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 2021-2022
Program Listing 2021-2022
September 20, 2021
“Into Darkness: Piano Music Written between 1910-1920” - multi-media lecture/recital
Dr. Svetlana Belsky
Dr. Belsky has pre-recorded a multi-media lecture-recital that will include her best-loved piano masterpieces from Debussy to Charles Griffes, with Busoni and Stravinsky in between. These will all be presented in their historical context and accompanied by the art of the period, and will include pieces which incited a riot upon their premieres. She will also be present to take our questions and feedback.
Dr. Belsky's bio can be found at https://www.svetlanabelsky.com/.
“Into Darkness: Piano Music Written between 1910-1920” - multi-media lecture/recital
Dr. Svetlana Belsky
Dr. Belsky has pre-recorded a multi-media lecture-recital that will include her best-loved piano masterpieces from Debussy to Charles Griffes, with Busoni and Stravinsky in between. These will all be presented in their historical context and accompanied by the art of the period, and will include pieces which incited a riot upon their premieres. She will also be present to take our questions and feedback.
Dr. Belsky's bio can be found at https://www.svetlanabelsky.com/.
October 18, 2021
Awards Workshop
Dr. Svetlana Belsky
Awards Workshop
Dr. Svetlana Belsky
November 15, 2021
“Rhythm, Music, and the Brain”
Corene P. Hurt-Thaut, Ph.D., MT-BC
Dr. Hurt-Taut has been on the forefront of research and development in the field of Neurologic Music Therapy. She will explain the mechanisms behind how rhythm drives nonmusical brain and behavior functions, present current research to support it, and then show practical applications related to the clinic and teaching piano.
Corene P. Hurt-Thaut received her master’s in music therapy, and her PhD. with an interdisciplinary focus on music, neuroscience and statistical design, from Colorado State University. She has been the Program Director for The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy since 1997, and is currently assistant professor and research associate at the University of Toronto, as well as an associate professor at the ArtEZ Conservatory in the Netherlands. She was a research associate at The Center for Biomedical Research in Music at Colorado State University from 1997-2015, and the director of the international training programs of The Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy since 1999. At Colorado State, she served as a special assistant professor of music therapy from 1997-2014, teaching classes in piano technique, music therapy methods and counseling for psychiatric populations, music therapy methods in neuro-rehabilitation, research in music therapy, advanced techniques in neurologic rehabilitation, and seminars in neurologic music therapy. She is nationally and internationally recognized for her clinical expertise in the evidence based practice of Neurologic Music Therapy, and has numerous research publications in the area of music and motor control as well as ten book chapters highlighting specific applications of neurologic music therapy to her credit. She has served on the exam committee and on the Board of Directors for the National Certification Board for Music Therapy (CBMT), and more recently on the Practice Analysis Committee (2015) and as a co-author of the Self-Assessment Exam (2016) .
“Rhythm, Music, and the Brain”
Corene P. Hurt-Thaut, Ph.D., MT-BC
Dr. Hurt-Taut has been on the forefront of research and development in the field of Neurologic Music Therapy. She will explain the mechanisms behind how rhythm drives nonmusical brain and behavior functions, present current research to support it, and then show practical applications related to the clinic and teaching piano.
Corene P. Hurt-Thaut received her master’s in music therapy, and her PhD. with an interdisciplinary focus on music, neuroscience and statistical design, from Colorado State University. She has been the Program Director for The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy since 1997, and is currently assistant professor and research associate at the University of Toronto, as well as an associate professor at the ArtEZ Conservatory in the Netherlands. She was a research associate at The Center for Biomedical Research in Music at Colorado State University from 1997-2015, and the director of the international training programs of The Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy since 1999. At Colorado State, she served as a special assistant professor of music therapy from 1997-2014, teaching classes in piano technique, music therapy methods and counseling for psychiatric populations, music therapy methods in neuro-rehabilitation, research in music therapy, advanced techniques in neurologic rehabilitation, and seminars in neurologic music therapy. She is nationally and internationally recognized for her clinical expertise in the evidence based practice of Neurologic Music Therapy, and has numerous research publications in the area of music and motor control as well as ten book chapters highlighting specific applications of neurologic music therapy to her credit. She has served on the exam committee and on the Board of Directors for the National Certification Board for Music Therapy (CBMT), and more recently on the Practice Analysis Committee (2015) and as a co-author of the Self-Assessment Exam (2016) .
