Click on the name of any presenter below for more information.
Artina McCain and Martin McCain • Brian Shepard • Carmen Still • Darin Kaschmitter • Elizabeth Morris • Frances Goei • Gabriel Merrill-Steskal • Jensina Oliver • Kay Zavislak • Lark Powers • Laura Dean • Leann Osterkamp He • Mengyiyi Chen • Michelle Mielke • Michelle Rahn • Ricardo de la Torre • Rose Freeman • Rose Johnson • Ryan Sowers • Sarah Barclay • Sarah Lightfoot • Anna Schultz • Sarah Silvia / Matt Clemon • Zachariah Mayberry / Kate Gordon / Clara Brown
CONFERENCE HOMESATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2025
Conference Guest Artists: Artina McCain and Martin McCain
For complete bios, click here.
Pushing The Needle: Conversations about career building and expanding repertoire
Join the McCain Duo as they discuss practical steps to push the needle and expand your horizons for career expectations. They will share examples from their personal and individual collaborations as well as challenges to think outside of the prescribed paths. Looking for “new” works to perform? The McCain Duo will offer resources to expand your repertoire knowledge and expand limitations you may have on your own career mindset.
Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 1:15 – 2:45 pm
Jensina Oliver, NCTM
Known for her expressive and passionate performances, pianist Jensina Oliver has appeared as soloist and chamber musician at diverse venues worldwide. Dr. Oliver has taught at Shoreline CC for over two decades and is a well-known performer, instructor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Maestro! Cultivating Artistry and Nuance Through Conducting
Help your students level up in their nuance and artistry by teaching them how to conduct their repertoire. Musicians of any instrument or voice can gain greater ownership and understanding their repertoire if they learn to conduct their pieces. Interpretive elements become more effective and expressive and overall performances become more artistic and compelling.
Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 3:00 – 3:45 pm
Frances Goei, NCTM
Frances Goei, NCTM, has been chair of the Young Composers Project for the last four years. She has a BA in Music Theory and Composition from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mi. She has a real passion for music theory and composition and hopes to share this in her presentation.
So You Want to Compose?
Writing music can be daunting. In this presentation, Frances will be moving from the known to the unknown. The easiest way to write a piece is to copy and change an existing piece. Frances will be exploring ways to go from changing a piece to creating an entirely new composition. Limited ideas and use of repetition and variation are keys to creative pieces. We will be looking at different styles and forms of music. Frances will be sharing pieces that she or her students have written and the thought process that went into creating these pieces. She hopes that this presentation will be an inspiration for all musicians to even attempt to compose.
Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 3:00 – 3:45 pm
Sarah Silvia
For the last 18 years, Sarah Silvia has been a living history interpreter with the Washington Civil War Association, which is committed to recreating the past and educating the public about the events of the time. She can always be found at the evening dances.
Matt Cleman
Matt Cleman is a living history interpreter who has been active since 2008 in Washington and Oregon. He strives to bring the past alive with “first person” impressions of historical persons both actual and constructed. He has appeared at libraries, museums, schools, and outdoor educational events. In 2016, Cleman added banjo to his interpretive tools, and has used music to engage audiences in surprising time-travel adventures.
American Folk Song Singalong
American folk music is our shared heritage, containing the history of our country and human experience, and is still accessible and enjoyable today. These pieces contain Primary Chords and melodic structures which help students learn fundamentals of music.
Join banjoist Matt Cleman and alto Sarah Silvia on a time-travel adventure. Learn and sing pieces deeply rooted in American history. Some are cheerful; some mournful; some silly. Learn how these songs can be used to expand the understanding of musical structure while having fun.
Silvia and Cleman are living history interpreters who have been active for years in Oregon and Washington.
Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 4:00 – 4:45 pm
Sarah Barclay
Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Brock University in Canada in 2000. She maintains a private studio of all ages. A life-long learner, her recent studies include jazz piano and golf. At home she competes at board games with her husband and 6 boys, and volunteers at church
Keys to Crossover: Classical to Jazz
This session highlights standard classical skills which transfer to excel in a jazz environment. Key areas of focus include musical literacy, ensemble skills, and creative improvisation. Topics include scales and chords, progressions, 12-bar blues, and common 7th chords. We will explore the practicality of sight-reading, ear training, and rhythm exercises. Creative skills involve simple improvisation, harmonization, and jazz chart symbols. Session ends with a discussion and Q&A, where participants are welcome to share their own wisdom and experience to reinforce techniques for bridging classical and jazz skills. Hope you can join us!
Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 4:00 – 4:45 pm
SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2025
Kay Zavislak, NCTM
Pianist Kay Zavislak enjoys a multi-faceted career as a performer, teacher, adjudicator, and clinician. Music has taken her around the world. She holds BM, MM, and DMA from the University of Michigan, and is currently on the piano faculty at Western Washington University. Performs with Jensina Oliver as Duo Cascadia.
From the land of the Rising Sun: Introduction to Japanese Composers
Born and raised in Japan, the presenter has collected musical works of Japanese composers. There is a wealth of compositions for all instruments, for beginning students to advanced performers in diverse styles—some are rooted in the western European tradition, others inspired by traditional Japanese music and folk tunes, in addition to compositions of more experimental nature. It is my hope that the personally compiled list of Japanese composers and their works will spark the curiosity of music teachers and performers to learn and explore. The list will be highlighted with live demonstrations.
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 9:00 – 9:45 am
Sarah Lightfoot
Sarah brings a passion for joy in music making to her studio. Her belief in the empowering nature of creativity highlights her dedication to nurturing others through music and the arts. She has a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University and had further study opportunities in Salzburg and London.
Creative & Confident
A session exploring the wider scope of creativity and arts-based practices to support social-emotional wellness and mental health. With the intentional use of arts and music experiences, we can create a safe atmosphere for self-exploration, discovery, and acceptance of self and others. We’ll explore the power of creativity to empower young people to find their own voice, grow in confidence, and contribute positively to the world around them. Building an understanding of the creative process on the psyche helps us advocate for the importance of arts experiences to be rich, diverse, and accessible in our schools and communities.
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 9:00 – 9:45 am
Leann Osterkamp He
Dr. Leann Osterkamp He, international award-winning Steinway Artist, is the founder/artistic director of Mozart & Mutts, owner of RioPiano, and a sought-after speaker, educator, and concert pianist. www.leannosterkamp.com
Baby of a Concert Pianist: Building Technical Foundations Away from an Instrument
Eager to practice without access to a physical instrument? This session shows that it is not only possible to teach and learn foundational technique away from an instrument, for all ages/instruments, but preferred! I will discuss equitable neurodivergent-sensitive practices to create a pre-instrumental curriculum for all ages of beginning-intermediate students.
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 10:00 – 10:45 am
Michelle Rahn
Dr Michelle Rahn is a Senior Lecturer of Viola at Central Washington University. She is also an active solo and chamber music performer and maintains a private studio. She holds a Doctorate in Viola Performance from Boston University.
Finding comfort while playing a Chin-strument
Discomfort, tension and pain can be distractions from harnessing one’s full potential. In this interactive presentation, Dr Rahn will teach the basics of what healthy playing positions look like and simple ways to solve issues of discomfort. Achieve improved tone, endurance and mobility by finding better balance. Increased student retention by ensuring pain is no longer a barrier to continue playing. String educators and upper string players are the main focus for this interactive presentation about finding comfort while playing the violin or viola.
Feel free to bring an instrument to try shoulder rests, chin rests and other accessories.
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 10:00 – 10:45 am
Rose Freeman, NCTM
Rose Freeman delights in the timeless art of music as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, MTNA Certification Commissioner, and pianist of “The Musical Mountaineers.” She invites students on a personal, intuitive, and creative journey with an approach that fosters connection to their own hearts and the world around them.
MTNA Certification for You
How is MTNA Certification supportive to you as an independent music teacher? Join Rose and your colleagues to learn about the 5 Teacher Profile Projects and renewal process. If you are considering Certification, or have already started your projects, come see how MTNA Certification can be a system for reconnection to the heart of what you teach and why you teach music!
MTNA Certification for You
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 11:00 – 11:45 am
Darin Kaschmitter
Darin Kaschmitter, NCTM, is a Yakima-based pianist and educator. He received an MM in piano performance from Central Washington University. He serves on the faculty at Yakima Valley College (piano/theory) and works as a Collaborative Artist at CWU. Darin is an active soloist, chamber musician, and frequent adjudicator. He is also an avid promoter of musical theater ensembles and frequently performs throughout the year, both classically and within the theater.
