North Shore Music Teachers Association
YEARLY EVENTS
NSMTA SOLO AND DUET FESTIVAL
Students perform 1 solo piece (minimum of 16 measures) by memory and/or perform a duet or ensemble. Duets are not memorized, and only one piano is available. Students will receive a written critique and a rating from 1 outside employed judge. All students receive a certificate of participation, and those receiving a superior rating also earn a trophy.
HYMN PLAYING FESTIVAL
This festival was created to encourage the study of hymns and to train present and future church musicians. Students enter by selected level to play one or more hymn arrangements suitable for a congregational audience and receive a score and a rating from a judge. All participants receive a certificate.
NORTHSHORE FEDERATION FESTIVAL
Part of the National Federation of Music Clubs and the Louisiana Federation of Music Clubs, the Federation Festival aims to promote American music and musicians. A list of selected music is provided each year from which a student may select two pieces of his/her choice in the appropriate level. In addition to points scored, students may earn awards, scholarships, and Gold Cup trophies for their participation. Students who earn a rating of Superior at their local Federation will qualify to complete at the statewide level.
For more information email Kathryn Martin at: kathrynmartin4@gmail.com
NSMTA PIANO VIRTUOSO COMPETITION
Open to any pre-collegiate pianist, the PVC event is designed to encourage the study of Baroque-era and Sonatina music. Students may enter various levels in either of these two categories and will receive a written critique and a rating. First, second, and third place monetary prizes will be presented in each category at a winners’ recital. All participants receive a participation certificate and ribbon.
GUILD AUDITIONS
Part of the National Guild of Piano Teachers, the annual auditions and programs are designed to establish definitive goals and awards – in noncompetitive auditions – for students of all levels from the earliest beginner to the gifted prodigy. Students are judged on individual merit by a well-qualified music professional to encourage growth and enjoyment through the study of piano.
NSMTA PIANO RALLY
District piano rally is a musical event consisting of four parts: (1) performance, (2) sight reading, (3) keyboard musicianship, and (4) written theory, history and ear training. A student enters according to his/her grade level in school and must participate in all four parts in order to be eligible to receive an award. Awards are given to first, second and third place winners, and an Outstanding Achievement award will be given to each student who achieves the qualifying score. Except for Preparatory A, students from each district who achieve the required scores are eligible to enter the Torgrimson/Swanzy Competition for Outstanding Students. Non-competitive students are also encouraged to participate, and may participate in any combination of 2 events or the written exam only. The full rally syllabus is available can be found at http://lmta.org/state.asp?page=rally.