January 17, 2022
“How to Read and Play from a Lead Sheet”
Eric Sutz
Eric is excited to know we provide our students with a jazz combo performance experience with “All that Jazz”. He will present how to group chord symbols, create bass lines, create fills, play with different styles, use appropriate voicings and how to reharmonize to build a sophisticated result.
Eric is a member of the Jazz Piano Faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University. He has been a working musician, arranger, conductor and teacher for thirty years and supported his DePaul studies through playing a wide variety of engagements and teaching piano. In addition to playing for singers, production companies and local groups, he also worked as a musical director and conductor for Chicago area theaters and choirs. For fifteen years Eric took part-time and full time jobs as a rehearsal and audition pianist for the Candlelight, Marriot Lincolnshire, Wisdom Bridge and Goodman Theater. Eric taught at Carmel HS as the associate and primary choral director and was the accompanist, rehearsal and solo pianist for the European tour of their concert choir. He has 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 Joan Hickey. He studied the great Chicago boogie and blues artists with Erwin Helfer. He has been an active member of the NSMTA (serving as president from 2006-2008) since 1978. His book: “How to Play and Teach Popular Music Creatively” was published in 1986.
Handout 1
Handout 2
Handout 3
“How to Read and Play from a Lead Sheet”
Eric Sutz
Eric is excited to know we provide our students with a jazz combo performance experience with “All that Jazz”. He will present how to group chord symbols, create bass lines, create fills, play with different styles, use appropriate voicings and how to reharmonize to build a sophisticated result.
Eric is a member of the Jazz Piano Faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University. He has been a working musician, arranger, conductor and teacher for thirty years and supported his DePaul studies through playing a wide variety of engagements and teaching piano. In addition to playing for singers, production companies and local groups, he also worked as a musical director and conductor for Chicago area theaters and choirs. For fifteen years Eric took part-time and full time jobs as a rehearsal and audition pianist for the Candlelight, Marriot Lincolnshire, Wisdom Bridge and Goodman Theater. Eric taught at Carmel HS as the associate and primary choral director and was the accompanist, rehearsal and solo pianist for the European tour of their concert choir. He has 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 Joan Hickey. He studied the great Chicago boogie and blues artists with Erwin Helfer. He has been an active member of the NSMTA (serving as president from 2006-2008) since 1978. His book: “How to Play and Teach Popular Music Creatively” was published in 1986.
Handout 1
Handout 2
Handout 3
February 21, 2022
"Inspiring the Intermediate Student: Appealing Repertoire, New Performance Options, and Improved Retention"
Dr. Marcia Bosits
The intermediate years are challenging for many piano students. Limited practice time, longer periods for repertoire acquisition, and the "sameness" of recital events cause some students to become discouraged or even abandon lessons. How can we reignite their enthusiasm for piano study? Quality of repertoire is often key to student interest, and this session will share works of newer composers whose music is current, accessible, and appealing. Also included will be practical ways to include reading, analysis, and literacy within the lesson structure. Finally, alternative performance options can encourage participation and broaden experiences for the maturing student. This presentation will explore activities, approaches, and rationale developed over years of teaching intermediate students and training young teachers.
Director of piano pedagogy. Marcia Bosits '74 MMus, '83 DMus received her doctor of music degree from Northwestern University, where she studied piano with Wanda Paul and Arthur Tollefson. The recipient of a Kosciuszko Foundation Fellowship, she also earned an Artist Diploma from the Warsaw Conservatory in Poland. Dr. Bosits has held national positions in professional organizations including Music Teachers National Association, the College Music Society, the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, the World Piano Conference and the International Fulbright Selection Committee. Her articles have appeared in such journals as Clavier, Keyboard Companion, American Music Teacher, and Piano Journal. Active as an adjudicator, clinician, and chamber musician, she has appeared as guest performer for the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA) Conferences in Rome, Portugal, and Serbia. Her recent work focusing on the educational connections among mentoring, engagement, and pedagogy has been featured at the CMS International Conference in Stockholm, the National Mentoring Institute, and the 2017 National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy.
