MusicLink Foundation: May 2024

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Amanda Snell, Washington MusicLink Coordinator

The MusicLink Foundation (www.musiclinkfoundation.org) is a national non-profit organization linking music teachers with low-income students who are not able to afford music lessons.  MusicLink teachers volunteer to teach these students at up to half of their normal fee, while MusicLink handles the process of determining a student’s financial eligibility and provides support and discounts for participating teachers.

Please consider signing up to be a MusicLink teacher! This strengthens the WSMTA presence in our community by promoting access and widespread availability of music instruction to students in need.

It’s free and easy to register whether you are already teaching a student at a discounted rate, or whether you are looking to begin teaching a new student waiting to be linked.  To become a MusicLink Teacher, contact State Coordinator Amanda Snell (amandacs87@gmail.com) or visit www.musiclinkfoundation.org.  

We currently have an urgent need for:

  • Piano teacher in Auburn (4 year old student)
  • Any instrument donations (keyboard, guitar, drum set, violin)
  • More Local Coordinators to assist State Coordinator – please reach out if you are interested in getting more involved in our program

MTNA Performance Competition News

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Julie Swienty, WSMTA-MTNA Performance Competition Chair

Dear Members,

I thought you’d like to know who some of our MTNA Competition judges will be. Please be sure to avoid using these individuals in your upcoming events. More will come as I know them. Here is what we know as of now:

Piano Division:
Steven Beus, Charlie Albright, Isabella Jie

String Division:
Ruth Marie Ballance, Jared Ballance

A few other thoughts – the MTNA website will be updated with dates and times hopefully by June. Our dates are November 9-11 (this year the holiday lands on a Monday), at Central Washington University. I have had several students reach out to me asking when they can register. Registration should open in August.

Also in MTNA news, there will only be two tiers for Voice and Brass divisions this year. The Preliminary Round will be by video submission only; and the Final Round will be live at the MTNA National Conference. Entrants will compete without regard to the state or division in which they live or take lessons, and seven will be selected in both the Brass and Voice categories from a nationwide pool of applicants to compete in the final round.There was so much strife over finding accompanists that were available at the State level, and so few entries in these divisions, that the program has been streamlined.

Other exciting news: Dr. Stephen Beus has agreed to give a mini recital and masterclass on either Friday (before the competition), or on Monday after the competition. We will be soliciting for students to play for him once we know how registration is going. This will only be available to students who are NOT playing in the MTNA competition. More on this later!

Julie Swienty, NCTM
WSMTA-MTNA Performance Chair

Certification Corner

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Rose Freeman, WSMTA Certification Chair

What’s new and exciting in your life? My grandpa used to ask me this question when I and I always remember the way he’d ask it.  Last month, the Musical Mountaineers performed in concert to a nearly sold out audience at Benaroya Hall to benefit Washington Trails Association and Northwest Symphony Orchestra. I’ve also been lead rock climbing at my gym to prepare for some summer adventures. Lately, new and exciting also feels quite vulnerable, while also authentic and fulfilling.  I commend each of you who are present with new possibilities in your lives and are listening with your wise heart and what you want to create in the world. Is Certification one of those new possibilities in your life?  

Want to hear the inside scoop about MTNA Certification at the WSMTA Conference this June? I’m looking forward to presenting a program highlighting the five teacher profile projects titled, “3 Steps to Success.” This interactive presentation will empower you with three approachable steps to success.  Invite a friend and join me at my workshop on Friday, June 28th. I’d love to meet you!

I want to take a moment to celebrate two WSMTA members who have received the MTNA Certification in Piano.  Congratulations to Elissa Hust, NCTM and Mary Rose Walker-Lieberman, NCTM! These teachers have completed their five teacher profile projects and are now Nationally Certified Teachers of Music.

I look forward to meeting you at the June Conference in Spokane!

~Rose

Rose Freeman, NCTM
WSMTA Certification Chair
425-248-9288
rosefreemanmusic@gmail.com