November 15, 2017

RMTA Fall Festival 2017

Our students performed very well at the Richardson Music Teachers Fall Festival. This year the Festival repertoire was music from the Classical era (1750 - 1827). Festivals are milestone markers for a student's progress. Each performance is given one of the following scores:

Superior with Honor, Superior, or Excellent

14 students received the highest rating of Superior with Honor and 6 received the rating of Superior. Congratulations to all these students and their parents!

Students receiving Superior with Honor

Aidan N.
Amber M.
Daniel R.
Faith T.
Katherine C.
Katie N.
Lauren C.
LiLian D.
Lily V.
Pablo R.
Ryan D.
Samuel X.
Santiago R.
Sydney H.

Students receiving Superior

Brianna V.
Carolina M.
Clark N.
Lily K.
Nanditha S.
Vishalya S.

The ratings are worth points towards trophies. Every 15 points, the Richardson Music Teachers Association awards the students with trophies.

Students who received Trophies

Lauren C (45 points)
Pablo R (15 points)
Ryan D (45 points)

July 27, 2017

Royal Conservatory Music Development Program

The Spring 2017 Assessment results have arrived for all students participating in the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program. The Music Development Program provides a recognized national standard of musical success through an effectively sequenced course of study from beginner to advanced levels.

The Program inspires excellence through individual student examinations and allows students to celebrate accomplishments and track their progress with others across the country. It also supports teachers with high-quality and innovative resources. Students participating in this program exemplify good practice habits and self-discipline.

The following students deserve a round of applause for their hard work!

Faith T. - First Class Honors with Distinction
Brianna V. - First Class Honors
Lauren C. - First Class Honors
Ryan D. - First Class Honors


TMTA All-Star Festival

At the June Texas Music Teachers Association Convention the following students entered and participated in the All-Star Festival. To qualify for this Festival, students must have earned a Superior with Honor or Superior in one of the Richardson Music Teachers Festivals. The following students received Gold Medals for their State performances!

Amber M.
Brianna V.
Katie N.
Lauren C.
Vishalya S.
Yang V.

Congratulations to these students and their families!

June 25, 2017

Texas Music Teachers Association 2017 Convention

I always enjoy working with and being with my colleagues at the yearly TMTA state convention. These fine educators inspire, challenge and encourage me in so many ways.

What I was totally unprepared for this year was being given the highest recognition - Teacher of the Year. I am truly humbled and honored by this vote of confidence and appreciation and grateful for those individuals who have worked alongside me these 3 years as Theory Coordinator. Thank you!

- Allen Long



May 13, 2017

2016-2017 Awards and Achievements

We had wonderful participation in our annual Spring Recital which took place this afternoon at Metroplex Piano. The students have worked hard all year and deserve much applause and appreciation for what they have accomplished.

I have listed the students (alpha) below along with the awards and achievements they have received this teaching year. A few students, who were unable to participate today, are listed as well. An explanation of the awards given follows the list of students.

It was a very busy year, and I am proud of each one of you! – Allen Long

Aidan N.
  • Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Student
  • Winter 2016 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Practical Assessment First Class Honors with Distinction Preparatory A Level
  • 2017 RMTA Jazz Festival, Superior with Honor
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 2, Gold Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 2 years

Alex B.
  • Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Student
  • Spring 2016 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Practical Assessment First Class Honors, Level 1
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 William Gillock Audition, Superior
  • 2017 Junior Pianist Guild Concerto Audition, Superior with Highest Honor
  • 2017 RMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival, Superior with Honor, Received RMTA 15-Point Trophy
  • 2017 RMTA Jazz Festival, Superior with Honor
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 8, Bronze Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 3 years

Amber M.
  • Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Student
  • Spring 2016 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Basic Rudiments Theory First Class Honors with Distinction
  • Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Student
  • Spring 2016 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Basic Rudiments Theory First Class Honors with Distinction
  • 2016 TMTA State Convention June Leondar Chamber Music Contest: Two Flutes Duo takes 2nd Place
  • Winter 2016 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Practical Assessment First Class Honors with Distinction Level 6
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant, Selected for Gala Recital
  • 2017 William Gillock Audition, Superior with Highest Honor
  • 2017 Junior Pianist Guild Audition, Superior with Highest Honor
  • 2016 RMTA Fall Festival, Superior
  • 2017 RMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival, Superior with Honor
  • 2017 Keyboard Ensemble Youth Symphony Participant, 3 year trophy
  • 2017 Student Affiliate Ensemble (7 Year Bar)
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 9, Gold Medal
  • 2017 TMTA State Convention All-Star Festival Performer
  • 2017 TMTA State Convention June Leondar Chamber Music Contest: Monarch Trio - Piano and 2 Flutes
  • Allen Long Piano Studio Trophy Level 1 Mastery Major Scales
  • Allen Long Piano Studio Trophy Level 2 Mastery Major Scales
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 3 years

