NWSMTA meets monthly, September through May. Meetings are held at various locations. Please check the location for each month. In December we have our holiday party, and in May we have our spring luncheon. Our business meeting begins at 9:45, followed by a special program at 10:30. Come join us!
Program Listing 2024-2025
Program Listing 2024-2025
Monday, September 16, 2024, 9:45 AM
Rolling Meadows Library and Zoom
Rolling Meadows Library and Zoom
Welcome Meeting with Games and Refreshments
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone for the start of another great year!
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone for the start of another great year!
Monday, October 21, 2024 9:45 AM
Rolling Meadows Library/Zoom
Cynthia K. Papierniak, Composer, Author, Humorist
“The Physical and Emotional Benefits of Using Humor in Music Lesson”
This program will discuss:
Cynthia K. Papierniak, NCTM
Rolling Meadows Library/Zoom
Cynthia K. Papierniak, Composer, Author, Humorist
“The Physical and Emotional Benefits of Using Humor in Music Lesson”
This program will discuss:
- Aspects of humor: Physical, biological, emotional
- Why humor can be a strategic tool in a student-teacher relationship
- Methods of including humor in your lessons
- Learning when and when not to use humor during a lesson.
- A few “key” insights as to the message it sends.
Cynthia K. Papierniak, NCTM
- B.A. Music Education, Piano, French horn; M.S. Biology
- Two years in the U.S. Navy (Lt j.g.)
- Medical research technician at Michael Reese, Rush, Grant Hospitals
- Piano teacher
- Suzuki Music School of Lincoln Park/ Merit School of Music
- Composer, Author, Humorist.
- Student of Dr. Michael Fritsch, Wheaton
- Recent MTA presentation: “35 years on the bench with Suzuki” (2024)
- CAMTA – Immediate past president
- ISMTA – VP of Local associations.
Monday, November 18, 2024, 9:45 AM
New Apostolic Church and Zoom
430 N. Addison Rd, Addison, IL
and Zoom
9:45 A.M. Meeting
New Apostolic Church and Zoom
430 N. Addison Rd, Addison, IL
and Zoom
9:45 A.M. Meeting
Dr. Lois Veenhoven Guderian
“Supplement Private Teaching with Group or Paired Musicianship Classes and New Areas of Instruction”
Many private-studio educators find the 30- minute private lesson limiting. Besides teaching and learning in the technique and craftmanship of playing the piano, there are so many areas of musicianship to address with students: sight-reading, creative thinking in music as applied to improvisation and composing, history and style, accompanying, and more. Group and paired teaching strategies and providing students with episodes into areas of music learning that are outside of piano can facilitate an educator’s ability to include these areas of study. Using her authored texts and materials for connecting music teaching and learning across schools, churches, community, and the private studio, Dr. Guderian will share teaching materials, techniques and strategies for addressing several areas of musicianship through group and paired teaching as outgrowth and extension of the private lesson experience; including ways to develop students’ creative thinking in music, ability to accompany and ability to participate in ensembles.
Presentation Type
Mixed presentation, demonstration and interactive workshop session.
Bring a soprano recorder if possible.
Music handouts for attendees.
Brief Bio
Dr. Lois Veenhoven Guderian, Professor of Music and Music Education Coordinator,
Emerita, UW-Superior enjoys a multi-faceted career as composer, author, educator,
performer, researcher, clinician, and program designer. An internationally published composer of numerous songs, choral works, musicals, chamber and piano pieces; author of numerous books and articles for music education.
