Montana State Music Teachers Association annual conference starts today

Montana State Music Teachers Association’s annual conference, titled Creative Collaborations, starts today, Nov. 2, and goes through Nov. 4 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell.

Sessions will include presentations, masterclasses, student competitions and a recital. Keynote speakers are Jensina Oliver and Kay Zavislak. People wishing to attend can register at the door. The cost to attend the full conference is $185. Daily attendance costs $75.

Oliver, a pianist, earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at the University of Washington and is a National Certified Teacher of Music. She has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in the U.S., China, Canada, Costa Rica, Israel, and Europe. She also operates a studio. As a member of Duo Cascadia, she performs with Kay Zavislak, exploring a diverse piano ensemble repertoire.

Zavislak enjoys a multi-faceted career as a performer, teacher, adjudicator, and clinician.  She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan. She has performed in Australia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, and Japan. During her career, she spent time working as an assistant professor of music at the University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music and is a newly appointed co-artistic partner for the Bellingham House Concerts Series in Washington.      

Montana State Music Teachers Association is affiliated with the Music Teachers National Association and aims to meet the educational and professional needs of private and collegiate music teachers across Montana by providing continuing education, networking, and growth opportunities.