d love to have you attend this informal online session.

All members are welcome! This event is geared toward making new connections within the organization, learning more about the different programs, and how to make the most of your membership and get involved with all SMTA has to offer.

Zoom link will be emailed prior to the event. Email smtaoffice@gmail.com with any questions.

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SMTA General Meeting
Apr
19
9:00 AM09:00

SMTA General Meeting

9:00AM Coffee and pastries, catch up with old friends and colleagues and meet new ones

9:25AM Performance by SMTA member, TBA

9:30AM Business

10:00-11:00AM Presentation by Kay M. Zavislak, DMA, NCTM: When Is Stealing OK? Some Thoughts on Rubato

The concept of Rubato is vital in expressive and artistic music making. Many seasoned musicians and intuitive young performers rely on their musical instinct to employ this concept. However, what do we do if we are teaching students who might be less intuitive and need step by step explanation? My hope is that the discussion in this presentation gives some insights as a starting point in encouraging each student's interpretation in the area of pacing and time

American pianist Kay Zavislak enjoys a multi-faceted career as a performer, teacher, adjudicator, and clinician. Spending her formative years in Japan, Dr. Zavislak attended the Toho Gakuen High School of Music, one of the most prestigious conservatories in Japan. Dr. Zavislak then moved to the U.S. and earned the degrees Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan.

As a performer, Dr. Zavislak has given solo and chamber concerts regionally and nationally, in addition to public performances in Australia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, and Japan. In collaboration with flutist Leonard Garrison and saxophonist Bill Perconti, Dr. Zavislak has also recorded two commercial CDs for Centaur Records. As a member of Duo Cascadia, Dr. Zavislak performs with Dr. Jensina Oliver, exploring a diverse piano ensemble repertoire and concertizes in the Pacific Northwest region. In addition, she is newly appointed as a coartistic partner for the Bellingham House Concerts Series.

Many of Dr. Zavislak’s university and pre-college students have received top prizes and honors in a number of international and regional piano festivals and competitions, such as Nomea International Piano Competition in Italy, the Memorial “Sanja Pavlovic” International Competition in Serbia, Stage4Kids Festival in Germany, MTNA Northwest Regional Competition, MTNA Washington State Competition, MTNA Idaho State Competition, Seattle Russian Chamber Music Competition, Spokane Piano Competition, Music Fest Northwest in Spokane WA, and Sonata-Sonatina Festival in Ellensburg WA. Some of Dr. Zavislak’s former students have been accepted with a full tuition waiver to Bachelor and Master programs in the US.

Besides teaching, Dr. Zavislak is in high demand for adjudicating, judging, and giving lectures and workshops locally, regionally, and nationally.

Before joining her family in Bellingham WA in 2013, Dr. Zavislak was an Assistant Professor of Piano and the Keyboard Area Coordinator at the University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music. In addition, she has held teaching positions at Albion College, Whatcom Community College, and the University of Michigan. She is currently on the piano faculty at Western Washington University. Dr. Zavislak studied piano under the guidance of Arthur Greene, Logan Skelton, Yoshie Kora, and Miyoko Hamamoto, harpsichord with Edward Parmentier, and organ with Marilyn Mason

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Apr
1
5:00 PM17:00

Registration closes for MLP (Music Literacy Program)

Register here: https://wsmta.org/music-literacy-program-registration/

Click here for more information on the Music Literacy Program

Co-Chairs: Thom Stuart and Mona Elsing

Registration Dates: March 1 – April 1, 2024

Event Dates: May 4 and 5, 2024

Location: Cornish College of the Arts: 1000 Lenora Street Seattle, WA 98121

Registration Process: To register, click the red button above

When registering, please have your students’ names, the specific categories for which you would like to register them (i.e., sight playing, rhythm, applied technique, written, and/or listening/ear training), and the level for each category.

Please reach out to the event Co-Chairs through smtaoffice@gmail.com with any questions or to volunteer for the event.

We look forward to seeing you on the road to literacy! 

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Mar
2
9:00 AM09:00
Student educational

Music Artistry Program

The Music Artistry Program (MAP) is a program sponsored at the state level that provides private master classes for member studios. Students of all ages and levels perform in a noncompetitive environment working one-on-one with highly respected Visiting Artists and receiving written comments and a certificate.

It is a great motivational experience for students, and an excellent opportunity for teachers to get objective feedback, suggestions, and support. Our Seattle chapter organizes the Music Artistry Program for pianists; students of voice and other instruments may participate in the MAP in other local chapters. Registration and program information is available at www.wsmta.org.

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Mar
1
9:00 AM09:00
Student educational

Music Artistry Program

The Music Artistry Program (MAP) is a program sponsored at the state level that provides private master classes for member studios. Students of all ages and levels perform in a noncompetitive environment working one-on-one with highly respected Visiting Artists and receiving written comments and a certificate.

It is a great motivational experience for students, and an excellent opportunity for teachers to get objective feedback, suggestions, and support. Our Seattle chapter organizes the Music Artistry Program for pianists; students of voice and other instruments may participate in the MAP in other local chapters. Registration and program information is available at www.wsmta.org.

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Mar
1
8:00 AM08:00

Registration opens for MLP (Music Literacy Program)

Register here: https://wsmta.org/music-literacy-program-registration/

Click here for more information on the Music Literacy Program

Co-Chairs: Thom Stuart and Mona Elsing

Registration Dates: March 1 – April 1, 2024

Event Dates: May 4 and 5, 2024

Location: Cornish College of the Arts: 1000 Lenora Street Seattle, WA 98121

Registration Process: To register, click the red button above

When registering, please have your students’ names, the specific categories for which you would like to register them (i.e., sight playing, rhythm, applied technique, written, and/or listening/ear training), and the level for each category.

