CYM/MTNA Community Concert

“For me, making music is part social, part interaction, and part collaboration” – Norah Jones, American singer, songwriter, and pianist.

During the Community Concert on Saturday, April 30th in Sewickley, approximately forty people gathered for the joyous, music-making event! This concert was a collaboration between Duquesne University’s Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Collegiate Chapter and Center for Young Musicians. MTNA is an organization that supports private studio music teachers by providing educational resources, cultivating a community that helps teachers grow on a local and national level, and promoting competitions to help students grow and learn. I, as President of Duquesne’s MTNA Collegiate Chapter and a teacher on CYM’s Piano Faculty, had an absolutely incredible time merging the two organizations together for this event that was appreciated by so many different types of musicians.

The concert began with CYM students from various studios performing all different levels and genres of music in front of all their friends, families, and Duquesne students. After the CYM students performed, the Duquesne students took the stage and performed some of the following repertoire: “Both Sides” by Joni Mitchell performed by Dylan Sleasman on guitar, “Périchole’s Letter” by Offenbach sung by Abigail Hill, “Valses Poèticos No. 3” by Enrique Granados on Cello performed by Carolina Roy on cello, and a special duet, “I’ll Close my Eyes” by Dinah Washington performed by Zachary George and Jonah Hanlon on guitar and trumpet. 

After the musical extravaganza, a Q&A Session was held discussing practice tips, jazz venues, performance anxiety, memorable performances, and what a day in the life of a music major is. Questions from the audience were asked to the Duquesne student panel and every performer was able to speak about their own experience as a Duquesne music student. Slightly different perspectives were given throughout the Q&A because the Duquesne students varied from Music Education Majors, Music Performance Majors, Music Technology Majors, and Music Therapy Majors. Kyle Chauvette, one of the Duquesne performers, stated, “Collaborating with these young students gave me a true glimpse into what being a private teacher consists of. It is more than lesson planning and curriculum building, but socializing with parents, teaching ensemble skills, and more.” My students, Laura and Adrian, stated, “The guitar and saxophone were our favorites! I did not know they could be so loud!”

The event opened all of our eyes in unexpected ways and will hopefully be a collaboration between CYM and Duquesne’s MTNA that lasts for many years to come!

Thank you to all who participated and for your enthusiastic feedback!