Life lessons from long-standing members - Music Teachers National Association's awards banquet

American Music Teacher, Dec, 2002

Of the twenty-eight educators who reached a half-century of commitment to MTNA, four present at the Awards Banquet were honored at the 2002 MTNA National Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. No matter the instrument, pedagogy method or time spent fostering the love of music, these teachers demonstrate the best qualities of association members.

Merilyn G. Clizer

"I think that being involved in the association gives you many contacts with experienced teachers through workshops and writings of people who have taught," reflects Merilyn G. Clizer, NCTM, of Walla Walla, Washington. "And then, of course, in our various state organizations, the competitions and playing opportunities that students have to be heard by expert adjudicators enriches our teaching and our students' experience."

Merilyn has been active on the local, district and state levels of MTNA, participating on the national certification board (now national certification commission) and as certification chair of the Northwest Division. Also, she served as president of the Washington State Music Teachers Association (WSMTA) from 1985 to 1987. She adjudicated auditions for WSMTA, for the National Guild of Piano Teachers and for the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.

She taught piano to students age 7 through adult during her active years of teaching. Her basic philosophy, in music and in life, is to enjoy what you are doing and "make it personal." Beyond the basics of reading music and understanding rhythm, she advises, "Help each student find something rewarding in their studies."

Of many memorable students, a particular exchange comes to Clizer's mind. "I traded lessons for a portrait," she says. "One adult student wanted to learn the first movement of the Moonlight Sonata. She was a talented artist, and in exchange for lessons and learning the movement, she did a lovely portrait of myself and it made a very special memento."

Mavorette Flummerfelt

"I will be 90, but I'm very, very young with lots of spirit," says Mavorette Flummerfelt, NCTM, of Vincennes, Indiana.

She started teaching in 1932 and continues to preside over a successful home studio. After attending Indiana State Teacher's College, where she studied musical education, Mavorette earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Evansville. She also studied piano pedagogy at The New School for Music Study in Princeton, New Jersey, and she follows the "Music Tree" approach of Louise Goss and the late Frances Clark.

"They've revised their books several times, but I started hearing of Frances Clark way back in 1957," she says. "I've used other approaches, but I favor the interval approach, learning to play all over the keyboard from the very first lesson, rather than the middle-C approach. I also like to teach their way of combining private and group lessons."

In addition to teaching, she plays piano for church, other organizations and as an accompanist.

As an active member of the Indiana State Music Teachers Association, Flummerfelt served on the certification committee and as corresponding secretary. She also is a member of the Wabash Valley Music Teachers Association, in Terre Haute, and was named Co-Member of the Year in 1999.

Of her many students, two she is proud of are her daughter, Carol, who plays the flute. Her son, Joseph Flummerfelt, is a director of all choral groups that sing with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center in New York City, and he is a conductor of the Westminster Choir at Ryder University in New Jersey.

For those who haven't continued with musical careers after leaving her studio, Mavorette says, "It's just an extra thing; they've learned to appreciate music."

Helen Curtis Gaw

Helen Curtis Gaw, NCTM, was in high school when she started teaching. A second-generation teacher, Helen has inspired students for fifty-six years and is active in her studio and with her local Music Teachers Association in Shreveport, Louisiana.

"My parents were both piano teachers. My dad taught piano at the New England Conservatory of Music for many, many years, so he and my mother were my first piano teachers," she says.

As a founding member of the Greater Shreveport Music Teachers Association, which recently celebrated forty years as an affiliate group, Gaw has held many offices, including her current third term as local president. She also chairs the Louisiana Music Teachers Association (LMTA) Arts Awareness and Advocacy Board. In 1965, she represented the Southern Division on the initial certification board, establishing the first guidelines for teacher certification, and subsequently served several years as chair of LMTA's certification board.

Helen interviews both prospective students and parents at the onset of lessons. "I want to respect the family's preferences in music without compromising a proper foundation in repertoire, technique, theory, ear training and music history," she says. "Qualify the students and see what their goal is.... Don't try to make performers out of students who just want to play for their own enjoyment."