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
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
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.
“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.
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.
"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.
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 your Beginning Students
Dr. Eunjin Lee
There are many methods and games for off-the-bench activities for young beginner students. Dalcroze can offer a joyful and experiential way of teaching young students basic concepts for any instrument lesson. All participants will experience rhythmic vocabulary, singing, improvisation, and active listening through movement, which they can apply to their young students.
Please wear clothing suitable for unrestricted movement and non-slip socks or jazz shoes.
Eunjin Lee received her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Piano Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With a strong background in pedagogical studies, Dr. Lee has expanded her research interest to Dalcroze Education and the Suzuki method, studying and presenting at national and international workshops, including the Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference in Minnesota, the Yale Graduate Music Symposium and the Illinois State Music Teachers Association’s annual conference. She earned the Dalcroze™ Certificate and is now pursuing Dalcroze™ License studying with Dr. Jeremy Dittus from Dalcroze School of the Rockies. She also studied with internationally known Dalcroze master teachers including Eiko Ishizuka, Lisa Parker, Karin Greenhead, Dr. Louise Mathieu, Monica Dale, and Mary Dobrea-Grindahl. She has been an active office member of the MTNA’s local chapter and serves as a national board member of the Dalcroze Society of America. She taught graduate piano pedagogy courses as the coordinator of the UIUC’s Piano Laboratory Program. She also teaches applied piano and Dalcroze group classes to children and adults of all ages in universities and summer festivals, including Illinois Summer Youth Music and PhoenixPhest.
Active as a soloist and chamber musician, Dr. Lee has performed at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall; at the Krannert Center in Champaign, Illinois; the Nice Conservatoire, France; and at major concert halls in Korea including Kumho Art Hall and Sejong Center. Featured as a soloist with both the UIUC Symphony and the New Music Ensemble, she also performs as a collaborative pianist with music faculty members at UIUC.
Dalcroze Eurhythmics for your Beginning Students
Dr. Eunjin Lee
There are many methods and games for off-the-bench activities for young beginner students. Dalcroze can offer a joyful and experiential way of teaching young students basic concepts for any instrument lesson. All participants will experience rhythmic vocabulary, singing, improvisation, and active listening through movement, which they can apply to their young students.
Please wear clothing suitable for unrestricted movement and non-slip socks or jazz shoes.
Eunjin Lee received her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Piano Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With a strong background in pedagogical studies, Dr. Lee has expanded her research interest to Dalcroze Education and the Suzuki method, studying and presenting at national and international workshops, including the Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference in Minnesota, the Yale Graduate Music Symposium and the Illinois State Music Teachers Association’s annual conference. She earned the Dalcroze™ Certificate and is now pursuing Dalcroze™ License studying with Dr. Jeremy Dittus from Dalcroze School of the Rockies. She also studied with internationally known Dalcroze master teachers including Eiko Ishizuka, Lisa Parker, Karin Greenhead, Dr. Louise Mathieu, Monica Dale, and Mary Dobrea-Grindahl. She has been an active office member of the MTNA’s local chapter and serves as a national board member of the Dalcroze Society of America. She taught graduate piano pedagogy courses as the coordinator of the UIUC’s Piano Laboratory Program. She also teaches applied piano and Dalcroze group classes to children and adults of all ages in universities and summer festivals, including Illinois Summer Youth Music and PhoenixPhest.
Active as a soloist and chamber musician, Dr. Lee has performed at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall; at the Krannert Center in Champaign, Illinois; the Nice Conservatoire, France; and at major concert halls in Korea including Kumho Art Hall and Sejong Center. Featured as a soloist with both the UIUC Symphony and the New Music Ensemble, she also performs as a collaborative pianist with music faculty members at UIUC.