Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers' Association

CFMTA's 2021 Virtual Conference will centre around diversity and inclusion in the music world, and they are looking for presenters! Educators or researchers who wish to share their experiences of musical diversity, raise awareness of their topic, or fulfil academic requirements are encouraged to submit proposals. Applications are due January 22, 2021.

Congratulations to one of our members, and prominent local pianist Jennifer King piano on her latest album "Twilight Hour: Collected Stories for Piano". The album is an enchanting collection of twelve short piano works inspired by fairy tales and has an accompanying video by multimedia filmmaker Katrina Westin. Have a listen! Jennifer's album is available for digital or hardcopy purchase here: https://jenniferkingpiano.bandcamp.com//waldszenen-op-82-v

https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/J7FC9XG Anneli Loepp Thiessen and Olivia Adams, two graduate students at the University of Ottawa, have extended an invitation to all NSRMTA teachers to participate in a survey in order to collect data for their research project for the graduate studies course, Public Musicology (MUS 6370A). The research is part of a current course on Public Musicology, which has been approved by the University of Ottawa Ethics Board and supervising professor Dr.... Jada Watson. The research project addresses equity and inclusion in the private music studio. Over the course of 2020 our world has experienced social, political and economic upheaval with all eyes on the #BlackLivesMatter movement. In Canada, this conversation has also spread to issues of decolonization, Indigenous representation, and anti-racism in institutions. The music community is not exempt from these conversations. We would like to survey studio teachers to see how the conversations around anti-racism and decolonization are affecting studio practices, and to determine whether private music teachers are engaging in this conversation. From the results of this survey we will curate a website with resources on anti-racist practices in the music studio. We will create pedagogical tools with concepts, terms and resources that are age appropriate for students at the levels of Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and University. The digital survey is a series of close answered questions and will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. The survey results are completely anonymous and there are no wrong answers. We would greatly appreciate it if you would be willing to circulate this survey among active NSRMTA members. Any survey responses will help us in this research. We want to serve the teaching community from which we have so greatly benefited, and we know that the knowledge gained from this survey will help us do this. We want to help equip private music teachers to create studios that are more equitable and inclusive for all of their students. We are happy to speak virtually with any branch members that would like more information on the survey or the project. The survey will remain open until November 22, 2020.

This is certainly a year like no other for music teachers, and we've all had to adapt at the drop of a hat due to COVID-19. One positive outcome is that many of us have come to embrace online music teaching and its many possibilities. One such member, Susan L. Dworkin, is excited to offer ongoing remote learning as an option in her studio. If you're looking for online voice, clarinet, or piano lessons, check out Armonico Music Studio!

From Bedroom to Broadcast: Improving the Quality of Your AV Recordings and Streams As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, students and teachers must increasingly act not only as performers, but their own recording and broadcast engineers as well. The digital presentation of music performance is now more important than ever, and the technology to create a quality recording has never been more accessible. This workshop explores the fundamentals of audio/video recording and streami...ng, and how to approach a recording session from a technical perspective taking into account varying equipment and budgets. Topics will include Video cameras, microphones, audio interfaces/mixers, livestreaming, Digital Audio Workstations, AV editing, and more. Zoom is required. Please register with Megan Wynn by sending your name and email address to [email protected]. Neven Prostran is a freelance educator, musician, and AV technician who thrives in the intersection of these three fields. An experienced private and school teacher, Neven's workshops are aimed at educators and seek to create an understanding of technology as just another tool in the educator's toolbox. Neven is the Director of Music Education at the Summit Academy of Active Learning, and the Technical Director of Scotia Festival of Music and The Peggy Corkum Music Room. He is also a member of the Halifax Chapter of NSRMTA.

Members Jason Davis and Lucy Hayes-Davis aren't missing a beat this year with their Broadway Company Players. Their show will go on! Way to adapt, Jason and Lucy, and we look forward to updates on your exciting program!

