SLAMTA Social Networking Event - invite a potential member!

Date/Time: August 23, 2026 at 3:00pm

Venue:  Puttshack of St. Louis

Join us for an opportunity to get together and socialize and play tech-infused mini golf, enjoy handcrafted cocktails (or not), and delicious appetizers. The Puttshack is located in the St. Louis Foundry. The registration fee is $25/person for unlimited games (ages 13-up). To register, please email Sharla Anderson by Aug. 8 at 11:59pm.

Chair:  Sharla Anderson

Auditions for the Oct. 3 Fall Intermediate Piano Masterclass with Vera Parkin

Date/Time: September 5, 2026 at 10:00am

Venue: Steinway Piano Gallery

Registration Period: August 8 - August 22. Fee for members: $25/student

Chair: Laureen Di Bisceglie

Joint Opening Meeting & Luncheon with Piano Teachers Round Table of St. Louis (PTRT)

Date/Time: September 11, 2026 at 10:00am

Presenter: Dr Curtis Pavey, Mizzou

Topic: Motivation and Creativity: Unlocking Connection and Inspiring Passion

Venue: Steinway Piano Gallery

Presenting ideas for “Playing” or improvising on the piano, making your own songs, doing fun activities (coloring, quizzes, words search, mazes in “Piano Inspires Kids“ magazine), playing songs kids enjoy, ect.

We will then have lunch at the Cate Zone Chinese Cuisine Restaurant, located at 24 Four Seasons Shopping Center, Chesterfield, MO 63017.

Chair: Kathleen Foster

Missouri Music Teachers Association (MMTA) District VI Auditions for piano, strings, voice.

Date/Time: September 26, 2026, all day

Students register to play either two or three pieces from memory in front of a judge for a rating of 1 or 2 and comments. Grade K-9 play 2 pieces, grades 10-12 play 3 pieces. Students who receive a 1 rating may register to compete in the MMTA State Honors Auditions for a rating of 1 or 2, comments, and for the possibility of being awarded first, second or honorary mention for their grade! Registration Fee for members: TBD; Registration Fee for non-members: TBD; Registration Deadline: TBD (all determined by MMTA) - watch your inbox for emails directly from MMTA for these dates and registration fees, Also watch for updates to MMTA’s website.

Chairs: Sharla Anderson and Natalie Huggins.

Fall Intermediate Piano Masterclass with Vera Parkin

Date/Time: October 3, 2026, at 10:00am

Venue: Steinway Piano Gallery

Participants are chosen by live audition on September 5. Online Registration opens August 8th. The registration deadline is August 22 at 11:59pm. Registration fee for members is $25/student.

Chair: Laureen Di Bisceglie

October Presentation

Date/Time: October 16, 2026 at 10:00am

Presenter: Dr. Jorge Modolell, SLAMTA VP of Membership & Musicologist

Topic: “Not Just for Virtuosos: Why Every Piano Student Should Play Liszt.”

Venue: Steinway Piano Gallery

For many teachers, Franz Liszt’s music seems reserved for only the most advanced pianists. While he did compose some of the repertoire’s greatest technical challenges, his vast output also includes many rewarding works suitable for intermediate students and even talented beginners. This presentation will challenge common misconceptions about Liszt and explore why his music deserves a place in the teaching studio. In addition to highlighting lesser-known pedagogical repertoire, this session will examine how Liszt’s deep understanding of the piano can help students develop technical skills, tonal control, and expressive playing.

Chair: Kathleen Foster

MMTA State Honors Audition

Date/Time: November 5-8

Location: UMSL

Students who recieved a 1 rating at the MMTA District VI Auditions on September 26 can register to participate in these auditions with the same pieces for a rating of 1 or 2, comments, and for the possibility of being awarded first, second or honorary mention for their grade!

Registration Fee for members: TBD; Registration Fee for non-members: TBD; Registration Deadline: TBD (determined by MMTA)

Chair: MMTA

November Roundtable Presentation

Date/Time: November 13 at 10:00am.

Venue: Steinway Piano Gallery

Roundtable on understanding the requirements, fees, etc. of various competitions, festivals & opportunities that teachers/students can participate in, such as MMTA, Federation Music Clubs, Gateway Piano Festival, and the National Piano Guild Auditions.

Chair: Kathleen Foster

Monster Piano Concert - Rehearsal, Concert & T-Shirt Design Contest

Date/Time: Rehearsal is at 1pm on Sat, November 14. The Monster Concert is at 1pm & 2:30pm on Sat, November 21.

Venue:  Lacefield Music in Chesterfield

Repertoire List and T-Shirt Design Contest Rules.‍ Students register to play duets, trios and quartets from the designated repertoire list under the baton of a director. There is also a t-shirt design contest. The winning design will be worn by the performers during the concert. No judging here, just pure fun! Registration Fees: $22/student and $22/teacher. Parents can play for free. Online Registration: Oct. 1-17, 2026; T-shirt Design Submission Deadline: Oct. 17.

Chairs: Sharla Anderson, Kayia Baker, Dr. Gloria Pasley

Play-A-Thon

Date/Time: December 5-6.

Venue: The Galleria Mall

Teachers may sign their students up for a time slot to play on a beautiful Steinway Grand Piano in the Galleria Mall for holiday shoppers. Registration: Nov. 1-12 Final recital program submission deadline: Nov. 30 Registration Fee: $15/student

Chair: Nancy Fletcher

Auditions for January 30 Violin MasterClass with Julia Sakharova

Date/Time: January 9 at 10:15am.

Venue: Lacefield Music in Chesterfield

Students register for an audition time to participate in SLAMTA’s first violin masterclass with internationally acclaimed violinist and Concertmaster of Orchestra Iowa, Julia Sakharova. Registration period: Dec. 5-19 Registration fee: $25/student.