Teacher Enrichment Workshops

Oregon Music Teachers Association in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation and the Nellie Tholen Fund present statewide teacher enrichment workshops. These valuable and varying presentations are free and open to all music educators, members and non-members alike.

Workshop Videos

(The following videos are available to OMTA members and are password protected. Members may find the password on page 2 of their OMTA Printed Directory. It is the same as for other password protected areas of this site.)

Nurturing Potential Into Passion

Presented by Leila Viss, 88PianoKeys.me

Starter Steps for Playing Eighteenth-Century Repertoire on the Modern Piano

Presented by Donna Gunn, M.M., NCTM

Teaching the Special Learner: Wisdom and Strategies for the Independent Music Teacher

Presented by Emily Ross, M.A., M.T. – B.C.

Tips For Preparing For Syllabus Exams

Presented by Heidi Evans NCTM

Succeeding With Sonatinas

Presented by Dr. Crystal Zimmerman NCTM, Professor of Piano, Willamette University

Music and the Brain – How We Hear And Understand Melody and Rhythm

Presented by Dr. Crystal Zimmerman NCTM, Professor of Piano, Willamette University

Authentic Baroque Dance

Presented by Daniel Stephens, M.F.A. and Judith Kennedy, M.A.

Upcoming Events

Cognitive Aspects of Learning to Read Music

Date/Time: Monday, May 14, 2018, 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Presenter: Dr. Bonnie Esbensen
Location: Studio of Rebecca DeBoer, 1534 Devonshire, Medford, OR 97504
Presenting District: Rogue Valley
Local Contact: Margie Daly
Program Description:
Paying attention to how a music student’s mind processes information can help us teach more effectively.
This talk will focus on the teaching of music reading, including some things that hamper learning or promote learning. Please note that these ideas can be extended to the teaching of all music concepts and skills.
About the Presenter:
Bonnie Esbensen received a Ph.D. in cognitive and educational psychology from the University of Oregon. She taught psychology and education at Oregon State University and Western Oregon University and conducted research at the University of Oregon on the development of mental constructs in young children. Dr. Esbensen retired from psychology and joined the OSU Music Faculty for a few years, teaching group piano for music majors.

Dr. Esbensen has taught piano privately for over 40 years. A few years ago, she closed her piano studio and now teaches the occasional adult student or happily coaches chamber music. She is currently OMTA Past President.