January 2013 newsletter - Minnesota Music Teachers Association

MMTA Newsletter January, 2013
10800 Lyndale Ave S, Ste. 263
Bloomington, MN 55420
(952) 345-0629
www.mnmusicteachers.com
mmta@mnmusicteachers.com
MMTA Board of Directors
Kirsten Levorson, NCTM
President
Jill Kilzer, NCTM
President-Elect
Camille Buddecke, NCTM
VP-Piano Contests
Ann Mishler, NCTM
VP-Convention
Carol Gangwish, NCTM
VP-Piano Educational
Programs
Kevin Carlson
VP-Vocal/Instrumental
Programs
Beth Winterfeldt
VP-Finance
Mary Duncan
VP-Membership
La Rae Mills
Recording Secretary
Kim Nichols
Treasurer
Sue Krebsbach, NCTM
Immediate Past President
In this issue: page
Local Associations ............... 3
Popular Styles Workshop .... 4
MusicLink Playathon ........... 6
Arts Advocacy ...................... 7
MTNA Foundation ............... 8
IMTF .................................... 8
Call for Nominations............ 9
MMTA Convention .............. 10
MMTA Foundation .............. 11
Theory Exams ...................... 13
Tech Notes .......................... 14
Early Childhood Music ......... 15
Scale Fingering .................... 16
Music Bridges ...................... 17
Piano Contest List Updates . 19
Voice Contest music ............ 19
2013 MMTA Convention ..... 20
MMTA President’s Letter
Happy New Year!
2012 was a great year for MMTA – an all-time high of over
50 of our members attended the MTNA Conference in
New York City last March, our first Artistic Ambassadors
were well received on tour in April, our annual Honors
Concert was a splendid success in May, participation in
MMTA student programs was up almost across the board,
and we enjoyed one of the best ever convention artists,
Peter Mack, in June. In August, MMTA leadership
convened for a visioning session and came up with a set of
priorities for our organization that have guided the work of the Board of Directors since.
Our monthly MMTA Board meeting agendas now include both a “To do” list and a
“Ta dah!” list. The “To do” list includes the priorities established at visioning of
incorporating technology, expanding our marketing efforts, examining state certification,
tweaking the point system for Challenge Awards, and developing an early childhood
participation program.
The “Ta dah!” list on our agenda tracks and celebrates the steps we’ve taken toward
those visioning goals. For instance, we’ve released two short videos showing MMTA
members who share “My MMTA Story” and we have a third in production; we’ve
developed a short video showing how to use and log on to the MMTA website; a task
force is working on the issues around state certification; and Fern Davidson and LaRae
Mills are working steadily to develop an early childhood event this spring. In addition,
committees have looked at several other ideas raised – the piano exam development
committee is working on the requested book of keyboard skills, for instance.
I’d like to take a little extra time and space this month to share with you the discussion
we’ve had around state and national certification. Task force members include several
past presidents and individuals who have served as state certification chair, and a mix of
newer and longtime members: Marianne Bryan, Sue Freeman Dopp Haugen, Megan
Gilles, Kay Koehnen, Barbara Rogers, and me as convener. Our charge from the board is
to determine the necessity of state certification.
What’s the back story on certification?
Minnesota’s state certification predates the national certification program. The goal of
both programs is to uphold and enhance the professionalism of our members, and to
give parents and students a means of identifying qualified music teachers. In the years
before a national certification program existed, our state led the way in setting
standards. Now that there are both state and national options, we hear from our
members that there is sometimes confusion regarding the different requirements.
(continued on p. 2)

(continued from p. 1)
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January 2013 [MMTA NEWSLETTER]
Which program is better, state or national?
Some would say our state program is more accessible – the fee is much lower and the requirements are
straightforward and clear. The National Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) is a more rigorous and comprehensive
program. Rebecca Grooms Johnson, MTNA Vice President who was involved in developing the latest NCTM
requirements, says it was designed to serve as curriculum for college pedagogy classes. One member who recently
achieved state certification remarked, “The state program didn’t meet my expectations.” Another member who
became nationally certified a few years ago described the process as “deeply valuable, helping me thoughtfully
examine and articulate my teaching philosophy.”
How many MMTA members are certified?
About half of our members are certified by one or the other program. Deducting the number of members who are
NCTM, those who have state certification are about 30%.
What are other states doing about certification?
Among other states that had state certification programs before the NCTM program was established, most states have
phased out their state certification. In most instances, they simply stopped accepting new applications for state
certification and discontinued the renewal process, declaring all those who were currently certified to be
permanently certified.
If we eliminate state certification, how could MMTA promote the NCTM program?
There seem to be three challenges for members seeking national certification – the cost, the perception that the
requirements are complex, and the video requirement. MMTA could promote NCTM in a variety of ways – providing
rebates on the application fee once a member is designated NCTM; providing a mentoring group or classes to help
applicants understand and meet the requirements; providing a group of technology savvy members willing to help
applicants with the video recording aspect.
What about volunteerism?
Certification programs are usually about professionalism and the quality of one’s teaching. Sometime in the 1970’s,
MMTA began requiring volunteer hours as part of the certification and renewal process. This has proven problematic
on several fronts, but whenever state certification is discussed, we have some leaders who ask how we will get enough
volunteers if people are not required to volunteer as part of their certification renewal. We could have a long
discussion on this topic alone, but my short answer is that we have found better, more effective ways to incentivize
volunteerism in our organization.