Musical Theatre (Pit)falls
Musical theater can open new avenues of expression, artistic styles, and a greater appreciation for ensemble work for students and performers. However, for many players, musicals can also seem like a daunting undertaking. It can be difficult to decipher the various roles a pianist may take on during these productions, as well as the multitude of unfamiliar terminology and the complexities of theater hierarchy. This presentation explores some of the challenges associated with productions and how they can not only be overcome, but also turned into opportunities for growth. Additionally, it will address safety concerns in pit orchestras and potential hazards related to the scores, particularly in relation to total playing time. Ultimately, by confronting these challenges head-on, performers and students can enhance their skills, confidence, and enjoyment in the world of musical theater.
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 11:00 – 11:45 am
Brian Shepard
Brian Shepard is Chief Executive Officer for Music Teachers National Association. A graduate of Miami University of Ohio, he holds degrees in marketing and music education. In addition to his work at MTNA, Shepard serves on the boards of the National Music Council, the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and CCMpower.
The Power of Community
Join Brian Shepard, CEO of the Music Teachers National Association, for an inspiring presentation on the power of community that membership in MTNA provides. In an increasingly digital world, the importance of human connection has never been greater—especially for music teachers, who often work in isolation. Discover how MTNA fosters a supportive, collaborative network that enriches professional growth, combats loneliness, and elevates the music teaching profession. Whether you’re new to MTNA or a longtime member, this session will reaffirm the value of belonging to a national association dedicated to advancing the music teaching field.
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 2:00 – 2:45 pm
Gabriel Merrill-Steskal
Originally from Ellensburg, WA, pianist Gabriel Merrill-Steskal holds a
DMA from the University of Michigan, where he studied with Logan Skelton.
He has won awards in international competitions on both piano and
fortepiano, and he is currently Visiting Artistic Researcher at the Cornell
Center for Historical Keyboards.
Playing the Right Wrong Notes: Melodic Ornamentation in Mozart and Chopin
This lecture-recital explores possibilities for ornamentation in the music of Mozart and Chopin from the perspective of both performer and pedagogue. By using model compositions, we can provide guidelines for how to write stylistic and tasteful embellishments for repeated passages. I will discuss and perform Mozart’s Sonata in F major K. 280, focusing on the rather bare slow movement and showing how we can use Mozart’s Rondo in A minor K. 511 as a model for ornamenting the repeats of the movement. We will also examine Chopin’s Nocturne op. 55 no. 1 in a similar manner.
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 3:00 – 3:45 pm
Rose Johnson
Rose V. Johnson, flutist, received her BA-Music from Northern Arizona University, MMus from University of Washington, and MA (Music Industry) from Azusa Pacific University. Rose is a freelance solo and chamber musician, acts as Executive Director of Collaborative Musicians’ Project, and has a passion for advocacy and education for musicians.
Are Copyright Laws Helping or Hurting The Classical Music Community?
Classical music performers, students, educators, composers and publishers of classical music are part of what should be a symbiotic industry, but there is strong evidence that shows the community is hurting itself due to a host of myths, miseducation, or complete lack of education regarding how copyright laws work, and who benefits from them. Classical music industry health is reliant on a mutual understanding of how each facet of the industry works together. A willingness to communicate and be actively involved in the music industry will make changes that will benefit the classical music industry at all levels.
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 3:00 – 3:45 pm
Natalie Kahler-Snedeker
Natalie Kahler-Snedeker holds bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and music from Washington State University and a master’s in piano performance from University of Missouri-Kansas City. She teaches piano and tutors math and chemistry at Wenatchee Valley College, and she enjoys collaborative performances with other teachers and her pianist husband Garrett Snedeker.
Harnessing the power of solfege to teach theory, reading, and composition
Natalie Kahler-Snedeker holds bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and music from Washington State University and a master’s in piano performance from University of Missouri-Kansas City. She teaches piano and tutors math and chemistry at Wenatchee Valley College, and she enjoys collaborative performances with other teachers and her pianist husband Garrett Snedeker.
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 4:00 – 4:45 pm
Bird Watching Around Lake Sacajawea
Who wouldn’t enjoy a walk in the park with the focus on watching birds? Natalie Kahler has volunteered her Audubon expertise to lead us through Sacajawea Park for a slow walk, with lots of stops, around the lake listening for birds and recording what we see and hear. She will introduce the experience with information about birds and birdsong and music that is inspired by birdsong. Binoculars will be provided, but plan to bring a notebook. A smartphone will be helpful for downloading a birdsong recognition app, but she will have one so it’s not a necessity. Plan to wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. The goal for the trip is to be a time to relax and focus on the beauty of nature!
Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 5:00pm
Meeting place to be determined.
Elizabeth Morris, NCTM
Elizabeth Morris NCTM founded Elizabeth’s Music School in 2010, a rapidly growing multi-teacher music school focused on developing the complete musician for all ages. Elizabeth has a Masters in Music Education, a Bachelors of Piano Performance, and is the elected President of the Clark County MTNA chapter.
Early Childhood Music
Have you considered the benefits of early childhood music education in your studio but not sure where to start? Come join our early education team as we share the many benefits of early childhood music, such as developing pitch recognition and an internal pulse, learning solfege and pitch relationships, chord theory, and intentional bonding with a beloved safe grownup. We will experience how you can incorporate off the bench activities or develop a full encompassing program. We will be using the Let’s Play Music curriculum for this experience, though there are many excellent choices to choose from, or develop your own!
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 4:00 – 4:45 pm
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025
Ricardo de la Torre, NCTM
Dr. Ricardo de la Torre is currently on faculty at the University of Puget Sound’s Community Music Program and at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. In demand as a performer, adjudicator, and presenter, he is also Curator of Art and Music at Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood, WA.
(Not Another) Lecture on Bach Performance on the Piano
More than presenting “the ideal way” to play Bach’s music on the modern piano, this session aims to pose questions and offer an array of possibilities to face the multiple problems with which modern musicians are presented when approaching this music. Issues of notation, performance practice, instruments, and specific examples of particularly tricky-to-interpret excerpts from Bach’s output will be explored. While this presentation is mainly aimed at pianists and piano teachers, its contents would be useful to all musicians playing Bach on other instruments. Excerpts from Bach unaccompanied violin and/or cello works will be included.
Monday, June 30, 2025 9:00 – 9:45 am
Representation and Advocacy Task Force
We are a community of music teachers committed to creating environments where diversity is recognized and celebrated. Working toward defining, developing, and promoting resources and frameworks which expand equitable access to music education. Equity work supports diverse repertoire and musical opportunities, and provides a lens through which to examine policies and practices.
Members of the task force will moderate a discussion on various topics.
Monday, June 30, 2025 9:00 – 9:45 am
Laura Dean, NCTM
Laura Dean’s dynamic music career as a musical artist/teacher spans thirty years and includes audiences in the United States, Europe, and Mexico. Originally from Montana, Laura lives in Seattle, Washington where she performs, teaches, writes, and offers private and public concerts along with school/community residencies and music education workshops. She enjoys traveling to various locations in Washington state as a visiting artist, and she currently serves as the IMTF Chair for WSMTA.
Beyond the Studio Walls: Creating opportunities and building connections in a variety of educational settings
If you’ve ever thought about expanding your musical outreach and teaching beyond your studio but didn’t quite know where to start then this workshop is for you! This informative IMTF session offers ideas for expanding your educational outreach to a broad community. Here you’ll learn how you, as an independent music teacher, can be a valuable partner to arts organizations, K-12 schools, museums, libraries, senior living facilities, and more. Community outreach not only provides a way for you to connect with a larger audience while sharing your special musical skills and knowledge, but this type of work also provides an additional revenue stream, and moreover, is deeply satisfying.
Monday, June 30, 2025 10:00 – 10:45 am
Mengyiyi Chen
Dr. Mengyiyi, an active pianist, holds master degree from Manhattan school of music and DMA from University of North Texas. She has performed internationally as a soloist and collaborative pianist. Her first album Mel Bonis Piano Solo Volume 1 was released by London Toccata in 2023, earning features on BBC Radio and top magazines.
Rhythms of Heritage: Exploring Chinese contemporary piano suite ‘Long and Short’ (1984)
This presentation focuses on the concert piano suite Long and Short (1984), composed by Chinese-Korean ethnic composer Quan Ji-Hao. Designed for advanced students, it highlights the fusion of Western and Eastern elements in contemporary music, incorporating compound rhythms and the imitation of traditional instruments. Practical teaching methods and practice strategies will be shared to help teachers and students navigate both musical and technical challenges.
Monday, June 30, 2025 10:00 – 10:45 am
Carmen Still, NCTM
Carmen Still, NCTM, is president of the Sunn Valley chapter and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Harding University. During her Eastside Chapter years, she chaired the Scholarship Competition and Ribbon Festival. She teaches piano lessons, conducts two choirs, and performs with her duet partner and local ensembles.
