2012 KMTA Conference at Baker University

That "Music matters!" was abundantly illustrated at the KMTA annual conference at Baker University! Our keynote address by Trilla Lyerla, Chair of the Departments of Theater and Music at Baker, motivated us to each find our own passion to communicate the value and importance of music study by the way we speak to our students, their parents, and our communities.

That "Music [study] matters!" was evident in sessions by Christy Williams of Wichita (telling how leadership skills develop in ensemble playing), Janet Johnson of Lawrence (sharing how saying "you have been selected to participate" motivates students to value and ask to take part in performance-evaluations!), and by Jennifer Fink of Olathe (showing her multi-sensory approach by letting us play her students' favorite game, "Listening BINGO"—from her www.pianimation.com site). Wendy Stevens of Andover shared her newest sight-playing materials from her www.composecreate.com site and motivated us to value ourselves as CEOs of our music businesses (without guilt!)

The opportunities for sharing our collective experiences in teaching were a launching pad for new ideas in our studios and communities! Our "Best Idea" winner hooked a keyboard to a car battery so her students could perform for passersby! Talk about music advocacy in action and reaching a variety of audiences! (A new one every 10 seconds!)

We will have two chances to share ideas and innovations this year! November 10 during the Honors Auditions at Washburn University, and next summer, June 28 & 29, at Kansas State University in Manhattan! Check it all out at www.ksmta.org!

KMTA-Capitol Federal Honors Auditions
The Honors Auditions were created to allow any student to participate as a positive learning experience. Participants may enter from Grade 1 though the collegiate level. The categories of entry range from non-memorized pieces through duet entries to solo entries that may be eligible for regional and national competition. Kansas students placed 3rd and 2nd in recent MTNA competitions!

2012 Auditions at Washburn University in Topeka

Pre-College - November 10, 2012
(Postmark deadline - October 15, 2012)

Collegiate - November 11, 2012
(Postmark deadline - October 22, 2012)

Find enrollment forms and information at www.ksmta.org.

* Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, through the Music Teachers National Association.