1. OUR GREAT MUSIC CONFERENCES

We have an annual 3-day conference in late October or early November with many workshops for teachers; a world-class concert performer; district, state, and national competitions; a winners’ recital; a commissioned composer; and much more! The camaraderie between teachers also leads to great shared ideas for personal and professional development. It’s one of our highlight events, held in different parts of the state, and not to be missed!

2. OUR FALL FESTIVAL

VMTA sponsors a Fall Festival to encourage the study of contemporary literature, give students the opportunity to have more performances, and set learning goals. The Festival is non-competitive and provides students with an opportunity to perform without the pressure of an audience. Students perform two memorized pieces, one piece in a contemporary style and the other in a traditional style, for judges’ comments and ratings, receiving a supportive evaluation and a certificate of participation.

3. OUR THEORY, SIGHT READING, AND KEYBOARD SKILLS TESTS

These annual tests motivate both teacher and student to acquire the theoretical skills necessary for becoming a successful musician. Levels begin at Primer and continue through Level 12 (college). Students take the test at their graded level to receive certificates of participation and ribbons based on results. An online syllabus is available for teachers to present concepts at each level and online sample tests familiarize students with the testing style. Students entering District and State Auditions for competition are required to pass the Theory and Sight Reading for their grade level. Other students may apply for tests at any level of their current study. Theory tests were recently updated to include the 20th Century Idiom.

4. OUR CONTACT WITH TEACHERS FROM ALL AROUND THE STATE AND NATION

VMTA teachers belong to their local association, to the state association (VMTA) and to the national association (MTNA). Local meetings and workshops provide contact with and ideas from teachers in their region. State meetings and conferences give members the support of a wider group of teachers and teaching experiences. The website provides an interactive forum of ideas, a teacher referral service on the website, periodic newsletters, and an annual yearbook. The National office provides teachers with many more benefits, including the annual national conference held in the Spring, insurance programs, grant possibilities, professional certification, journals, publications, legal consultation, and merchant services.

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