Upcoming Events
Our monthly chapter meetings provide professional development every month and are held at Covenant Living at Windsor Park in Carol Stream with the following schedule:
8:30 Coffee & Conversation
9:00 Business Meeting
9:30 Presentation
For all other events, please check the time and location listed.
Janel Greaves and Diane Jankiewicz: "AIM Theory Judging Session"
Mandatory for all AIM teachers
Tara Chapman: "Supporting Students with Dyslexia in the Music Classroom"
Music educators will learn the essential knowledge to support students with dyslexia. They will gain a basic understanding of what dyslexia is and how it can uniquely affect a student's ability to learn to read music, follow rhythm, and remember musical instructions. The presentation will examine how dyslexia impacts auditory processing, coordination, and sequential memory — all crucial skills for learning to play an instrument. Strategies for supporting instruction will be shared, along with the importance of recognizing the often-overlooked creative strengths of individuals with dyslexia who excel in the arts.
Moyra Gorski: "Harmony & Health: Practical Wellness Tips to Stay Energized Through the Season"
Teaching is a calling, but it can also be demanding, both physically and mentally. In this interactive talk, Moyra Gorski shares practical daily habits and wellness tips specifically designed for educators. Discover what is truly important for your well-being, how to boost your energy, and easy ways to protect your immune system and prevent burnout, all while supporting your students. Leave with actionable strategies to keep you feeling your best so you can continue inspiring others all year long.
Amy Chaplin: "Evolutionary Entrepreneurialism: Grow Your Studio One 'Yes' At a Time" (Zoom)
Cultivate a business mindset that will grow a thriving and sustainable studio that flexes with seasons in business and life. Diversify by saying “yes” to the unexpected and foster cultural change with current clients.
Debbie Gillette and Janna Williamson: "AIM Performance Judging Session"
Mandatory for all AIM teachers
Geoffrey Duce: "Masterclass for Late Intermediate and Advanced Students," AIM levels 8-12
This masterclass will offer in-depth individualized instruction on technique, interpretation, and performance practice. Dr. Duce looks forward to working with the talented students of the WSMTA teachers!
Quentin Walston: "Jazz & Improvisation Techniques for Every Teacher & Student"
Does jazz improvisation feel out of reach? Maybe you know a solo scale that might get your students started, but you are not sure where to go next. Maybe you avoid jazz and improvisation altogether. Join jazz pianist and educator Quentin Walston as he gives teachers skills and techniques to bring jazz improvisation into lessons, for any age or ability level. Improvisation is a way for students to express themselves, and you don’t need to be a jazz expert to unlock this creativity in your students! Presentation will include multiple improv activities for lessons, foundational jazz theory, and time for questions so teachers feel equipped to share fun and exciting jazz music with their students!
(Hybrid Session, In-Person and Zoom)
Cynthia Papierniak: "Bring a Pillow to the Recital…. Your Parents May Fall Asleep!"
This presentation will discuss the nature of humor and the physical, psychological and physiological effects of humor. It will also discuss why humor is so effective and how it can be a positive force between the teacher and student. Methods to introduce humor will be discussed – toys, easy buzzer, games of chance, crazy contracts, third-person comments. There are more, but I will save a few for surprises. Also discussed will be the use of humor with kids with special needs. There are times when humor is not appropriate; we’ll cover that, too.
Dr. Yeeseon Kwon: "Making Music with Adult Learners"
What are the ways to partner and share the joy of music making at the piano? This session will explore characteristics of adult learners and feature teaching strategies for adult learning and engagement at the piano.
Michael Messer: "Masterclass for Late Beginner and Intermediate Students" (AIM levels 4-7)
This masterclass features students playing at late-elementary to intermediate levels. Topics in the session include musicality, playing with ease, listening, and helpful performance strategies.
Student Recital
Students are invited to perform at one of our chapter recitals. Recitals are held in an auditorium with a Steinway grand piano, providing students with a friendly yet formal performance opportunity – perfect for students who need more performance opportunities and for teachers with small studios.
AIM Performance Judging Session
AIM Performance Judging Session - mandatory for all AIM teachers
Debbie Gillette and Janna Williamson
Katherine Fisher: "Piano Safari: The Journey Begins" (ZOOM MEETING ONLY)
Are you interested in learning more about what sets Piano Safari apart from other methods? Join co-author and internationally respected pedagogue Katherine Fisher as she provides an overview of this piano series that is revolutionizing piano teaching and learning around the world.
Kelly Stokes: “Origins of Ballet and the Baroque Period”
Ever wonder why ballet has such a singular aesthetic, or how ballet’s distinctive style echoes other Baroque period artistic characteristics? This presentation will provide an introductory overview of the origins of ballet and how it reflects both King Louis XIV’s reign and the political and cultural ideologies of the French aristocracy during the 17th century. Participants will also have the opportunity to experience a few basic ballet movements and learn a period dance.
Student Recital
Students are invited to perform at one of our chapter recitals. Recitals are held in an auditorium with a Steinway grand piano, providing students with a friendly yet formal performance opportunity – perfect for students who need more performance opportunities and for teachers with small studios.
Anita Whalen: "Mozart Blooms in Woodstock: The Illinois Festival That Could!"
Former ISMTA Certification Chairman and member of ISMTA for eighteen years, Anita Whalen traces her life’s experiences in music culminating in a career in orchestra management. In her memoir, Mozart Blooms in Woodstock, the Illinois Festival That Could!, she shares information about the turn-around of the Woodstock Mozart Festival from the brink of closure to the heights of artistic achievement. Included are vignettes of famous and not-yet famous artists on the rise, descriptions of colorful personalities and occurrences, unlikely opportunities, challenges, successes, and other details of what goes on behind the scenes of a performance series.
Anita will bring copies of her book to the meeting to sell to members at a discounted rate; please bring cash or check if you are interested.
AIM Theory Judging Session
AIM Theory Judging Session - mandatory for all AIM teachers
Janel Greaves and Diane Jankiewicz
Svetlana Belsky: “Ferruccio Busoni's Bach: The Birth of Modern Performance Practice”
So much of what we think of today as standard Baroque performance practice -- from terraced dynamics, metricized ornaments, and clear articulation -- is the result of Ferruccio Busoni's editions, performances, and teaching….