Binson P.
  • Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Student

Brianna  V.
  • Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Student
  • Spring 2016 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Practical Assessment First Class Honors, Level 3
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 William Gillock Audition, Superior with Honor
  • 2016 RMTA Fall Festival, Superior with Honor
  • 2017 RMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival, Superior with Honor, Received RMTA 15-Point Trophy
  • 2017 Keyboard Ensemble Youth Symphony Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 5, Gold Medal
  • 2017 TMTA State Convention All-Star Festival Performer
  • Allen Long Piano Studio Trophy Level 1 Major Scales
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 2 years

Caleb S.
  • Recipient of the Texas Music Teachers Association Senior Theory Twelve-Year Medals Award
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 12, Silver Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 8 years

Carolina M.
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 5, Silver Medal

Daniel R. 
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 Keyboard Ensemble Youth Symphony Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 4, Bronze Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 2 year

Faith T.
  • Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Student
  • Spring 2016 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Practical Assessment First Class Honors, Level 3;
  • Spring 2016 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Center Certificate of Excellence, Level 3 Piano
  • Spring 2017 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Practical Assessment First Class Honors, Level 3;
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 William Gillock Audition, Superior with Honor
  • 2016 RMTA Fall Festival, Superior with Honor
  • 2017 RMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival, Superior with Honor, Received RMTA 15-Point Trophy
  • 2017 Keyboard Ensemble Youth Symphony Participant, 3-year trophy
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 8, Silver Medal
  • Allen Long Piano Studio Trophy Level 1 Mastery Harmonic Scales
  • Allen Long Piano Studio Trophy Level 1 Master Melodic Minor Scales
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 3 years

Fletcher K.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 Keyboard Ensemble Youth Symphony Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 4, Gold Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 4 years


Katie Lynn E.
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 2, Gold Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 2 years

Katie N.

  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 RMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival, Superior with Honor
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 7, Gold Medal
  • 2017 TMTA State Convention All-Star Festival Performer
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 3 years


Kylie H.
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 3, Bronze Medal 
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 3 years


Lauren C.
  • Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Student
  • Winter 2016 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Practical Assessment First Class Honors with Distinction Level 1
  • 2017 William Gillock Audition, Superior with Highest Honor
  • 2016 RMTA Fall Festival, Superior with Honor
  • 2017 RMTA Sacred Music Festival, Superior with Honor, Received RMTA Festival 30-Point Trophy
  • 2017 RMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival, Superior with Honor
  • 2017 Student Affiliate Ensemble Participant (2 Year Bar)
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 5, Gold Medal
  • 2017 TMTA State Convention All-Star Festival Performer

Leah N.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 6, Pass
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 5 years

LeAnne N.
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 8, Pass
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 5 years

LiLian D.
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 4, Gold Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 4 years

Lily V.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 5, Silver Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 1 year

Lily K.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 RMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival, Superior with Honor
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 3, Gold Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 3 years

Maheera D.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 Keyboard Ensemble Youth Symphony Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 3, Silver Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 2 years

Mateusz R. 
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 3 years

Nanditha S.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 Keyboard Ensemble Youth Symphony Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 3, Silver Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 2 years

Nirvan S.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 2, Gold Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 3 years

Pablo R.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 Keyboard Ensemble Youth Symphony Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 5, Silver Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 4 years

Ruhi G.
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 1 year


Ryan D.
  • Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Student
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 William Gillock Audition, Superior
  • 2017 Junior Pianist Guild Audition, Superior with Honor
  • 2016 RMTA Fall Festival, Superior
  • 2017 RMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival, Superior
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 8, Gold Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 7 years

Sam L.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 1, Gold Medal
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 1 year

Samuel X.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2017 William Gillock Audition, Superior with Honor
  • 2016 RMTA Fall Festival, Superior
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 6, Bronze
  • Allen Long Piano Studio Trophy Level 1 Mastery Harmonic Scales
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 4 years

