MichiganMTA 2025 State Conference

A few weekends ago, I attended the annual state conference of the Michigan Music Teachers Association (MMTA), held October 10-11, 2025. The venue was Saginaw Valley State University — about 1.5 hour drive from home. I had the pleasure of serving on the conference planning committee this year, and was especially looking forward to seeing how the event turned out.

The conference opened with brief welcome messages from Laurie Marshall (our current MMTA President), Janice Derian (conference chair), Norman Sika (chair of the music department at SVSU), and Brian Shepard (CEO of Music Teachers National Association [MTNA]).

Next was the opening recital by the Brickle & Chan Piano Duo. Chia-Ying Chan and David Brickle performed several contemporary works with great rhythmic complexity. Their sense of ensemble never wavered. It was impressive and fun.

After the concert, Brian Shepard delivered a keynote titled The Power of Community. We were lucky to have MTNA’s CEO with us. He highlighted MTNA’s commitment to supporting music teachers and explained why being part of a professional association matters. He described MTNA membership as being part of a movement to ensure the next generation of music teachers has what they need to thrive.

Brian also suggested we think of colleagues we could invite to join MTNA, and so, if you’re not already a member, I’m inviting YOU to consider it! Joining MTNA and its state and local chapter affiliates has been a source of wonderful professional development, professional contacts, and friendships for me since I joined many years ago. I highly recommend it. (By the way, MTNA is celebrating 150 years and the 2026 national conference will be held in Chicago, IL in March!) Learn more about MTNA here.

After the keynote, the schedule offered two session options. I attended a lively session by Helen Marlais titled: Like a Chef that Creates a Stupendous Meal, how do Teachers Help their Students Foster Artistic Personality at the Piano?

Lunch was conveniently available at a campus cafeteria in the same building. We enjoyed a wide array of delicious buffet options.

Next was a session given by Chia-Ying Chan called Integrating Memorization: From Practice to Performance.

Following that, I delivered a presentation called: Don’t Miss a Beat! Strategies for Rhythm Success with Transfer Students.

Next, John Ellis gave a presentation on comparative pedagogy titled When Experts Disagree: What’s a Teacher to Do?. He compared and contrasted how pedagogues Abby Whiteside, György Sándor, Alfred Cortot, and the Dorothy Taubman legacy (as continued by Edna Golandsky) approach piano playing. I happen to be currently reading Abby Whiteside’s book, so I was especially interested in hearing John’s thoughts on her approach compared to the others.

Gjergji Gaqi presented an excellent session called The Collaborative Pianist in Ballet Class. At conferences, I often like to choose sessions outside my experience, and I’m often delighted by how interesting and enlightening they are. This was one of those sessions.

After the afternoon sessions were over, I checked into the conference hotel along with two colleagues. We relaxed for a few minutes before heading back to the venue for the gala dinner.

During dinner, the raffle winners for the donated baskets supporting the MTNA Foundation Fund were announced. I was fortunate to have my ticket drawn for a beautiful basket full of fall items: cider, apple butter, jam, and a flannel pumpkin decoration. My friend Sarah Boyd won the raffle for the basket donated by my local chapter, the Ann Arbor Area PTG. Here we are showing off her winnings — which included two of my own books: Keys at Play and Musician’s Practice Planner. Fun!

The evening recital opened with a premiere performance of a work commissioned by MMTA from Benjamin Krause, the winning composer of MMTA’s annual composition competition. The lovely work was performed by clarinetist Dr. Gary June and pianist Christina Krause.

The gala concert given by Stanislav Khristenko of Michigan State University featured creative programming. Stanislav performed 24 preludes in roughly chronological order. He described the program as akin to a tasting menu. The earliest preludes were from Couperin, Handel, and Rameau. Major composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven were represented, as well as composers such as Szymanowski, Albeniz, Scriabin, Siloti, Kapustin, Corigliano, and Vine. Stanislav’s program notes added depth to hearing the selections.

Day 2 opened with Morning Movement for Musicians, led by Sarah Boyd and Joshua DiMercurio. Attendees explored Rudolph Laban’s effort factors with improvised piano music.

Next, Greg Cerveny gave a showcase session called “Enhancing Lessons with HookTheory: Exploring Music Theory Through Popular Music,” overviewing the variety of tools available from HookTheory. (If you aren’t already aware, by the way, it’s a great website!)

Don Crafton then presented a showcase session about Sight Reading Factory called “Sight Reading Made Simple”.

Stanislav Khristenko, artist from the prior evening’s concert, gave a session called Inside the Performer’s Brain: From Practice Room to Stage.

Catherine McMichael presented Bringing Composition Into Your Studio. This was a delightful session by a clearly talented composer.

Next, Sarah Boyd presented The Art of Solo Recitals: Elementary, Junior, Senior. She shared how she encourages her students to host and give their own solo recitals at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. This was an inspiring session, and I very well might encourage some of my students to consider doing this!

Mary Siciliano presented a 20-minute version of her excellent session, The First Three Years, discussing all aspects of working with young students in their beginning years.

I enjoyed lunch at the university cafeteria again with some colleague friends. There’s nothing like reconnecting and spending time with fellow music teachers!

The afternoon brought a masterclass, a student honors recital, and more sessions. I heard Tristan McKay give a session called, Who’s Afraid of the Five-Line Staff? The Art and Opportunity of Graphic Notation Music.

Tian Tian presented Technique and Artistic Development Through Czerny’s Op. 849.

Kara Huber from Interlochen presented Teen Technique Triage: Creating Technical Games and Activities to Produce Strong Practicing Skills for Teenagers.

I drove home with two Ann Arbor colleagues and enjoyed a lovely conversation the entire way.

I always enjoy attending my state conference, and this year was no different. The sessions were excellent, the venue was perfect, and the time spent connecting with fellow teachers was worthwhile as always.

---

Your turn: Have you attended your state conference this year? If so, what speakers or sessions did you enjoy? Please share in the comments section below.