2021 Certificate of Achievement Emails/Letters:
4-11-2021
Dear teachers,
Congratulations for an extremely successful Certificate of Achievement!! The judges were so impressed with the high level of preparation and musicality of all your students!
All adjudication results are available on the teacher website at TVMTA. Andrea has asked that you verify the theory test scores to insure accuracy.
4 points are possible each year for:
Scores of an average of 6 out of 10 receives a point which accumulates toward trophy points
1 point - Sight Reading
1 point - Repertoire
1 point - Technique
1 point - Theory - a score of 70% or above is passing and is awarded a point
These points and scores are printed on the certificates that you can print out for your students on the website as well.
Trophies will be available in mid May.
Congratulations again for your amazing work with your students!
Thank you for the volunteer work that makes this event possible - the day was positive, encouraging, and safe for all!
Best,
Luann Fife
Chair - Certificate of Achievement, 2021
4-7-2021
Dear teachers,
The volunteer assignments are on the TVMTA website. Please review and confirm with your volunteers that they are on time. Thank you for supporting this event with your great volunteers that make it happen!!
Best,
Luann Fife
Chair - Certificate of Achievement, 2021
4-7-2021
Please send this out to all the teachers. Thank you!
Good morning!
Some last minute reminders about Certificate of Achievement to also share with your students and families:
If you are entering students who will be doing Zoom, links will come to you for that and you need to send the links to your students. Be sure they are connected at least 10 minutes before their time to play so the judge can remain on time.
Volunteer assignments will be finalized and on the website by this evening. Thank you for your willingness to help and make this wonderful event possible!
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Luann Fife
Chair, Certificate of Achievement 2021
Dear teachers,
Congratulations for an extremely successful Certificate of Achievement!! The judges were so impressed with the high level of preparation and musicality of all your students!
All adjudication results are available on the teacher website at TVMTA. Andrea has asked that you verify the theory test scores to insure accuracy.
4 points are possible each year for:
Scores of an average of 6 out of 10 receives a point which accumulates toward trophy points
1 point - Sight Reading
1 point - Repertoire
1 point - Technique
1 point - Theory - a score of 70% or above is passing and is awarded a point
These points and scores are printed on the certificates that you can print out for your students on the website as well.
Trophies will be available in mid May.
Congratulations again for your amazing work with your students!
Thank you for the volunteer work that makes this event possible - the day was positive, encouraging, and safe for all!
Best,
Luann Fife
Chair - Certificate of Achievement, 2021
4-7-2021
Dear teachers,
The volunteer assignments are on the TVMTA website. Please review and confirm with your volunteers that they are on time. Thank you for supporting this event with your great volunteers that make it happen!!
Best,
Luann Fife
Chair - Certificate of Achievement, 2021
4-7-2021
Please send this out to all the teachers. Thank you!
Good morning!
Some last minute reminders about Certificate of Achievement to also share with your students and families:
- Be sure to bring original music to play from (if not memorized) and for the judge - no photocopies If originals are not brought, the student may play, but will not receive performance points
- Be sure to number the measures in your music
- Arrive at Idaho Music Academy 1505 Tyrell Lane Boise 83706 15 minutes before your scheduled time to play
- Face masks are required to be worn the entire time in the Academy including while playing
If you are entering students who will be doing Zoom, links will come to you for that and you need to send the links to your students. Be sure they are connected at least 10 minutes before their time to play so the judge can remain on time.
Volunteer assignments will be finalized and on the website by this evening. Thank you for your willingness to help and make this wonderful event possible!
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Luann Fife
Chair, Certificate of Achievement 2021
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3-31-2-21 COA Information for Students--------------------->
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3-30-2021 COA Information for Teachers-------------------->
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3-21-21
This is the most recent information and Certificate of Achievement. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Volunteers:
! half-day volunteer for every 5 students registered per teacher will be required. Please enter this information in the C of A Volunteer section of the website by April 1.
