Jan
19
1:30 PM13:30

Program: A Piano Masterclass

Sunday, January 19 --- 1:30pm – 3:00pm

First Presbyterian Church, 500 Park St

A Piano Masterclass - Jeremy Thompson

Jeremy Thompson was born in Dipper Harbour, a small fishing village in New Brunswick, Canada. He furthered his studies at McGill University in Montreal, studying piano with Marina Mdivani who was herself a student of Emil Gilels. He also began organ studies while he was in Montreal, among the many incredible instruments of that city. He was fortunate to have the opportunity to continue his studies with Dr. John Grew. He is currently the Director of Music and Organist at First Presbyterian Church Charlottesville. In 2005, he earned a Doctorate of Music in piano performance from McGill, where he held two of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral fellowships. He has appeared frequently with orchestras including the Saint Petersburg State Academic Orchestra, the Saratov Philharmonic Orchestra, the Georgian National Orchestra, the Charlottesville Symphony, the North Carolina Symphony and the McGill Symphony Orchestra. He has performed extensively throughout North America in both solo and chamber music settings and has also completed three tours to Russia and the Republic of Georgia.

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Feb
8
9:00 AM09:00

Student Event: STRING/WIND/VOICE FESTIVAL

CMTA FESTIVAL

The CMTA Festival provides students of all ages and ability levels the satisfaction of sharing their music with others, as well as hearing music performed by their peers. Students perform in recital format before a small audience of family, friends, and other performers. Students receive ratings and feedback from 2 judges as well as a certificate of participation. A special Comment Only category allows adult students to perform privately for judges’ comments only. All students earn a medal for every 3 years of participation (the years do not have to be consecutive). This event is open to piano, organ, string, wind, harp and voice students.

Check the CMTA website for complete information and watch for Allegro newsletter updates.

STRING/WIND/VOICE DETAILS:

Chair: Erin Flynn and Stanley Beckwith

Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025

Place: University Baptist Church, University Avenue

Registration: January 8 – 20, 2025

Eligibility: Any student of CMTA members, all instruments including voice. Contact chairs for non-member policy.

Fees (non-refundable): $25 (solo), $30 (duet or trio), larger ensembles consult with the chair (non-CMTA member rate is double)

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Feb
15
9:00 AM09:00

Student Event: PIANO/ORGAN/HARP Festival

CMTA FESTIVAL

The CMTA Festival provides students of all ages and ability levels the satisfaction of sharing their music with others, as well as hearing music performed by their peers. Students perform in recital format before a small audience of family, friends, and other performers. Students receive ratings and feedback from 2 judges as well as a certificate of participation. A special Comment Only category allows adult students to perform privately for judges’ comments only. All students earn a medal for every 3 years of participation (the years do not have to be consecutive). This event is open to piano, organ, string, wind, harp and voice students.

Check the CMTA website for complete information and watch for Allegro newsletter updates.

PIANO/ORGAN/HARP DETAILS:

Chair: Joyce Polifka

Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025

Place: First Presbyterian Church (500 Park St.)

Registration Deadline: January 19, 2025

Eligibility: Any student of CMTA members, all instruments including voice. Contact chairs for non-member policy.

Fees (non-refundable): $25 (solo), $30 (duet or trio), larger ensembles consult with the chair (non-CMTA member rate is double)

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Mar
12
10:00 AM10:00

Program: Playing Well with Others

Wednesday, March 12 --- 9:45am social time / 10:00am program

Municipal Arts Center, 1119 5th St SW

Playing Well with Others - Jeannette Fang

Avid chamber musician Jeannette Fang will discuss the importance of chamber music in education and how it can teach one to be a better musician, pianist, soloist, and human being.

As an avid chamber musician Jeannette has collaborated with such acclaimed artists as the Parker Quartet, Ensō String Quartet, Roger Tapping, Aaron Berofsky, Peter Frankl, Bonnie Hampton, and Aisslinn Nosky. Jeannette enjoys exploring many different interests, has published many articles on music, and currently hosts a podcast entitled So Many Wrong Notes. She received her DMA from University of Michigan and holds degrees from Juilliard and Yale.

