75th Anniversary Celebration with Gyorgy Sandor at Mannes College of Music

AMTL-Gyorgy Sandor in a Master Class 2000

On November 19, 2000, the Associated Music Teachers League, Inc. (AMTL) celebrated its 75th anniversary with a landmark event at the Mannes College of Music in New York City. During the presidency of Martha Movasseghi, the League hosted a day-long masterclass and educational program that brought together students, teachers, and guest artists in a celebration of musical excellence and pedagogy.

The centerpiece of the event was a masterclass by the legendary pianist “Gyorgy Sandor”, a Hungarian-American virtuoso and one of the most distinguished students of “Béla Bartók”. Sandor, known for his authoritative interpretations of Bartók and Prokofiev, was also a revered pedagogue and the author of the influential text “On Piano Playing: Motion, Sound, and Expression”. His appearance at the AMTL event was a rare opportunity for young musicians and educators to engage directly with one of the great interpreters of 20th-century music. Sandor’s teaching emphasized the physical mechanics of piano technique as well as the expressive possibilities within modernist repertoire.

In addition to Sandor’s masterclass, the day included a workshop and lecture by “Bob Chapra”, who presented an introduction to the “Feldenkrais Method”. This somatic education technique, widely embraced by performing artists, focuses on body awareness and movement efficiency, helping musicians prevent injury and expand their expressive capabilities. Chapra’s session added a valuable dimension to the program, emphasizing holistic approaches to musicianship and wellness.

The event took place at the “Goldmark Concert Hall of the Mannes College of Music”, located at 150 West 85th Street in Manhattan. Mannes, founded in 1916 and later incorporated into The New School, has long been one of New York’s premier institutions for classical music training. Its collaboration with AMTL for this special occasion reinforced both institutions’ shared commitment to nurturing students who may become the next generation of artists.

The 75th anniversary celebration was more than just a commemorative event. It reflected the AMTL’s enduring mission: to support high standards in music education, to bring internationally recognized artists into direct contact with students and teachers, and to foster a community where pedagogy, performance, and innovation intersect.

This milestone marked a moment of reflection on the League’s long history, while also reaffirming its vision for the future of music in New York City and beyond.