Piano Studio of Martha K. Smith
2012
The studio of Martha Smith is a place to experience the joy of making music at the piano. Located in Arlington, Virginia, it features a Steinway grand piano and two professional upright pianos; a computer and a MIDI-compatible electronic keyboard; numerous games, toys, and instruments; and a considerable lending library of music, books, CD's and videotapes. Studio themes during the fall semester have featured the music of such countries as France, Spain, Russia, Italy, and Scotland. Students participate in musicianship classes, recitals, festivals and auditions. See "Themes" for further information.
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| A more light-hearted portrait of Martha Smith by Bren Bataclan of the Boston Smile Project |
An interview with Martha appeared in the November 2004 Washingtonian Magazine. Feature writer Ken Adelman quoted her as saying "My grandmother was a pianist, and my mother was a piano teacher. It's in my blood to teach piano--I can't help it. Music is close to divine. It can always be with you. I sing in the car for the sheer joy of it."
In Spring 2005 one of Martha's long-time students nominated her for an award offered by the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families. In June she was recognized by the Partnership as a "Connect With Kids Champion." In March 2007, the Music Teachers National Association Foundation named Martha a Foundation Fellow for distinguished service to the music teaching profession. This award was generated by her peers in the Virginia Music Teachers Association.
Certified by the Music Teachers National Association, she enters students in festivals and auditions sponsored by state and local music teachers associations. Her students have won prizes for performing and composing. Many continue their musical interests while pursuing careers in other fields.
A past-President of the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association, and, the Virginia Music Teachers Association, Mrs. Smith is a frequent contributor to music teacher magazines. She gives workshops on "Winning the Hearts and Hours of Elementary Piano Students," "Positive Approaches to Teaching Adolescents," and "Designing Your Studio for Optimal Results."
This studio seeks to convey the joy of making music at the piano by nurturing aural, visual, and technical skills needed to explore the vast piano repertoire and to improvise one's own music. Long-range goals for students are to develop musical taste and understanding, to learn independently, to perform with confidence, and to relate musical concepts to other facets of their lives.
This mission reflects the National Standards for Music Education.
Piano study requires curiosity, commitment, regular practice, and an adequate acoustic instrument. Mrs. Smith's studio is currently full, but you may contact her at martha.smith@comcast.net to place your name on a waiting list. Students at all levels are welcome to apply. An interview is required to determine readiness. For further information about finding a teacher see www.mtna.org or www.nvmta.org.