Have you ever wanted to try your hand at composing but didn't know where to begin? The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) is once again sponsoring their annual composition program. Details are located below. If you have any questions please contact Compositions@pmea.net

2021 PMEA Composition Program

PMEA is pleased to once again sponsor a composition program for PMEA members and their students in conjunction with the 2021 Virtual PMEA Annual Conference. There are four categories for students and, new this year, two categories for members. Selected compositions will be featured during the virtual annual conference. The purpose of the composition program is to promote and encourage composers of all ages to create music and to explore the way sounds are put together in an appropriate way. Many future composers are today’s music students and PMEA members, and we are striving to encourage everyone to try their hand at composing.

PMEA is also pleased to offer a second option in its composition program – an Open Track with no pre-requisites for submissions. (*Please note that this is a new category in PMEA’s Composition Program and is separate from the traditional format with minimum submission requirements categorized by level.) All submissions will receive feedback; some may be asked to participate in a session/webinar on composition.

The deadline to submit a composition to either program is 11:59 p.m. Monday, February 1, 2021. There is a $10 application fee for all submissions. Late submissions will not be considered. Program rules and procedures, along with the application links, can be found below. All PMEA members and/or their students are encouraged to submit compositions.

Questions?

Please contact compositions@pmea.net

• Elementary Level Information
• Elementary Level Application
• Middle School Level Information
• Middle School Level Application
• High School Level Information
• High School Level Application
• PCMEA Level Information
• PCMEA Level Application
• PMEA Member – ES & MS Ensemble Composition Information
• PMEA Member – ES & MS Ensemble Composition Application
• PMEA Member Level Information
• PMEA Member Level Application

• PMEA Composition Program – Open Track
• Open Track Application

Valerie has been a star example of adapting to the hurdles of 2020. In a time when many of us were hesitant to change lesson formats, she jumped in and embraced the technology, setting up a virtual teaching studio in her basement. She transitioned all of her students to virtual lessons in March, and continues to grow her studio by taking on new virtual students, including beginners. Her warm and encouraging personality still shines through from behind the screen!

Valerie has also continued to provide multiple performance opportunities for her students. She has hosted regular studio recitals since she started teaching at Johnstonbaugh's in 2016, and this year was no exception. Currently her students are preparing for their second virtual recital! Additionally, she worked with multiple students to prepare them for the Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival. Four of her students were selected as winners to perform in a state-wide showcase.

Even with all of these wonderful virtual opportunities, students still miss in-person interactions a great deal. Valerie is very sympathetic of this and has offered multiple no-contact care package pickups to give her students the opportunity for safe visits (and stickers)!

Valerie is currently taking on new piano students. If you are interested in taking lessons with her, please submit an online referral. And if you have any questions about virtual teaching or recitals, reach out to us at Johnstonbaugh's!