What is a Registered Music Teacher or NSRMTA Affiliate? Nova Scotia Registered Music teachers are highly qualified and trained professional musicians and educators. They are committed to professional development and are well connected to Nova Scotias vibrant music community. They have progressive ideas on music education and can provide their students with access to performance opportunities including Recitals, Music Festivals, and Competitions. ... Visit our website to learn more or to find a teacher in your area!

ATTN RMT's: Have you always wanted to try adjudicating? Weren't sure how to get your foot in the door? CFMTA is pleased to announce that for the upcoming Canad...a Music Week E-Festival, we are pleased to offer an adjudicating opportunity with no experience required! Stay home, stay healthy and watch video performances from students across our great country celebrating Canadian music. For full details and to sign up (deadline Oct.15th) visit: https://www.cfmta.org/en/e-festival-adjudicators/ See more

Reposted @musiqueroyale Coming up in a couple of weeks, on Saturday August 29th, Musique Royale will feature 13 year old pianist, Devin Huang in a virtual concert filmed at St. David's Presbyterian Church in Halifax. Last week Devin was named by CBC Music as the youngest participant in 2020 on their Canada's hot "30 under 30" list of classical musicians! Turn on CBC Info Morning this Thursday morning around 8 am to hear Devin talk about his music. You can also hear it at w...ww.cbc.ca/listen and select Halifax! Devin is a student of NSRMTA teacher, Lynn Stodola, and is this year's youngest nominee at the age of 13.

Looking for a music teacher this fall? Our website is a great resource for what to look for in a music studio, what to expect and look for in lessons, opportunities for students, and the benefits of an NSRMTA teacher. You can also find a full directory of all registered music teachers in Nova Scotia, organized by region. Visit https://www.nsrmta.ca/our-members/ for more information!

As September approaches, there are BIG questions on every teacher's mind about how best to proceed with lessons during Covid-19. While the NSRMTA is unable to provide specific counsel regarding business practices, please refer to current provincial recommendations regarding best practices, should you choose to teach in person, online, or some combination of the two.

Congratulations to Halifax's Devin Huang on being named one of CBC Music's top 30 classical musicians under the age of 30 for 2020! Devin is a student of NSRMTA teacher, Lynn Stodola, and is this year's youngest nominee at the age of 13. He wisely says, "You don't need to practise five hours a day to get good at something. You just need to make the hours you do spend count."

You can now follow along with NSRMTA on both Facebook and Instagram! The Nova Scotia Registered Music Teacher's Association provides support and resources for registered music teachers who individually and collectively provide leadership in all areas of music education in Nova Scotia. Visit our website to learn more about resources, upcoming events, and to find a registered music teacher in your area!

Today is our virtual AGM at 4pm. I would enjoy seeing you live on screen with your ears, ideas and insights. This willl be my last day as your president but delighted to hand the reigns over to VP Karen Turpin! We have some wonderful new initiatives to share with you and I want to thank my very capable council for your input and openness. It has been a pleasure! All the very best as you continue to inspire, educate and show positivity through your teaching. NSRMTA Strong

2020 ATLANTIC YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION Saturday April 18, 2020 MOUNT ALLISON UNIVERSITY Marjorie Young Bell Conservatory of Music Sackville, New Brunswick...Continue reading

Press Release: NSRMTA Fundraising Concert (Mothers Day Treat!) May 12, 3:00-4:30 pm, Lilian Piercey Concert Hall, MCPA, Halifax: ... This concert is to help offset costs for our two young performers who will be competing at the CFMTA National Piano and Voice Competition in Winnipeg, July 3-5, 2019 Tickets: $20 per person $50 family of 4 (Tax receipts will be available upon request, for donations above the ticket price) Performers for the concert include NSRMTA Teachers and Special Guests: Peter Allen, Simon Docking, Jennifer Farrell, Jennifer King, Catherine Little Paula Rockwell, Andrew Son, Ifan Williams/Bonnie Romkey, Heather Pineo Regan Tickets can be purchased at the door or reserved by calling: Paula Rockwell at (902) 670-8514 Please, spread the word to your chapters, students and parents. This is a concert you wont want to miss!!

