In the fall of 1963, a group of piano teachers who shared a deep sense of responsibility for the artistic growth of their students formed the Kalamazoo Area Music Teachers Association (KAMTA).In time the group affiliated with the Michigan Music Teachers Association (MMTA -- http://www.michiganmusicteachers.org) and the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA -- http://www.mtna.org).Since its inception, KAMTA has sponsored a wide variety of valuable and informative programs by state and nationally recognized teachers.
Purpose:
As music educators, KAMTA members desire to promote and support the artistic development of music teachers in the greater Kalamazoo and southwest Michigan areas and to support parents and students alike in the pursuit of musical appreciation and development..
Teacher Activities:
Meetings:
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from September through May with the exception of September and November. September and November meetings are on the third Wednesday of each month. There will not be a meeting in December.Meetings begin at 9:30 a.m. on the stage of Dalton Center Recital Hall on the campus at Western Michigan University.A short business meeting is followed by a program which features a guest speaker or performer.Please refer to the “Upcoming Events” page of this website for the most accurate and up-to-date information about programs dates, times, and locations.(Dates may be changed to accommodate university schedule conflicts or speaker availability.)Anyone who wishes to attend KAMTA meetings may do so at no cost for one program year.If more information is needed about attending meetings, please contact the KAMTA president.(Refer to the Officers/Chairs page for contact information.)
Directions to Western Michigan University’s Dalton Center Building:
From I-94 Eastbound: At exit #74, turn north onto U.S. 131, go 2.8 miles, then follow the directions listed below for U.S. 131.
From I-94 Westbound: At exit #74, turn north onto U.S. 131, go 2.8 miles, then follow the directions listed below for U.S. 131.
From U.S. 131: At exit #36, turn east onto Stadium Drive. Proceed on Stadium Drive to Howard Street and turn left. Turn right at the 2nd drive after crossing the railroad tracks. Stop and turn left onto Western Avenue (you should see the parking structure ahead of you and slightly to the right).Turn right onto Auditorium Drive (the parking structure is now to the left). Turn Left at the parking structure entrance.Meters accept only quarters and change machines are located on each level.
From Downtown Kalamazoo via Stadium Drive: Take Stadium Drive west to Howard Street and turn right. Turn right at the 2nd drive after crossing the railroad tracks. Stop and turn left onto Western Avenue (you should see the parking structure ahead of you and slightly to the right).Turn Right onto Auditorium Drive and the parking structure should now be on the left. Turn Left at the parking structure entrance. Meters accept only quarters and change machines are located on each level.
From the parking structure, go across the courtyard keeping the fountain on your right.The Dorothy U. Dalton building should be just ahead.Enter the building at the recital hall entrance, and there should be an easel or a music stand with directions for the KAMTA meeting location.
Student Activities:
Student Achievement Testing (SAT):
Achievement Testing is an MMTA program which is administered locally by KAMTA in the spring.Students who choose to participate in Achievement Testing do so by learning three memorized pieces which they play for a judge.In addition to the performance requirement, students take tests in theory, aural awareness, technique, and sight reading.Locally, SAT is non-competitive, but if a student receives a high enough score, he/she is eligible to play at the MMTA state semi-finals at which winners are chosen, and those winners go on to play at the state finals.
Ensemble Festival:
The Ensemble Festival is another MMTA program which is locally organized by KAMTA.Students of all levels play in ensembles (most often duets, but any combination of instruments or voices is encouraged).The event is non-competitive, but students do play for a judge who makes written evaluative comments.The day is structured in a series of mini-recitals.
Super Solo Saturday:
Super Solo Saturday is planned by the WMU student chapter of MMTA.Students play two memorized pieces for a judge in the morning, and outstanding performers are chosen for an honors recital held in the afternoon.
Piano Student Repertoire Classes
Piano students of KAMTA members are invited to attend monthly piano repertoire classes from October through May.They are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the home of Jill Christian.
Students in grades 9-12 meet on the FIRST Tuesday of the month.
Students in grades 4-8 meet on the SECOND Tuesday of the month.
Students in grades 1-4 meet on the THIRD Friday of the month.
All levels of piano ability and performance are very welcome.The classes are designed so that students will feel comfortable and that they will enjoy the process of learning and performing for their peers.Students play pieces of any length which they have been preparing.Some students play pieces that are still in the learning stages, while others play pieces that are more polished.After each student plays, the group makes positive constructive comments about the performance.These performances are informal, with an opportunity to share music at whatever stage it is on the day of the class.Usually students are happy to try their pieces for others in the group, but performing at every class is voluntary, not mandatory.
Parents are welcome to stay and enjoy an hour of reading or conversation with other parents.Light refreshments are available.
Please feel free to contact Jill Christian with any questions at 353-5323 or jilljchristian@comcast.net.
