durham music teachers association

Playathons are informal performance opportunities in public places where students of any age or level, studying any instrument, and playing any musical style may enjoy sharing their skills.  The goals of the Playathons are to increase awareness of our association, to give students an informal performance opportunity, and to raise funds for our scholarship program.  There are no restrictions for participation in any of the Playathons.  Students do not need to dress up and are welcome to use their music, but please do not bring photocopies.  A piano and/or digital keyboard is made available.  To participate, sign up for a block of time; you may fill the time block in any manner you choose.  It is not necessary to inform the coordinator of how you will fill your time.  In the past, participating teachers have allowed students to play in the order they arrived, arranged for special duets between students, or conducted a mini-recital, complete with programs.  If you must cancel please let the Playathon Coordinator know as early as possible so that the time can be filled.

Participation in the Playathon includes your commitment to help out at the event table.  That is easily accomplished by coming 30 minutes prior to or staying 30 minutes after your scheduled time slot.  You can arrange your work time with the Playathon Coordinator.  If you are unable to do this, please arrange for one of your student’s parents to stay in your place, and give this information to the Playathon Coordinator.

A $5 donation to the DMTA Scholarship Fund is requested for each participating student, which can be given at the Playathon.  Each teacher should ensure that the minimum contribution is received from his or her studio.  A $30 fee for non-member teachers is applicable to enter one or more students.  Make checks payable to DMTA and mail to the organizer.

DETAILS SPECIFIC TO OUR NOVEMBER 2023 PLAYATHON:

The next one will be at Brightleaf Square in downtown Durham, then another Playathon around May 1. Available times are on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10:30-4:00 (4:30) and Sunday, Nov. 19 from 12:00-2:00.
 
To register, use the SignUpGenius link at the very bottom. The audience is encouraged to contribute, and a $5 donation to the DMTA scholarship fund is requested from each performer.

Thanks to Brightleaf Square for hosting free of charge, and to Maus https://www.mauspianos.com/ for loaning and moving the piano.

 
If you can't make it to the Playathon, teachers and students are encouraged to support the Scholarship fund in other ways.  Examples:

• Keeping a jar in your studio with a brief explanation.
• In newsletters, encouraging donations and pointing out DMTA's handy PayPal button.  No PayPal account is needed.  http://durhammusicteachers.org/scholarship
• Collecting donations during your other performances.

If questions, email Alice Tien by clicking on Alice_L_T@Yahoo.com (underscore before the L and the T).
 
Registration link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D49A5A82AA2FF2-playathon