This is an annual program offered by the Middle West District of the Ohio Music Teachers Association, held at Bluffton University. The students prepare a piece to perform from memory (if possible) and are heard by a judge, who offers constructive comments on their performance. Each student receives a blue ribbon and the judge's comment sheets. Approximately 100-150 students participate in this annually. The students are divided into groups that perform for about 45 minutes in a recital-like format. The time requirement for each family is about an hour and 15 minutes, allowing for early arrival and registration and the actual performance. Cost: $10.00 per student
This is a required studio that takes place in the sanctuary of St. Marks Lutheran Church in Van Wert. Students perform pieces from their current repertoire list. Total time requirement is about 2 hours (early arrival plus about an hour and a half).
These are annual events offered by the Ohio Music Educators Association (we are in District 3). Students register to perform a solo piece or in an ensemble through their local band or choir directors. I cannot register students for this, as I am not a member of OMEA. Students must be in grades 7-9 for the jr. high event and in grades 9-12 for the high school event. For the high school event, there is a required list from which students select their pieces. Jr. high students have a suggested list to choose from. The dates of each event vary from year to year. Cost: some school pick up part of the fee, some pick up all of it--check with your local public school music educator
Music Evaluation Day (MED) is a musical event held at Bluffton University consisting of four parts: (1) performance, (2) sight reading, (3) practical keyboard musicianship, and (4) written theory, history, ear training, terms and forms. A student must participate in all four parts to receive a plaque. This event is sponsored and operated by the Middle West District of the Ohio Music Teachers Association. Cost: $20.00 per student.
This is a required studio event that is held in the sanctuary of St. Marks Lutheran Church in Van Wert. Students perform a piece (usually memorized) from the repertoire list developed throughout the current term. Total time requirement is similar to the Fall Showcase.
I try to arrange these programs for Christmas time and later in the spring, after showcase and guild are over. I also try to go to local homes first, although we have gone to Paulding County before. If you know of a home that would welcome us, please contact me. Detailed information will be available as I have it.
Students learn more about the art of performing--stage presence, confidence, poise. It is not a "dress-up" occasion; it is more about letting students play in front of each other (a very sympathetic audience), try out pieces for performance, and learn that being a little nervous is normal. In the time remaining, we play fun music games related to the time of year or any special events close to the day of the workshop. Groups are set up (by age) before the first group lesson, and the schedule is viewable on the studio calendar. During the 2022-23 term, the groups will be held during these weeks: November 7-11, 2022; February 13-17, 2023; April 24-28. 2023; and June 5-9, 2023.
Piano or voice lessons make great birthday presents! Click on contact information and ask for more information.