Santiago R.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant, Selected for Gala Recital
  • 2017 William Gillock Audition, Superior with Honor
  • 2016 RMTA Fall Festival, Superior
  • 2017 Keyboard Ensemble Youth Symphony Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 9, Gold Medal
  • Allen Long Piano Studio Trophy Level 1 Mastery Major Scales
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 4 years

Taylor N.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 4, Pass
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 2 years

ThaiSon N.
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member

Vishalya S.
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant
  • 2016 RMTA Fall Festival, Superior
  • 2017 RMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival, Superior
  • 2017 Keyboard Ensemble Youth Symphony Participant
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 4, Silver Medal
  • 2017 TMTA State Convention All-Star Festival Performer
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 5 years

Yang V.
  • Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Student
  • Winter 2016 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Practical Assessment First Class Honors, Level 3
  • 2016 Fall Yamaha Clavinova Festival Participant, Selected for Gala Recital
  • 2017 William Gillock Audition, Superior with Honor
  • 2016 RMTA Fall Festival, Superior with Honor
  • 2017 RMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival, Superior with Honor, Received RMTA 15-Point Trophy
  • 2016-2017 Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Member
  • TMTA Whitlock Theory Test Level 7, Bronze Medal
  • 2017 TMTA State Convention All-Star Festival Performer
  • MTNA Certificate of Achievement 1 year
_______________________________________________________________________________

Fall Festival (Richardson Music Teachers Association)
The Fall Festival features piano literature from different periods of music history. Each year a different era is presented. In 2015 Fall, the Festival featured piano pieces written from the 20th and 21st centuries.  Students earn certificates and points for trophies. This is a non-competitive piano performance.
  • Superior with Honor - the student presented a musically inspired and poised performance. This rating reflects thorough preparation and attention to the details of the musical score.
  • Superior - a well-prepared performance that displays musical refinement, continuity, and attention to detail. However, the performance is not worthy of the highest rating due to some performance flaw or lack of that extra “sparkle” associated with inspired playing.
Keyboard Ensemble Youth Symphony (Greater Dallas Group Teacher Music Teachers Association)
Student pianists perform with 15 Yamaha Clavinova Pianos on the stage. Each Clavinova is set to perform a particular instrument. The result is a small symphony created by Digital Pianos. 

Music Teachers National Association Certificate of Achievement
This Certificate acknowledges the number of years a student has studied in the Allen Long Piano Studio.

Royal Conservatory Music Development Program
This program provides a nationally recognized standard of musical success through an effectively sequenced course of study from beginning to advanced levels. Students who desire such national recognition of their development as a pianist can enter the program through the Allen Long Piano Studio. 

Sonatina/Sonata Festival (Richardson Music Teachers Association)
This Festival features the wonderful piano literature on Sonatas and Sonatinas. Composers have for used these musical forms to organize their musical compositions for close to 400 years. Students earn certificates and points for trophies. This is a non-competitive piano performance.
  • Superior with Honor - the student presented a musically inspired and poised performance. This rating reflects thorough preparation and attention to the details of the musical score.
  • Superior - a well-prepared performance that displays musical refinement, continuity, and attention to detail. However, the performance is not worthy of the highest rating due to some performance flaw or lack of that extra “sparkle” associated with inspired playing.
TMTA State Convention All-Star Festival
The TMTA All-Star Festival is a fun, noncompetitive TMTA State Convention performance event. Students who have received a rating of Superior with Honor or Superior are eligible to participate.  Students will receive a critique and a gold medal for a Superior rating or a silver medal for an Excellent rating. 

TMTA Student Affiliate Performance Contest (Richardson Music Teachers Association)
This competition is the first step in qualifying for regionals, semi-finals and finals in the Texas Music Teachers Association State Contest. Students entering this competition demonstrate high performance and interpretive skills at the piano. 

TMTA Student Affiliate Whitlock Theory Tests 
These tests are named in honor of Dr. E. Clyde Whitlock, a charter member of TMTA and a distinguished music educator and critic. In preparation for these tests, students learn the elements of music composition. Those who are testing at their grade level can earn points towards scholarship and medals.  Scores of 98 or higher earn the gold medal; 94—97 earn the silver medal; and scores of 90—93 earn the bronze medal.

