Arizona Study Program
The Arizona Study Program is a program developed by the Arizona State Music Teachers Association to provide for the development of repertoire, technique, and theory. It is organized into twelve levels but a student may progress at his/her level as deemed by the teacher and student. It requires continual work throughout the year. In the spring, usually late April, there is a private evaluation of the repertoire and technique requirements by a Master Adjudicator, and a written theory test.
National Federation of Music Clubs Festival
National Federation of Music Clubs is a national organization whose purpose is to offer students of all ages an opportunity to perform in a festival and win points toward gold trophy cups. The purpose of this festival is to encourage performance of music composed by American composers. Students play two pieces, one required and one choice for a judge is a festival environment. They receive a critique, ribbon and certificate. Five points are given for a superior performance, 4 for an excellent performance, etc. These points are totaled each year and trophies are given for 15-30-45 and 60 points.
The festival is held at a local music store the end of February, beginning of March.
PMTA Piano Ensemble
PMTA Piano Ensemble is a duet piano event with a long-standing tradition in Phoenix of over 60 years of performances. Students perform with another student in a group setting. They meet for three group rehearsals and one final rehearsal before performing in a “Monster Concert” held at a local High School. The rehearsals are usually late January–mid February and the concert weekend is mid-late February. This program offers performance opportunities to students of all ages, including adults. There is also a group in which family members may perform with the student.
PMTA Fall Festival
Fall Festival is sponsored by the Phoenix Music Teachers’s Association and is held in late October. Each year the festival has a theme: sonatas, ragtime, dances, etc. Students perform two pieces by memory for a judge and are awarded a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal. Gold medalists are required to perform the following day at a gold medalists recital.
Music at the Mall
Music at the Mall is a performance event sponsored by the Phoenix Music Teacher’s Association held at Paradise Valley mall on a Saturday in December. Students from PMTA teachers perform solo and holiday music. This is a non-competitive event. Students receive a ribbon for participation.