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Apr
9
10:00 AM10:00

Program: Noteworthy Business

Wednesday, April 9 --- 9:45am social time / 10:00am program

C’ville Band Building, 1119 5th St SW

Noteworthy Business - Jeanne Jackson

Managing a studio takes significant time and energy. Come for a discussion of policies that streamline the administrative process so you can enjoy more time sharing what you love about music with your students! IMTF (Independent Music Teachers Forum) Chair, Jeanne Jackson, will lead the discussion and present the results of this year's CMTA Business Policy Survey.

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Nov
22
7:30 PM19:30

Student Event: Adult Student Recital

CMTA’s Adult Student Recital will be held Friday, November 22 at 7:30.

Location for this event is TBD. Watch for updates in the Allegro newsletter. We welcome all adults currently studying with a CMTA member to share their music with each other. Duets and ensembles are encouraged, as well as solos.

CMTA teachers may contact Beth Cantrell for information and to register your student(s).

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Nov
17
1:30 PM13:30

Student Event: Youth Student Recital

2024 YOUTH STUDENT RECITAL

“Captivating Classical Music”

This year, students of CMTA members are invited to perform at a recital comprised entirely of music from the Classical period (1750 – 1827). All instruments, including chamber ensembles and voice, may participate. Each CMTA teacher may submit up to two students to perform for this event. Teachers should confer with the Recital Chair ahead of time about any questions regarding a particular composition or before selecting a longer piece. Please note that all solo performers are required to have their pieces memorized.

Chair: Marie Powers Ellis

Date/Time: Sunday, November 17; 1:30 pm Place: The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Blvd

Eligibility: Any CMTA member's student, grade 12 or younger

Fee: None

Deadline/applications: Received by November 10; applications are accepted by email (preferred) or by post.

More information in the CMTA Yearbook.

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Nov
16
12:00 PM12:00

Student Event: Play-A-Thon Fundraiser

PLAY-A-THON FUNDRAISER

The 2024 CMTA Play-a-Thon Fundraiser will take place at the Mudhouse Coffee Crozet on the afternoon of Saturday, November 16 (located at

5793 The Square, Crozet). All proceeds will benefit the Charlottesville Emergency Food Network. CMTA members will have the opportunity to enroll their students via SignUpGenius.com. As the date approaches, keep an eye out for the signup in Allegro!

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Nov
13
10:00 AM10:00

Program: Popular Music Styles in Classical Music Pedagogy

Wednesday, November 13 --- 9:45am social time / 10:00am program

C’ville Band Building, 1119 5th St SW

Popular Music Styles in Classical Music Pedagogy - Jake Roege

There has long been a stigma around the inclusion of popular and contemporary music idioms in musical instruction in favor of the tried-and-true classics. "Pop" music can feel cheap and a waste of time to incorporate when students are struggling to practice the important things! So let's discuss realistic ways to incorporate a wider diversity of music into our curricula and why it can be a positive source in your studio.

Jake is the second violinist of the Triforce Quartet, as well as Principal Second Violin of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival. He has previously served as President of the Charlottesville chapter of the Music Teachers National Association, and Associate Concertmaster of the Waynesboro Symphony.

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Nov
7
to Nov 9

VMTA Conference

The VMTA 2024 Fall Conference and Competitions will be held

November 7-9 at Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA. If you are interested in attending, watch for more information in the Allegro newsletter. Every year there are CMTA teachers who attend the VMTA State Conference and return to share how fun and informative it was. Carpool and room sharing arrangements are possible. See the VMTA website for more information: https://vmta-music.org

(VMTA District and State Auditions and Concerto Competition, MTNA Junior High, High School, Collegiate, and Composition competitions - Consult event chairman or local representative, Lise Keiter, for advice

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Sep
15
1:00 PM13:00

Program: Journeys of a Late Beginner

Sunday, September 15 --- 12:45pm social time / 1:00pm program

The Front Porch, 221 Water St E

Journeys of a Late Beginner - Harold Bailey

Front Porch music teacher Harold Bailey will discuss his journey as a late beginner starting at the age of 16, and the impact a formal music education has had on his growth as a pianist. Through this, teachers will hopefully learn helpful information on the best practices for achieving great success with those coming to the instrument later than others.

