May L. Etts – President 1957 – 1961

May L. Etts, Piano Guild Notes  May-June 1961: Vol 11 Iss 1, Southwestern Musician and Texas Music Educator 1960-10 Vol 28 Iss 3

May L. Etts, Piano Guild Notes May-June 1961: Vol 11 Iss 1, Southwestern Musician and Texas Music Educator 1960-10 Vol 28 Iss 3

May L. Etts made significant contributions to piano education through her work as an editor of piano solo arrangements. Her editorial efforts included curating collections such as Beginning to Play Haydn and Beginning to Play Mozart, which aimed to make classical music accessible and engaging for beginner pianists. These publications reflect her commitment to nurturing young musicians and fostering an appreciation for classical repertoire.

 

Her influence extended beyond publishing. According to Piano Guild Notes (May–June 1961, Vol. 11, Issue 1), her impact was felt in student performances through organizations like the Associated Music Teachers’ League of New York. For example, Phyliss Greenfield, a piano student from New Jersey, performed as a soloist at various prestigious events, including the Anniversary Concert of the Bergen County Music Teachers’ Guild and Town Hall concerts in New York City sponsored by the AMTL. Greenfield’s achievements, such as accompanying school orchestras and earning superior ratings in National Guild Piano Auditions, underscore the importance of accessible and well-curated educational materials, like those edited by May L. Etts.

 

As President of the AMTL, Etts oversaw the annual Young Musicians Concert at Town Hall in New York. Scheduled for June 11 during her tenure, this event provided a platform for promising students of AMTL members, with participants carefully auditioned and allotted a four-minute performance slot to showcase their talents. Co-chaired by Cecile Hindman and Clyde Sewall, the concert exemplified Etts’ dedication to fostering opportunities for young musicians.

 

Etts’ work not only contributed to the foundational learning of countless piano students but also supported the broader goals of organizations like the AMTL in promoting high standards and accessibility in music education.

 

Sources: https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/cecile-hindman/10728503/, https://www.loudersound.com/features/don-letts-the-soundtrack-of-my-life, Publisher: National Guild of Piano Teachers Collection pub_piano-guild-notes; Piano Guild Notes May-June 1961: Volume 11, Issue 1.