Theory tests:
· ALL Teachers will be required to proctor their own student theory & ear training exams between April 5-9th. This includes students who are being adjudicated via video recordings, live in person, or live Zoom. Teachers will grade the tests with an answer key that will be supplied.
· Teachers will need to print the theory tests for students and access the ear training audio files from the links will send. Watch your email for access to those. The links will also be posted on the website under the COA 2021 Information.
· All student scores are to be submitted to Andrea Hansen before 5pm on April 10th ahpianostudio@cableone.net. You can send the scores individually for each student or one email that includes each student’s name and score.
Students that need to cancel......
· If you have a student that will NOT be participating and needs to cancel
o Log into your Teacher Account https://treasurevalleymtaregistration.org/
o Under Certificate of Achievement click "Add/Edit Registrations"
o Click the "Cancel" button next to that student's name
Students with Live Adjudications.....
· Arrive at 1505 Tyrell Lane Boise, Idaho 15 minutes before your scheduled performance time.
· Masks are required as mandated by the City of Boise worn over the nose and mouth the entire time in the Academy.
· Screening questions will be asked of all participants, volunteers, and family members when entering the Academy.
· All participants, volunteers, and family members will wash their hands before waiting in the recital hall for their time to play.
· All participants will wash their hands when finished playing and exit through the recital hall door.
· Family members can wait in the recital hall while student is playing.
· Social distancing is maintained in the studios and in the recital hall
· We are happy to provide a safe place for our students to participate in this great event!
Students with Zoom Adjudications....
· Zoom links will be sent to the teachers to forward to those students.
· Students need to log into the "Waiting Room" 5-10 minutes prior to scheduled time and wait to be admitted.
· Be sure to dress nicely and have the camera set up so the judge can see the head, hands and feet of the student.
· The sight reading will need to be opened on camera from the envelope it is kept on
Students with Video Recordings:
Students Remember:
Speak Clearly and slowly, take your time.
Smile!
Dress nicely
Start with technique, then your pieces, then sightreading
The sight reading needs to be opened from the envelope on camera..
Parents Remember:
Upload videos to YouTube. Go to the YouTube app and sign in. Then touch the video camera icon at the top of the page and select your video. Post it as “unlisted (anyone with a link can see it)” and make the title the full name of the student playing and the level. For example: “Clark Kent, Level 4”
Teachers Remember:
Teachers will be sent a link for the sightreading example & technique requirements to print and give to the student in an envelope or to forward to the parent to print and place in an envelope. Hand the students their envelope with sightreading after the recording has begun and let the student open it on camera. Make sure videos have both the head and feet visible, as well as the hands. Videos must be all in one take. No stitching together of separate videos. Be sure to add your video link to your teacher account by this deadline: April 8, 2021. (Instructions below). Correct the theory exams and administer the ear training exam. Submit this score for your student’s Certificate to be complete.
Sample Script:
Hello!
(*SMILE)
My name is (state full name). I will be playing Level ____ today.
I will start with Technique.
(*PLAY YOUR SCALES AND CHORDS*)
Next, I will play my pieces.
(*SMILE*) My first piece today will be __________ by _________ (use composer’s full name)
(*PLAY YOUR FIRST PIECE*)
My second piece today will be _____________ by _________________
(*PLAY YOUR SECOND PIECE*)
(If you have additional pieces, use the same format as above).
(*SMILE*)
(Teacher/Parent hands student envelope. Set a timer for student to review piece for 2 minutes...student can start at any time they are ready)
(*PLAY YOUR SIGHTREADING EXAMPLE*)
Thank you for listening to me today!
To add student video link on TVMTA Registration account for the judge to access.....
1. Log into Teacher Account.... https://treasurevalleymtaregistration.org/
2. Click "Manage Students"
3. Click Edit next to student name
4. Scroll to the bottom and enter the YouTube link under "Video Performance Link"
5. Click "Save Changes”
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Luann Fife
Chair Certificate of Achievement 2021
idahomusicacademy@gmail.com
3-2-21
Dear teachers,
The schedule for students for Certificate of Achievement, April 10 at Idaho Music Academy is finished and available. Instructors may access their students’ schedules on the TVMTA website.
