Washington State Music Teachers AssociationMany programs are available to the students of WSMTA members.
This project, organized by each local chapter, requires students at any level to perform memorized pieces of contrasting styles and receive both a written and oral evaluation from a qualified adjudicator. We offer a web page of repertoire ideas. Adjudication students may also enter a chapter playoff from which an outstanding student or students may be chosen to represent the chapter and perform at the WSMTA Convention. In addition to the Conference performance, many chapters sponsor local Honors Recitals that showcase the top performers of the Adjudication Project.
Students may have their progress in theory evaluated by means of a series of exams offered through the state and local chapters. Ten carefully graded levels are available. Forms for the examination program can be downloaded from the forms page. Contact Chair Julie Cole-Mandery, jcole107@hotmail.com or theory chair in local chapter for more information.
This project gives students a chance to have their compositions critiqued by qualified adjudicators. First place winners of each grade level are invited to perform their works at the annual conference. Deadline for submission of compositions is Feb. 15th. Rules and entry forms are published in The Clarion or may be downloaded here. State Chair is Marilyn Linde, jmlinde@embarqmail.com. Outstanding entries may be entered in the MTNA Composition Competition (see below).
Students who study with a WSMTA certified teacher may earn high school credits. This program is implemented at the discretion of each local school district. State chair is Diane Long, hilltop14@charter.net.
The student teacher training program encourages high school and college students to gain teaching experience under the supervision of a certified WSMTA teacher.
For advanced students interested in performance competition, the MTNA competitions offer that opportunity. The competitions are open to any student who plays at the level of the required music, and are offered at the Junior High, Senior High, and Collegiate levels. Dianne Johnston, dianne@silverlink.net is Washington's chair. See the MTNA web site and/or the April/May issue of the American Music Teacher for specific requirements. Deadline for entries is the 2nd Monday of September.
The MTNA Foundation in conjunction with Warner Brothers Publications sponsors a composition competition. The intent of the competition is to encourage creativity and self-expression in student musicians at all levels. WSMTA winners advance to Northwest Division and National competitions. Washington's Chair is Patrick Stephens, patrick@pianotempo.com. Rules and entry forms are published in the April/May issue of the American Music Teacher. Deadline for entries is the 2nd Monday of September.
This newly created competition has been established to provide a positive step for students wanting to compete in the MTNA Performance Competitions in future years. It serves as another competition opportunity for Washington State's many talented pianists. Laurie Eash, laurie52@aol.com is the WSMTA OAC chair. Deadline for entries is the 2nd Monday of September. Please refer to the June Clarion for rules and entry forms.
