Musicianship Exams

Welcome to the chapter website

of the

Olympia Music Teachers Association (OMTA)

The Olympia chapter of music teachers is an energetic, positive group of individuals who are dedicated to serving our students and greater community through music. Whether you are a music teacher looking for a professional organization, or a parent trying to find a private music instructor for your family, we are here to help you! Feel free to browse through our website using the menu on the left.

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND BEST WISHES FOR 2012!

For Sue's January President's Letter, please click here.

Next meeting: January 10, 2012

Special Guest (and OMTA MEMBER) Ryan Sowers

Topic: Tuning Demystified

9:00 Social, 9:30 Business, 10:00 Program

Ryan's interest in piano dates back to when he was around 5 years old when he started piano lessons after being inspired by his big sister. As a child he always liked taking things apart and one of his favorite toys was his tape recorder. When he moved to Olympia in 1980, he took up piano studies with Florence Paulsrude. His interest in mechanics developed further when in high school he bought his first car: a 1967 VW Bug. Towards the latter half of high school, in order to keep up his interest in music, Ryan's parents sold the old upright and purchased a new synthesizer. This opened up a whole new world of sound! Ryan joined a band and acquired more equipment and began arranging music by interfacing his electronic instruments with his Parent's Commodore 64 computer. It was very gratifying when the Capital High School Drill team used one of his compositions as part of their routine in the state competition!

Ryan discovered piano technology as a Senior at The Evergreen State College. He and his new wife, Jean, had found an old grand piano at an estate sale, and John Grace moved it in and tuned it. When John pulled out the mechanism, Ryan was fascinated, and he decided to pursue an independent contract with Evergreen to study piano technology. In 1992 he met Mitch Kiel, who was serving as President of the local Piano Technicians Guild chapter. They arranged weekly lessons and Ryan joined the local PTG Chapter and attended his first National Conference. He was hooked! In 1994 he completed his Guild Exams and founded Pianova Piano Service. Because he took the exam without electronic aides and received high scores, he was encouraged to become a Certified Tuning Examiner for the Guild, which he achieved in 1997.

In 1998 Ryan was accepted to attend a 5-day training at Yamaha Headquarters near Los Angeles California. Recently Ryan returned from his 3rd week-long seminar at the Steinway & Son's Factory in New York. Ryan has served numerous terms as Vice-President and President of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Piano Technicians Guild and recently served as Institute Director for the National Conference.

ADJUDICATIONS

All forms are at the WSMTA website. Please click here.

NEW: Fees going up $2 per student entered. Please make sure to fill out your forms CAREFULLY and bring them with your check for all of the fees to Jan. 10 meeting.

Carol Crawford is the Adjudications Chair this year. Click Here for the instructions on how to fill out the forms.

Dates: 2/26 State Representative Competition. Click here.

2/27/12-3/3/12 Adjudications

3/4/12 Honors Recital

WELCOME NEW MEMBER SHARON MINGE!

Sharon Minge is a native of Bellingham, WA. She received her BA in Music from WWSU (Bellingham) with a strong emphasis on The Art of Accompanying and her Master of Sacred Music from Wittenberg University (Springfield, OH) with an emphasis on keyboard instruments.

She has over 25 years combined experience in teaching and performance skills. Her specialized teaching skills include:

Piano, Pipe Organ - Church Music, Arranging, Theory, The Art of Accompanying

Studio Location (Piano): Yenney Music, 1404 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia,WA 98502

(360) 943-7500

She can be reached at: mingesharon@yahoo.com

Dr. Stephen Moore will be presenting a Piano Recital on January 15 at 3:00 p.m. at the home of Jan Rowen Music

10541 Stedman Rd. S.E. Olympia... The theme of this year's recital is French Piano Music.

Come for a lovely afternoon of beautiful music and refreshments in a home environment amidst friends.

A donation basket will be provided for the Artist. (suggested donation $15.00 per adult, $5.00 Students)

contact Jan at 456-1911 or farrislj@yahoo.com for more information or to RSVP

ADDRESS UPDATE for member Ramona Allen

2021 Lakewood Dr SE, Olympia, 98501.

Congratulations on your new home!

Thanks to Jan and Cherie for coordinating the luncheon. It was great to see everyone and great to meet Cinda Redmond!

For 2011 Concerto Results, please click here.

OMTA Musicianship Exams May 5, 2012

Our chapter will be holding Musicianship Exams again this year. We have added more categories in which the students may participate. Categories of participation include written theory (REQUIRED), technique, applied theory, performance, transposition, sight reading, and ear training. Students may enter as many areas as they wish.

Please contact chair Rhonda Morse for more details.

OMTA Calendar please click here for details.

Thanks to Jeffrey Gilliam and Robin Chadwick for a great Master Lesson weekend. Next dates are January 20-22.

For more information, please click here.

OMTA forum is up and running. Thank you Ryan for setting up the Google Group!. For directions on how to participate and use, please click here.

OMTA Google Group is located at: http://groups.google.com/group/omta