· Log into the TVMTA Registration Website, click 2021 Student Schedule, and print their studio schedules.
· Double check that ALL of your students that are performing are listed on the schedule AND that their level is correct.
· ALL students were assigned a judging "time"...whether they are live in person, Zoom, or recorded.
· We have 2 off-site judges (Robyn Wells-McDonnell & Bronwen Godfrey) that will be doing up to Level 7 videos and Zoom adjudications and that "times" were still scheduled for these students. If the judge listed on your student schedules says Wells-McDonnell & Godfrey then your student will be a recorded video or a Zoom link. Links for the Zoom adjudications will be sent to the teachers to forward to your students at a later date.
· If you can't remember what your student requested....log into your teacher account click on "Add or Edit Registrations" under Certificate of Achievement. Their request is listed in the right hand column.
· The remaining judges will be at Idaho Music Academy. Level 8-Advanced students....were still assigned an "adjudication time" even if they are recorded video or Zoom. Links for the Zoom adjudications will be sent to the teachers to forward to your students at a later date.
· Teachers will be proctoring the theory test and ear training test on their own during the week of April 5-10th. Teachers will grade the tests and submit the scores to Andrea Hansen via email (ahpianostudio@cableone.net) before 5pm on April 10th.
· We will send links of the digital copies of the tests and audio tracks as soon as they are available to us.
· Volunteer assignments will be available to sign up for on the website soon.
I am looking forward to this great event!
Best,
Luann Fife
Chair – Certificate of Achievement
208-703-8702
idahomusicacademy@gmail.com
2-5-21
TVMTA Teachers,
Phase 2--Enter Repertoire is now open for Certificate of Achievement 2021. Log into your account and enter your repertoire here....http://www.treasurevalleymtaregistration.org
You will need to enter your student's repertoire before February 12, 2021 at midnight. You can make scheduling requests online during that time as well. Type in: Video, Live Online, or In person when you enter repertoire. Also, if you have morning or afternoon preferences.
Thank you!
Luann Fife
Certificate of Achievement Chair 2021
208-703-8702
idahomusicacademy@gmail.com
1-9-2021
TVMTA Teachers,
I wanted to send out an update about Certificate of Achievement 2021 with some important information.
Important Dates:
January 11-22, 2021---COA Phase I--To Register/Edit Student
February 1-12, 2021---COA Phase II--To Enter Student Repertoire and designate in person, live online, or video
March 6, 2021---Student Schedules Available
March 9-19, 2021---COA Phase III--To Enter Volunteers
April 10, 2021--Certificate of Achievement - in person at Idaho Music Academy
Participation Fees:
Young Beginner---$28
Prep-Level 2---$32
Level 3-Level 5---$36
Level 6-Level 8---$42
Level 9-Advanced---$50
Repertoire for Certificate of Achievement 2021 ---This is the same as last year.
2-4 pieces of repertoire is required based on the student's level. Teachers will select a repertoire program based on varying styles and techniques. Different composers must be selected. You may use the "Suggested Repertoire List" list on Musicians West as a guideline for leveling, but you DO NOT have to select a piece that is on this list. ALL songs selected for each student must be 'at or above' the respective levels represented in this list. Each level will still have a set time limit with the judges and students will be asked to stop playing if they go longer than the allotted time.
All requirements and information are listed here…. COA Requirements
Participation Options:
Students will have 3 options this year for participation.
Option 1: Video Recording of sight reading, technique, & repertoire. Teachers will proctor and grade the theory and ear training tests and submit the scores.
Option 2: Live In Person with a judge at the Idaho Music Academy for sight reading, technique, & repertoire. Teachers will proctor and grade the theory and ear training tests and submit the scores.
