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Our Beginnings
The Livonia Area Piano Teachers Forum was founded in about 1970. The original name was simply Livonia Piano Teachers Forum. In 1987 it became apparent to the board of directors that the organization was serving more than just the Livonia city. Thus the name was amended to Livonia Area.
A group of dedicated teachers began meeting at the home studio of Marian Stickles. Marian had a lovely studio in her basement on Haller in Livonia. There were folding chairs set in classroom style where members sat to be instructed by various lecturers, usually from near-by universities, although members would research and share various topics.
This was at a time when universities and colleges were in the seminal stages of developing courses on the teaching of piano: piano pedagogy. At one time it was considered if one had studied piano, one could teach piano. These early LPTF teachers were on a quest for discovery and sharing of teaching techniques.
Beginnings Continued
The addition of Honors Recitals and Master Classes allowed members to hear other teacher's students. Thus began the enrichment of our teaching experience.
By the mid-seventies it was obvious the meeting venue needed to be changed. The group moved its meeting place to a local Livonia music store.
Before long Maryan Abramsohn invited other teachers to join her in her basement in entering students in the Michigan Music Teachers Testing program. Three teachers and seven students participated the first year. Maryan with the help of Jean Candlish began the process of this event together. Jean is the pioneer of the use of computer for test preparation and record keeping. This event alone changed the face of our organization.
Every activity which our organization provides can be traced to these teacher pioneers. We are grateful for their vision.
Here and Now
The motto of the LAPTF is the following: "One who dares to teach must never cease to learn."
From October through May the LAPTF provides learning and motivational programs for piano teachers. The enthusiastic membership has grown to well over 100 teachers.
Student and teacher events provided or supported by the LAPTF are the following:
Detailed information for participation may be found in "Membership" and "Contact Us."