Maine Music Teachers Association
Penobscot Valley Music Teachers Association
The Penobscot Valley Music Teachers Association (PVMTA) is a close knit, Bangor area chapter. We hold three meetings a year and work in coffee dates and performance groups to stay connected and to support our practicing and performing. PVMTA students are invited to participate in our fall event that rotates between recitals, evaluations and evaluation recitals. Don’t let distance deter you from considering our chapter, members can easily join a meeting via Zoom.
Contact president Amy Irish at amy@amyirishpiano.com for more information.
Meetings & Events
What
Piano Masterclass Lab
When
Friday, February 6, 2026
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Where
Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast
37 Miller Street
Belfast, ME 04915
We are excited to bring back an activity we tried a few years ago that many found both helpful and inspiring: a Piano Masterclass Lab. Rather than a traditional masterclass, this format focuses on pedagogy and collaborative teaching.
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We will work with four students of varying ages, levels, and abilities, representing the types of students we most commonly encounter in our studios. PVMTA members will work in tandem to discuss observations, share strategies, and explore teaching approaches for each student. The emphasis will be less on performance and more on the pedagogical conversation surrounding each player.
While it’s not quite the same as being a fly on the wall in another teacher’s studio, we hope this format will offer practical, applicable ideas you can take directly into your own teaching. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow teachers in a spirit of support and camaraderie.
We ask that non-MTNA/MaineMTA members contribute $10 to help offset the cost of renting the church.
Schedule
9:00 - 10:00 am
PVMTA meeting: discussion of our May recital and future chapter events
10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Masterclass Lab
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12:00 noon
Lunch in Belfast for those who are able to stay
Contact Amy Irish at amy@amyirishpiano.com, if you have any questions​​
​​​​​​What
Celebration of American and Native American Music
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When
Saturday, May 2, 2026
In honor of the United States’ 250th Semiquincentennial Anniversary, we plan to host a celebratory event highlighting patriotic tunes, American, and Native American music.
Officers 2023 - 2025
President: Amy Irish, NCTM
Treasurer: Patricia Stowell, NCTM
Secretary: Carrie Clement