William L. Gillock Solo Auditions (Junior Pianists Guild)
This is a non-competitive type of audition held in the mid-winter season of each year. These auditions are designed for the benefit of piano students, and their purpose is to offer awards and recognition to the pupils of average ability as well as to the more talented. Each student prepares 3 different pieces from different historical periods of music. They are evaluated on their effectiveness in interpretation and performance skills. Students earn points for trophies and scholarship and can receive a Superior with Honor rating to earn a gold pin. Students receiving a Superior rating receive a silver pin.

Yamaha Clavinova Festival (Metroplex Piano)
Students create and perform their own orchestration of a solo piece by playing on the Yamaha Clavinova Digital Piano.



February 26, 2017

TMTA Whitlock Spring Theory Test

The purpose of the Whitlock Theory Test is to evaluate a Student Affiliate member's musical knowledge of and the ability to apply theory, aural, and musicianship concepts across a broad musical spectrum. 

The Whitlock Theory Tests are named in honor of Dr. E. Clyde Whitlock, who is remembered for being a charter member of TMTA (Texas Music Teachers Association), a distinguished music educator, and an adjudicator.

The following students tested Saturday, February 4 and earned the following medals:

Receiving Gold

  • Thomas L. - Level 6 Test
  • Santiago R. - Level 9 Test
Receiving Silver
  • Vishalya S. - Level 4 Test
  • Carolina M. - Level 5 Test
  • Lily V. - Level 5 Test
  • Caleb S. - Level 12 Test
Receiving Bronze

  • Kylie H. - Level 3 Test
  • Daniel R. - Level 4 Test
  • Pablo R. - Level 5 Test
  • Yang V. - Level 7 Test

Congratulations to these students!

RMTA Sonatina/Sonata Festival


This year's Festival was held on Saturday, February 25th. 
The purpose of this annual RMTA (Richardson Music Teachers Association) festival is to:

  • introduce the Sonata form to piano students; 
  • prepare them for performance experience; 
  • obtain evaluation by outside listeners; and 
  • acknowledge and encourage those students who strive for excellence. 
Students receiving the rating Superior with Honor:
  • Alex B.
  • Lauren C.
  • Lily K.
  • Thomas L.
  • Amber M.
  • Katie N.
  • Faith T.
  • Brianna V.
  • Yang V.
Students receiving the rating Superior:
  • Ryan D.
  • Vishalya S.
Additionally, the following received their 15 point trophy. Points are based on the ratings a student receives at each RMTA festival in which they have participated.
  • Alex B.
  • Thomas L.
  • Faith T.
  • Brianna V.
  • Yang V.
Congratulations to these musicians for their superior performances!

                        

Junior Pianists Guild - William L. Gillock Audition

In the belief that students of piano and their teachers benefit from a non-competitive type of audition in the mid-winter season and with the desire to offer such an audition as a community service, the Junior Pianists Guild of Dallas held its 49th annual William L. Gillock Solo Auditions on February 10, 11, and 12, 2017.

The following students played three pieces by memory and were awarded gold pins.

Students receiving the rating Superior with Highest Honor:
  • Lauren C.
  • Amber M.
Students receiving the rating Superior with Honor:
  • Thomas L.
  • Faith T.
  • Santiago R.
  • Brianna V.
  • Yang V.
  • Samuel X.
Students receiving the rating Superior:
  • Alex B.
  • Ryan D.

Congratulations to these musicians for their superior performances!

January 4, 2017

Royal Conservatory - Awards and Distinctions

I am pleased to announce that one of our students received the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Award of Excellence
  • Faith T. - Testing Center Certificate of Excellence, Level 3 Piano

Each year The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program awards Certificates of Excellence and National Gold Medals to recognize the outstanding achievements of top-scoring students. All awards are sent out in early January. 

Every student who participates in Music Development Program examinations and has received a minimum of 80% on their practical examination is eligible to win these awards. Excellence in both practical and theory examinations is recognized at the Center, State, and National levels. 

The Center Certificate of Excellence is awarded to students who achieve the highest mark in their examination center in each level and discipline. To be eligible the student must also have completed the theory co-requisites for their respective level and discipline.

Congratulations, Faith!

In addition, the following students completed their Practical (Performance) Assessment and received exemplary ratings:
  • Aidan N. - First Class Honor with Distinction, Preparatory A
  • Yang V. First Class Honor, Level 3
  • Amber M.First Class Honor with Distinction, Level 6
These students achieved noteworthy accomplishments and deserve acknowledgement of their hard work and musicianship. Well done!