Harold Bailey is originally from Richmond, VA. Harold was a Semi-Finalist of The American Prize National Competition, College University Division, and 2nd Place Finalist of the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, which led to a solo performance at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. He received the Bachelor of Science Degree in Piano Performance from Radford University (Radford, VA), and the Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance from James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA). During his time at JMU, Harold served as graduate instructor of Class Piano and graduate student accompanist.

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Mar
13
10:00 AM10:00

Program: Continuing Education: The influence of Bach on Twentieth Century Composers

Wednesday, March 13 Continuing Education: The influence of Bach on Twentieth Century Composers

9:45am Social Time Municipal Arts Ctr, 1119 5th St SW 10:00am Program Dr. Adam Carter, Cellist

Adam Carter will present a program of solo cello music that explores the connections between the Bach Cello Suites and 20th-century solo works. The program will include excerpts from compositions by Bloch, Hindemith, Britten, Ligeti, and Reger as well as excerpts from various Bach suites. Adam will explore how Bach influenced motive, form, style, and character in these 20th-century masterpieces. Adam is principal cello of the Charlottesville Symphony and an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia. Dr. Carter grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and attended high school at the North Carolina School of the Arts. He received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree with Distinction from the Eastman School of Music, and completed his Doctoral degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In his free time, Dr. Carter and his wife are passionate animal advocates, and foster kittens through the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA.

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Feb
17
9:00 AM09:00

Piano/Organ/Harp Festival

PIANO/ORGAN/HARP DETAILS:

Chair: Joyce Polifka - joycepolifka@gmail.com

Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024

Place: First Presbyterian Church (500 Park St.)

Registration Deadline: January 21

Eligibility: Any student of CMTA members, all instruments including voice. Contact chairs for non-member policy.

Fees (non-refundable): $25 (solo), $30 (duet or trio), larger ensembles consult with the chair

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Feb
10
9:00 AM09:00

String/Wind/Voice Festival

STRING/WIND/VOICE DETAILS:

Chair: Erin Flynn - erinannflynn@gmail.com

Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024

Place: Location TBA

Registration opens: December 15; Registration Deadline: January 8

Eligibility: Any student of CMTA members, all instruments including voice. Contact chairs for non-member policy.

Fees (non-refundable): $25 (solo), $30 (duet or trio), larger ensembles consult with the chair.

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Feb
3
10:00 AM10:00

Program: Music from the Stage and Screen

Saturday, Feb 3; Music from the Stage and Screen; 10am-noon; The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Blvd

Dr. Matthew Cataldi, Pianist

In the first hour of his program, Dr. Matthew Cataldi will present a recital of classical masterpieces, virtuoso transcriptions, and original arrangements of music inspired by opera, ballet, musical theatre, and television. From Beethoven to Gershwin, Liszt to Broadway - there will be something for music lovers of every age and background. The second hour of his presentation includes a discussion of improvisation and a masterclass.

Dr. Matthew Cataldi holds MM and DM degrees in Piano Performance and Literature from Indiana University. He has enjoyed a versatile career as a piano soloist, collaborative artist, conductor, composer, and educator and has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in addition to many other venues across the Americas and Canada. As an experienced conductor and musical director in the theatre world, he's premiered several new works in New York City in collaboration with Tony Award winning Broadway artists. He enjoys bridging the classical and popular worlds, creating, and presenting exciting new music that caters to his unique background and interests. Dr. Cataldi is president of the Highlands Chapter of the Virginia Music Teachers Association and is Director of Piano Studies at Radford University in Radford, Virginia where he was recently awarded the Dalton Eminent Scholar Rising Star award - a university-wide award for creative scholarship that recognizes faculty with distinguished international reputations in their discipline.