Option 3: Live Video Feed (Zoom/Facetime) with a judge for sight reading, technique, and repertoire. Teachers will proctor and grade the theory and ear training tests and submit the scores.
Teachers are required to proctor the theory and ear training test. This can be done via Zoom/Facetime or live in person at the teacher's studio. The digital copies of the test and ear training examples will be made available to the teachers to print and/or download for use.
ALL tests must be completed, scored and submitted between Monday April 5, 2021 and Saturday April 10, 2021 at 5pm. Email scores with the student's name to Andrea Hansen, NCTM ahpianostudio@cableone.net
Things to Remember:
We look forward to having you participate with us this year!
If you have any questions please let me know.
I am looking forward to this great event!
Best,
Luann Fife
208-703-8702
idahomusicacademy@gmail.com
5-15-2020
TVMTA Teachers,
We had only 11 teachers who responded to the COA Feedback link that was sent out.
Here are the responses to the questions:
Did you participate in COA? 9 out of 11 said yes, 2 did not participate this year
Did you have students cancel COA? 8 of 11 said yes
Reasons for cancelling included: didn't want to increase stress during quarantine, family medical problems, didn't want to participate virtually, wanted to be able to record before COA week and submit sight reading separately later, no work for 'non-essential' businesses/Dad lost job, face-to-face lessons cancelled earlier.
Type of judging used: 6 of 11 used "recorded and submitted", 2 of 11 used "video chat", 1 of 11 used both recorded & video chat, and 2 did not respond (those that didn't participate).
What did you like about "Digital COA"? Responses included: didn't have to come up with volunteers, no chaos, quick & simple, able to choose my own judges, able to hear the adjudication, students could still participate even with the lock down, teachers with more students had more responsibility, families could record at a time that was most convenient for them.
Challenges with "Digital COA"? Responses included: logistical problems with parents video recording & transmitting files, technology problems, YouTube upload had a big learning curve for some, Advanced student files were really big to upload, running practice theory tests, sight reading & ear training, tripled the teacher workload, time consuming, frustrating.
Feedback from Parents/Students....responses included: interesting experience, everyone was considerate & helpful, frustrated over the entire process but grateful to find they passed their level, liked it but would have preferred face-to-face for the repertoire portion, event was well organized, worried about zoom meeting being set up right at performance time rather than earlier.
The next questions were about COA 2021.
Repertoire selection: The instructions stated that "Teachers will select a repertoire program based on varying styles and techniques. Different composers must be selected." Should we continue to use this criteria? 7 of 11 teachers said yes, 3 said no, 1 didn't answer.
Other Repertoire feedback included: prefer a fixed list of repertoire, keep requirements in place and let teachers use any syllabus they have available to justify leveling, guidelines don't allow impressionist & romantic selections to both be on the program (two different teachers commented this), really important that the "period" versus "style" difference be observed-Joplin & Debussy are not the same style even though their birthdays put them in the same time period.
Advanced Level Etude--What criteria should be used to determine if an Etude is 'hard' enough to qualify for the Advanced Level technique? Responses included: There should be a fixed list of etudes or books/opuses to reduce disagreements on difficulty (8 of 11 teachers selected this), teachers should be trusted with selecting etude, allow students to do the "Level 10" technique instead of etude
Other discussion items--theory test errors, length, or aural skills (4 teachers listed this), the remaining teachers did not list any additional items.
Should a "digital submission" option be available next year for students? 8 of 11 teachers said yes. 3 said no.
Conclusions on Digital COA 2020: (From my point of view)
Conclusions on Digital COA 2021: (From my point of view)
Thank you for the support you have each shown while we made changes from LIVE COA to DIGITAL COA this year. I especially appreciate my committee that completed the tasks they were delegated so quickly and efficiently.
