"Combined West Portland-East Portland Potluck"

Note: This event will be held in a member's home; location TBD

What better way to round out our teaching year than a get-together with our good friends from East Portland District? Please bring a food item to share.

"Artistic Pedaling"

Presenter: Deborah Cleaver

This presentation explores diverse types of pedaling used to increase artistic expression, achieve clean, clear sound, and to facilitate fluid movement. Additionally, the importance of posture, bench height, and correct movement will be discussed.

"From Exuberance to Bitterness: Dance Steps and Emotional Content of Chopin's National Dances"

Presenter: Dr. Ivona Kaminska

Note: This virtual event will be held on Zoom, from 10 AM-12 PM.

A deeper and more nuanced understanding of Polish national dances greatly enhances our playing and teaching of the music of Chopin. Focusing on three different types of Mazurka and the rhythmic gestures of the Polonaise, the talk includes a discussion of how Polish history influences the emotional content of each of these dance types.

"Performance Practice in Baroque Keyboard Music"

Presenter: Dr. Barbara Baird

An exploration of basic considerations of performing Baroque keyboard music, including: What is the basic touch used? What are the four main types of articulation? How is the choice of articulation influenced by the tempo, as well as the melodic and rhythmic construction of the piece? What articulations are implied in the music, but not shown through notation? What do ornament signs mean and how do we play ornaments? What is the practice of adding ornamentation? What do tempo markings mean? What dynamics are implied in the music when no dynamics are indicated? Is the use of damper pedal appropriate?

"The Mighty Wrist: Mastering the Motions of the Wrist for Optimal Piano Technique"

Presenter: Dr. Stephen Lewis, NCTM

An in-depth look at the wrist motions involved in piano playing (lateral, up-down, elliptical, rotational, drawer, and stationary) and how they help various techniques and textures we often teach or play. Dr Lewis will explore how and why these motions are so crucial to piano playing, and provide knowledge and flexibility to the teachers present in how to make your own determinations regarding teaching using the wrists.

There are competitive and non-competitive categories in this event. Ensembles of two or more students perform in short recitals. Students in the competitive category will be coached by an adjudicator, students in the non-competitive category will receive general feedback after the recital. In the competitive category, 25% of students from each division are invited to perform in the State Ensemble Recital, taking place December 6th in Eugene.

"Navigating the 'New' Syllabus"

Presenters: Heidi Evans, Susan Todd, Liz Willis

Are you anxious about registering for Syllabus using the new platform? Are you curious about modifications to the Syllabus manual? Get all your questions answered at the beginning of the school year. Our Syllabus "gurus"--all NCTM adjudicators who worked on the revisions--will be on hand to share their expertise. The new registration platform will be demonstrated with video support.

E-Festival

Saturday, June 1st, 2025

The E-Festival is a non-competitive event, comprised of pre-recorded video submissions. Eligible music includes any original works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, and Contemporary periods. After the submission deadline, an E-Festival YouTube Playlist will be sent out to all participating teachers which will be visible for 30 days.

Joint West/East Portland Potluck

Hosted by Liz Willis

What better way to round out our teaching year than a get-together with our good friends from East Portland District? Please bring a food item to share. Details will be emailed to West Portland members.

The Trula Whelan Concerto Festival is a single day event during which the participants have the opportunity to perform concerto repertoire with an accompanist. It is a non-competitive festival. The adjudicator will give a short master class after each performance. All participants will receive certificates of participation, and some will receive medallions for Outstanding Achievement or Honorable Mention.

Virtual Presentation on Zoom

Presenter: Susan Bruckner

“The Whole Musician”

Susan Bruckner's book, "The Whole Musician," has received rave reviews and influenced musicians and educators nationwide. Speaking to us from Santa Cruz, CA, where she is director of the piano program at Cabrillo College, Susan will explore the topics of Music Neuroscience, Learning Styles for Musicians, Teaching to the Subconscious Mind, and Motivational Strategies for Teens. Susan is a pianist with degrees from Eastman School of Music, San Francisco Conservatory, and the New School for Music Study with Frances Clark. She is a speaker and workshop presenter throughout the US, Canada, and Europe

Special Event--Ines Irawati Master Class

10:00am-12:00pm Friday, March 21st, 2025

Christ United Methodist Church

Following her highly praised master class and benefit concert on behalf of MusicLink last year, Ines will be back in Portland for several performances. West Portland District has invited Ines to enlighten, inspire, and entertain us with her vibrant teaching style and musical mastery. The class will focus on intermediate and advanced students. For a foretaste of Ines's artistry, check out her website: www.inesirawati.com

Presenter: Dr. Lisa Neher

The Sustainable Studio

Most music teachers experience burnout and overwhelm. How can we create and maintain a studio that is sustainable for our economic needs and our personal and family well-being? This presentation will offer best practices for designing studio policies and practices to ensure stable finances for you and your family, protect your time and energy, and provide clarity and professionalism to your students and studio families. Topics include: tuition models, billing and scheduling software, studio contracts and policies, the ever-present "makeup lesson" question, healthy and joyful boundaries, and more. We will have time to address your questions and share strategies with one another.

Presenter: Andrew D'Antonio, NCTM

Teaching Adult Piano Students

Most pedagogical training and materials tends to focus on kids, teens, and budding professionals as students. However, many people take up or resume piano study as adults, without any intention of having a musical career. Adults students require a different approach to technique, repertoire, and even lesson format than what is often standard for students under 18. As a specialist teaching adult amateur pianists at all levels, Andrew will share strategies, trends, and teaching techniques for teachers to feel confident and prepared for working with adult students.

2024 District Ensemble Festival

October 26th, 2024

Portland Piano Company

There are competitive and non-competitive categories in this event. Ensembles of two or more students perform in short recitals. Students in the competitive category will be coached by an adjudicator, students in the non-competitive category will receive general feedback after the recital. In the competitive category, 30% of students are invited to perform in the State Ensemble Recital, usually held the second weekend of December.

West Portland District Meeting

10:00am-12:00pm Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

Christ United Methodist Church

Presenter: Emily Ross, Music Therapist

Fragile Folks: Working with Anxious Music Students

Does it seem like you are seeing more tears in the piano studio than you used to? Or students just completely shutting down? You are not alone. Understanding anxiety on a neurological and on a cultural level can help you navigate these tricky waters. Anxiety is a particularly hairy concept as it is both a general descriptor and a diagnosis. Because we have all felt it, it can be uncomfortable to talk about. Emily Ross, board-certified music therapist, has your back. This workshop will focus on clarifying definitions and the cultural context of anxiety. It will also cover newer terminology such as Trauma-Informed Care and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Finally, Emily will present concrete strategies to support a student without crossing into a therapist role.

West Portland District Meeting

10:00am-12:00pm Wednesday, September 25th, 2024

Christ United Methodist Church

OMTA President Heidi Evans will give a short talk on the lesser known programs/resources OMTA has to offer, followed by a round-robin discussion of teaching tips. Join us to kick-off the new year!

The Trula Whelan Concerto Festival is a single day event during which the participants have the opportunity to perform concerto repertoire with an accompanist. It is a non-competitive festival. The adjudicator will give a short master class after each performance. All participants will receive certificates of participation, and some will receive medallions for Outstanding Achievement or Honorable Mention.