This program is free and open to the public.

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Nov
18
9:00 AM09:00

Play-A-Thon Fundraiser

The 2023 CMTA Play-a-Thon Fundraiser will take place at the Mudhouse Coffee Crozet on the afternoon of Saturday, November 18 (located at 5793 The Square, Crozet). All proceeds will benefit the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA.

For additional inquiries, please contact: Marie Powers Ellis, marie@ivypianostudio.com

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Nov
8
10:00 AM10:00

Program: Guiding Intermediate Students Through the Bridge

Wednesday, Nov. 8 Guiding Intermediate Students Through the Bridge

9:45am Social Time Municipal Arts Ctr, 1119 5th St SW

10:00am Program Dr. Paulo Steinberg, Pianist

Research shows that a big percentage of students who quit piano lessons are between ages 11 and 14. That is when many extracurricular activities are added to their schedule which affect their performance in other areas, including piano. How can we prepare our intermediate students for that inevitable phase? How can we keep them engaged and motivated? More importantly, how can we GUIDE them through the bridge that will lead to their success? This lecture will discuss a few tips that might help your students make progress and succeed during a very busy phase in their lives.

A winner of several national competitions in his native Brazil, Dr. Steinberg was also the recipient of a prestigious scholarship from the Brazilian Government while pursuing his advanced degrees in piano performance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in piano from Universidade de Sao Paulo, a Master’s degree from Arizona State University, and a Doctor of Music degree from Indiana University. Among his distinguished teachers are Brazilian pianists Carlos Yansen, Elizabeth Barthelson, Gilberto Tinetti, Caio Pagano, Paulo Gori, and Belgian pianist Ms. Evelyne Brancart. Dr. Steinberg is Professor of Piano at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.

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Oct
11
10:00 AM10:00

Program: Without the Instrument, Without the Music:

Wednesday, Oct. 11 Without the Instrument, Without the Music: Teaching Beginners Through Music Games

9:45am Social Time Municipal Arts Ctr, 1119 5th St SW

10:00am Program Melinda Goodwin

Welcome to Melinda’s bag of tricks. There are so many ways to teach beginners to play an instrument without one. Teaching sight-reading, rhythm and musicality through games and fun activities is a great way to add variety to

your teaching day. Pre-teaching for new pieces before the student even opens

the book makes the lesson flow smoothly. Join Melinda to learn the variety of tips she has invented and picked up from other teachers over the years. Manipulatives to make yourself and favorite teaching aids will be shown along with resources of where and how to make and buy them for your own students.

Before moving to Virginia, Melinda had her own piano studio in Plano, TX. As an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University for two years in the Piano Pedagogy department, she instructed master’s level pianists to teach private and class piano lessons in the preparatory academy, and she also taught class piano to undergraduate students. Melinda has a Master of Music from Southern Methodist University in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, and a Bachelors of Music from the University of Oklahoma in Piano Pedagogy and Performance.

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Jun
4
12:00 PM12:00

WMC Adult Recital

                                                               WMC ADULT RECITAL

                                         SUNDAY,  JUNE 4,  12:00 - 3:00

                                           THE CENTER at BELVEDERE

The Wednesday Music Club is happy to offer an opportunity for students of college age and beyond to share their musical accomplishments!  Students of both vocal and all instrumental music, at all levels of proficiency, from Early Intermediate to Advanced may enjoy an informal format which will make available performances on either the Steinway in the Atrium or

the concert Yamaha in the auditorium.  We're always delighted at the response from pianists but would be even more delighted to add to the pianists more voice, strings, winds, and ensembles of all kinds!