--
Andrea Hansen, NCTM
2019-2020 TVMTA Secretary
2019-2020 TVMTA Webmaster
2020 Certificate of Achievement Chair
treasurevalleymta@gmail.com
(208) 250-9885
This is the most recent information and Certificate of Achievement. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Volunteers:
! half-day volunteer for every 5 students registered per teacher will be required. Please enter this information in the C of A Volunteer section of the website by April 1.
Theory tests:
· ALL Teachers will be required to proctor their own student theory & ear training exams between April 5-9th. This includes students who are being adjudicated via video recordings, live in person, or live Zoom. Teachers will grade the tests with an answer key that will be supplied.
· Teachers will need to print the theory tests for students and access the ear training audio files from the links will send. Watch your email for access to those. The links will also be posted on the website under the COA 2021 Information.
· All student scores are to be submitted to Andrea Hansen before 5pm on April 10th ahpianostudio@cableone.net. You can send the scores individually for each student or one email that includes each student’s name and score.
Students that need to cancel......
· If you have a student that will NOT be participating and needs to cancel
o Log into your Teacher Account https://treasurevalleymtaregistration.org/
o Under Certificate of Achievement click "Add/Edit Registrations"
o Click the "Cancel" button next to that student's name
Students with Live Adjudications.....
· Arrive at 1505 Tyrell Lane Boise, Idaho 15 minutes before your scheduled performance time.
· Masks are required as mandated by the City of Boise worn over the nose and mouth the entire time in the Academy.
· Screening questions will be asked of all participants, volunteers, and family members when entering the Academy.
· All participants, volunteers, and family members will wash their hands before waiting in the recital hall for their time to play.
· All participants will wash their hands when finished playing and exit through the recital hall door.
· Family members can wait in the recital hall while student is playing.
· Social distancing is maintained in the studios and in the recital hall
· We are happy to provide a safe place for our students to participate in this great event!
Students with Zoom Adjudications....
· Zoom links will be sent to the teachers to forward to those students.
· Students need to log into the "Waiting Room" 5-10 minutes prior to scheduled time and wait to be admitted.
· Be sure to dress nicely and have the camera set up so the judge can see the head, hands and feet of the student.
· The sight reading will need to be opened on camera from the envelope it is kept on
Students with Video Recordings:
Students Remember:
Speak Clearly and slowly, take your time.
Smile!
Dress nicely
Start with technique, then your pieces, then sightreading
The sight reading needs to be opened from the envelope on camera..
Parents Remember:
Upload videos to YouTube. Go to the YouTube app and sign in. Then touch the video camera icon at the top of the page and select your video. Post it as “unlisted (anyone with a link can see it)” and make the title the full name of the student playing and the level. For example: “Clark Kent, Level 4”
Teachers Remember:
Teachers will be sent a link for the sightreading example & technique requirements to print and give to the student in an envelope or to forward to the parent to print and place in an envelope. Hand the students their envelope with sightreading after the recording has begun and let the student open it on camera. Make sure videos have both the head and feet visible, as well as the hands. Videos must be all in one take. No stitching together of separate videos. Be sure to add your video link to your teacher account by this deadline: April 8, 2021. (Instructions below). Correct the theory exams and administer the ear training exam. Submit this score for your student’s Certificate to be complete.
Sample Script:
Hello!
(*SMILE)
My name is (state full name). I will be playing Level ____ today.
I will start with Technique.
(*PLAY YOUR SCALES AND CHORDS*)
Next, I will play my pieces.
(*SMILE*) My first piece today will be __________ by _________ (use composer’s full name)
(*PLAY YOUR FIRST PIECE*)
My second piece today will be _____________ by _________________
(*PLAY YOUR SECOND PIECE*)
(If you have additional pieces, use the same format as above).
(*SMILE*)
(Teacher/Parent hands student envelope. Set a timer for student to review piece for 2 minutes...student can start at any time they are ready)
(*PLAY YOUR SIGHTREADING EXAMPLE*)
Thank you for listening to me today!
To add student video link on TVMTA Registration account for the judge to access.....
