For more than 30 years, the University Musical Associates (UMA), the patron support organization for the FSU College of Music, has supported students through audience attendance and financial support.
During the 2023-2024 concert season, more than 200 music students benefitted from UMA funds in the form of financial assistance for travel to conferences for professional development and to present papers; to perform at conventions and events outside of FSU; and to compete (and win!) in competitions around the country. UMA funding also brought 50 guest artists and music scholars to campus for masterclasses, workshops, and performances.
There are many ways for UMA members to connect with music-making at the FSU College of Music, including concerts, lectures, and masterclasses. One particularly special opportunity is the UMA Group Piano class, which offers current UMA members the chance to experience hands-on musical instruction in an encouraging setting.
The UMA Group Piano classes were started in 2014 by FSU piano students who hoped to expand community music education while gaining experience teaching a broader range of students. The class is taught by current Ph.D. Piano Pedagogy students at FSU and meets on Tuesdays throughout the school year. This enriching opportunity is open to all current UMA members free of charge and welcomes students of all levels.
Participants in the UMA Group Piano class have a wide range of musical backgrounds and motivations for learning piano.
Current UMA member Pat Henry joined the UMA Group Piano class in 2022.
“I have always wanted to get better at the piano, but never felt that I had the time to really practice as I was so busy with work,” says Pat, who enjoyed the lessons he took during his childhood, and upon reaching retirement, resolved to get better at piano. “When I saw that I could have FREE lessons, I eagerly jumped on board…My daughter is a graduate [of the FSU College of Music], so I know of its reputation.”
The UMA Group Piano Class gives Pat the opportunity to refresh his skills at the piano and learn alongside others who find music inspiring.
“I have been listening to classical music since I was a junior in high school. Also, I played trumpet in various bands over the years. My biggest takeaways: You make better progress with instruction than by being self-taught…by taking lessons, I am more motivated to practice. I am not too old to learn!”
David Reed, another current UMA member, joined the Group Piano class in 2019 and rejoined again following the pandemic. He began pursuing piano in his retirement and enjoys the opportunity to learn alongside others.
“I wanted to take piano lessons because my mother and her uncle were very good piano players. But as a child, I focused on other things and would walk right past the piano to go outside or play sports.”
This spring, David said he planned to continue practicing his chord progressions this summer before the 2024-2025 UMA Group Piano class resumes in the fall.
“After taking lessons, I’ve become more attuned to the key changes in songs. I’ve learned the 12 major chords, the 12 minor chords, their inversions, and I can now play hundreds of piano chords!”
The benefits of piano classes for interested learners even have a scientific backing. Dr. Diana Dumlavwalla, Associate Professor of Piano Pedagogy, who oversees the initiative, has also presented research on group piano.
According to Dumlavwalla’s research, group piano class settings provide many benefits including the motivation and positive feedback that comes from learning alongside others. Additionally, doctoral students teaching the class have expressed a sense of fulfillment working with students in this unique setting.
The classes are tailored to fit the needs of each student, and often feature elements of collaboration, improvisation, listening, and music theory. Students also learn the basics of playing chord progressions, how to play popular songs, and participate in ensemble pieces for the entire group.
Most of all, Dumlavwalla recognizes the value of creating community and learning together with people from all walks of life.
“Our UMA Group Piano Class is a wonderful way for students in our Piano Pedagogy program to express their gratitude to the patrons of our College of Music. It also provides all participants the opportunity to connect with others in the Tallahassee community and foster intergenerational understanding.”
UMA Group Piano Classes are a wonderful opportunity to learn piano for the first time, revisit piano after some time off, make new friends, and enjoy the benefits of making music. Classes for the 2024-2025 academic year begin on September 10 at 5:35 PM. If you are currently a UMA member and would like to participate, please contact Dr. Diana Dumlavwalla to sign up at ddumlavwalla@fsu.edu. You can also join UMA for the 2024-2025 Concert Season now if you haven’t already at tickets.music.fsu.edu.