What’s next?
No action has been taken at this time, and no recommendations have been made by the task force to the board.
At this point, we’d like some feedback from our members. If you are state certified, what do you value about that
option? If you are thinking about national certification, what holds you back? Send your thoughts to me at
klevorson@aol.com.
2013 looks to be another busy year of programs and events that will nurture your students and inspire you as a
teacher and professional. First up is the Popular Styles Seminar on January 11, where Cheri Sykes, Doug Rohde, Mary
Gustafson and Betsy Keno will unveil the first four levels of a draft syllabus. You won’t want to miss this, so register
now! http://www.mnmusicteachers.com/sites/mnmusicteachers.com/files/Pop%20Styles%20registration%20form.pdf
Here’s to another fabulous year of music in your studio and with MMTA!

Local Associations
Kay Hawkins, NCTM, Chair
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] January 2013
This month I am featuring the Rochester Area Music Teachers Association, for which President Cindy Breederland
shares the following:
‘It was in a Rochester restaurant on a 20 degrees below zero Minnesota winter evening in 1967 that the
Rochester Keyboard Club began with only a handful of members.’ That is an excerpt from the history of our
Rochester group, written by one of our dear members, Dawn Riley. The new group began sponsoring
workshops given by clinicians such as Leo Podolsky, Lili Kraus, and Joan Last. Such events attracted many
additional highly qualified teachers in southeastern Minnesota and promoted rapid growth. The Rochester
group currently has 66 members and has monthly meetings from August (contest materials workshop),
through April. Our mission statement reads, ‘Our purpose is to be an educational and charitable
organization in furthering the advancement of music and scholarship.’ As of 2009, it was decided that the
Rochester Area Keyboard Club will function in conjunction with the local association of MMTA.
The fall begins with a brunch and musicale, and in the spring we will enjoy another brunch and humoresque
- lighthearted ensembles of members and friends. We were privileged, through an MMTA Foundation
Grant, to bring in Beth Klingenstein for the November meeting to talk about professionalism in the
Independent Music Studio . Each year we enjoy watching a Master Class and this year’s clinician is Dr. David
Shaffer-Gottschalk from Virginia State University. Our group sponsors a Scholarship Competition in honor of
Clare Clements Madden and also a Marguerite Hoffman Senior Piano Scholarship Competition.
The Rochester Area Keyboard Club and MMTA Local Association has a rich history and bright future because
of our dedicated and talented members.
Central Minnesota Music Teachers Association
Friday, Jan. 4, 9:30-11:30 a.m. – “Composition”. Presenter: Dr. Brian Campbell. Location: home of Lois Sizer,
905 Sunwood Park Drive, Waite Park.
MMTF/MFMTA
Tuesday, Jan. 8, 10:00 a.m. - Composition Group and Potluck at the home of Sharon Kaplan, 3944 Abbott Ave. S.,
Minneapolis.
Sat., Jan. 26 - Mozart Concerto Competition at Schmitt Music in Roseville.
Sun., Jan. 27, 10:00 a.m. - Performance/Listening Group at the home of Deanna Andersen, 3604 33 rd Ave. NE, St.
Anthony Village.
Minnesota River Valley Music Teachers Association
Tuesday, Jan. 15, 10:30 - noon (Business Meeting 9:30) – “Dealing with Difficult Parents”. Presenter: Marcia
Vahl, NCTM. Location: Schmitt Music in Edina.
NorthWest Suburban Music Teachers Association
Thursday, Jan.10, 10:00 a.m. - "Mapping Music". Presenter: Dr. Rebecca Shockley. Location: Schmitt Music in
Brooklyn Center.
Rochester Area Music Teachers Association
Thursday, Jan. 10, 9:00 a.m. – “The Achievement Program from Carnegie Hall and the Royal Conservatory”.
Presenter: Dr. Andrew Hisey. Location: Petit Music, Eyota.
St. Paul Piano Teachers Association
Tuesday, Jan. 8, 9:45-11:30 a.m. – “Jazz Piano’s Evolution of Left Hand Voicings”. Presenter: Laura Caviani.
Location: Schmitt Music in Roseville.
(continued on p. 5)
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January 2013 [MMTA NEWSLETTER]

[MMTA NEWSLETTER] January 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Registration Fee: $50 (Advance or at the door)
McNally Smith College of Music Downtown St. Paul
Name: E-mail:
Address: Phone:
Check any that apply: Novice? Traditionalist to the core?
Well-versed in Pop styles? Do you play by ear?
Do you teach Popular styles? Yes No Not Yet
Do you teach your students to improvise and play by ear? Yes No Not Yet
MMTA Member? Yes No Not Yet
If no, how did you learn about the Popular Styles Workshop?
Are you interested in more information about MMTA membership? Yes No Not Yet
Send completed registration form and check (payable to MMTA) to:
MMTA 10800 Lyndale Ave. S, Ste. 263 Bloomington, MN 55420
Reminder!
Contest deadlines are coming soon!
Young Artist: January 5, 2013
Greater MN Piano Contest Finals&
Vocal/Instrumental Contest Finals:
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Twin Cities Piano Contest Finals:
Sunday, February 8, 2013
(*These dates applies to mailed registrations and registrations
submitted online through the MMTA website.)
