About the Student Teacher Auxiliary
We are a group of enthusiastic new music teachers of all disciplines who meet monthly to share teaching ideas and experiences. We invite experienced teachers, composers, examiners, and other experts in their fields to speak to us in a small, informal group setting about a given topic. We also have organized activities for our students such as recitals and master classes. We aim to learn about the many facets of teaching music through interactive sessions, whether in a dynamic presentation, a group discussion, or a visit to one of the many professionals or institutions in our community. Please take a look at our Calendar of Events page to get an idea of the many varied events we have hosted since 2005.
For information on the history of the STA … please click here
What Members Say About the STA…
“Its been great for networking and learning and its such a friendly group!”
"The STA has been a great resource and community for me. Our members are mature, smart and hard working yet our get-togethers are casual, friendly, and instructive. I get to learn about a whole host of matters ranging from musical injury prevention seminars to music school tours to student master classes. It's very interdisciplinary. I feel that I get to not only learn about music pedagogy, but also about the classical music world, private and public music institutions (i.e. schools, CBC radio station, methodology workshops, body and physical/mental health issues, etc.), and the challenges of working with children. I enjoy that it feels like a cooperative, with one member taking on organizing one event each month, with lots of direct input and cooperation from the other members as well as excellent guidance from our teacher-leader Dr. Dodek. I thoroughly enjoy being a member of this group and feel privileged to have discovered it and participated in it." TML, STA member 2011-2013
“Linda Niamath was wonderful!”
Current Members of the STA
Leah Bruno - Piano -480-338-9448 -Email
Madeline Eirikson - Piano - 604-837-8576 - Email
Angela Essak - Piano - Email
Brenda Lam - Piano - 780-710-1602 -Email
Dr. Carla Dodek - BCRMTA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Liaison - Email
Pedagogy Awards: Mary Tickner Memorial Pedagogy Award & BCRMTA Associate Teacher’s Award
The Vancouver/Burnaby Branch is proud to offer the Mary Tickner Pedagogy Award to recognize excellence in aspiring teachers. Ms. Tickner was a venerable member of our branch for many years, she was a supportive mentor as well as skilled instructor and we are happy to be able to honour her memory is this manner. The winner of the Branch Pedagogy Award will receive $300 and a one year membership in the Vancouver/Burnaby Branch. Please click here for more information.
The Provincial Association also offers the BCRMTA Associate Teacher’s Award to the student receiving the highest aggregate mark in the Associate Teachers Diploma offered by four conservatories: BC Conservatory of Music, Canada Conservatory, Royal Conservatory of Music; and the Victoria Conservatory of Music. The award consists of a $125 scholarship and a one-year free membership in the BCRMTA. Please click here for more information.