Updated: Mar 16, 2020

Dear MMTA Members, MMTA has been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Based on the latest guidance from public health officials and our concerns for the safety and health of our members and their students, we are making the following changes to our upcoming events.

Musical Achievement Evaluations Musical Achievement Evaluations, which was originally scheduled for April 5, 2020, is canceled.

Bay State Piano Contest Bay State Piano Contest, which was originally scheduled for May 2020, is canceled.

Judged Festival Judged Festival, which was originally scheduled for May 3, 2020, is canceled. We are considering alternatives, and the Judged Festival Chair will be in touch with more information soon. If you have already registered and would like to withdrawal from the registration, we will issue a FULL refund. Please contact the Judged Festival Chair, Heather Rogers Riley (judgedfestival@mmta.net) with questions and concerns.

Bay State Strings Contest As of now, we still plan to have Bay State Strings Contest, which is scheduled for May 23, 2020. We will reevaluate the situation in the coming weeks and keep everyone posted. Keep an eye out for further communication.  We are disappointed that we have to make these cancellations, but given the rapidly evolving circumstances surrounding the virus, we feel that these are necessary steps to protect our community.

The Music Teachers National Association has released a statement to encourage all members to help prevent the spread of this disease. We urge you to take the following precautions and to share this information with your students and families.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick with respiratory symptoms.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then dispose of the tissue.

• Call your doctor right away if you begin to experience cold or flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, trouble breathing). Do not go to a medical clinic without calling ahead to notify the staff.

• Experts from Steinways and Sons also recommend the use of dilute hydrogen peroxide (available OTC in any pharmacy) to clean your keyboard often.

We understand that this is a tough time for our community. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at president@mmta.net. Please stay safe and healthy.

Ellyses Kuan President, MMTA