Student Performance Opportunities
I belong to the following music teacher’s organizations:
Music Teacher’s National Association
Texas Music Teacher’s Association (TMTA)
Independent Music Teacher’s Association (IMTA)
The National Guild of Piano Teachers
The National Federation of Music Clubs, San Jacinto chapter
Each of these groups sponsor various performance opportunities for music students. In order to familiarize you with these opportunities, below are listed the ones in which most of my students enjoy participating.
Music Teacher’s National Association - TMTA & IMTA
TMTA
The Texas Chapter sponsors a yearly theory test at each grade level. Students earning at least a 90% or higher earn a theory medal for that year. Students also may participate in various other state level activities and competitions if they meet qualifications. Passing the theory test is one of those requirements.
IMTA
1. Critic’s Corner takes place in November. Three memorized pieces are prepared. Student’s play before an audience and a judge. If the student earns a “one” rating for four years (not necessarily consecutive) they earn a trophy.
2. Performance Contest – this is a contest that is the prerequisite for the state competition. Students must be in the 7th grade or higher to move on to state.
3. All Star – This takes place in the spring, and is a music / arts event. The students prepare one memorized piece, plus an art project depicting the piece or explaining the form, or telling about the composer. Two awards are given in each recital group, an audience choice award for the project, and a best-performance award for the best piece.
4. Master Classes - Students may also be selected to participate in classes where they receive coaching from well-known instructors.
San Jacinto Federation of Music Clubs
A local chapter of the National Federation of Music Clubs, sponsors the Gold Cup Festival each February. Students play two memorized pieces, a required piece and a choice piece. Pieces are chosen at the current performance level of the individual student. Performers earn points toward a Gold Cup. It usually takes three years to earn a cup. Every additional cup earned is larger than the first cup.
Students scoring Superior in the Gold Cup Event, have the option to go to the State Gold Cup Event in San Marcos in May. Here they play only the required piece, Ribbons are given to the students for the performance and those who demonstrate something special, may earn the All-State plaque. This is the most coveted award.
In August of 2019 a new event is being added, a patriotic recital. Details are forthcoming.
National Guild of Piano Teachers
National Guild Auditions is sponsored by the American College of Musicians and was founded in 1929. It is an organization that provides goals for students to work toward each year. Students play a program of several memorized pieces (the number of pieces varies with the individual) and musicianship phases (scales, arpeggios, chords, & cadences) for a qualified judge. Participants earn a report card, certificate, and pin each year that they take part. The Guild also awards medals and plaques for special programs in Bach and Sonatina/Sonata areas. The Paderewski Gold Medal can be earned for 10 years of National (10 pieces) programs. High School Diplomas may be earned in Social Music, and the regular High School Diploma is for the most serious students.
