2021 Quad State Conference Friday and Saturday, October 1-2.

Attend in-person or online. Recordings available after the conference.

Peter Mack is a pianist, performer, clinician, convention artist, adjudicator, and teacher. He has performed throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, as well as in Australia, India, and the former Soviet Union. He is the winner of the New Orleans “Young Keyboard Artists,” and “Pacific International Piano Competitions.” Dr. Mack has a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Washington and is professor emeritus at the Cornish College of the Arts.

Peter Mack is a pianist, performer, clinician, convention artist, adjudicator, and teacher. He has performed throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, as well as in Australia, India, and the former Soviet Union. He is the winner of the New Orleans “Young Keyboard Artists,” and “Pacific International Piano Competitions.” Dr. Mack has a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Washington and is professor emeritus at the Cornish College of the Arts. He will become president of MTNA in March 2023. For a full biography of this wonderful musician, click here.

In this year’s Quad State Convention, Peter Mack will highlight his piano pedagogy skills in three insightful and entertaining presentations, followed by a multi-level masterclass. He has generously offered to give a solo recital for us on Friday evening.  

This year’s convention will also feature our Commissioned Composer Concert, in which artists will perform newly written works by composers in the Quad State area.

Online registration is closed. In-person attendees may register at the door.

Online payment is closed. In-person attendees may pay by check at the door.

2021 Quad State Conference

Notice: Masking and social distancing will be required while in the church. See Maine CDC recommendations.

Date: Friday afternoon, October 1-Saturday, October 2
Address:  12 Beach St | Saco, ME 04072
Location: First Parish Congregational Church UCC in Saco, Maine
Guest Artist: Peter Mack

Friday afternoon, October 1:

2:30-3:00 pm: Conference Registration
3:00-3:10 pm: Welcome by MaineMTA President Elect Christine Kissack
3:10-4:10 pm: Peter Mack Presentation:

Topic 1: “Marvelous Moderns and their Needlessly Neglected Mid-Level Masterpieces”

In this repertoire lecture Peter Mack explores mostly modern shorter works, offering an alternative to the tried-and-true twentieth century favorites that we hear again and again. There is a vast body of neglected repertoire out there. This demonstration uncovers unknown pieces to spark the interest of students, teachers, adjudicators, and audiences alike. Most of the pieces played are of mid-range difficulty. Sections from over forty works are performed, and there is an extensive handout in which the difficulty for each piece is assessed, along with its publishing information.

4:10-4:15 pm: Short break
4:15-5:15 pm:

Topic 2: “Not Only Für Elise: Gorgeous Unknown Compositions by Well-Known Composers”

Everyone is familiar with “Für Elise”, and rightly so. However, in this lecture we will explore pieces (all by well-known major composers, most of them of mid-level difficulty) that are equally amazing, but far less familiar. Sections from over forty works are performed, and there is an extensive handout in which the difficulty for each piece is assessed, along with its publishing information.

5:15-5:30 pm: Break
5:30-6:30 pm: Peter Mack Solo Piano Recital

Saturday, October 2:

8:30-9 am: Registration
9:00-9:30 am: Welcome by MaineMTA President Gulimina Mahamuti
9:30-11:45 am: Peter Mack Presentation

Topic 3: “Lower the Rear End of the Elephant Slowly onto the Keys”

Our job as teachers is simple: know what to tell them, and try to do it in a way that they will remember. In this talk Peter Mack shares some of his most memorable metaphors that help students technically, artistically, and intellectually. Find out exactly how the hippopotamus helps you count, when the little fishies swim in the Sea of Chopin, and why the roof of the handy hen house had better not collapse!

* 10:30-10:45 am: Break
11:45-12:00 noon: Q/A Session
12:00-1:00 pm: Lunch

1:00-2:30 pm: Commissioned Composer Concert

2:30-4:30 pm: Peter Mack Master Class for four students, one from each state, 30 min each

4:30-4:45 pm: Q/A session
4:45-5:00 Closing Remarks, Conference Adjournment, and Reception

**A link to recordings of the sessions will be available to registered participants until Dec. 31, 2021.