(Includes a complimentary copy of the 2012 Popular
Styles Syllabus - Beta Edition and related materials)
(continued from p. 3)
South Suburban Music Teachers Association
Tuesday, Jan. 8, 10:00 – noon – “Parent/Student
Relationships – How Much Parent Involvement is
Needed?” Member discussion. Location: Grace
Lutheran Church, 7800 West County Road 42,
Apple Valley.
West Suburban Music Teachers Association
Friday, Jan. 11, 10:00-11:30 a.m. – “Alexander
Technique for Musicians”. Presenter: Lisa Galbraith
Heyl. Location: St. Barnabas Lutheran Church,
15600 Old Rockford Road, Plymouth.
Willmar Music Teachers Association
Saturday, Jan. 12, 10:00-11:00 a.m. – “Piano Master
Class” by Dr. Christopher Atzinger. Location: Bethel
Lutheran Church, 411 Becker Ave. S., Willmar.
Registration Info & Reminders
January 4, 2013: Deadline for TC St. Thomas
Piano & Keyboard Skills exam registrations
January 11, 2013: Deadline for Voice exam
registrations
Please remember to fill out the left, right and
bottom sections of all exam forms. Thank you!
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January 2013 [MMTA NEWSLETTER]
MusicLink News
Sue Wege, State Chair
The MusicLink Playathon will be taking place on the weekend of February 9 th /10 th in the Nordstrom Court of the Mall of
America. This is a fun event which the students look forward to and the funds raised are invaluable in keeping our
Minnesota MusicLink program going strong. Perhaps you are considering having some of your students perform, but
have some questions. Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the Playathon.
This year’s registration deadline is January 28 th . You can find more information in the MMTA Handbook on pp. 21-23
including the registration form and pledge card.
Prefer to register online? http://www.mnmusicteachers.com/musiclink-playathon-registration#overlay-context=
Q. Is this Playathon for MusicLink students only?
A. No. This is a benefit fundraiser for the MusicLink Foundation. Any and all students are invited to participate.
Q. Do performers have to be students of MMTA teachers only?
A. No. Any student may perform in the Playathon, so please share this information with any of your colleagues who
are not part of MMTA.
Q. Can any instrument be included?
A. Yes. We welcome any instrument and voice student to participate. In fact, we would love to see a greater variety
of instruments represented.
Q. Can ensembles be included?
A. Yes. Besides solos, we have had duets, trios, quartets and small ensembles perform.
Q. Is there a specific amount of money that has to be collected to participate?
A. No. This is first and foremost a fundraiser, so it is expected that the students try to collect some pledges for their
performances, but a student will not be excluded if they don’t bring in any money.
Q. Can the student choose their performance time?
A. The student can indicate on the registration form which day they prefer. If they MUST
have a morning or afternoon time, they can write that on the form and I will try to honor it. With around 200
students to schedule, it’s easier for scheduling if there aren’t a lot of specific time requests.
Q. When will the student know their performance time?
A. Once the deadline passes, I will make up a performance schedule and will e-mail the the specific performance times
to the teachers—usually within the week.
Q. Does the student have to stay after they’ve performed?
A. No. The student is welcome to stay and listen to other performers, but the student is free to leave once they’ve
performed. They should check out at the desk before leaving.
Q. When will the student get any prizes they may have earned?
A. The student will get their participation pin when they check in. All other prizes and the tax receipts for their donors
will be available for pick up after their performance.
Q. I am a teacher and would like to come to hear my students perform. Will they be scheduled together?
A. Yes. Unless your student requests a day or time that doesn’t work with the group, all the students of any specific
teacher are scheduled together.
(continued on p. 7)

The Many Hats of Arts Advocacy
Sarah Twedt, Chair
MMTA Student Composition Contest Reminder
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] January 2013
“The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic…music, dance,
painting, and theater are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment.”
— William Bennett, Former US Secretary of Education
Arts Advocacy – what exactly is this? To advocate for something is to support and defend a particular cause. For
certain, advocacy can involve being aware of current issues which are important to you, and communicating your concerns
with friends, colleagues and of course, local and national government representatives.
But there are many ways of being an arts advocate that does not involve a letter writing campaign.
Consider these additional ways to support the arts and arts education:
1) Encourage our families and students to attend arts events – concerts, theatre, dance
2) Encourage our students to sing, play music, read a book, dance or draw together
3) Explore the library and encourage reading of the “classics”
4) Encourage participation in arts activities – music lessons, dance, drama, drawing and writing
5) Establish an arts advocacy chairman for your music club and discuss the arts at your monthly meetings
6) Share your success stories of how being involved in the arts or music lessons have had a profound influence in the
life of someone you know
Let’s have some fun while supporting the arts and arts education!
Compositions are due March 1st, 2013. Trust you are working on one to submit for the contest this year. Details are
in the 2012-2013 MMTA Handbook.
Dorothy Sandquist, Program Chair
(MusicLink Playathon - continued from p. 6)
Q. Can adults perform in the Playathon?
A. Yes. We would love for adult students and also teachers to perform.
All participants, however, are expected to collect pledges for their
performances.
Q. Will there be a CD player available for an accompaniment disk?
A. Yes, we have a sound technician with us throughout the Playathon to
assist with this.
Q. Does the Playathon performance qualify for MMTA Challenge
Award points?
A. Yes. Participants will receive 100 Challenge Award points for
participating in the Playathon.
