Jacksonville State University presents an annual conference that brings together teachers, students and classical music in a harmonious three-day event of pianists and vocal performers. The Alabama Music Teachers Association music conference will be held in the Mason Hall Performance Center today and Saturday.
“I want audiences to walk away realizing piano music is alive and well,” said Wendy Faughn, vice president of AMTA and JSU associate professor of music. “There’s nothing that replaces a live concert of music.”
AMTA was established to promote music education and includes almost 400 members. Faughn said the organization attempts to celebrate and promote music through conferences, festivals and competitions. While most of the musical conference is for members of AMTA, there is a recital open to the general public tonight featuring special guest and world renowned pianist Neil Rutman. Rutman has won countless national and international music competitions for his classical recitals and orchestra performances.
“Audiences will have an opportunity to hear live piano music from the hands of an artist that has played all over the world,” Faughn said. “They will hear some wonderful music and will have a pleasurable experience.”
In addition to the guest recital featuring Rutman, the conference includes recitals where teachers from other state universities will play various compositions and give lectures on how to educate different students and techniques to use when playing the piano. According to Faughn, five recitals throughout the concert feature concerto winners and state winners who are all students.
“The music will be predominately classical piano, but there will also be strings, clarinets and chamber music,” she said. “The university is honored to have a concert like this in our area with teachers and esteemed students across the state in our area.”
2012 AMTA Conference
When: Today and Saturday with an open recital for the public at 7:30 tonight.
Cost: $15 per person, $5 for students
Where: Jacksonville State University in Mason Hall’s Performance Center
Contact: 256-435-9804