A frequent presenter or professional development clinician at conferences, Lois’ efforts in research, publication, and education have resulted in new models of arts education, teacher preparation, and international programs. Awards and recognition for her work in music education include: The Music Educator’s Summer Fellowship (2000), a PhD Fellowship in Music Education (2001-2004), the Emily Boettcher and J. Yule Bogue Scholarship for excellence in musical and academic work (2003) all from Northwestern University in Evanston, Il. Awards from the University of Wisconsin-Superior include a Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars Research Fellowship (2012-2013), the Academic Service-Learning Award in 2012 for her design of community-university programs and commitment to schools, a COIL grant in 2019, and numerous Professional Development Grants for presenting at national and international conferences. Over a long career in music education, composition and performance, state and national appointments include: WMEA Research Chair (2012-2016; ISMTA Voice and Outreach Chairs (1990s); National Adjudicator for the NAfME National Student Music Composition Competition (2006-2018), Adjudicator-Evaluator for the New York State School Music Association Composition Competition (2023, 2024) and adjudicator for the National Guild of Piano Teachers (1980s-2008). Vice President for the Chicago Composers Forum (2008-2011),
Program Designer (some highlights)
Composer, program designer NAC USA (2001)
UW Experience Scotland Program Designer and Educator (2009-2018)
NAC Canada, Composer, children’s songs for International Sunday School Lessons
NAK International Conference, Workshop Clinician, 5 workshops (2019)
NAC Canada, University of Wisconsin-Superior Academic Service-Learning Programs designer and educator, numerous program designs for Twin Ports area schools and educator training in educational curricula (2009-2020),
NAC Canada Program Designer for Choir Director and Choir Development Program (2023-2024)
“Supplement Private Teaching with Group or Paired Musicianship Classes and New Areas of Instruction”
Many private-studio educators find the 30- minute private lesson limiting. Besides teaching and learning in the technique and craftmanship of playing the piano, there are so many areas of musicianship to address with students: sight-reading, creative thinking in music as applied to improvisation and composing, history and style, accompanying, and more. Group and paired teaching strategies and providing students with episodes into areas of music learning that are outside of piano can facilitate an educator’s ability to include these areas of study. Using her authored texts and materials for connecting music teaching and learning across schools, churches, community, and the private studio, Dr. Guderian will share teaching materials, techniques and strategies for addressing several areas of musicianship through group and paired teaching as outgrowth and extension of the private lesson experience; including ways to develop students’ creative thinking in music, ability to accompany and ability to participate in ensembles.
Presentation Type
Mixed presentation, demonstration and interactive workshop session.
Bring a soprano recorder if possible.
Music handouts for attendees.
Brief Bio
Dr. Lois Veenhoven Guderian, Professor of Music and Music Education Coordinator,
Emerita, UW-Superior enjoys a multi-faceted career as composer, author, educator,
performer, researcher, clinician, and program designer. An internationally published composer of numerous songs, choral works, musicals, chamber and piano pieces; author of numerous books and articles for music education.
A frequent presenter or professional development clinician at conferences, Lois’ efforts in research, publication, and education have resulted in new models of arts education, teacher preparation, and international programs. Awards and recognition for her work in music education include: The Music Educator’s Summer Fellowship (2000), a PhD Fellowship in Music Education (2001-2004), the Emily Boettcher and J. Yule Bogue Scholarship for excellence in musical and academic work (2003) all from Northwestern University in Evanston, Il. Awards from the University of Wisconsin-Superior include a Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars Research Fellowship (2012-2013), the Academic Service-Learning Award in 2012 for her design of community-university programs and commitment to schools, a COIL grant in 2019, and numerous Professional Development Grants for presenting at national and international conferences. Over a long career in music education, composition and performance, state and national appointments include: WMEA Research Chair (2012-2016; ISMTA Voice and Outreach Chairs (1990s); National Adjudicator for the NAfME National Student Music Composition Competition (2006-2018), Adjudicator-Evaluator for the New York State School Music Association Composition Competition (2023, 2024) and adjudicator for the National Guild of Piano Teachers (1980s-2008). Vice President for the Chicago Composers Forum (2008-2011),
Program Designer (some highlights)
Composer, program designer NAC USA (2001)
UW Experience Scotland Program Designer and Educator (2009-2018)
NAC Canada, Composer, children’s songs for International Sunday School Lessons
NAK International Conference, Workshop Clinician, 5 workshops (2019)
NAC Canada, University of Wisconsin-Superior Academic Service-Learning Programs designer and educator, numerous program designs for Twin Ports area schools and educator training in educational curricula (2009-2020),
NAC Canada Program Designer for Choir Director and Choir Development Program (2023-2024)
Monday, January 20, 2025, 9:45 AM
Rolling Meadows Library/Zoom
Rolling Meadows Library/Zoom
Dr. Pei-I Wang
"Read Music Fast”
Sight-reading is an essential and inevitable skill for all musicians, especially for pianists, who often face unique challenges in this area. While instrumental and vocal musicians benefit from ensemble or choral activities that offer ample opportunities for sight-reading, pianists typically work alone and yet encounter numerous situations that require excellent sight-reading skills. These situations might include playing for weekly church services, demonstrating new pieces for students, selecting repertoire from the vast piano literature, or exploring works by pedagogical composers.
Collaborative pianists, in particular, are no strangers to the demands of sight-reading, as their daily work often involves collaboration with other musicians in rehearsals, auditions, musical and operatic productions, and large ensemble performances. These scenarios provide ample opportunities to develop and refine sight-reading abilities.