Studio Management: Wrangling the Business Side of the Private Studio
Gain a better understanding of how to manage the business side of your private studio. We’ll discuss how to find and attract students, and how to set studio policies that lay out your expectations and ground rules. Communication is important; timing, the mediums we use for transmitting information, and setting those up with your student families. We’ll talk about the elephant in the room: Money! Creating a tuition plan, discussing money with parents, finding out what other local teachers charge, and having an accounting system that makes sense. How to balance it all and still have time for music!
Studio Management: Wrangling the Business Side of the Private Studio
Monday, June 30, 2025 11:00 – 11:45 am
Anna Schultz
Biography coming soon.
Curriculum and Montessori Music boards for teaching ages 4-7
Session description coming soon.
Monday, June 30, 2025 11:00 – 11:45 am
Michelle Mielke, NCTM
Michelle Mielke earned her M.A. in Piano Performance at Washington State University in 1999, and her B.S. from Eastern Oregon State College in 1995. She was on the piano faculty at WSU until 2017, teaching pedagogy, coordinating the Piano Pedagogy Lab School and implementing an Adopted Composer program there in 2004. After retiring from university teaching, she has continued to maintain a private studio and also complete various home renovation projects. She has been a private piano teacher since 1992.
A Year of Living Dangerously: My Ill-Prepared Studio Year Emphasizing Underrepresented Composers
This presentation will be both a summary of my attempt at encouraging every one of my students to select, learn, and identify with little-known pieces by underrepresented composers. Demonstrations of repertoire, as well as descriptions of my own and other teachers’ methods for programming and promoting underrepresented works.
Monday, June 30, 2025 3:00 – 3:45 pm
Zachariah Mayberry, Kate Gordon, and Clara Brown
The student members of the Washington State University MTNA Collegiate Chapter are enthusiastic performers and dedicated teachers, who seek opportunities to share music within their community. Since 2020, the chapter has presented twice at the MTNA National Conference (2021 and 2024) and at the WSMTA Conference (2021 and 2024).
Introducing Improvisation Into Your Studio
While often neglected, improvisation is one of the most important skills that musicians can develop, providing them with wide-reaching benefits. However, improvisation can be incredibly intimidating for both students to learn and for instructors to teach. This presentation will focus on specific ways teachers can successfully include improvisation in private lessons with students of every level. These strategies, although presented in the context of piano lessons, can be used by any instrumentalist, so this presentation will equip every music teacher with the pedagogical tools and the confidence they need to guide their students in learning musical improvisation.
Monday, June 30, 2025 3:00 – 3:45 pm
Lark Powers, NCTM
Coordinating the Keyboard Musicianship program at Pacific Lutheran University, Dr. Powers teaches applied piano, group piano and collaborative piano studies, and is frequently heard performing with her piano duo, Duo Powers-de la Torre. She performs across the US and abroad, and is in demand as an engaging presenter and clinician.
Tic Toc: A Metronome on Every Piano? The Transformation of Tempo and Expression
Presentation description: Metronomes are intertwined with theories about tempo and expression. The presentation will examine why many composers rejected the metronome, yet rhythmically precise performances are the standard expectation of musicians today. Sharing historical recordings which demonstrate the flexibility of tempo valued in the 19th century, the presentation will examine confusing metronome markings, creative ways teachers can help students build their sense of pulse, and ideas about how tempo might be approached today for greater emotional expression. Practical metronome exercises will be included as well.
Monday, June 30, 2025 4:00 – 4:45 pm
Ryan Sowers
Ryan is an RPT and Certified Tuning Examiner for the Piano Technicians Guild. He has attended week-long seminars with Yamaha and Kawai, in addition to five technical seminars at the Steinway factory in New York. Ryan Joined MTNA in 2011 and is currently Treasurer of the Olympia Music Teachers Association.
Piano Technology for Teachers
Do your eyes glaze over when you hear the terms “regulating” or “voicing” from your piano technician? This fast-paced and entertaining presentation will boost your understanding of how the various systems of the piano work and how to communicate and collaborate with your technician to gain the best rewards from your instrument. Topics discussed: What are “regulating” and “voicing”? The advantages of “floating pitch”, The importance of humidity control. What can be done about overly heavy or light actions? What’s the difference between aural tuning and electronic tuning? Bring your questions!
Monday, June 30, 2025 4:00 – 4:45 pm