Talk About Teaching (TAT)

April 21, 2021: Nancy Breth, “New World Symphony: harmony, discord, conflict, resolution and joy in the life of a transfer student and his teacher”

A walk through the all-important first year as The New Teacher: making the interview count, setting up for success, creating a safe environment, forging partnerships, getting down to business, managing surprises, building trust, celebrating success.

Nancy O’Neill Beth teaches piano and chamber music in Arlington VA and Washington DC. Soon after joining NVMTA in 1982, Nancy and fellow newcomer Jacqua Yeomans joined the board as co-chairs of the Fall Festival. This was the first of numerous board positions she would hold over the years, and also the first of many treasured friendships with NVMTA members. She is also a longtime board member of WMTA. 

Nancy collaborates with teachers at home and throughout the country. She’s headlined a number of state MTA conferences, and 2020 marks her fifth appearance as a presenter at MTNA’s national conference. While Nancy is proud that some of her students have been successful in competitions, even up to the national level, her primary goal is to help all music-loving students build the skills they need to become lifelong pianists. 

Nancy’s latest project is Effective Practicing, a collection of short You Tube videos for pianists. Her book, Practicing the Piano, two Guides on Effective Practicing and a chamber music volume, are published by Hal Leonard.