Cathy Thacker Piano Studio

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.  Having active membership in these groups allows me to enter my students in events sponsored by them. 

GCMTA Events:

Gwinnett County Music Teachers Association (GCMTA) has several events throughout each school year.  The November Festival is open to students of GCMTA members; winners 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 March for students in grades 4-12, and winners at the local level proceed to State Auditions.  Junior-Senior Scholarship Auditions, also held in March, are limited to students or children of GCMTA members; checks are awarded to four place winners in the amounts of $800, $600, $400, and $200.  Ensemble Concert is a fun event in late April involving 4 pianos on a stage with up to 8 students performing on each song.  For more information, click here.

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.