From 12 until 1:45 there'll be opportunities to warm up for 5 or so minutes on the pianos or other instruments.  The actual recital will begin at 1:45, starting in the Atrium and then everyone will move to the auditorium to hear those eager to try out the Yamaha.

Deadline for submissions is JUNE 1.  Please send the following information or any questions by email to Pat Davis, patdav5@gmail.com:

-----name, length, and composer of composition.

-----performance venue  (atrium, auditorium, or undecided).

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Mar
8
10:00 AM10:00

Program: The Road to a Professional Career

Wednesday, Mar. 8 The Road to a Professional Career

9:45am Social Time Municipal Arts Center, 1119 5th St SW

10:00am Program Fitz Gary, Violist

In the summer of 2022, Fitz Gary joined the Garth Newell Piano Quartet as Violist and Co-Artistic Director. The Quartet programs and performs over 50 concerts a year and hosts numerous outreach and educational programs at the Garth

Newel Music Center in Hot Springs, Virginia. Fitz will share with us the path he followed to achieve his goal of becoming a professional chamber musician, orchestral violist and soloist. Fitz, a native of Charlottesville, has toured across the United States, Europe and Asia performing in such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Japan’s Suntory Hall. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Jeffrey Irvine, and graduate studies at The Juilliard School with Heidi Castleman and Hsin-Yun Huang. Selected as a 2013-2014 Fulbright Scholar, he studied with Barbara Westphal at the Musikhochschule in Lubeck, Germany. The school subsequently awarded him the DAAD prize for an outstanding international student, as well as his second master’s degree.

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Feb
18
9:00 AM09:00

Student Event: Festival -

The CMTA Festival provides students of all ages and ability levels the satisfaction of sharing their music with others, as well as hearing music performed by their peers. Students perform in recital format before a small audience of family, friends, and other performers. Students receive ratings and feedback from 2 judges as well as a certificate of participation. A special Comment Only category allows adult students to perform privately for judges’ comments only. All students earn a medal for every 3 years of participation (the years do not have to be consecutive). This event is open to piano, organ, string, wind, harp and voice students. Check the CMTA website for complete information and watch for Allegro newsletter updates.

PIANO/ORGAN/HARP DETAILS:

Chair: Joyce Polifka

Date: Saturday, February 18

Place: TBA

Registration opens: January 1 Online Deadline: January 28

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Feb
18
9:00 AM09:00

FESTIVAL - Piano/Organ/Harp

Chair: Joyce Polifka

Date: Saturday, February 18

Place: First Presbyterian Church, 500 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Registration opens: January 1 Online Deadline: January 28

The CMTA Festival provides students of all ages and ability levels the satisfaction of sharing their music with others, as well as hearing music performed by their peers. Students perform in recital format before a small audience of family, friends, and other performers. Students receive ratings and feedback from 2 judges as well as a certificate of participation. A special Comment Only category allows adult students to perform privately for judges’ comments only. All students earn a medal for every 3 years of participation (the years do not have to be consecutive).

Members should check the CMTA website for complete information and watch for Allegro newsletter updates.  NON-MEMBERS can find complete festival details about registration and payment information by contacting the chairperson, Joyce Polifka at joycepolifka@gmail.com.

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Feb
3
7:00 PM19:00

Student Event: Adult Student Recital

CMTA ADULT STUDENT RECITAL

CMTA’s annual adult student recital offers a relaxed and supportive environment for adult students of all instruments including organ to share their music with family and friends. As always, collaborations are encouraged. See Allegro for updates.

Chair: Content “Corky” Sablinsky

Date/Time: TBA (Tentatively scheduled for Friday, Feb. 3, 2023)

Place: University Baptist Church, 1223 W. Main St., Charlottesville

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Jan
21
9:00 AM09:00

Student Event: Festival - String/Wind/Voice

The CMTA Festival provides students of all ages and ability levels the satisfaction of sharing their music with others, as well as hearing music performed by their peers. Students perform in recital format before a small audience of family, friends, and other performers. Students receive ratings and feedback from 2 judges as well as a certificate of participation. A special Comment Only category allows adult students to perform privately for judges’ comments only. All students earn a medal for every 3 years of participation (the years do not have to be consecutive).

