VMTA Professional Development day is TUESDAY OCTOBER 4, 2011

Session 1: Improvisation: ownership and expression with Mark Dipnall

This professional development session will trace the importance of music
improvisation in our lives.  Knowledge of improvisational techniques assists
the performer and teacher with the expression of music. This session will
trace a history of Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Jazz  improvisation
with references to cross cultural influences.  This will be followed with a
workshop on improvisation.  This workshop will be available for wind, brass,
string, vocal and piano instrumentalists.

Session 2: Tutoring Chamber Music in Schools with Josephine Vains

Playing chamber-music is not only enjoyable, but also a valuable learning
experience for students. Tutoring chamber-music ensembles, however, can be
quite daunting for the teacher. For a piano teacher, this can often mean
that they are working with string and wind players and may at times feel out
of their depth. In this session, Josephine Vains will speak about rehearsal
technique, choosing suitable repertoire, the specifics of working with
string players (bowings etc) and dealing with intonation issues.

Session 3: Collaborative Piano (accompanying) with Wendy Rechenberg

In her workshop Wendy will explore the role of collaborative pianist, with a
specific focus on working within education. From working with the beginner,
performing in their first ever concert, to the more advanced student sitting
their VCE or L.Mus.A., there are approaches that can be used to ensure that
each and every young performer, no matter how musical or talented they are,
can perform to the best of their ability. Wendy will look at the importance
of the relationship that is formed, sometimes within a very short
time-frame, between soloist and collaborative pianist. She will also explore
the many different potential problems that a collaborative pianist may
encounter: those students without rhythm; those who lack natural musicality;
the Œlast minute¹ student; the nervous student; and dare I say it, the
poorly prepared student.  Participants are encouraged to bring questions and
specific problems they would like to discuss.

To receive more information or to make a booking, please contact the VMTA
office on vmta@vmta.org.au or phone 03 9415 1314.