Please reach out to the event Co-Chairs through smtaoffice@gmail.com with any questions or to volunteer for the event.

We look forward to seeing you on the road to literacy! 

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Feb
29
9:00 AM09:00
Student educational

Music Artistry Program

The Music Artistry Program (MAP) is a program sponsored at the state level that provides private master classes for member studios. Students of all ages and levels perform in a noncompetitive environment working one-on-one with highly respected Visiting Artists and receiving written comments and a certificate.

It is a great motivational experience for students, and an excellent opportunity for teachers to get objective feedback, suggestions, and support. Our Seattle chapter organizes the Music Artistry Program for pianists; students of voice and other instruments may participate in the MAP in other local chapters. Registration and program information is available at www.wsmta.org.

View Event →
Feb
28
9:00 AM09:00
Student educational

Music Artistry Program

The Music Artistry Program (MAP) is a program sponsored at the state level that provides private master classes for member studios. Students of all ages and levels perform in a noncompetitive environment working one-on-one with highly respected Visiting Artists and receiving written comments and a certificate.

It is a great motivational experience for students, and an excellent opportunity for teachers to get objective feedback, suggestions, and support. Our Seattle chapter organizes the Music Artistry Program for pianists; students of voice and other instruments may participate in the MAP in other local chapters. Registration and program information is available at www.wsmta.org.

View Event →
Feb
27
9:00 AM09:00
Student educational

Music Artistry Program

The Music Artistry Program (MAP) is a program sponsored at the state level that provides private master classes for member studios. Students of all ages and levels perform in a noncompetitive environment working one-on-one with highly respected Visiting Artists and receiving written comments and a certificate.

It is a great motivational experience for students, and an excellent opportunity for teachers to get objective feedback, suggestions, and support. Our Seattle chapter organizes the Music Artistry Program for pianists; students of voice and other instruments may participate in the MAP in other local chapters. Registration and program information is available at www.wsmta.org.

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SMTA General Meeting
Feb
16
9:00 AM09:00

SMTA General Meeting

9:00AM Grab a cup of tea or coffee, catch up with old friends and colleagues and meet new ones

9:25AM Performance by SMTA member, TBA

9:30AM Business

10:00-11:00AM Presentation, Dr. Andrea McAlister

Building Better Habits 

Habits shape approximately half of our days, so it’s time to give more conscious thought to our unconscious thoughts. This session will provide tools for establishing stronger and more successful habits for practice and performance.

Bio: 

Andrea McAlister is Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Piano Inspires Kids, Editor of Piano Magazine and Director of Digital Programming for the Frances Clark Center. Her research has been featured at national and international conferences including the International Society of Music Education, Music Teachers National Association, College Music Society, and the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy. She is an inaugural member of the Yamaha Master Educator Collective in Keyboard Pedagogy.

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Feb
11
6:30 PM18:30

Adult Student Soirée

The adult student soirées are a perfect place for adult students to participate with other adults learning to play an instrument. They offer a fun and supportive environment, where all levels and instruments are welcome. Performances are followed by social conversation. They are open to all adult students of SMTA member teachers.

Want to participate? Contact Chair Karin McCullough through the SMTA office.

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Feb
4
1:00 PM13:00
Student performance

Online Student Recital

SMTA’s online recitals are open to performers of all levels and all instruments who are students of SMTA teachers.

They are held on Zoom. The Zoom meeting opens at noon for sound checks, with recital beginning at 1:00pm.

More info here: https://www.seattlemta.org/recitals

Register here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfH2A997fHMKKYtOd07S9Z0bgg1yTaPvIXGkudJ_RjC_H8Iaw/viewform?usp=sf_link

To watch videos of previous recitals, visit the SMTA’s Student Recital playlist on YouTube.

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Feb
1
9:00 AM09:00

Safe and Sound grant application opens (returning applicants)

Recommended by the Dorothy Woodcock Oversight Committee, the Board approved another round of Safe and Sound Grants for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Ten grants of $100 each will be available starting December 1. This grant is intended to assist SMTA members with the purchase of pandemic-related teaching supplies such as microphones, tripods, lights, headphones, gloves, sanitizer, air filters, and more!

Application Guidelines:

This grant may be used for any purchase made after July 1, 2023. Applicants who have never received a Safe and Sound Grant may apply starting December 1. Applicants who have previously received a grant may apply starting February 1.

Apply here.

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Jan
28
5:00 PM17:00

NEW MEMBER! Information session and happy hour: ZOOM

Are you a new SMTA member? We’d love to have you attend this informal online session.

All members are welcome! This event is geared toward making new connections within the organization, learning more about the different programs, and how to make the most of your membership and get involved with all SMTA has to offer.

Zoom link will be emailed prior to the event. Email smtaoffice@gmail.com with any questions.

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Jan
27
3:00 PM15:00

Jazz, Rags, and Blues Festival

Date: January 27th, 2024 at 3:00PM

Venue: Wedgwood Presbyterian

Chair: Josie Zocco

The inagural Jazz, Rags, and Blues Festival last season was a smashing success! We look forward to growing and developing this program in the 2023-2024 season.

This festival is an event to celebrate and discover the diverse subgenres of jazz. It takes place in a non-competitive recital setting, and students will be encouraged to introduce their piece and provide a short oral description of the piece’s history before performing. Both written and improvised pieces are encouraged.

All ages, instruments, and levels are welcome! 

Registration link will be posted at this link as the event date approaches: https://www.seattlemta.org/jazz-rags-blues-festival

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