Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association - Ottawa Region Branch

Thanks to for providing guidance to the young musicians in this past ORMTA University Masterclass.

Congratulations to all participating students and teachers.

Thank you so much to Pianist Leopoldo Erice for giving such an inspiring and insightful masterclass. Congratulations as well to all the students who participated.

Robert Dvorkin’s Professional Development event
“The Taubman Approach: principles and application of a tension-free experience at the keyboard“

The Taubman Approach: principles and application of a tension-free experience at the keyboard
What a wonderful morning exploring the Taubman Approach with Robert Dvorkin! Thank you to everyone who joined us. Your thoughtful questions, active participation, and curiosity made the session truly engaging and meaningful. It was a rich learning experience for all.

We are deeply grateful to Robert for sharing his expertise so generously, and to Ottawa Pianos for providing such a welcoming space and hosting us so graciously. It was a pleasure to learn together in such a supportive and inspiring environment.
The event was organized by Elena Ilin

ORMTA – ORB Report for NOTES – Dec. 1, 2025
The Ottawa Region branch of ORMTA celebrated Canada Music Week with a Recital, held on Nov. 22, 2025: 2.30 pm, at Bethany Baptist Church in Ottawa.

The Program showcased 19 Canadian composers, including a couple of our ORB teachers’ compositions/arrangements. A Canadian Composers’ Quiz, midway through the Program helped to highlight this special week. Certificates & treats were given to each performer.

There were 10 teachers’ students (29 in total) performing between the ages of 5 and 16 years, playing piano solos & duets, and a couple of vocalists.

Maria Lobo

ORMTA - ORB Canada Music Week Recital Convenor

“Visceral Harmony: Planting the Seeds for Harmonic Curiosity,” which took place on November 3, 2025

Such a fun and inspiring workshop with Paulette Price! Everyone left energized and full of fresh ideas to bring into their teaching. A big thank you to Paulette for sharing her passion and expertise with us!

Professional Development Events with Paulette Price and Robert Dvorkin on November 3, 2025 and January 13, 2026.

1. Presenter: Paulette Price
Date: Monday, November 3rd at 10:30 a.m.
Topic: Visceral Harmony: Planting the Seeds for Harmonic Curiosity
Description (from Paulette):

It has been more than 10 years since I began teaching Keyboard Harmony to all of my senior piano students. There is so much that I have learned and enjoyed in this experience! I hope to share teaching strategies that I have developed to make harmony more "felt" and meaningful for students. Because these ideas are playful and easy to grasp, I find they can be introduced at early levels of study and can provide a bridge to increased musicianship and tonal awareness.

Location: At Paulette's home
Registration Deadline: Oct 27th
To register please contact Elena Ilin directly at [email protected]

2. Presenter: Robert Dvorkin
Date: Tuesday, January 13, 9:30 am–12:30 pm
Topic: The Taubman Approach: principles and application of a tension-free experience at the keyboard.
Description: The Taubman Approach is a set of technical principles that can liberate the pianist from the constraints of tension, allowing for true virtuosity and freedom of expression. In this lecture-demonstration, Master Taubman teacher Robert Dvorkin will explain the components of the technique and how they can be applied to the repertoire. Attendees are encouraged to bring any passages they find particularly challenging or daunting to see how the Taubman Approach can be used to solve seemingly intractable problems. Lastly Robert will discuss the pedagogical principles behind teaching the technique to different levels of students.

Location: Ottawa Pianos
Registration will open at the end of November

Applications are open for CANADA MUSIC WEEK RECITAL

Application Deadline: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Application Link (Google Form) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScP3NluQkhMibjlAmWBPwku2qgnLNTfxIUdGbBRILuwaPuKQQ/viewform

Online (Live) Audition date: Sunday, November 9, 2025 - 2:00 to 5:00 pm. (Individual times will be given to each applicant in the week following the application deadline.)

Recital date: Saturday, November 22, 2025 - 2:30 pm at Bethany Baptist Church, 382 Centrepointe Dr.

Admission Fee (Cash Only)
Adults: $10.00
Students (12 and under): $5.00
Family (2 adults and 2 children): $25.00

✨Congratulations to Serena Gravel (Soprano), Tania Granata (Collaborative Pianist) and their teacher Susan Blyth-Schofield for winning 2nd place in the Provincial Vocal Competitions 2025 level 8 & 9. ✨

Enjoy her performance!

Serena Gravel, 2025 Provincial Vocal Competition (Level 8 & 9) Runner-up Serena Gravel is from the Ottawa Region Zone.Teacher: Susan Blyth-SchofieldCollaborative Artist: Tania GranataProgramme:Stizzoso, mio stizzoso (La Serva Padr...

✨Congratulations to Bohao Yan (Piano), student of Dr. Chunson Park for winning 1st Place Level 8 & 9 in the Provincial Instrumental Competition 🏆

Enjoy his performance!

Bohao Yan, 2025 Provincial Instrumental Competition (Level 8 & 9) Winner Bohao Yan is from the Ottawa Region Zone.Teacher: Chunson ParkProgramme:Allemande, Suite No. 4 in D Minor, HWV 437 by George Frideric Handel (0:14)Six Variat...

✨ORMTA - Ottawa has a new website!

If you want to know about our upcoming events, how to find a teacher, volunteer opportunities and more, check it out!

ORMTA Ottawa Region Branch ORMTA Ottawa Region Branch Welcome! The ORMTA Ottawa Region Branch, the largest in Ontario, is a vibrant group of independent music teachers who share a love of teaching and a desire to provide a quality learning experience for every student. The Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association is an....

⚠️ ORMTA - Ottawa website is down for maintenance.

New website coming soon!