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NEPTA News and Events
February 2022
Dear NEPTA colleagues,

Happy February! We've had a successful reopening, with two in-person recitals (and one snow cancellation) taking place during January at the First Parish of Watertown. The students have all played so beautifully. The students and their families, our teachers, and our recital chairs have all done a terrific job adjusting to the COVID safety protocols we've put in place. Our first ever livestreams have been incredible to watch, featuring multiple camera angles, and beautiful audio and video. Yun Lee, our Vice President, has been incredible, working behind the scenes with all of the recital chairs to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Coming up on Monday, February 28th (Zoom), we'll have our first Speaker Series event of 2022. I hope you'll all join me in welcoming Dr. Kay Zavislak all the way from Western Washington University, in Washington state.

With best wishes,
Sivan Etedgee,
President
February Speaker Series
Dr. Kay Zavislak
The Art of Interpreting Music from the Classical Period
February 28, 10:00am (ZOOM)
Members' Recital: Deadline Extended
We are excited to once again hold our Members' Recital in person at the First Parish of Watertown on Sunday, March 20 at 3 pm

This is a recital of solo or four hand music by NEPTA members. The deadline for submissions has been extended to February 20.

Repertoire selections should be 10 minutes or shorter and submissions should represent polished performances. 

If you are interested in performing at this concert, please send an email with "Members Recital Submission" in the subject line to Yun Lee.
Please include detailed program information with names of all performers and accurate timing. 

Performers and attendees must be masked at all times, and will need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative at-home Covid test on the morning of the concert. The performance will be live-streamed! 
Member News
Congratulations to Anna Avetisyan for the honor of being inducted into the Steinway and Sons Hall of Fame in October 2021! Only one piano teacher per region of the U.S. achieves this distinction annually. You can read about this wonderful honor here.
Concert
Sivan Etedgee, piano & Elena Korableva, cello
Brahms, Bach/Schumann, Mendelssohn & more
Framingham Public Library
https://framinghamlibrary.org/
49 Lexington St, Framingham, MA 01702 - (508) 532-5570
March 6, 2022, 3:00pm
We look forward to hearing about your Events, Awards, and Accolades!
 Send in your March events by February 20th.
Repertoire Corner
submitted by Gila Goldstein
Robert (Robbie) Merfeld, a special pianist and musician and an interesting composer, wrote these 12 Inventions last summer. It is good material for young pianists who are curious and take interest in some new sounds, and perhaps it can also be a good introduction to modern music. 

Robbie was a long time faculty member at Boston University and still teaches at Longy School of Music. 

I know he will be thrilled that I pass it along, perhaps you will find it enriching and an ear opener for some of your students. And please feel free to forward the music to any other teachers or students you know whom you think will be interested. - Gila Goldstein
Calling All Writers
We want to hear from you! If you are interested in writing an article for NEPTA's newsletter, please contact Sivan Etedgee. Suggestions for content:
  • Creative Teaching Ideas
  • Technology in the Studio
  • Teaching Resources
  • Inspiring Stories
  • Pedagogy
  • Repertoire, both familiar and unfamiliar
  • Diversity in our studios
Grants-In-Aid Still Available!
Do you have a student in need of financial assistance? The Grants-in-Aid program offers eight $150 awards to students in need. Please visit the Special Awards page on our website for more information, or contact Carol Chaffee with questions.
Reminders & Deadlines
  • The Susan B. Demb Teacher Enrichment Grant ($500) is accepting applications. Thinking about attending a summer conference, virtual or in-person? This is for you!
  • There are Grants-in-Aid still available for students in need
  • Senior Recital Application Deadline: February 6
  • Duet/Ensemble/Adult Recitals Deadline: March 3
  • Middle School Competition Deadline: March 10
NEPTA Board of Directors, 2021-2022
Officers

Directors
Bonnie Anderson
Diane Anderson
Anna Avetisyan
Elena Drabkin
Vivian Fang
Vivian Handis
Aleksandra Lvin
Nilly Shilo
Margaret Tuttle