AUSTA WA 2020

We have had warm feedback for the Michael Griffin presentation  “Developing Musical Skill” for students, parents and teachers on March 11. Many thanks to all who supported this event, especially our hard-working committee and the staff at MLC.

A reminder that the 2020 recommended hourly minimum rate for private studio teacher individual lessons by WAMTA is $90  for professionals, and $65 for students who teach. I have been aware of discussions of lower fees for online lessons – however, the planning is often even more time-consuming, so personally I feel teachers should stay with the status quo, perhaps adjusting lesson lengths. In my experience, I found that a one-hour weekly in-person lesson was better replaced with 2 x 30m online, and I’m also aware of some teachers teaching via recordings and feedback rather than live, as it suited their personal circumstances. With return to live teaching, follow the public health recommendations, which will change from time to time, and it is good that we have all become more adept at use of technology.

We very much look forward to the WA inaugural presentation of lectures and master classes by the legendary Robin Wilson from ANAM on September 26 and 27. Due to the various current restrictions, we are not going to advertise this until nearer the time when we are absolutely certain that we can safely hold this event.

Many wonderful international summer courses have gone online, so it’s worth cruising around in the ESTA and ASTA websites, for example, for many opportunities that would normally not be available to us here. AUSTA National has also made several online opportunities available, and this will continue for some time.

We are hoping that 2021 will see us hosting Barry Green on a National tour, and mid-2022 is planned now for the next AUSTA National Conference in Melbourne. AUSTA members are supported with reduced rates for all AUSTA events whether live or online, and receive additional support to attend the AUSTA National Conference, so keep in touch and keep up your memberships.

Best wishes,
Helen Tuckey, President AUSTA WA.