1. Log into Teacher Account.... https://treasurevalleymtaregistration.org/
2. Click "Manage Students"
3. Click Edit next to student name
4. Scroll to the bottom and enter the YouTube link under "Video Performance Link"
5. Click "Save Changes”
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Luann Fife
Chair Certificate of Achievement 2021
idahomusicacademy@gmail.com
3-2-21
Dear teachers,
The schedule for students for Certificate of Achievement, April 10 at Idaho Music Academy is finished and available. Instructors may access their students’ schedules on the TVMTA website.
· Log into the TVMTA Registration Website, click 2021 Student Schedule, and print their studio schedules.
· Double check that ALL of your students that are performing are listed on the schedule AND that their level is correct.
· ALL students were assigned a judging "time"...whether they are live in person, Zoom, or recorded.
· We have 2 off-site judges (Robyn Wells-McDonnell & Bronwen Godfrey) that will be doing up to Level 7 videos and Zoom adjudications and that "times" were still scheduled for these students. If the judge listed on your student schedules says Wells-McDonnell & Godfrey then your student will be a recorded video or a Zoom link. Links for the Zoom adjudications will be sent to the teachers to forward to your students at a later date.
· If you can't remember what your student requested....log into your teacher account click on "Add or Edit Registrations" under Certificate of Achievement. Their request is listed in the right hand column.
· The remaining judges will be at Idaho Music Academy. Level 8-Advanced students....were still assigned an "adjudication time" even if they are recorded video or Zoom. Links for the Zoom adjudications will be sent to the teachers to forward to your students at a later date.
· Teachers will be proctoring the theory test and ear training test on their own during the week of April 5-10th. Teachers will grade the tests and submit the scores to Andrea Hansen via email (ahpianostudio@cableone.net) before 5pm on April 10th.
· We will send links of the digital copies of the tests and audio tracks as soon as they are available to us.
· Volunteer assignments will be available to sign up for on the website soon.
I am looking forward to this great event!
Best,
Luann Fife
Chair – Certificate of Achievement
208-703-8702
idahomusicacademy@gmail.com
2-5-21
TVMTA Teachers,
Phase 2--Enter Repertoire is now open for Certificate of Achievement 2021. Log into your account and enter your repertoire here....http://www.treasurevalleymtaregistration.org
You will need to enter your student's repertoire before February 12, 2021 at midnight. You can make scheduling requests online during that time as well. Type in: Video, Live Online, or In person when you enter repertoire. Also, if you have morning or afternoon preferences.
Thank you!
Luann Fife
Certificate of Achievement Chair 2021
208-703-8702
idahomusicacademy@gmail.com
1-9-2021
TVMTA Teachers,
I wanted to send out an update about Certificate of Achievement 2021 with some important information.
Important Dates:
January 11-22, 2021---COA Phase I--To Register/Edit Student
February 1-12, 2021---COA Phase II--To Enter Student Repertoire and designate in person, live online, or video
March 6, 2021---Student Schedules Available
March 9-19, 2021---COA Phase III--To Enter Volunteers
April 10, 2021--Certificate of Achievement - in person at Idaho Music Academy
Participation Fees:
Young Beginner---$28
Prep-Level 2---$32
Level 3-Level 5---$36
Level 6-Level 8---$42
Level 9-Advanced---$50
Repertoire for Certificate of Achievement 2021 ---This is the same as last year.
2-4 pieces of repertoire is required based on the student's level. Teachers will select a repertoire program based on varying styles and techniques. Different composers must be selected. You may use the "Suggested Repertoire List" list on Musicians West as a guideline for leveling, but you DO NOT have to select a piece that is on this list. ALL songs selected for each student must be 'at or above' the respective levels represented in this list. Each level will still have a set time limit with the judges and students will be asked to stop playing if they go longer than the allotted time.
All requirements and information are listed here…. COA Requirements
Participation Options:
Students will have 3 options this year for participation.