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January 2013 [MMTA NEWSLETTER]
MTNA Foundation Fellow Award
Raeanna Gislason, NCTM, Chair
Reminder to MMTA members who are planning to celebrate with Marianne Bryan at the
Monday night Gala at the MTNA National Conference in Anaheim: Tell President Kirsten
Levorson you are attending so the two reserved MMTA tables will be filled with our MMTA
members. We may need an overflow, who knows!
This month of January several of our talented Minnesota students travel to Kansas for the
West Central Division Competition. Donations to the MTNA Foundation help to support these
nationwide competitions and to fund the top prizes at the National Conference. First, thank
you to MMTA members who have contributed this past year. Second, very best wishes to all
the students who will be competing in Kansas. We wish we could see all of them in Anaheim!
Here is the impressive list. Zillions of CHEERS!!!
Henry Tiger Wang, Junior piano. Alexander Braginsky, teacher.
Andy Xue, Senior piano. Paul Wirth, teacher.
Jason Li Shu, Senior String-violin. Sally O’Reilly, teacher.
Cydney Chamberlain, Voice-Soprano. Siri Caltvedt, teacher.
Alysha Grosz & Paige Reiners, Senior Piano Duet. Roger McVey, teacher.
Matthew Taylor Harikian, Young Artist Piano. Kent McWilliams, teacher.
James Joseph Zabawa-Martinez, Young Artist String-violin. Sally O’Reilly, teacher.
Tyler Jay Cessor, Woodwind-Saxophone. Eugene Rousseau, teacher.
Stephen Wu, Elementary Composition. Dorothy Sandquist, teacher.
Jessica He, Senior String Composition. Dorothy Sandquist, teacher.
Chamber String and Wind Ensembles:
Northwestern College Trio. Barbara Rogers, teacher/coach.
Carl Christenson, Seoyon Susanna Lim, Benjamin Osterhouse
Twin Cities Saxophone Quartet. Eugene Rousseau, teacher/coach.
Benjamin Cold, Jeffery Kyle Hutchins, David Kahn, Alexander Richards.
Independent Music Teachers Forum - I’m Going to Disneyland, Are You?
Suzanne Greer, Chair
Music Teachers National Association Conference
March 9 – 13, 2013
Disneyland Resort!
Anaheim, California
MTNA has promised to engage, educate and entertain us at this year’s
National Conference! With performers such as Anderson & Roe and the Ahn
Trio, keynote speaker Rick Beyer, and masterclasses with Peter Mack and
Ingrid Clairfield, this shouldn’t be hard to do! Not to mention that we will be
at the heart of America’s playground in Anaheim at the Disneyland Resort.
Pedagogy Saturday looks very promising. A total of five tracks will be offered
and attendees are encouraged to mix and match among Advance Piano/Teaching Artistry, Collegiate/Young
Professional, Jazz/Popular Piano, Recreational Music Making, and Teaching Those With Special Needs. Of special
interest in the advance piano category are teaching techniques for students with small hands.
Sun and fun awaits – exhibit halls, forums, camaraderie with colleagues, and the conference gala at which
Dr. Marianne Bryan will be recognized as our 2013 Minnesota Foundation Fellow!
I hope to see you this March at “the happiest place on earth…where dreams really do come true.”

Call for Nominations
Deadline: March 1, 2013
Nominating Chair for
2012-2013:
Sandra Stenzel, NCTM
Nominee’s Name
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] January 2013
· · · · YOUR NOMINEES FOR MMTA BOARD POSITIONS · · · ·
Street Address City/State Zip
For which position is she/he recommended?
Offices to be filled by election in 2012 (two-year terms):
President-Elect VP Piano Education Treasurer
VP Convention VP Vocal/Instrumental Programs
Please tell us about your nominee. Include information such as: former MMTA positions held; participation in
MMTA programs; and why you think this person would be a good candidate.
Please make a copy of this page for each nomination submitted.
MAIL TO: Sandra Stenzel, NCTM, 3524 Ensign Ave. N, New Hope, MN 55427
EMAIL TO: sfspiano@gmail.com
INvolve, INform, INspire
MTNA needs your help with its 2012–2013
Membership Campaign “INvolve, INform, INspire.” The
goal of this campaign is to strengthen MTNA’s
membership in the coming year; the most
successful states will be recognized at the 2013
conference in Anaheim, California.
Research studies show that a majority of people join
associations because a colleague invited them. MTNA
encourages you to think of at least one person you
know who would benefit from MTNA membership and
reach out to that person. Then, spread the word about
the campaign in your local and state associations
so each one in our membership will reach one
prospective member.
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January 2013 [MMTA NEWSLETTER]
Minnesota Music Teachers Convention
June 10-11, 2013
Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West
3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, MN 55441
Application for Piano Masterclass
with Barbara Lister-Sink
Participants will be selected based on audio recordings only. Please submit a CD, which will not be returned.
Audition CDs must be postmarked by March 1, 2013. Note that this date will be strictly observed.
At the Master Class, the selected participants must perform the same music submitted on their audition CD.
No substitutions are allowed.
The composition must be no more than 7 minutes in length. Music should be memorized.
Applications at Late Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced levels will be considered.
The audition fee is $25. Make checks payable to MMTA.
Selected performers will be notified by April 20, 2013.
Upon notification of selection, performers will be asked to submit a wallet size photo and short bio (50 words or
less) for inclusion in the convention program booklet.
