September 1, 2021
President’s Note

The 2021-22 TMTA Executive Board met at the Hyatt Regency Dallas Hotel on August 21st for its summer meeting. What a great group of people we have leading TMTA out of this pandemic with energy, foresight, and great interest in making TMTA meet the needs of our teachers and students, now and on into the future. It was a great privilege for me to be part of the insightful discussions that took place about TMTA programs. I am now certain that TMTA will come out of this pandemic not only unscathed, but also made a better, more responsive organization in the future. Change sometimes is forced upon us, but our reaction to it determines whether it’s a positive or a negative experience. We need you with us in this progress, so please go ahead and contribute your support by sending in your dues if you haven’t already, and by encouraging your students to become Student Affiliates and participate in all the SA activities available to them.

Fall seems to be starting up – with much concern and uncertainty. Music lessons can provide some stability in the midst of this turmoil, so you may be having a more important effect than you realize, helping students get through this time. As you are well aware, music teachers provide much more than just music lessons – you are often the most stable and long-lasting relationship your students have outside their families. I want to remind us all of the role we play in our students’ lives and of its great value beyond just learning to play an instrument.

Always In Tune with TMTA

Dr. Roy Wylie, NCTM
TMTA President

The TMTA Executive Board met at the Hyatt Regency Dallas Hotel, site of the fantastic 2022 TMTA Annual Convention, June 16-19, 2022. Make your plans to attend NOW!
MTNA/TMTA Composition Competitions
Dr. Evan Mitchell, NCTM, MTNA/TMTA Composition Competitions Chair
 
Applications are now open for the MTNA/TMTA Composition Competition. If your students have pieces that are finished, may still be awaiting the finishing touches, or are even earlier in the creative process, please encourage them to participate!
 
PDF scores and MIDI files must be submitted by 2:00PM Central on September 15, at which point the application portal automatically closes. Technical support from MTNA is available between the hours of 7:00AM-3:00PM Central, Monday through Friday, if you’re new to the submission process and anxious about getting everything turned in smoothly. You can find information regarding age divisions, fees, and more about this contest (not to be confused with the SA Original Composition Contest!) by clicking here.
Best of State Award
Dr. Dino Mulic, TMTA Best of State Chair
 
Local Presidents, now is the time to apply for your local association to be one of the nominees for Texas Best of State 2022! This award recognizes and highlights the accomplishments of TMTA local associations. The association will be recognized throughout the year as Best of State. In order to receive the TMTA Best of State Award, an association shall submit an application listing local, state, and national activities, participation, and events. The deadline for this application is October 1.
 
Congratulations to Austin District MTA for being named TMTA Best of State 2021!
In Memoriam

Lydia Fay Rodriguez, 41, of Texas City passed away in the early morning of August 16. She was born in Eugene, Oregon; one of the youngest daughters belonging to Morris A., Jr. and Mary Nell (Land) Mason. She married Lawrence “Law” Rodriguez in March 2000 and he preceded her in death August 2nd of this year.

Lydia was a 1998 graduate of Clear Creek High School. As a teenager, Lydia’s interest in music grew as she took up piano lessons. Lydia worked at a local Carquest shortly after graduating high school where she first met Law. They came together over common interests such as their love for music and the two were married. Lydia and Lawrence also opened and operated L&L Music Studio, where they shared their talents and taught their students lessons in piano and guitar. Her flair for teaching inspired many of her piano students and her children. Lydia dedicated her life to her family, especially her children—spending time with them was her favorite pastime. Lydia also served alongside her husband, Law, as a Children’s Minister at Texas Avenue Community Church. 
~ fine ~