This presentation explores various approaches, resources, and scientific factors that affect sight-reading skills. It will also suggest step-by-step methods and materials for improving these skills, as well as tactics for analyzing musical elements quicker and more efficiently. The goal is to help pianists gain a faster understanding of music in its early stages, ultimately enabling them to progress their technical skills, musicality, and artistry in a shorter period of time.
This presentation not only benefits performers and students in their learning trajectory but also supports educators in refining their teaching methodologies. In conclusion, the advancement of sight-reading skills elevates the enjoyment and fluency of music reading and expands the scope of career opportunities in diverse roles of pianists.
Presenter Biography
A captivating pianist, Pei-I Wang is Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. She has performed as a featured soloist with the Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra, Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, Sangamon Valley Civic Orchestra, Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra. She has received awards in various competitions and scholarships, such as the Liszt-Garrison International Piano Competition, the Mauro Paolo Monopoli Prize Asian Auditions, the Vivaldi International Music Competition, the UIUC Concerto Competition, the 21st-Century Piano Commission Competition with composer John Ritz. Additionally, she was named a Gilmore International Keyboard Festival Fellow and received outstanding young musicians scholarships from leading music corporations, including Yamaha and Kawai.
As a keen advocate of contemporary music and rare masterworks, Wang has performed new music at the Midwest Composers Symposium, the Electronic Music Festival at the University of Louisville, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra “Around the Town” and “Sunday at Six” Concert Series, the San Antonio Composers Alliance Concert Series, RED NOTE New Music Festival, and a commissioned contemporary concert at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, among others. Her recording of Carl Czerny’s four-handed piano fantasies with pianist Sam Gingher was released in September 2020 under the Naxos label. Wang’s commitment to music extends beyond the concert hall as she actively engages in community outreach. She was awarded the Community Arts Access grant by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and the Decatur Area Arts Council in Summer 2024, resulting a concert tour to the disability facilities, senior homes, and local community-centers. In Fall 2022, she received a Recreational Music Making grant by the National Piano Foundation, initiating a community piano group class for the Decatur community.
Wang is a frequent adjudicator, performer, clinician, and presenter. She was invited to present at the state conferences of the Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky State Music Teachers Associations. She serves as the Principal Keyboardist of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra and the Acting Principal Keyboardist at the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Currently, she serves as the Competitions Director of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association and President of the Decatur Area Music Teachers Association. Wang teaches and performs at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan, Tunghai University International College of Taiwan, and directs the Millikin Piano Camp during the summer.
"Read Music Fast”
Sight-reading is an essential and inevitable skill for all musicians, especially for pianists, who often face unique challenges in this area. While instrumental and vocal musicians benefit from ensemble or choral activities that offer ample opportunities for sight-reading, pianists typically work alone and yet encounter numerous situations that require excellent sight-reading skills. These situations might include playing for weekly church services, demonstrating new pieces for students, selecting repertoire from the vast piano literature, or exploring works by pedagogical composers.
Collaborative pianists, in particular, are no strangers to the demands of sight-reading, as their daily work often involves collaboration with other musicians in rehearsals, auditions, musical and operatic productions, and large ensemble performances. These scenarios provide ample opportunities to develop and refine sight-reading abilities.
This presentation explores various approaches, resources, and scientific factors that affect sight-reading skills. It will also suggest step-by-step methods and materials for improving these skills, as well as tactics for analyzing musical elements quicker and more efficiently. The goal is to help pianists gain a faster understanding of music in its early stages, ultimately enabling them to progress their technical skills, musicality, and artistry in a shorter period of time.
This presentation not only benefits performers and students in their learning trajectory but also supports educators in refining their teaching methodologies. In conclusion, the advancement of sight-reading skills elevates the enjoyment and fluency of music reading and expands the scope of career opportunities in diverse roles of pianists.
Presenter Biography
A captivating pianist, Pei-I Wang is Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. She has performed as a featured soloist with the Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra, Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, Sangamon Valley Civic Orchestra, Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra. She has received awards in various competitions and scholarships, such as the Liszt-Garrison International Piano Competition, the Mauro Paolo Monopoli Prize Asian Auditions, the Vivaldi International Music Competition, the UIUC Concerto Competition, the 21st-Century Piano Commission Competition with composer John Ritz. Additionally, she was named a Gilmore International Keyboard Festival Fellow and received outstanding young musicians scholarships from leading music corporations, including Yamaha and Kawai.
