Professional affiliations hold us to a higher standard in our studios, and having active membership in these groups allows me to enter my students in various events sponsored by them.
I belong to Gwinnett County Music Teachers Association, Georgia Music Teachers Association, and Music Teachers National Association. I also belong to the American College of Musicians, which sponsors Piano Guild.
GCMTA Events
- Music Day is open to students of GCMTA members; winners from grades 4-12 are awarded $30 cash prizes.
- Federated Festival is held in February; eligible high schoolers win scholarship money toward summer music camp.
- Local Auditions are held in February for students in grades 4-12, and winners at the local level proceed to Regional Auditions. Winners at Regional Auditions proceed to State Auditions.
- Junior-Senior Scholarship Auditions, held in March, are limited to 11th and 12th grade students; checks are awarded to four place winners in the amounts of $700, $500, $300, and $200.
Piano Guild
Piano Guild auditions are held in April through May, depending upon the location. Participation in Piano Guild is helpful in that it provides a complete “report card” for the student detailing areas of commendation as well as areas in performance that need attention. The fees vary depending on the level of the program entered and the number of pieces performed.
Cathy Thacker Piano Studio 