In Studio: Bach to School
It’s Bach to School week at Thompson Piano Studio. Start the school year on the right note!
TMTA Whitlock Theory Test - Fall
Whitlock Theory Test
Build a strong foundation in the language of music!
Sponsored by the Texas Music Teachers Association, the Whitlock Theory Test helps students grow their understanding of music theory skills. Testing
is offered twice a year in October & February and can lead to a special achievement pin for students scoring 90% or higher
opens the door to exciting opportunities like recitals, publications, and scholarship eligibility
leads to more confident playing, deeper musical insight, and long-term success in music
Registration and materials ($41) are included in the annual September fee for K–12 students at Thompson Piano Studio.
Christmas Recital
Christmas Recital 2025: Let the music sparkle and the spirit shine!
The Christmas Recital is a joyful celebration where students come together to share their favorite pieces.
Event Highlights:
Students may perform Christmas and holiday music or any piece they love and want to share
Most students choose seasonal favorites, but all music is welcome
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate our students' progress as they build confidence and experience performing for an audience
📅 THIS IS A TENTATIVE DATE FOR THE RECITAL AND WILL BE POSTED IN SEPTEMBER.
TMTA Whitlock Theory Test - Spring
Whitlock Theory Test
Build a strong foundation in the language of music!
Sponsored by the Texas Music Teachers Association, the Whitlock Theory Test helps students grow their understanding of music theory skills. Testing
is offered twice a year in October & February and can lead to a special achievement pin for students scoring 90% or higher
opens the door to exciting opportunities like recitals, publications, and scholarship eligibility
leads to more confident playing, deeper musical insight, and long-term success in music
Registration and materials ($41) are included in the annual September fee for K–12 students at Thompson Piano Studio.
RMTA Sonatina and Sonata Festival
Sonatina/Sonata Festival: Celebrate a unique musical form!
Experience the world of elegant Sonatinas and expressive Sonatas! This festival is a unique opportunity for students to explore a standard piano musical form and build confidence through performance.
Event Highlights:
Piano students will prepare one movement from a Sonatina or Sonata to experience the structure and style of this specific type of classical form
All students will perform for a judge and receive written feedback and points toward music trophies
Outstanding performers may be invited to the TMTA All-Star Festival in May
Performances are not public
📅 Registration and $20 entrance fee due by February 1, 2026.
Registration information TBD.
Hosted by the Richardson Music Teachers Association (RMTA), this event is designed to:
Introduce students to classical forms like the Sonatina and Sonata
Prepare students for solo performance experiences
Provide outside feedback and encouragement for students pursuing excellence
Important Info:
– Music must be memorized
– Original published copy must be provided to the judge
– Beginner students should select pieces with at least 12 measures
Let’s celebrate strong musicianship, expressive playing, and the form of the sonata and sonatina!
RMTA Jazz Competition
Jazz Competition 2025: Take the Stage with Style!
Bring your rhythm, groove, and flair to compete! The Jazz Competition is a dynamic event where pianists perform in high-energy styles and go head-to-head with others in their grade level.
Event Highlights:
Perform in expressive styles like Jazz, Boogie, Rock, Swing, and Ragtime
Compete in a judged event against students of similar grade levels
Receive feedback from expert judges and the chance to earn recognition for outstanding performance
Final round performances are open to a public audience—show off your talent!
Top competitors may be featured in studio celebrations or invited to other honors events
📅 Registration and $30 fee due by March 1, 2026
Registration TBD
Hosted by the Richardson Music Teachers Association (RMTA), the Jazz Competition is designed to:
Encourage excellence through competition
Deepen students' skills in jazz-inspired styles
Build stage presence and confidence in a public setting
Important Info:
– Music must be memorized
– Original published copy must be provided to the judge upon request
– Finalists will be selected from preliminary rounds for the public performance
Bring your energy and expression to shine in the spotlight with music that grooves!
RMTA Spring Festival
Spring Festival 2025: Celebrate the season with songs you love!
Get ready to groove, swing, and shine! The Spring Festival is all about celebrating the music students love to play.
Event Highlights:
Perform music in styles like jazz, boogie, rock, swing, ragtime, pop, movie themes, Broadway hits, video game music, New Age, Latin rhythms, patriotic pieces, folk songs, “classical” pieces and more!
Students may also perform using lead sheet accompaniment
Play for a judge to receive encouraging feedback and earn points toward a music trophy
Performances are not public
📅 Registration and $20 fee due by March 1, 2026
Registration info TBD.
Hosted by the Richardson Music Teachers Association (RMTA), this exciting event helps students:
Build confidence through live performance
Explore a wide range of musical styles
Develop rhythm, style, and musical expression in a fun and personalized way
Important Info:
– Music must be memorized
– Original published copy must be provided to the judge
– Beginner students should choose pieces with at least 12 measures
This is your moment to shine with music that moves you!
Spring Recital
Spring Recital 2025: Celebrate the year in Music!
Let’s end the school year on a high note! Our Spring Recital is a special moment for students to share everything they’ve learned, grown through, and loved playing this year.
Event Highlights:
Students will perform a favorite piece (or two!) to celebrate their hard work
All styles of music are welcome
A proud moment to recognize student growth and progress before summer
Family and friends are invited to cheer on our performers!
📅 THIS IS A TENTATIVE DATE FOR THE RECITAL AND WILL BE POSTED IN SEPTEMBER.
This celebratory recital is a chance for students to:
Gain performance experience in a warm, supportive setting
Reflect on their musical journey throughout the year
Feel proud of their achievements and inspired for what’s next
From first notes to showstoppers, let’s celebrate a year of music!
Sonatina/Sonata Festival
The Sonatina/Sonata Festival is a Richardson Music Teacher Association (RMTA) event with students playing for judges to receive feed back on their musical performance and qualify for points within the RMTA system. Students will receive between 2 and 5 points based upon their performance. Trophies are earned at every fifteen points.
The purpose of the Sonatina/Sonata Festival is for students to learn
classical repertoire
the Sonatina or Sonata form
Pieces must be a minimum of 12 measures and must be memorized. One movement of the sonatina or sonata must be performed.
Students must be registered for the festival by February 5, 2025. The cost of registration is $20 and will be billed with the monthly invoice in March.
Winter Festival
The Winter Festival is a Richardson Music Teacher Association (RMTA) event with students playing for judges to receive feed back on their musical performance and qualify for points within the RMTA system. Students will receive between 2 and 5 points based upon their performance. Trophies are earned at every fifteen points.
The purpose of the Winter Festival is for students to learn
sacred and secular holiday music
classical repertoire
non-classical teaching pieces (excluding jazz repertoire)
hymn arrangements
choral arrangements
lead sheet accompaniment
ensemble playing
Pieces must be a minimum of 12 measures and many must be memorized depending on the category of music. Sacred music is required to be considered for the Janet Alexander Scholarship.
Students must be registered for the festival by December 18, 2024. The cost of registration is $20 and will be billed with the monthly invoice in January.
Event Five
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Event Four
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Event Three
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.