Maine Music Teachers Association
MaineMTA Fall Gathering
Every other year, MaineMTA holds a gathering in the fall, offering continuing education and networking opportunities for both members and non-members alike. Most often, three different speakers are chosen to present informative sessions of interest to private music educators.
The lunch hour serves as catch-up time with valued colleagues and is followed by a meeting of the general membership in attendance. Sometimes there is a performance late in the day. Each unique gathering is an opportunity to learn new ideas, gain inspiration and reconnect with colleagues.
When
Friday, November 6, 2026
Location
Crewe Center at the University of Southern Maine
111 Bedford Street
Portland, ME 04103
Schedule
9:30 to 10:00 am – Arrival and Check-In
10:00 to 11:00 am – Member Micro-Presentations
MaineMTA members will present on a pedagogy topic for 5–10 minutes each. These brief presentations will focus on practical teaching strategies, resources, and ideas that colleagues can immediately incorporate into their studios and classrooms.
11:00 to11:30 am – Breakout Discussions
Participants will divide into groups of college faculty, experienced independent teachers, and young professionals to discuss topics and challenges unique to their teaching environments.
11:30 AM–12:00 PM – Group Discussion and Sharing
12:00 to 1:00 pm – Lunch
1:00 to 3:00 pm – Masterclass with Duo-Pianists Jessica Chow Shinn and Michael Shinn
Cost
FREE for MaineMTA members (lunch is included)
$30.00 for non-members (lunch is included)
Registration
Registration will open in late summer 2026.
Additional Event Opportunity
Twin Keys: A Love Story
Featuring Thomas Wolf with duo-pianists Jessica Chow Shinn and Michael Shinn
When
Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM
Location
Crewe Center at the University of Southern Maine
111 Bedford Street
Portland, ME 04103
With an engaging blend of music, narration, and historical photographs, Twin Keys: A Love Story tells the remarkable story of Pierre Luboshutz and Genia Nemenoff—Thomas Wolf’s great-uncle and great-aunt—and one of the greatest duo-piano teams of the twentieth century.
Their journey spans from the shores of the Black Sea to the great capitals of Europe, including a musical romance at the Paris Conservatory, before culminating at Carnegie Hall and a landmark appearance with legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini. Both sweeping and intimate, the program offers audiences a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the personal and professional lives of these celebrated artists.
The performance features the acclaimed duo-piano team of Michael Shinn and Jessica Chow Shinn performing music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johannes Brahms, Richard Strauss, Gioachino Rossini, and Darius Milhaud, while showcasing two of the University of Southern Maine’s magnificent new Steinway concert grand pianos.
Visit Portland Ovations for more information and to purchase tickets.