September 2026
Tuesday, September 15 at 10:30 am: “New Beginnings”
Come to our meeting and learn about events planned for the year. Program Chairs will be available to discuss their events. This is a great opportunity to meet the chairpersons, explore opportunities for your students and learn ways that members can participate and make LWMTA a stronger and more vital organization for teachers and students.
October 2026
Tuesday, October 20th at 10:30 am: “Piano Technology for Teachers – Part Two” presented by Ryan Sowers, RPT
Ryan Sowers will be back again to delve deeper into Piano Technology. He will be discussing pedals. Please
bring any questions that you have for him.
Do your eyes glaze over when you hear the terms “regulating” or “voicing” from your piano technician? This fast-paced and entertaining presentation will boost your understanding of how the various systems of the piano work and how to communicate and collaborate with your technician to gain the best rewards from your instrument. Topics discussed:”What are regulating and voicing?” The advantages of “floating pitch,”The importance of humidity control. What can be done about overly heavy or light actions? What’s the difference between our tuning and electronic tuning? Bring your questions!
Saturday, October 24th, 2026: District II Conference at Steinway Showroom, Seattle
Saturday, October 24th at 2:00 pm: Musical Gift Recital at Jefferson House, Kirkland
Saturday October 24th: Registration Deadline for Musical Passport Festival (Chair, Selina Chu)
Saturday October 31st: Online Submission Deadline for Musical Passport Festival (Chair, Selina Chu)
November 2026
Saturday, November 7th, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm: Musical Passport Festival at Northwest Pianos, 13310 Bel-Red Road Suite 100, Bellevue, WA
Tuesday, November 17th at 10:30 am: “Applying Montessori Methods to Teach Students with ADHD, Disabilities, and Preschool Age” presented by Anna Schultz
Anna will be sharing her presentation from the WSMTA Conference and also add in some information on
Summer Camps for Piano Students. Participants will learn the core principles of the
Montessori method and why it is so effective for young learners and students with ADHD and disabilities. The presentation will demonstrate the learning process using Montessori teaching tools, tactile activities, and hands-on games that naturally support focus and attention. Attendees will also explore strategies that help students remember musical concepts more easily through movement, repetition and sensory engagement.
December 2026
Saturday, December 12th at 2:00 pm: Musical Gift Recital at Jefferson House, Kirkland
Sunday, December 13th at 2:00 pm: Musical Gift Recital at University House, Issaquah
Tuesday, December 15th at 10:30 am: Potluck
Holiday Luncheon at Karen Blyton’s Studio. Please bring a dish to share!
January 2027
Saturday, January 9th: Musical Artistry Program registration deadline
Friday, January 15th: Student Composers Recital registration deadline
Sunday, January 17th at 2:00 pm: Musical Gift Recital at Bellewood Senior Living, Issaquah.
Tuesday, January 19th at 10:30 am: “Gifting Students with Artistry” presented by Bonnie Debu
This presentation dives into the science of shortening the journey from “I played all the notes” to: “I am an artist.” Getting students to move from basic recitation to artistic interpretation at any level requires making imaginative connections between the human experience and the elements presented in the music, then expressing that connection through well-chosen technique. Artistry is NOT an emotion-led disregard of proven forms of study. Artistry takes some pretty gutsy leadership skills! Prepare to hear more than a few useful analogies plus creative systems and tools to help your students grow their artistry.
Saturday, January 30th, 6:00-7:00 pm: Student Composers Recital (Chair: Kaitlin Mitchell)
February 2027
Friday, February 5th: Registration Deadline for LWMTA Teachers Recital (Chair Kaitlin Mitchell)
Saturday, February 13th, 6:00-7:30 pm, LWMTA Teachers Recital at Northwest Pianos, 13310 Bel-Red Road Suite 100, Bellevue, WA (Chair Kaitlin Mitchell)
Tuesday, February 16th at 10:30 am: “Exploring New Music”
Sometimes it is easy to get in a creative block with teaching, and struggling to find new music appropriate for students. This discussion will help with that. Please bring a favorite piece of music or book that has been meaningful to you, either something you have used successfully in your teaching or ideas for recitals. It can also be something that has inspired, challenged, or enriched you personally. Members are welcome to play their piece for everyone if they like. Our goal is to come away with lots of new music for you and your studio!
Wednesday-Friday February 17-19th: Music Artistry Program (MAP) (Chair: Makiko Meyer)
Wednesday, February 24th: Registration Deadline for MAP Recognition Recital
Saturday, February 27th at 5:30 pm: MAP Recognition Recital at Northwest Pianos, 13310 Bel-Red Rd #100, Bellevue, WA (Chair: Makiko Meyer)
March 2027
Wednesday, March 10th: Registration Deadline for LWMTA Scholarship Competition
Tuesday, March 16th at 10:30 am: “Repertoire Choices for Intermediate-Level Piano Students” presented by Dr. Yimo Zhang
This presentation seeks to provide practical tools for teachers by identifying selected areas of focus in our teaching and using excerpts of repertoire from a variety of stylistic periods. These areas cover both pianistic development and musicianship. We will examine excerpts and identify technically and musically
challenging passages, then use problem solving skills to come up with creative exercises. We will explore
overlooked repertoire which could be motivating while at the same time reinforcing a solid foundation.
April 2027
Friday-Tuesday, April 2nd-6th: MTNA Conference in St. Louis, Missouri
Saturday, April 3rd: LWMTA Scholarship Competition, Location TBA.
Tuesday, April 20th: Registration deadline for Music Literacy Program.
Tuesday, April 20th at 10:30 am: “WSMTA State and District Opportunities and Events” presented by Kira Miller
Our Washington State President will be visiting and sharing information pertinent to our chapter members. Please bring your questions!
Sunday, April 25th, at 2:00 pm: Musical Gift Recital at Morning Star of Kirkland
May 2027
Saturday, May 1st: Music Literacy Program at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10115 172nd AVE NE, Redmond, WA 98052
Tuesday, May 19th at 10:30 am: “Spring Luncheon and Membership Appreciation”
Please join us for our potluck, where we can share our appreciation to our members who have volunteered for us. Please bring a dish to share! Location: Karen Blyton’s studio.
June 2027
Saturday – Monday, June 26 – 28th: WSMTA State Conference at Heathman Lodge, Vancouver, WA
July 2027
No Scheduled Activities
August 2027
No Scheduled Activities