Ten Great Reasons to attend the 2024 WSMTA Conference
One sunny morning during last year’s WSMTA conference held at Sun Mountain lodge, I sat with the delightful Katie Levine outside on a patio overlooking gorgeous views of the Methow Valley. We were drinking coffee and getting to know each other as we swapped studio stories, chatted about the conference, and exchanged contact information. To me, personal connections and exchanges such as this, are at the heart of the annual WSMTA conference. These connections with colleagues bolster our spirits and make us feel that we’re not alone as independent music teachers.
The WSMTA 2024 conference, Weaving Together Culture and Harmony, is scheduled for June 27-29 at Gonzaga University in Spokane. Perhaps you already plan on attending, or perhaps you are still deciding. If you are on the fence about going, consider a multitude of reasons why you should attend. I’ve spelled out ten reasons to attend the C-O-N-F-E-R-E-N-C-E below.
Change of Scenery. What could be better than a trip to the eastern part of our beautiful state, to the historic city of Spokane? Spokane, named for the Spokane tribe, located on the Spokane River, is known as “Lilac City.” It’s also the birthplace of “Father’s Day,” and hosts the annual “Spokane Hoopfest,” the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Open your mind! The schedule is packed with over 25 presentations which are sure to fuel your creative fire throughout the year. I’m still working my way through the list of 21st century composers that Michelle Huang introduced us to last year during her inspired presentation on contemporary composers. I can’t wait to attend more informative presentations this year.
Nightly concerts! We will be treated to daily “Honors Recitals,” and nightly concerts by guest artists including award-winning composer and pianist, Connor Chee, as well as music from Sapphire Trio and Tango Volcado, both with WSMTA’s Jody Graves.
Friends! Connect with colleagues that you haven’t seen in a while and make some new musical pals.
Easy! No scheduling, no teaching, no worries, no dishes! Delight in learning, listening, and enjoying yourself at the conference.
Rejuvenation and reflection. Are you feeling burnt out? The conference provides opportunities to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit as you retool your teaching kit.
Education! There are many opportunities for continuing education with the 25 presentations from experienced teachers, as well as concerts filled with a diverse collection of performers, and repertoire.
New ideas! You’ll leave the conference with exciting new ideas for your studio, your teaching, and your business!
Celebrate another school year in the books! Kick off your shoes and enjoy a well-deserved break.
Engage in meaningful conversations with colleagues over a cup of coffee, a box lunch, or a dinner date!
For more information about the conference and registration information, visit the WSMTA Conference page.
I hope to see you there.
Laura Dean, NCTM
www.lauramusic.biz