Dear Members, Our fundraising concert is next Sunday, May 12! A poster for the event is attached. We would like to have a full audience, so please pass it on to your students and friends. It will be a great opportunity to hear a variety of professional performers. Megan... Megan Wynn President, Halifax Chapter, NSRMTA Music for Young Children and Private Piano Teacher 902-401-6445

2019 NSRMTA Scholarship Competition Saturday, May 25th 10:00am 5:00pm Kings Edgehill School, Windsor NS Important information for Teachers, Parents and Students. Kings Edgehill Campus can be accessed via the main gate on College Road. Please consult the attached map to find the parking areas and performance hall. All classes will take place in the Fountain Cultural & Performing Arts Center (#11 on the map). The nearest and easiest parking area is on the top left, next to ...the athletic center (#13). Campus map: https://bbk12e1-cdn.myschoolcdn.com///misc/misc_118995.pdf When you arrive: You will find the registration area, water fountain and washrooms at the entrance to the theatre. Performers will please check in at the registration desk. Entrance fee for non performers is 5$ (free for children/students). Warm up rooms are only available from 9:30 - 10am and 12:30 - 1pm. There is NO food or drink (except water) allowed anywhere in the theatre complex, though lunch will be provided at a cost of 15$ per person, to be paid the day of the event. If you would like to stay for lunch, please RSVP to [email protected] by Sunday, May 12th. Class times are as follows (Complete program will be made available later this week) Music Room Preliminary 10:00 -11:15 Junior 11:15 - 12:00 Theatre Senior 10:00 - 12:00 Intermediate 1:00 2:45 Advanced 2:50 - 4:40

NSRMTA Convention 2019 Hosts: Dartmouth Chapter, NSRMTA Theme: Pearls of Wisdom: Baroque Performance Practice, with a bonus round table discussion focused on Teaching Students with Special Needs...Continue reading

This is a very exciting initiative created by two wonderful musicians in Nova Scotia. Jennifer King, NSRMTA member and Sibylle Marquardt, a relatively new resident of Halifax. Please spread the word!!

For Immediate Release February 20, 2019 (Halifax, NS) MUSIC AT GRACE PRESENTS CINDY THONG (PIANO)... Music at Grace presents local classical pianist, Cindy Thong at Dartmouths Grace United Church (70 King Street, Dartmouth) on Sunday, March 10 at 3:00 p.m. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Cindy Thong, a native of Jeddore, NS, will present a piano recital of sonatas, preludes, and ballades by Haydn, Rachmaninoff, Liszt and Prokofiev. Currently studying in Switzerland, Canadian pianist Cindy Thong has received 1st prize at the NSRMTA Competition, the Halifax Kiwanis Festival Rose Bowl, the FMFNS Provincial Music Festival and the NSYO Concerto Competition. She has also been prizewinner and finalist in the FCMF National Music Festival, the CFMTA National Piano Competition, the Concours Hélène-Roberge, the Concours Prix dEurope and the Canadian Music Competition. Additionally, she was also the recipient of the 2009 Debut Atlantic Award for Musical Excellence. In 2013, Cindy had the pleasure of performing Rachmaninoffs Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18 under the direction of Dinuk Wijeratne. Most recently, she has also performed as soloist with the Nova Sinfonia and offered recitals as part of the lOasis Musicale, Merry Musical, Music for an Afternoon and Cecilia Concert Series. Having participated in numerous master classes throughout North America and Europe notably at the Gijón International Piano Festival, the Wiener Musikseminar, the Euro Music Festival, the Banff Centre, the Orford Arts Centre and the Domaine Forget International Music Academy Cindy has worked closely with artists such as Robert MacDonald, Jacques Rouvier, Bernd Goetzke, Dang Thai Son, Stephen Kovacevich, Ronan OHora, Alexander Kobrin, Marc Durand, Benedetto Lupo, Evelyne Brancart, Jean Saulnier, Richard Raymond, and Dalton Baldwin among others. Currently a doctoral candidate at lUniversité de Montréal under the direction of Jimmy Brière, Cindy is simultaneously pursuing a second Masters degree at La Haute École de Musique de Genève where she studies with Dominique Weber. Tickets for this performance are ten dollars and available at the door, and through the church office in advance by calling 465-6884. There is street parking in the area on Sunday afternoon. FOR BROADCAST USE: Music at Grace presents pianist Cindy Thong in recital at Dartmouths Grace United Church on Sunday, March 10 at 3:00 p.m. The performance features repertoire by Haydn, Rachmaninoff, Liszt and Prokofiev, in the beautiful acoustics of Grace United Church in downtown Dartmouth. Tickets are just ten dollars and will be available at the door; they can be reserved in advance by calling the church at 465-6884. 30 For more information: [email protected] (902) 456-1602) or (902) 422-5403.

