Monthly Programs
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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
New Apostolic Church and Zoom
430 N. Addison Rd, Addison, IL
and Zoom
New Apostolic Church and Zoom
430 N. Addison Rd, Addison, IL
and Zoom
Eric Sutz
“Mindfulness Practicing"
“Mindfulness Practicing"
Monday, April 21, 2025, 9:45 AM
Rolling Meadows Library/Zoom
Rolling Meadows Library/Zoom
Peng Krol
“Humor and Irony in Beethoven's Prometheus Piano Variations, Op.35”
“Humor and Irony in Beethoven's Prometheus Piano Variations, Op.35”