For young musicians studying with VMTA teachers, a wide variety of activities are offered. VMTA teachers organize non-competitive and competitive events locally and statewide. Winners of these statewide competitive events go on to compete at regional and national MTNA events in performance and composition.
Non-competitive Opportunities - Performance
The VMTA SPRING FESTIVAL, a non-competitive audition, is held yearly in late winter/early spring. Each student performs a short program of pieces in a recital setting. Students receive two or three positive written evaluations by VMTA teachers other than their own. Registration materials are included in the Winter Newsletter. See details at Events Calendar.
Competitive Opportunities - Performance
VMTA offers Competitive Auditions for students with high levels of musicianship. The auditions are open to piano, woodwind, brass, string players, and vocalists. Judges are chosen from among professionals with expertise on the appropriate instrument. Winners of the state competitive auditions go on to compete in the Eastern Division competitions. Eastern Division winners chosen from this event then go on to the national MTNA competitions. See the MTNA website in August for entry requirements and the application. The application deadline is usually mid-September. See details at Events Calendar
Competitive Opportunities - Composition
VMTA offers a competitive opportunity for young composers. VMTA arranges for professional composers to evaluate student compositions. A state winner is selected and that student’s musical work is forwarded on to the Eastern Division representing Vermont. Eastern Division winners compete nationally. Find entry requirements and application here. The application deadline is usually mid-September. See details at Events Calendar
Biennial Community Service Play-a-thon
VMTA sponsors a weekend of student performances open to any instrument or ensemble. This event is held at University Mall in Burlington. Students share their musical skills and raise money for a deserving Vermont organization as well as for VMTA. In recent years, the proceeds were shared with Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, a Vermont camp for children with cancer, and the Children's Oncology Unit at University of Vermont Medical Center. The next "Music In The Mall" event will be held in January 2024. Details and registration information can be found in the Events Calendar and in the VMTA Newsletter in the months preceding the event.
Burlington Chapter Recitals and Monster Concert
The Burlington chapter of VMTA offers recital opportunities for students of member teachers, usually twice a year. Details shown on the Events Calendar page.
In addition, a Monster Concert is offered biennially. For this event, a guest conductor directs a large number of piano students playing together on many pianos, much like an orchestra. The next Monster Concert will be held in late January 2023.
Details and registration materials for both local events can be found in the Events Calendar and in the VMTA Newsletter in the months preceding the events.
Vermont Music Teachers Association Fall Conference
Every other year, the VMTA holds a conference featuring a guest speaker. Topics range widely on pedagogical subjects. It is a great way to connect with colleagues and learn about current topics. Details and registration information can be found in the Events Calendar and in the VMTA Newsletter in the months preceding the events.
VMTA Ensemble Festival Concert
The first VMTA Ensemble Festival Concert was held in November 2019. This event is a great way to build skills by performing with other musicians. Ensembles include those for Chamber music, solo instrumentalist accompanied by another student, piano duets, and piano trios. Memorization for this concert is not required. Teachers may enter 15 minutes of music for the performance, but can add more if time allows. Pianists are often asked to accompany singers or instrumentalists. Collaboration between musicians is both fun and educational, opening up a new dimension in music making! Students of a VMTA member may participate, and friends and family members of a student who studies with a VMTA member are invited to join in.
Details and registration information can be found in the Events Calendar and in the VMTA Newsletter in the months preceding the events.