11/12/2024
A Brief History of MVPTA
The Merrimack Valley Piano Teachers’ Association was created in 1978 when five local piano teachers met and discussed plans for the formation of a local chapter, which would be affiliated with the National and State Music Teachers’ Association. In 1994, members voted to become independent of the National and State organizations. It became official that year, and the group was formally named the Merrimack Valley Music Teachers Association. That name has now been changed to the Merrimack Valley Piano Teachers’ Association.
The first programs and recitals were small, but teacher enthusiasm was great. MVPTA prospered and grew and became known statewide as a chapter with innovative ideas. A newsletter was created, and stationery was printed. The yearbook became a standard issue at the first meeting offering information about the yearly events.
MVPTA is still a thriving organization, providing opportunities for teachers to grow professionally through lectures, student master classes, and recitals every year.
General Membership Information
Business meetings are generally held on the first Monday of each month, unless otherwise stated in the yearbook. Yearly dues are $30 payable at or before the last meeting in May, and $35 thereafter. All members are kindly asked to maintain active membership by hosting a meeting, chairing an event, working on the board, or serving on a committee.
MVPTA Officers
President Virginia Lingar
Vice President Mary Lee Lawrence
Secretary Louisa Juang
Treasurer Edith Cheung
Past President Rusty Palumbo
Meeting and Program
Dorothy Taubman’s Piano Technique
Date: Monday, October 7, 2024
Time: 9:00 – Coffee and Conversation
9:30 - Meeting Begins
Meeting and Program
Growing Membership and Community Involvement
Date: Monday, November 4, 2024
Time: 9:00 – Coffee and Conversation
9:30 - Meeting Begins
Newbies’ Recital for Anyone New to Performing
Date: Sunday, November 10, 2024
Entry Deadline: October 25, 2024
Time: 2:00 Recital Begins
Participants: New to Performing
Exploring Beethoven’s Pathetique and Moonlight Sonatas Through the Words of Andras Schiff
Date: January 27, 2025
Time: 9:00 – Coffee and Conversation
9:30 - Meeting Begins
Winter Recital
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
Entry Deadline: January 31, 2025
Time: 2:00 Recital Begins
Participants: All levels
Location: Memorial Hall Library
2 North Main Street, Andover, MA
Fee: $20 per solo, $10 per duet participant
Master Class
With Steven Beck
Steven Beck is widely esteemed for both the quality and the diversity of his performances. His repertoire extends from the iconic density of J. S. Bach's Goldberg Variations, through the massive complexity of Beethoven's complete sonata cycle and Camille Saint-Saëns' joyous Carnival of the Animals, to Elliott Carter's dramatic and difficult Double Concerto. While Beck's performances and recordings have brought him international acclaim and distinction, he is also beloved and appreciated for his role as Professor of Piano at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where his knowledgeable and enthusiastic teaching methods inspire countless aspiring pianists. Steven Beck, a Steinway Artist, graduated from the Julliard School of Music where he studied with Seymour Lipkin, Peter Serkin, and Bruce Brubaker.
Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025
Entry Deadline: March 21, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm
Participants: Advanced Students only
Fee: $35 per participant $10 per auditor
Honors’ Recital
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Entry Deadline: April 18, 2025
Time: 2:00 Recital begins
Participants: Intermediate and Advanced Students (2 students per teacher)
Location: Memorial Hall Library
2 North Main St., Andover, MA
Fee: $25 per participant
Meeting and Program
Potluck Luncheon
Program Review, Elections, and Planning Meeting
Date: Monday, June 2, 2025
Time: 9:30 Meeting begins
All members should bring an entrée or dessert to share. The host will provide coffee/tea/water.
2025/2026 MVPTA dues of $30 are due at this meeting; after this meeting they are $35. There will be a year-end program review and discussion of next year’s program. We will solidify the program for next year at this meeting.
Location: Universalist Unitarian Church of Haverhill
15 Kenoza Avenue
Haverhill, MA 01830
Fee: $20 per solo, $10 per duet participant
Meeting and Program