Organ enthusiasts...this is for you!!!

The Dartmouth Community Concert Association post-concert photo.(Jennifer King and Paula Rockwell) We had a superb audience showing us their appreciation by a standing ovation. Thank you!!

NSRMTA Scholarship Competition Announcement 15 January 2019 The competition is open to ALL instrument and voice students of all NSRMTA members or music teachers within the province of Nova Scotia. Date: 25 May 2019 10:30am 7pm (two competition/ performance rooms may run simultaneously)... Location: Kings-Edgehill School (theatre), Windsor NS Due Date for Competition Form and Fees: 31 March 2019 There will be no extension of the deadline. Registration forms can be found at www.nsrmta.ca Categories, Time Limits and Fees: Competitors are divided into categories based on the RCM grading system. ALL fees go towards the prize money and running of the competition. Separate divisions, based on instrument, may be offered if there are a large number of competitors in a particular category. There is a limit of 2-3 pieces ONLY up to the time limits given below. Preliminary - up to and at Grade 4 - up to 5 minutes - Entry Fee $25 Junior - up to and at Grade 6 5-10 minutes - Entry Fee $30 Intermediate - up to and at Grade 8-10 15 minutes - Entry Fee $35 Senior - up to and at Grade 10-15 20 minutes of music - Entry Fee $40 Advanced - at ARCT level or Undergraduate level 20-30 minutes of music - Entry Fee $50 Prize Money: 2017 Winners received: Advanced $550, Senior $300, Intermediate $150, Junior $75 and Preliminary $50 All students can perform up to the allotted time limit. Students, who perform over the time limit, will be asked to stop. Students are to perform a varied and stylistically contrasting mini recital (set of 2-3 pieces). Students who perform one piece or more at a level more than one grade higher may be asked to play in a higher category. The teacher must ensure that their student is entered in the correct category for their level. If there is doubt, it is the teachers responsibility to contact the Scholarship Convener/Committee to ensure the guidelines are met for each category. These pieces may be from a currently recognized syllabus, but this is not a requirement. Please, no concerti for piano and no unnecessary repeats. The choice of appropriate repertoire will be taken into consideration in choosing the winner for each category. Please ensure that if you require piano accompaniment that you arrange this yourself and provide the name and details on your registration form. Performance opportunities for the winners of each category will be offered at the NSRMTA Annual General Meeting. The judges will consist of a panel of NSRMTA teachers (two to three adjudicators per category). Competitors will receive comments (either verbal and/or written) from the adjudicators of their category. Collegial Dinner: A catered meal will be offered at the event for teachers and adjudicators. Serving time will depend on the scheduled performances. Teachers are expected to pay for the meal which must be ordered in advance (details to follow) along with any dietary needs that apply.

CFMTA E-Festival poster. Spread the word and get your students involved. It they have never experienced a competition this is a fabulous introduction and helps builds confidence!!

The Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Association (CFMTA) is pleased to announce a new online only festival initiative. The inaugural CFMTA E-Festival is highlighting Canadian composers. This E-Festival is open to all instruments and all levels. Entries will be accepted from January 1, 2019 to February 15, 2019. Please visit the CFMTA E-Festival web page for full details, including Rules and Regulations at: http://www.cfmta.org/en/e-festival or http://www.cfmta.org/fr/e-festival

A very successful Canada Music Week weekend with two recitals at the Helen Creighton Room at 60 Alderney Landing, Dartmouth and a visit from the lovely Tiffany A. Wilson our CFMTA president. Lorna Wanzel, NSRMTA past president and Tiffany seated in front of the piano. Thank you to the Halifax/Dartmouth Chapters for hosting the event.

Hello Everyone! Duo Recital, "Dworkin-MacInnis" takes place Tuesday, December 18th 7pm at the Wolfville Baptist Church. ... A very special event! This mother-daughter collaboration is a labour of love and musical offering to those who support and care about music and art and local artists! Proceeds from the ticket sales supports Jossée MacInnis as she embarks on her doctorale studies in clarinet performance at L'Université de Montréale. Thanks to those who have already purchased tickets. Please share and invite your friends to attend! You can reserve by responding to this email, or call/text 902-300-1001 Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door at 6:30pm the night of the recital. Thank you very much! I hope to see you there! Susan Dworkin Soprano

Harpsichord Events with visiting Harpsichordist Marie Bouchard Early Music Society of Nova Scotia Harpsichord Maintenance Fundraising Concert Featuring Marie Bouchard Saturday, November 3, 2018, 2:00pm... St. Georges Round Church, 2222 Brunswick Street, Halifax Canadian harpsichordist Marie Bouchard from Ottawa & local early music professionals present a matinee chamber music concert to raise funds for the upkeep of our newly-acquired Saunders harpsichord. With: Hilary Brown (cello), Andrew Pickett (countertenor), Kirsty Money (violin/nyckelharpa), Lauren Klein (violin), and Henri Gauci and Jennifer Publicover (Baroque flutes). Admission by donation. Educational events with Marie Bouchard hosted by the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax Saturday, November 3, 2018 - 7:30pm Continuo workshop for advanced and professional keyboard players. Admission: $30. Sunday, November 4, 2018 - 1:30-3:30pm Harpsichord masterclass focusing on solo repertoire of the Baroque period, intermediate and advanced. Limited participant spaces available. Free of cost to Maritime Conservatory participants and auditors as a result of internal fundraising*. Others: $25/ participant, $15/auditor. Marie is also available for private harpsichord lessons. Pre-registration is required for participants, and preferred also for auditors. For more information, registration, and scheduling of all of the above, contact Jennifer Publicover, organizer: jenpublicover@eastlink.

MusiCounts is currently accepting applications for the MusiCounts Band Aid Program. Each year this program gives school music programs across Canada up to $15,000 worth of musical instruments and equipment! This year, we are committed to increasing the number of applications we receive from the Atlantic provinces, and we are hoping that you will help us in getting the word out to music teachers throughout Nova Scotia. Let me know if you have any questions, or if you have a...ny other ideas on how we can work together to get the word out. Feel free to give me a call at 647 952 8149 if you would like to discuss this further. Thanks in advance for helping us keep music education alive and well in Canada! Nick

Some images that can be added to our photos. Jennifer King's recording "O Mistress Moon" released in the New Year and Sondheim's Sweeney Todd production at the Al Whittle Theatre, Wolfville with the cast, Paula Rockwell as the Beggar Woman and Justin Brown as Sweeney Todd.