Check the CMTA website for complete information and watch for Allegro newsletter updates.

STRING/WIND/VOICE DETAILS:

Chair: Erin Flynn

Date: Saturday, January 21

Place: University Baptist Church, 1223 W. Main, Charlottesville

Registration opens: December 1 Online Deadline: December 19

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Jan
11
10:00 AM10:00

Program: Community Music and Student Wellness

Wednesday, Jan. 11 Community Music and Student Wellness

9:45am Social Time The Front Porch, 221 Water St. E

10:00am Program Nora Brookfield

CMTA members will have the opportunity to go on a brief tour and learn a little about what’s happening at this bustling Community music school, located right in the heart of the Downtown Mall. The morning’s featured program will be a one-hour somatic therapy session, which integrates mindfulness, neurobiology, and grounding techniques that empower people to tap into their own innate healing capabilities. Using breath and body awareness along with dialogue, teachers and students develop the tools to regulate their nervous systems, an invaluable skill for performing musicians.

Nora Brookfield recently finished a three-year training program in somatic therapy and is passionate about helping young people overcome debilitating anxiety. She has extensive training and decades of experience as a therapist, counselor, and wellness and yoga instructor.

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Nov
20
2:00 PM14:00

Student Event: Youth Student Recital

YOUTH STUDENT RECITAL

“Essential and Entertaining Etudes”

This year, students of CMTA members are invited to perform at a recital comprised entirely of etudes of any level. All instruments, including chamber ensembles and voice, may participate.

Each CMTA teacher may submit up to two students to perform for this event. Teachers should confer with the Recital Chair ahead of time about any questions regarding a particular composition or before selecting a longer piece. Please note that all solo performers are required to have their pieces memorized.

Chair: Marie Powers Ellis

Date/Time: Sunday, November 20; time TBD

Place: The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Blvd

Eligibility: Any CMTA member's student, grade 12 or younger

Fee: None

Deadline/applications: Received by November 7

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Nov
19
3:00 PM15:00

Student Event: Play-A-Thon Fundraiser

The 2022 CMTA Play-a-Thon Fundraiser will take place at the Mudhouse Coffee Crozet on the afternoon of Saturday, November 19 (located at 5793 The Square, Crozet). Students and teachers can enjoy performing in a casual environment while contributing to a greater cause!

CMTA members will have the opportunity to sign up their students via SignUpGenius.com. As the date approaches, keep an eye out for the signup in Allegro!

For additional inquiries, please contact: Marie Powers Ellis

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Nov
9
10:00 AM10:00

Program: Musician, Heal Thyself

Wednesday, Nov. 9 “Musician, Heal Thyself!”

9:45am Social Time Municipal Arts Ctr, 1119 5th St SW

10:00am Program Dr. James Litzelman, Pianist

In this interactive presentation, Dr. Litzelman will offer helpful methods for getting students to develop good posture and alignment right from the start. When bad habits form early, pianists are forced to make compensations, which in turn can affect their overall well-being and impede good sound production and music-making. In 1994, Dr. Litzelman was diagnosed with focal dystonia and through retraining has been able to return to performing. As a result of this diagnosis, he has spent the last 28 years investigating ways in which pianists may play in a more physiologically correct way, allowing injured pianists to become healed, and keeping healthy pianists from becoming injured.

James Litzelman, DMA, NCTM, enjoys a successful career as a pianist, teacher, and lecturer, teaching piano and piano pedagogy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He has performed and lectured in the United States, Mexico, Europe, China and Russia. In addition, he maintains an active studio at his home in Arlington, Virginia, where his students have distinguished themselves in state and national competitions. Dr. Litzelman is currently the chair of the editorial committee for the American Music Teacher magazine and is a recent past-president of the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association.

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