Option 1: Video Recording of sight reading, technique, & repertoire. Teachers will proctor and grade the theory and ear training tests and submit the scores.
Option 2: Live In Person with a judge at the Idaho Music Academy for sight reading, technique, & repertoire. Teachers will proctor and grade the theory and ear training tests and submit the scores.
Option 3: Live Video Feed (Zoom/Facetime) with a judge for sight reading, technique, and repertoire. Teachers will proctor and grade the theory and ear training tests and submit the scores.
Teachers are required to proctor the theory and ear training test. This can be done via Zoom/Facetime or live in person at the teacher's studio. The digital copies of the test and ear training examples will be made available to the teachers to print and/or download for use.
ALL tests must be completed, scored and submitted between Monday April 5, 2021 and Saturday April 10, 2021 at 5pm. Email scores with the student's name to Andrea Hansen, NCTM ahpianostudio@cableone.net
Things to Remember:
- No “required repertoire” and/or time periods. Select a program based on varying styles & techniques.
- Select repertoire at or above level within the allotted time allowed for the level (times are listed online at the above link)
- All levels have sight reading even the Young Beginners.
- Level 10 (Advanced)---has an Etude required in place of technique. It must be approved by the committee by January 20. Please submit requests to the COA 2021 Chair - Luann Fife idahomusicacademy@gmail.com. All other levels have a specific set of technique requirements listed at the above link.
We look forward to having you participate with us this year!
If you have any questions please let me know.
I am looking forward to this great event!
Best,
Luann Fife
208-703-8702
idahomusicacademy@gmail.com
5-15-2020
TVMTA Teachers,
We had only 11 teachers who responded to the COA Feedback link that was sent out.
Here are the responses to the questions:
Did you participate in COA? 9 out of 11 said yes, 2 did not participate this year
Did you have students cancel COA? 8 of 11 said yes
Reasons for cancelling included: didn't want to increase stress during quarantine, family medical problems, didn't want to participate virtually, wanted to be able to record before COA week and submit sight reading separately later, no work for 'non-essential' businesses/Dad lost job, face-to-face lessons cancelled earlier.
Type of judging used: 6 of 11 used "recorded and submitted", 2 of 11 used "video chat", 1 of 11 used both recorded & video chat, and 2 did not respond (those that didn't participate).
What did you like about "Digital COA"? Responses included: didn't have to come up with volunteers, no chaos, quick & simple, able to choose my own judges, able to hear the adjudication, students could still participate even with the lock down, teachers with more students had more responsibility, families could record at a time that was most convenient for them.
Challenges with "Digital COA"? Responses included: logistical problems with parents video recording & transmitting files, technology problems, YouTube upload had a big learning curve for some, Advanced student files were really big to upload, running practice theory tests, sight reading & ear training, tripled the teacher workload, time consuming, frustrating.
Feedback from Parents/Students....responses included: interesting experience, everyone was considerate & helpful, frustrated over the entire process but grateful to find they passed their level, liked it but would have preferred face-to-face for the repertoire portion, event was well organized, worried about zoom meeting being set up right at performance time rather than earlier.
The next questions were about COA 2021.
Repertoire selection: The instructions stated that "Teachers will select a repertoire program based on varying styles and techniques. Different composers must be selected." Should we continue to use this criteria? 7 of 11 teachers said yes, 3 said no, 1 didn't answer.
Other Repertoire feedback included: prefer a fixed list of repertoire, keep requirements in place and let teachers use any syllabus they have available to justify leveling, guidelines don't allow impressionist & romantic selections to both be on the program (two different teachers commented this), really important that the "period" versus "style" difference be observed-Joplin & Debussy are not the same style even though their birthdays put them in the same time period.
Advanced Level Etude--What criteria should be used to determine if an Etude is 'hard' enough to qualify for the Advanced Level technique? Responses included: There should be a fixed list of etudes or books/opuses to reduce disagreements on difficulty (8 of 11 teachers selected this), teachers should be trusted with selecting etude, allow students to do the "Level 10" technique instead of etude
Other discussion items--theory test errors, length, or aural skills (4 teachers listed this), the remaining teachers did not list any additional items.