HANDOUTS -
The Intermediate Student - Outline
Recommended Intermediate Repertoire
1 Wanless The Huron Carol
2 Heller Etude
3 Bernstein Sabras
4 Arnaud Desert
5 Tansman Berceuse
6 Tansman Waltz
7 Chatman Doe & Fawn
8 Capers Waltz
9 Piazzolla Ouverture page 1
9 Piazzolla page 2
"Inspiring the Intermediate Student: Appealing Repertoire, New Performance Options, and Improved Retention"
Dr. Marcia Bosits
The intermediate years are challenging for many piano students. Limited practice time, longer periods for repertoire acquisition, and the "sameness" of recital events cause some students to become discouraged or even abandon lessons. How can we reignite their enthusiasm for piano study? Quality of repertoire is often key to student interest, and this session will share works of newer composers whose music is current, accessible, and appealing. Also included will be practical ways to include reading, analysis, and literacy within the lesson structure. Finally, alternative performance options can encourage participation and broaden experiences for the maturing student. This presentation will explore activities, approaches, and rationale developed over years of teaching intermediate students and training young teachers.
Director of piano pedagogy. Marcia Bosits '74 MMus, '83 DMus received her doctor of music degree from Northwestern University, where she studied piano with Wanda Paul and Arthur Tollefson. The recipient of a Kosciuszko Foundation Fellowship, she also earned an Artist Diploma from the Warsaw Conservatory in Poland. Dr. Bosits has held national positions in professional organizations including Music Teachers National Association, the College Music Society, the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, the World Piano Conference and the International Fulbright Selection Committee. Her articles have appeared in such journals as Clavier, Keyboard Companion, American Music Teacher, and Piano Journal. Active as an adjudicator, clinician, and chamber musician, she has appeared as guest performer for the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA) Conferences in Rome, Portugal, and Serbia. Her recent work focusing on the educational connections among mentoring, engagement, and pedagogy has been featured at the CMS International Conference in Stockholm, the National Mentoring Institute, and the 2017 National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy.
HANDOUTS -
The Intermediate Student - Outline
Recommended Intermediate Repertoire
1 Wanless The Huron Carol
2 Heller Etude
3 Bernstein Sabras
4 Arnaud Desert
5 Tansman Berceuse
6 Tansman Waltz
7 Chatman Doe & Fawn
8 Capers Waltz
9 Piazzolla Ouverture page 1
9 Piazzolla page 2
March 21, 2022
Independent Music Teachers
"Exploring Some Unfamiliar Contemporary Gems, AIM Levels 8-9-10"
Dr. Janice Razaq
This presentation will introduce you to some contemporary repertoire that you may not have used for your students. It’s a good way to get out of the habit of always assigning the same tried and true pieces year after year! The pieces will be performed after briefly giving some teaching and practicing tips. Repertoire may include these pieces plus a few others: “Petite Berceuse” by Barber (8); “Kaleidoscopes” by Lees (8 & 9); “Rivers of America” by Matz (8); “The Firefly” by Bilotti (9); “Songs Without Words” by Tsitsaros (9); “Portraits in Jazz” by Capers (10); “Le Cahier Romand” by Honegger (10).
Janice Larson Razaq has a DMA from Texas Tech University, and other degrees from The Eastman School of Music and the University of Illinois. She has the Licentiate Diploma from the Royal Academy of Music. A Fulbright scholar to London, she performed at Wigmore Hall. She was an award winner in the Canals International Competition in Barcelona. Dr. Razaq is heard on WFMT and Minnesota Public Radio and plays concertos with area orchestras. Recent performances/presentations were for the American Matthay Association for Piano at The Eastman School of Music, at Arizona State University, and in Tennessee at Union University. She presented for the Canadian Federation of MTA in Nova Scotia and for the virtual MTNA National Conference in 2020. Professional offices held include Past President of the American Matthay Association for Piano, Past-President of ISMTA and Past ECD Director of MTNA. She is Director of Keyboard Studies at Harper College where she teaches applied piano and piano ensemble and is in demand for judging competitions and giving master classes.
Independent Music Teachers
"Exploring Some Unfamiliar Contemporary Gems, AIM Levels 8-9-10"
Dr. Janice Razaq
This presentation will introduce you to some contemporary repertoire that you may not have used for your students. It’s a good way to get out of the habit of always assigning the same tried and true pieces year after year! The pieces will be performed after briefly giving some teaching and practicing tips. Repertoire may include these pieces plus a few others: “Petite Berceuse” by Barber (8); “Kaleidoscopes” by Lees (8 & 9); “Rivers of America” by Matz (8); “The Firefly” by Bilotti (9); “Songs Without Words” by Tsitsaros (9); “Portraits in Jazz” by Capers (10); “Le Cahier Romand” by Honegger (10).
