May, 2020

This month our spotlight is shining on a piano teacher who has reached Teacher Laureate status in our Hall of Fame. Diane Perett of Arlington, Virginia, is one of only a few teachers who have reached twenty years of teaching with MusicLink. She said, "I was thrilled to be one of the pilot teachers when MusicLink was launched in Northern Virginia. Although I had grown up in a middle class family with the advantages of excellent private instruction and even music camp in the summers, I had also been aware of the ways my public school vocal music teacher in our central Kansas town made sure the musically gifted students without means could still thrive, and I wanted to follow her example.

"My first MusicLink student was a fifth grade beginning piano student, daughter of Ethiopian immigrants, who loved music and worked very hard to "catch up" with other students her age in my studio who had been studying with me much longer. She was a joy at both weekly private and monthly team lessons. Soon, excited by our experiences teaching with MusicLink, my colleague Martha Smith and I co-wrote an article for The American Music Teacher to encourage other teachers to get involved with the program.

"Since that time, except for the years I was living overseas due to my husband's career, I have always been teaching at least one MusicLink student. Not only has it been rewarding to see their skills and love of music grow, but it has been illuminating for me to learn about their cultures.

"I am thankful that Joanne had the vision and organization and trust to make MusicLink a continually resounding success."

November, 2020

From MusicLink Executive Director, Joanne Haroutounian: I have personally known Peggy Newhall for over 20 years, as a colleague and as her teacher, guiding her as she pursued MTNA certification at age 80. Peggy has been a MusicLink teacher and coordinator since 1999, teaching 10 MusicLink students through the years and achieving the MusicLink Hall of Fame Teacher of Distinction award in 2015 for her 15 years of service to the MusicLink Foundation. Many have seen her photo with her first MusicLink student on our banner at conventions.

Beyond her activities in MusicLink, Peggy is active in two local MTAs, regularly attends MTNA national conventions, and volunteers for MTA activities in her local organizations. She is part of a piano group that performs on a regular basis and recently organized a zoom gathering of the group. Peggy has produced several CDs combining classical and popular music that she gives to friends and relatives each year. She performs recitals at senior centers on a regular basis, programming music that appeals to each audience.

I have to admit that Peggy is, in a way, my role model because of the personal care she portrays to others and her endless energy and enthusiasm to learn more. This year Peggy celebrates her 90thbirthday – an amazing woman!