As a keen advocate of contemporary music and rare masterworks, Wang has performed new music at the Midwest Composers Symposium, the Electronic Music Festival at the University of Louisville, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra “Around the Town” and “Sunday at Six” Concert Series, the San Antonio Composers Alliance Concert Series, RED NOTE New Music Festival, and a commissioned contemporary concert at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, among others. Her recording of Carl Czerny’s four-handed piano fantasies with pianist Sam Gingher was released in September 2020 under the Naxos label. Wang’s commitment to music extends beyond the concert hall as she actively engages in community outreach. She was awarded the Community Arts Access grant by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and the Decatur Area Arts Council in Summer 2024, resulting a concert tour to the disability facilities, senior homes, and local community-centers. In Fall 2022, she received a Recreational Music Making grant by the National Piano Foundation, initiating a community piano group class for the Decatur community.
Wang is a frequent adjudicator, performer, clinician, and presenter. She was invited to present at the state conferences of the Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky State Music Teachers Associations. She serves as the Principal Keyboardist of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra and the Acting Principal Keyboardist at the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Currently, she serves as the Competitions Director of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association and President of the Decatur Area Music Teachers Association. Wang teaches and performs at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan, Tunghai University International College of Taiwan, and directs the Millikin Piano Camp during the summer.
Monday, February 17, 2025
Virtual Business Meeting only
Virtual Business Meeting only
Monday, March 17, 2025, 9:45
Location changed to Barrington Library
and Zoom
Location changed to Barrington Library
and Zoom
Eric Sutz
“Mindfulness Practicing"
I’ve listed some of the important points we will cover in today’s session. If there are any further questions please email me at: [email protected] Thank you for joining me!
This practice is certainly considered meditation, yet there are different types of meditations. A quick Google search will list these:
And yes, today we are focusing on mindfulness. However, there are absolutely overlapping concepts that I will recommend from the list of other types of meditations.
The following points are not necessarily in order of importance, but you’ll find them helpful reminders of what we will cover today.
These are a few of my favorite sources out of many:
Bio -
Eric Sutz graduated with a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University in 1980. While at DePaul he played a wide variety of engagements in addition to teaching piano and guitar. He has been employed as a musician, accompanist, arranger, conductor, and teacher for over 46 years.
From 1981-1993 Eric worked full time as a music director, rehearsal and audition pianist for Candlelight, Marriott Lincolnshire, Wisdom Bridge and Goodman Theater. Eric also taught music theory at Carmel HS and was the assistant and primary choral director, accompanist, and solo pianist for the European tour of the Carmel Concert Choir.
Eric studied classical piano with Eloise Niwa, conducting with Dr. William Huber and Kevin Stites, and jazz piano with Judy Roberts, Howard Levy, Larry Novak, Willie Pickens, John Campbell, Joel Daley, Mike Kocour, and Greg Fishman. He also studied the history and styles of the great Chicago boogie and blues artists with Erwin Helfer. He has been an active member of the NSMTA since 1978.
He has presented programs for teachers and schools since 1985. His book: “How to Play and Teach Popular Music Creatively” was first published in 1986 and has had three printings. Eric is a faculty member of the Music Institute of Chicago and has been teaching in his Wheeling, IL home studio since 1984. His hobbies include martial arts, investing, travel, yoga, self-care, scuba-diving, history, natural history and reading.
“Mindfulness Practicing"
I’ve listed some of the important points we will cover in today’s session. If there are any further questions please email me at: [email protected] Thank you for joining me!
This practice is certainly considered meditation, yet there are different types of meditations. A quick Google search will list these:
- mindfulness meditation.
- spiritual meditation.
- focused meditation.
- movement meditation.
- mantra meditation.
- transcendental meditation.
- progressive relaxation.
- loving-kindness meditation.
And yes, today we are focusing on mindfulness. However, there are absolutely overlapping concepts that I will recommend from the list of other types of meditations.
The following points are not necessarily in order of importance, but you’ll find them helpful reminders of what we will cover today.
- You can sit, lay down or walk while doing this practice. Walking is the least effective.
- Find your home base. It can be breath, sound, touch, or focus.
- This practice is about staying in the moment and keeping the “monkey mind” under control.
- It takes most people a long time to keep random thoughts at bay, and we’ll discuss many strategies. My own meditation teachers still work at this!
These are a few of my favorite sources out of many:
- Daily Calm App
- Chopra App
- Sadhguru Isha App
- Daily Yoga
Bio -
Eric Sutz graduated with a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University in 1980. While at DePaul he played a wide variety of engagements in addition to teaching piano and guitar. He has been employed as a musician, accompanist, arranger, conductor, and teacher for over 46 years.