Janice Larson Razaq has a DMA from Texas Tech University, and other degrees from The Eastman School of Music and the University of Illinois. She has the Licentiate Diploma from the Royal Academy of Music. A Fulbright scholar to London, she performed at Wigmore Hall. She was an award winner in the Canals International Competition in Barcelona. Dr. Razaq is heard on WFMT and Minnesota Public Radio and plays concertos with area orchestras. Recent performances/presentations were for the American Matthay Association for Piano at The Eastman School of Music, at Arizona State University, and in Tennessee at Union University. She presented for the Canadian Federation of MTA in Nova Scotia and for the virtual MTNA National Conference in 2020. Professional offices held include Past President of the American Matthay Association for Piano, Past-President of ISMTA and Past ECD Director of MTNA. She is Director of Keyboard Studies at Harper College where she teaches applied piano and piano ensemble and is in demand for judging competitions and giving master classes.
April 18, 2022
"Dalcroze Eurhythmics for Piano Students"
Fumi Nakayama
Countryside Church
1025 N. Smith Rd
Palatine, IL. 60067
Let’s experience music and discover how we can translate what we hear into what we can see!
Dalcroze Eurhythmics is a playful, discovery-based teaching method that aims to connect mind and body, awakening innate musicality and developing musicianship through musical games, rhythmic movement, ear training, and improvisation. Please wear something comfortable to participate in musical games!
Fumi Nishikiori-Nakayama earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano and Harpsichord degree from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University, and Master of Music in Piano and Early Music/Harpsichord from Indiana University, where she was the recipient of numerous awards including the prestigious Rudolph Ganz Memorial Award, and Willi Apel Scholarship. She has studied piano with Ludmila Lazar, Shigeo Neriki, harpsichord with David Schrader, Elisabeth Wright, fortepiano with Elizabeth Wright and Kenneth Drake, chamber music with Rostislav Dubinsky, early chamber music with Stanley Ritchie, and conducting with Thomas Baldner and Imre Pallo.
As a conductor, she has conducted Indiana University Symphony Orchestra, IU Ad-hoc Orchestra, IU Opera Workshops. Her love for vocal music and theater lead her to remain as one of the opera coaches for Indiana University Opera Theater for 6 years.
Currently Ms. Nishikiori is an adjunct faculty member of the Carthage Music Department and teaches for the Carthage Arts Academy. She is a Juilliard School Dalcroze Institute certified instructor of Dalcroze Eurhythmics and often gives demonstrations and lectures to music teachers and students in the Midwest. She frequently performs as a member of Cecilia Trio, and also collaborates with greater Milwaukee and Chicago area artists.
"Dalcroze Eurhythmics for Piano Students"
Fumi Nakayama
Countryside Church
1025 N. Smith Rd
Palatine, IL. 60067
Let’s experience music and discover how we can translate what we hear into what we can see!
Dalcroze Eurhythmics is a playful, discovery-based teaching method that aims to connect mind and body, awakening innate musicality and developing musicianship through musical games, rhythmic movement, ear training, and improvisation. Please wear something comfortable to participate in musical games!
Fumi Nishikiori-Nakayama earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano and Harpsichord degree from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University, and Master of Music in Piano and Early Music/Harpsichord from Indiana University, where she was the recipient of numerous awards including the prestigious Rudolph Ganz Memorial Award, and Willi Apel Scholarship. She has studied piano with Ludmila Lazar, Shigeo Neriki, harpsichord with David Schrader, Elisabeth Wright, fortepiano with Elizabeth Wright and Kenneth Drake, chamber music with Rostislav Dubinsky, early chamber music with Stanley Ritchie, and conducting with Thomas Baldner and Imre Pallo.
As a conductor, she has conducted Indiana University Symphony Orchestra, IU Ad-hoc Orchestra, IU Opera Workshops. Her love for vocal music and theater lead her to remain as one of the opera coaches for Indiana University Opera Theater for 6 years.
Currently Ms. Nishikiori is an adjunct faculty member of the Carthage Music Department and teaches for the Carthage Arts Academy. She is a Juilliard School Dalcroze Institute certified instructor of Dalcroze Eurhythmics and often gives demonstrations and lectures to music teachers and students in the Midwest. She frequently performs as a member of Cecilia Trio, and also collaborates with greater Milwaukee and Chicago area artists.