Please send completed application, check made out to MMTA, and audition audio recording to:
Ann Mishler
14421 92 nd Ave N
Maple Grove, MN 55369
*************************************************************************************
Please complete the following information:
Name of Performer _____________________________________________ Age _______________
Phone _______________________ Full Address _____________________________________________
Title & Composer _____________________________________________ Length: min. ____ sec. _____
Teacher’s name _______________________________________ Phone ___________________________
Email Address ________________________________________________________________________
Teachers– please comment on the student’s traits in the following areas:
Stage presence: ____________________________________________________________________
Ability to incorporate new ideas: ______________________________________________________
Ability to publicly accept suggestions: __________________________________________________

MMTA Board Minutes Highlights - Nov. 2012
Housekeeping with the approval of 2011-2012 fiscal year tax
return.
Coming soon, you will be able to purchase offsite sales with a
credit card.
Plans for more media and approval of a Media Release Form.
MMTA is donating $1000 to MTNA for the Hurricane Sandy
Recovery Fund.
Have you signed up for the Popular Styles Seminar yet?
Convention Committee is working hard on 2013 plans. Watch
for more information coming soon.
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] January 2013
Plan to Join Us for the 114 th Annual MMTA Convention: JUNE 9-11, 2013
Ann Mishler, NCTM, VP Convention; Liz Jennings, Co-Chair
The Convention Committee has chosen Freeing Technique, Soaring Musicality as the theme of our 114 th Annual MMTA
Convention with guest artist, Barbara Lister-Sink, from Salem College in North Carolina. As a teacher, she is
acknowledged as a global pioneer and leader in injury-preventive technique. Her video/DVD Freeing the Caged Bird -
Developing Well-Coordinated, Injury-Preventive Piano Technique won the distinguished 2002 Music Teachers National
Association - Frances Clark Keyboard Pedagogy Award. You can read more about her at her website:
www.freeingthecagedbird.com. In addition, portions of her video “Freeing the Caged Bird” can be viewed on Youtube.
Plan to join us at the convention as we learn more about Barbara’s extensive research. We look forward to seeing you
at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West in Plymouth!
Minnesota
M M T A s s o c i a t i o n
M u s i c
Teachers
F O U N D A T I O N
Have you given to the MMTA Foundation this year? All donors from December 1, 2012 to February 1, 2013 will have
their name entered in a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to the Guthrie Theater.
You can give online at http://www.mnmusicteachers.com/mmta-foundation
or make a check payable to “MMTA Foundation” and mail it to:
MMTAF Treasurer
10800 Lyndale Avenue South, Suite 263
Bloomington, MN 55420
The Foundation funds MMTA Achievement Awards, Junior and Senior Young Artist Awards, Gladys Markley Theory
Award, Kathy Bina Composition Award, Student of the Year Award, Local Association Grants and Professional
Development Grants. Help us raise the standard of music teaching in Minnesota – donate today!
Need help
registering or with
the website?
Contact the MMTA Office at
952-345-0629 or
mmta@mnmusicteachers.com
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January 2013 [MMTA NEWSLETTER]

Did You Know?...
Rebekah Richards, NCTM, Theory Development Committee Chair
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] January 2013
The Theory Development Committee has been hard at work the past year and a half designing a new theory syllabus
for Minnesota. At this point in time the syllabus is written, many exams are written, and the student workbooks are
started. Much more must be done – more workbooks written, beta testing, and recordings for aural exercises made.
The plan is to switch to this new syllabus the fall of 2014. To make the transition easier, this column with give you a
few sneak previews.
One of our favorite new sections is analysis. Beginning with the first level, students will look at a score and analyze it.
Level One students will do such things as identify intervals, find phrases that are the same or different, circle a triad or
find a pentascale. The analysis expands as the student’s theory knowledge grows, taking small steps that will lead to
analysis of sonata-allegro form and fugues at the top levels.
Here is an analysis example from the Student Workbook Level One:
1. What is the time signature? How many beats are in each measure?
2. Each phrase is assigned a lower-case letter. Phrase a is measures 1-4.
Phrase b is measures 5-8. Are phrases a and b the same or different?
3. Name the two notes in measure 2.
4. What pentascale does this piece use?
5. What measure has a solid triad?
6. Is the melody in measures 1-4 made up of 2nds or 3rds?
The committee is comprised of Jake Fitzpatrick, Sarah Miller, Siri Caltvedt, Shauna Elwood and Rebekah Richards.
Starting in December, Cara Mattson will be joining the committee to lend input from a vocal teacher’s perspective as
Siri takes a break.
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January 2013 [MMTA NEWSLETTER]
Tech Notes - Using Email in Your Studio
Erin Winchell, Technology Chair
Email can be an easy, effective communication tool. Here are some tips for using email in your studio.
Separate your business email from your personal, for free
There are a variety of reasons you might want a separate business email account. Maybe you share an email address
with your family and don’t want your kids accidentally deleting an important email. Maybe you don’t want to put your
personal email address on your website. Maybe you want an email address that includes your business name, or what
you do in the address. Maybe you don’t have a personal email account and want to try email for the first time.
Whatever the reason, it’s easy, and free to set up a business email address. There are many services that offer free
email addresses. Two popular services are Gmail and Yahoo Mail (I personally use Gmail). Both sites are very easy to set
up and use. Since these sites are popular, you might have to get creative with an address name. For example, when
I set up my business account, erinslessons and erinsmusic were already taken, so I went with erinsmusiclessons.
