Programs for GCMTA Meetings 2025-2026

Please join us for our monthly Wednesday meetings! Unless noted below, meetings are held at PianoWorks, and begin at 9:45 a.m.

PianoWorks
2805 Buford Highway
Duluth, GA 30096

Program Topics

September 24: Texas Galan Piano health

As pianists, we rarely interact with the piano outside of depressing keys and pedals. Our interaction is quite limited, as compared to the trumpeter lubricating a valve, or the cellist changing a string. Texas hopes to pull the piano apart with you (literally!) to examine how it is constructed, how it works, and how to care for it, so that you have a more comprehensive understanding of the instruments you sit at every day. We will also cover how to properly examine a piano’s condition, why climate control is necessary, and some practical reasons for good piano technique, as well as fun piano history and anecdotes from the bench. Come take a peek under the lid!

 

October 22: Dr. Martha Thomas From the Piano Bench: Thoughts on Teaching, Practicing, and Performing

Dr. Thomas will be sharing ideas, tips, and suggestions learned from more than 50 years of teaching. This session will offer practical advice that can be implemented immediately in everyone’s studios.

 

November 19: Dr. Kevin Chance Teaching artistry from the start

Teaching techniques and musical examples of what teachers can implement to build musicality and artistry from the start. Dr. Chance will be sharing some ideas from his new book, Rare Recital Treasures, Book 1, so be sure to bring your studio copy.

 

January 28: Luncheon and Teaching gems.

Members, please share your hidden gems, pieces that motivate, build up, dazzle. Please be prepared to share music you use that are not found in the standard method books.

 

February 19: co-host with N. DeKalb: Dr. Yoshiko Arahata, Assistant Professor of Music (Collaborative Piano, Music Theory)

Teaching Piano music with dance elements beyond canon.

 

February 25: Business meeting and member recital

Members are invited to perform solo and ensemble music.

 

March 25: Master Class Dr. Patricia Dinkins-Matthews 

Associate Teaching Professor, Chair of the Performance Area, Piano, Vocal Coaching, Piano Skills, and Collaborative Piano, Emory University Department of Music

 

May 13: May Luncheon and TOTY

The last meeting of the year will be on May 13 at PianoWorks at 10:00 a.m. 

Please contact Kathy Dawal at kdawal81@gmail.com to RSVP for lunch