From 1981-1993 Eric worked full time as a music director, rehearsal and audition pianist for Candlelight, Marriott Lincolnshire, Wisdom Bridge and Goodman Theater. Eric also taught music theory at Carmel HS and was the assistant and primary choral director, accompanist, and solo pianist for the European tour of the Carmel Concert Choir.
Eric studied classical piano with Eloise Niwa, conducting with Dr. William Huber and Kevin Stites, and jazz piano with Judy Roberts, Howard Levy, Larry Novak, Willie Pickens, John Campbell, Joel Daley, Mike Kocour, and Greg Fishman. He also studied the history and styles of the great Chicago boogie and blues artists with Erwin Helfer. He has been an active member of the NSMTA since 1978.
He has presented programs for teachers and schools since 1985. His book: “How to Play and Teach Popular Music Creatively” was first published in 1986 and has had three printings. Eric is a faculty member of the Music Institute of Chicago and has been teaching in his Wheeling, IL home studio since 1984. His hobbies include martial arts, investing, travel, yoga, self-care, scuba-diving, history, natural history and reading.
Monday, April 21, 2025, 9:45 AM
Rolling Meadows Library/Zoom
Rolling Meadows Library/Zoom
Dr. Koeun Grace Lee
Navigating Hypermobility: Assisting Young Pianists with Double-Jointed Fingers
Presentation Description
Identifying and monitoring hypermobility (also known as double-jointedness) early on is crucial for effectively addressing its implications in piano practice and performance. For example, maintaining a rounded hand shape and curved fingers can be challenging, or even impossible, for students with hypermobility. This presentation explores the intricacies of being 'double-jointed' and offers practice tips through selected exercises and repertoire.
Presenter Biography
South Korean native Koeun Grace Lee is an accomplished performer, educator, and conference lecturer. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Music in Piano and Piano Pedagogy, as well as an Artist Diploma from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Dr. Lee has performed at numerous venues, including the New Music Chicago Presents Series, Roosevelt University, and the College Music Society national conferences, among many others throughout her career. Her performance of Korean composer Jean Ahn’s Folksong Revisited was aired on WFMT’s Music in Chicago in 2021 and 2023. Her debut album, Variations on a Theme by Stefan Wolpe and Other Selected Piano Works, released in 2023, has been featured on classical music radio and webcasts such as WWFM, WMBR, and WFMT, to name a few. Most recently, she presented at the 2024 ISMTA conference, 2025 MTNA national conference, and will present at 2025 NCKP: The Piano Conference.
Dr. Lee is a piano instructor at the Harper College Community Music and Arts Center and serves as the pianist at Community Church of Barrington and in the Chicago area. She is an active member of the College Music Society, Music Teachers National Association, New Music Chicago, Suzuki Association of the Americas, and American Musicological Society.
Navigating Hypermobility: Assisting Young Pianists with Double-Jointed Fingers
Presentation Description
Identifying and monitoring hypermobility (also known as double-jointedness) early on is crucial for effectively addressing its implications in piano practice and performance. For example, maintaining a rounded hand shape and curved fingers can be challenging, or even impossible, for students with hypermobility. This presentation explores the intricacies of being 'double-jointed' and offers practice tips through selected exercises and repertoire.
Presenter Biography
South Korean native Koeun Grace Lee is an accomplished performer, educator, and conference lecturer. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Music Theory Pedagogy from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Music in Piano and Piano Pedagogy, as well as an Artist Diploma from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Dr. Lee has performed at numerous venues, including the New Music Chicago Presents Series, Roosevelt University, and the College Music Society national conferences, among many others throughout her career. Her performance of Korean composer Jean Ahn’s Folksong Revisited was aired on WFMT’s Music in Chicago in 2021 and 2023. Her debut album, Variations on a Theme by Stefan Wolpe and Other Selected Piano Works, released in 2023, has been featured on classical music radio and webcasts such as WWFM, WMBR, and WFMT, to name a few. Most recently, she presented at the 2024 ISMTA conference, 2025 MTNA national conference, and will present at 2025 NCKP: The Piano Conference.
Dr. Lee is a piano instructor at the Harper College Community Music and Arts Center and serves as the pianist at Community Church of Barrington and in the Chicago area. She is an active member of the College Music Society, Music Teachers National Association, New Music Chicago, Suzuki Association of the Americas, and American Musicological Society.