Stay in touch with people that email you
Having an email account is no good if you never remember to check it. I personally check my email way more than I
probably need to, thanks to my smartphone. If you have a smartphone, you probably already have your personal email
address linked to your phone. You should also consider linking your business email to your phone. Yes, you can set up
multiple email accounts on one phone.
If you don’t have a smartphone, you may consider using program, such as Outlook, to download your email to your
computer. If you use this type of program, you don’t have to worry about remembering to visit and log into your email
website. If you already use this type of program for your personal email, you should be able to set up your business
email account using the same program. Since this is a little complicated, most email services offer tutorials on how to
do this in their “Help” or “FAQ’s” sections.
Another option is to allow Gmail to forward your email to another email account. I have my business account forward
to my personal account so I never miss a message. Gmail also allows me to select which account I send a message from
by using a drop down menu when I compose a message. In other words, I can completely manage my business account
through my personal account. These options are available in the Settings area of Gmail under “Accounts and Importing”
and “Forwarding and POP/IMAP”
Yahoo mail allows you to create 2 email addresses in the same account, allowing you to link a business and personal
account. For a fee, you can forward your email to another email address. You can find information under “Mail
Options” and “Advanced Options”
Remember, there are no limits to the number of email accounts you can have – just the number you can keep track of.
Try to make a habit of checking your email at least once a day and returning emails within 24 hours.
Use your email to easily stay in touch with your entire studio.
Both Gmail and Yahoo Mail will allow you to create a group (Gmail’s term) or a list (Yahoo’s term) of email addresses. In
both email services, you need to go into your “Contacts” area to create a group or list. I have created a group that
contains an email address for every parent in my studio. If I want to email out a reminder, all I need to do is type in
“Lessons” (the name of my group) and it automatically pulls up every email address that I’ve put in this group. I also
have a group for parents that want to receive my monthly newsletter by email and groups based on what day I teach
students (so I can easily email just my Tuesday students). The larger your studio, the more time this will save you! Just
be sure to add or delete contacts from your group or list if you add new students or have students quit lessons.
(continued on p. 15)

Make Music Come Alive with Stuffed Animals!
Fern Davidson, NCTM, Chair
(continued from p. 14)
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] January 2013
Here are some fun ideas to use stuffed animals to bring new life to your teaching.
Our Convention speaker, Peter Mack, gave the suggestion of using five stuffed animals for the “five times in a row
correct” idea. Make a big deal about each one moving across the piano as the student completes each correct
playing of a section. For younger children, you might try only three times, not necessarily in a row.
NOTE READING: Have the students place the stuffed animal on the correct key of a large plastic keyboard made
from part of a shower curtain. Or, have them put the animal on the correct line or space of the staff made
from a full shower curtain and ½’” black duct tape. Students can identify notes or intervals on the plastic
keyboard or plastic staff. You can create games using flashcards with letter names, interval names or notes.
Or try using a spinner that you make, or one that is recycled from an old board game.
PENTASCALES AND SCALES: Have the students place the stuffed animals on the plastic keyboard or staff. You could
give the animals names based on the letter of the key or starting letter of the animal (ie. Giraffe=G, or George
the dog)
SIMPLE TUNES: Have the student move the stuffed animal up or down the plastic keyboard to show the melody.
AUDIENCE: When lacking a human audience, or to enlarge the audience, set up stuffed animals near the piano (on
chairs if you have that option available). Have the student face the “audience”. You could tape some human
applause to play at the end of the performance. Or simply place one animal on the piano rack as the audience.
DANCE PARTNER: Have the student choose a stuffed animal to dance with in ¾ time.
MOOD of PIECE: Have the student choose the animal that best describes the piece they are learning. This idea
could be used at group lessons also, having the student audience choose the animal that best suits the mood of
the piece that was performed.
If you need another player for a game, have the animal take the place of one of the kids. Have the student help the
animal for its turn.
Animal puppets are great to use with young children to teach just about any concept. Give the animal a name, use
your ventriloquist skills and have it “talk” to the children. The kids can ask it questions or can hear information
in a fun way, where the puppet is the teacher!
*Remember to wash the animals every so often. You can use baking soda in warm water and an old
toothbrush to give them a little bath.
As Charles Schulz said with tongue in cheek, “Try not to have fun…this is supposed to be educational.”
Etiquette when emailing large groups
If you’re emailing a group of people that don’t know each other (such as all the parents in your studio), make sure you
use the Bcc feature. Bcc stands for blind carbon copy and means that other recipients can’t see who else you sent the
message to. This removes that annoying list of recipients you see when replying to an email and also prevents one
person accidentally hitting “reply all” and replying to the entire group.
If you want to have a discussion with a group of people you know, like your local MMTA group, don’t use bcc and
instead use cc (carbon copy). This will allow people weigh in by using “reply all” and emailing the entire group.
Remember that email can be a powerful tool and a great timesaver, if you use it!
15

16
January 2013 [MMTA NEWSLETTER]
Scale Fingerings Help
Sharon Kaplan, NCTM, Piano Exam Development Committee Chair
At the MMTA Visioning Session, there was a request that MMTA provide a book that has all the piano syllabus technical
skills spelled out, with fingerings. And wouldn’t you know, we found someone, Elise Rieke, who is working on that and
is willing to share it with us!! But working everything out and getting it all on paper takes time. We hope to be able to
report something more conclusive in the next issue, at which time we will also give you hints for teaching the skills
without recourse to books if you are so inclined (at least half of those on the committee do not use scale books). Until
then, here are some references that some of our committee members have found helpful.