National Student Composition Class 2018 ACNMPs National Student Composition Class invites budding composers to submit a work for adjudication/feedback by composer Darlene Chepil Reid, associate of the Canadian Music Centre and faculty member of Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. The Louise MacPherson Memorial Award (amount of $400) will be given to a promising composer based on the recommendation of the adjudicator. This class and award is made possible through partnershi...p with the Canadian Music Centre. Eligibility: Students are in invited to submit their compositions (score and soundfile) online at: https://canadianmusiccentre.formstack.com//acnmp_compositi Compositions may be in any medium, including electronic, and have a duration from 2 to 10 minutes. Compositions must be unpublished and must not have been performed before the general public prior to adjudication. (Please submit for the age appropriate class.) Entry Fees: $20 Class C1 (16 years and under), $30 Class C2 (17 to 21 years), $40 Class C3 (22 to 25 years) Deadline for submissions: October 31, 2018 More about the adjudicator: Darlene Chepil Reid (BSc. McMaster, HBMus. Lakehead, MMus. Western, DMus. Alberta) is a life-long resident of Thunder Bay. She studied composition with prominent Canadian composers including Allan Gordon Bell, Peter Paul Koprowski, David Myska, and Aris Carastathis. Darlene has been the recipient of many of Canadas most highly regarded academic scholarships including the Chancellors Medal at Lakehead University, SSHRC Masters and Doctoral fellowships. Darlene is a Lecturer at Lakehead University, where she currently teaches Composition, Orchestration, Formal Analysis and Theory. Darlene writes in an avant-garde and experimental fashion for both acoustic and electroacoustic instruments that has been called gutsy and highly unorthodox but with rare beauty and emotive power. Her works have been performed by many soloists across Canada and the United States, and many ensembles including the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, the University of Alberta Symphonic Winds, the University of Western Ontario Chamber Orchestra, and Trio Fibonacci. Contact: Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects Website: acnmp.ca Email: [email protected] Phone: 647-794-4804

COMPLIMENTARY TEACHER WORKSHOP Well-Rounded Musicianship: The Pathway to a Lifetime of Learning Our primary goal as music teachers is to provide our students with the inspiration and skills to support a lifetime of joyful music making. This workshop will explore the many ways in which The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program curriculum and complementary resources support the development of well-rounded musicianship, ensure student progress, and celebrate achievement!... Clinicians: Elaine Rusk Vice President, The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program

RCM Workshop September 22 at MCPA. Please register online. It's FREE but they need a head count.

Event: Well-Rounded Musicianship: The Pathway to a Lifetime of Learning Date: Saturday, Sept. 22nd, 2018 Time: 2:30PM 5:30PM Location: Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts 6199 Chebucto Rd, Halifax, NS B3L 1K7 Clinician: Elaine Rusk ... RCM Responsibilities RCM agrees to provide and/or incur the costs for the following: the clinician and associated fees door prize participant packages Participant packages for the Well-Rounded Musicianship workshop will include: promotional materials (including catalogues and flyers, as appropriate) Please mark this on your calendar. It promises to be a wonderful afternoon with a few perks!!

PRESS RELEASE Heather Pineo Regan will be giving a piano recital Sunday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. in the Garden Room of the K. C. Irving Environmental Science Centre at Acadia University in Wolfville.... The programme begins with Haydns exquisite Andante with Variations in F minor and concludes with Prokofievs dramatic Sonata No. 3 in A minor. Of special interest is Luc Martins Toiles (Canvases), a wonderful set of seven short pieces inspired by nature: 1. Danse des feuillues (Dance of the Deciduous Trees) 2. Brouillard matinal translucide (Translucent Morning Fog) 3. Jeux de leuers verdatres (Dancing Northern Lights) 4. Ballade des feuilles dautomne (Ballad of the Autumn Leaves) 5. Ruissèlement printanier (Spring Thaw) 6. La dernière heure dautomne (The Last Hour of Autumn) 7. La chasse des hirondelles (Chasing Swallows) Admission is by donation. For more information please visit www.heatherregan.ca and www.lucmartin.ca

A wonderful opportunity coming our way this week. If any of the members are available, please support out international pianists and young people by attending this concert, Please read the attached poster for details.