NSMTA Programs

Need a goal for theory and performance? This is it. Achievement in Music is a statewide exam recently revised (by our own teachers who use it) to be practical and student-friendly. AIM offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes theory and technique as well as piano performance. The AIM Syllabus provides teachers with a sequential outline of piano study helpful in preparing students for yearly assessments. Students benefit by having specific goals to achieve at every level, while teachers and parents are given an independent evaluation of student progress.

Certification
Is there value in being professionally certified? Indeed there is. Parents and students want qualified teachers. Assure them that there are qualifications for teaching. Not just anyone who plays the piano is qualified to teach. Certified teachers are listed in The American Music Teacher which is circulated throughout the nation, in the ISMTA State Directory which is circulated throughout the state, and in our local NSMTA Directory or by calling the local certification chairperson.

Competition

Want a real challenge for your most ambitious students? The annual award competition in piano is designed for gifted students of NSMTA members who want to study challenging piano repertoire and who want to compete with other gifted students. All winners perform at the May Winners Recital. The competition will be held on Saturday May 2, 2010 at Northwestern University. Fee $30.00.

Music Link
Music Link Foundation teachers offer scholarships to children who show musical promise but may not be able to afford lessons. Participating teachers receive free music to distribute to their Link students. NSMTA has received a national Music Link grant that helps move donated pianos into the homes of Music Link families.

Recitals
Marvel at the proficiency of our outstanding students. Gold Medal Winners Recital for Sonata-Sonatina Festival: February 28, 2010, 1:00 pm. to 5 p.m. Times to be determined depending on how many gold medal winners and how long the pieces are. See calendar for more details. The Winners Recital is on Sunday, May 16, 2010 and will feature the winners from the competition, AIM awards, Merle Hanson and Summer Camp scholarship award winners.

Scholarships download form Music Camp download form
Do you currently have students in grades 5-12 student who are planning to attend a summer music camp? They may be eligible for a scholarship. The candidate must be a student of an NSMTA member and submit a tape of his/her playing to qualify for the two annual scholarships.

Sonata/Sonatina Festival

Online registration for the Sonatina Festival is now available here.
We are testing Paypal so after you visit the registration page, you can return here to pay the festival fees online.

download form

Application Deadline	January 11, 2010
Festival Date	February 21, 2010
Gold Medal Winners Recital	February 28, 2010

Want students to be as excited about sonatas as you are? Each NSMTA member may submit seven students to play at the annual Sonata/Sonatina Festival held at the Chicago Music Institute in Winnetka. Often there are more than 300 students participating. It is designed to give students critiques on their performances. They also receive a blue ribbon for participating, and those who score 90-100 receive medals: gold, silver and bronze. Gold medalists may play in the winners' recitals a week after the Festival.

Teachers' Meetings
Looking to meet and talk with other teachers? The monthly meetings on the 4th Monday of each month September to November and January to April provide a good place to meet professional colleagues. The meetings take place at the Chicago Music Institute at 300 S. Green Bay Road in Winnetka. Prompt members get in on a Round Table Program at 9:30 by one of our own illustrious members before the 10:00 business meeting. Following a short coffee break will be the main program starting at 11:00. We have a variety of lectures, demonstrations and performances. These inspiring programs provide continuing education and are often one of the reasons members join NSMTA.

Teachers' Recital and Luncheon
A festive way to finish the school year, our last gathering includes about an hour of fabulous performances of our own members and friends doing solos or ensembles on piano or organ and with voice or instruments. It takes place usually the first Monday of June at an area church and a nearby eaterie.

Application Deadline	April 1, 2010
Competition Date	May 2, 2010
Winners Recital	May 16, 2010