THE FJH CLASSIC SCALE BOOKS by McArthur/McLean
FJH CLASSIC FIRST SCALE BOOK for Prep - level 2
* Major and parallel minor pentascales
* Cross-hand arpeggios
* Tonic chords (blocked and broken)
* Cadences (I-V-I, I-V(7)-I)
* Major and minor One-octave scales
* Three-note tonic chord inversions
* Cadence I IV V V7 I
* Instructional pages explaining all of the concepts covered in this book
* Quick Guide to Scale Fingering
* Practice guides
* Progress charts.
FJH CLASSIC SCALE BOOK for Level 3 - 6
* Explains concept for Major Scales
* Explains concept for Minor Scales
* One-octave major and minor scales in parallel motion in quarter notes
* Two-octave major and natural, harmonic and melodic minor scales in in parallel motion in eighths notes
* Contrary motion major and harmonic minor scales
* Triads and inversions ,block and broken
* Diminished 7th 4-note chord block
* Diminished 7th arpeggios
* Key note arpeggios.
* Cadence I IV V V7 I and inversions
* Chromatic Scale.
THE BROWN SCALE BOOK: Scales, Chords and Arpeggios for Piano Level 7- 11
This no-nonsense compendium is just the ticket as a reference source for scales and arpeggios. Every key is covered
with major and minor (harmonic and melodic) scales, arpeggios, and chords. There's also a useful repertoire of
practice ideas, contrary motion, third, sixths,...
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SCALES, CHORDS, ARPEGGIOS & CADENCES
Scale, chord, arpeggio and cadence studies in all major and minor keys presented in a convenient two-page format.
Includes an in-depth 12 page explanation that leads to complete understanding of the fundamentals of major and
minor scales, chords, arpeggios and cadences plus a clear explanation of scale degrees and a two-page guide to
fingering the scales and arpeggios. In addition, several enrichment options are provided with exercises such as
harmonizing scales, accelerating scales expanding scales and much more!
Did You Know? The Piano Exam Resource Reference is a secondary source for the Piano Exam Syllabus. The Piano Exam
Development committee is working to ensure the rep levels in the list agree with the syllabus. Please cross-check
repertoire gleaned from the Resource Reference with the syllabus so that you don’t get a lovely pink slip before
the exam.
You can direct any questions to me, your humble Piano Exam program director, via email: ginachurchskule@gmail.com;
or phone: 651-468-6723.

Welcome to Music Bridges!
Lois Muelich, Program Director
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] January 2013
Students come to us because they want to “play” music, but in order to “play” (which is perceived as fun) one must
practice (which is perceived as work). The following is a quote from an article by Lesley Sisterhen McAllister in the AMT
Feb. / Mar. 2010.
“Children have an innate desire to make music, and that is obvious every time a child sings, dances to music,
or----- There exists in every child a strong imagination, a powerful need to create and a natural, instinctive
understanding of rhythm and melody that has been part of every human generation since the beginning of
time. Those qualities are not going to disappear because of video games or television. It is up to us as
teachers to learn how to capture those natural abilities and mold them to meet the highest standards.”
Bridges can be used to fulfill these innate desires and needs. Developing a program with a student that uses repertoire
that is liked and at the same time encourages the use of the imagination to create “bridges” to other fine arts and
activities, can be one of the ways we as teachers assist in making the “work” associated with practice into more of a
“fun” experience that leads to feelings of satisfaction, pride, and self-confidence. If you saw the pictorial display of
Bridges’ participants at the state convention the past two years, you would have seen that every one of the students
had a huge smile!
The article referred to above concludes:
“Our most difficult job is not the actual teaching of music----it is learning how to reach children imaginatively,
teaching them about the rewards of hard work and keeping them enrolled in music lessons even when other
activities seem like more fun. The final goal of music lessons is not to enjoy oneself. But if students have fun
while they are learning, then they are more likely to learn the material better and do the necessary work
more often. If challenges are undertaken and attained, if students begin to enjoy the act of performing
because they feel proud of what they have done, and if they develop a love of music that will last for a
lifetime, music teachers will have done their job.”
BRIDGES ----- a tool for changing “work” into “fun”.
Would you like your
students to perform at the
Mall of America?
(Registration deadline Jan. 28, 2013)
http://www.mnmusicteachers.com/musiclink-playathon
-registration#overlay-context=
Have them participate in
the MusicLink Playation!
Benefits include:
For teachers: An exciting performance
opportunity for your students. A chance to
show the public the value of music education.
For parents: A way for their children to use
their musical talents to help others lessfortunate
than themselves.
For students: A chance to perform at the Mall
of America, earn prizes, get 100 Challenge
Award points, and have the satisfaction of
helping other children by sharing your
musical talents.
For more information see the 2012-2013 MMTA Handbook pp. 21-23, or contact Sue Wege
swege71@comcast.net 651-458-0143
17

18
January 2013 [MMTA NEWSLETTER]
Elianna Ayala, student of MMTA
member Kay Hawkins, is the winner of
the 2013 MMTA Logowear Design
Contest. Congrats!
Elianna’s design will be featured on t-shirts,
tote bags, and other items available for
purchase at the 2013 MMTA Piano Contest
(all sites) and the 2013 MMTA Vocal/
Instrumental Contest Finals. All proceeds
benefit the MMTA Foundation.