Should a "digital submission" option be available next year for students? 8 of 11 teachers said yes. 3 said no.
Conclusions on Digital COA 2020: (From my point of view)
- Not enough teachers replied to the survey. They were given 2-3 weeks to reply with a couple of reminders and still only 11 teachers replied. In the past when we have had a 'follow up' meeting we have only had between 3-10 teachers there.
- If teachers are not willing to give input they should also not criticize the decisions that are made.
- If teachers are not willing to volunteer to be on the committee they should not criticize the decisions that are made by the committee
- Digital COA 2020 worked well overall. It reduced the volunteer commitment on the day of the event. Teachers with more students carried more of the load as they made arrangements for each of their own students. There were challenges with technology. This option was ideal for some, but not for others. It did not require there to be a Make Up Day or Path B.
- COA 2020---Judges liked that they were able to judge on their own time. They liked being able to back up the recording and re-listen/re-watch portions of it. This did increase the time that judges put in to the judging. There were longer, fuller comments from the judges that did the video recordings. Some judges ended up with a HUGE list of students to judge. Some only had 1-2 students. Judges were able to select which levels they were most comfortable with. Teachers were able to select the judge that they wanted to judge their students.
Conclusions on Digital COA 2021: (From my point of view)
- Next year COA 2021---Luann Fife has agreed to chair COA 2021. She will begin putting her committee together soon.
- There needs to be an additional survey done and/or meeting to discuss decisions for COA 2021.
- There needs to be a general TVMTA vote on decisions made for COA 2021, probably sent via email so all teachers have the opportunity to vote.
- The website for COA 2021 needs to be updated no later than August 1, 2020 with all the guidelines and decisions made so that teachers can prepare.
- Repertoire guidelines should stay the same this year with teachers making selections based on different styles not time periods
- There needs to be a select list of "Advanced Etudes" for teachers to choose from. Maybe consider making it a very specific list with 5-8 choices of Advanced Etudes. All Advanced students should select 1 Etude from the specific list. Then there are no questions on 'difficulty' and no pre-approvals need to be made.
- Add "Digital Submissions" as one of the options along with Make Up Day or Path B. I would suggest that if this option is selected by a specific date that there is not an extra $20 fee for participation this way. Make Up Day and Path B require additional time and effort on the committee/webmaster and should still have a fee to discourage use of this option especially if it is used because students are not prepared on time.
- Consider having teachers still administer the theory and ear training tests on their own at their studio, grade them, and submit scores sometime during the week previous to students performing for the judge. Only schedule students to see the judge for sight reading, technique, & repertoire. We would need fewer rooms and fewer volunteers if we use this option.
- Theory Tests still remain a hot topic. We have discussed with Mark Neiworth @ Musician's West multiple times for multiple years the option of allowing a panel of teachers to edit the tests before they are sent. He refuses this option every time. At this time there are no better options for theory tests. I would suggest having someone approach Musician's West again to help with editing tests. To do this Musician's West would need to have the tests completely written and ready for editing by February 28th each year. If Musician's West is not willing to do this, then I suggest we still use the tests and that a panel of teachers plan (The first week of April, while they are still preparing their own students for participation) to take each test, compare it to the answer key, and make all corrections necessary to each test and answer key before the test is given. They would need to verify points on the front of the tests as well as content for theory and aural skills.
Thank you for the support you have each shown while we made changes from LIVE COA to DIGITAL COA this year. I especially appreciate my committee that completed the tasks they were delegated so quickly and efficiently.
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Andrea Hansen, NCTM
2019-2020 TVMTA Secretary
2019-2020 TVMTA Webmaster
2020 Certificate of Achievement Chair
treasurevalleymta@gmail.com
(208) 250-9885