Looking for a way to get involved? Go to http://www.mnmusicteachers.com/volunteer-opportunities;
or contact the MMTA Office at 952-345-0629, mmta@mnmusicteachers.com.

2013 State Piano Contest List Updates
Junior A:
Bazaar in Morocco by M. Mier is in Keyboard Kaleidoscope
Book 1.
Junior B:
Sonata in G Major by D. Cimarosa should say NO REPEATS
Sonatina in C Major by J. Andre should say NO REPEAT
Intermediate A:
Bourée in F Major by G. Telemann should say NO REPEATS
Sonatina in G Hob. XVI/11, 1st Mvt., Presto by F. J. Haydn
should say TAKE REPEATS, D.C.
Wings of Snow by N. Ikeda page numbers should be 12-15
Senior A:
Song Without Words, Op. 67, No. 1 by F. Mendelssohn book
number should be Alfred 4860C
Senior B:
Sonata in E Major, K. 380, L. 23 by D. Scarlatti should say
TAKE REPEATS
Due to the typo, EITHER Op. 119 #2 OR Op. 116 #2 will
be allowed
ATTENTION VOICE TEACHERS
The following songs will be sung by the Chorus at the STATE VOCAL &
INSTRUMENTAL CONTEST.
"To Music" “This Little Light of Mine"
Betty Bertaux Arr. by Ken Berg
Boosey & Hawkes Colla Voce
48004340* 20-96460
Music can be ordered through Groth Music, 8056 Nicollet Avenue
South, Bloomington, MN. 55420. Phone: (800) 969-4772 or (952)884-
4772.
Please order these songs well in advance so that the students may have
a chance to learn them and bring them to the contest with them. No
photocopies will be allowed.
*Please note the corrected item number
Yes, we’re open!
Due to new fire regulations, the MMTA Office is no longer able to
keep the door open during office hours. If you visit the office
anytime Monday-Friday 10am-2pm, feel free to just open the door
and walk in.
[MMTA NEWSLETTER] January 2013
THE MMTA NEWSLETTER
Official Publication of the
Minnesota Music Teachers Association
affiliated with the
Music Teachers National Association.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Minnesota Music Teachers
Association is to advance the profession of music
teaching through education, certification, networking
and advocacy.
MMTA Purpose
The purpose of the Minnesota Music Teachers
Association is to enhance the professional status of its
members, to sponsor and participate in programs for
the enrichment of music education, and to encourage
music performance and creativity. All members are
committed to the highest standards of music teaching
and are dedicated to upholding and improving the
standards of all music education in Minnesota.
Statement of Function
The function of the MMTA Newsletter is to reflect the
Purpose of MMTA, to serve as a vehicle of
communication to the membership, to inform the
membership of events and ideas; to report musical
activity in the state and to stimulate and encourage
active interest, participation and support for the MMTA
as it maintains a role of leadership in the State of
Minnesota.
MMTA NEWSLETTER POLICY
Promotions of recitals, workshops or other events of
interest to music teachers which have a charge or fee
must be inserts as advertisements. Exceptions are
MTNA and MMTA-sponsored events, and the fall
education classes on contest materials (i.e., SPPTA,
MMTF, St. Cloud, New Ulm, etc.).
ISSUES AND DEADLINES
September: August 1st
October: September 1st
November: October 1st
December: November 1st
January: December 1st
February: January 1st
March: February 1st
April: March 1st
May: April 1st
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
The statements of the advertisers
are not necessarily those of MMTA.
ADVERTISEMENT RATES
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WANT AD RATE SCHEDULE
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SUBMIT ARTICLES & ADVERTISEMENTS TO:
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OR
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19

June 10-11, 2013
Crowne Plaza - Minneapolis West, Plymouth, MN
Featuring Guest Clinician: Dr. Barbara Lister-Sink
BARBARA LISTER-SINK, internationally acclaimed pianist and teacher, is a
graduate of Smith College and holds the coveted Prix d’Excellence from the
Utrecht Conservatory. A former member of the Artist Faculty of the Eastman
School of Music, she has collaborated with some of the world’s most
renowned performers, composers and in numerous music festivals. Formerly
keyboardist for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, she has
also taught on the piano faculties of the Amsterdam Muziek Lyceum, Duke
University, and the Brevard Music Center and is currently Professor of Piano
and Director of the School of Music at Salem College. Her teachers include
Edith Lateiner-Grosz, John Duke and Guido Agosti.
As a teacher, Lister-Sink is acknowledged as a global pioneer and leader in injury-preventive keyboard technique.
Her video/DVD Freeing the Caged Bird– Developing Well-Coordinated, Injury-Preventive Piano Technique won the
distinguished 2002 Music Teachers National Association-Frances Clark Keyboard Pedagogy Award and was
praised as “A monumental work!” by Vladimir Ashkenazy.
Recently Lister-Sink was featured pedagogue for the Piano Texas/Cliburn International Academy & Festival, gave
workshops and performances for the Alabama and Nebraska Music Teachers State Conferences, and was a
presenter at the 2012 Music Teachers National Association Annual Conference in New York City.
Through her video/DVD, intensive training workshops, state and national, and international conferences, in
addition to hundreds of workshops at universities, conservatories, summer institutes, AGO chapters and
professional organizations, Lister-Sink has helped thousands of keyboardists from around the world remove
technical obstacles to their musical development. Her performances are eloquent demonstrations of the
marriage of technical freedom and musical artistry.