For over three decades, the University Musical Associates (UMA) at the Florida State University (FSU) College of Music has been a cornerstone of student support. More than just an audience, UMA is a community of patrons dedicated to fostering musical education and growth. Through consistent attendance and generous financial contributions, UMA has profoundly impacted the lives of countless music students.
In the 2023-2024 season alone, UMA funding empowered over 200 talented music students. This support manifested in crucial financial assistance, enabling them to attend professional development conferences, present their scholarly work, perform at national conventions, and excel in prestigious competitions across the country. Furthermore, UMA’s commitment extended to bringing 50 distinguished guest artists and music scholars to the FSU campus, enriching the learning environment through masterclasses, workshops, and captivating performances. This dedication to fostering a vibrant musical ecosystem truly embodies the spirit of “Uma Learn,” providing opportunities for growth and enrichment for both students and the wider community.
UMA membership offers numerous pathways to connect with the vibrant music scene at the FSU College of Music. Members enjoy access to a diverse range of concerts, insightful lectures, and exclusive masterclasses. Among these enriching opportunities, the UMA Group Piano class stands out as a particularly special way for members to actively engage with music. This unique program offers hands-on musical instruction within a supportive and encouraging environment, perfectly aligning with the “uma learn” philosophy of accessible and enjoyable learning.
Launched in 2014 by passionate FSU piano students, the UMA Group Piano classes were born from a desire to broaden community music education while simultaneously providing valuable teaching experience for doctoral candidates. These classes, taught by current Ph.D. Piano Pedagogy students at FSU, convene weekly on Tuesdays throughout the academic year. This invaluable opportunity is offered completely free of charge to all current UMA members and warmly welcomes participants of all skill levels, embodying the inclusive nature of “uma learn.”
The UMA Group Piano class attracts individuals with diverse musical backgrounds and a shared motivation to explore the world of piano. For many, it represents a chance to fulfill lifelong aspirations and discover the joy of “uma learn” in a musical context.
Pat Henry, a dedicated UMA member since 2022, exemplifies the enthusiasm of participants. Having cherished childhood piano lessons but feeling constrained by work commitments, retirement provided Pat with the perfect opportunity to revisit his musical aspirations. “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,” Pat explains. The allure of complimentary lessons, coupled with his daughter’s positive experience as a graduate of the FSU College of Music, made joining the UMA Group Piano class an easy decision. For Pat, “uma learn” through UMA was an opportunity not to be missed.
The UMA Group Piano Class provides Pat with a stimulating environment to refine his piano skills and connect with fellow music enthusiasts. Beyond skill development, the class offers a deeper engagement with the music he loves. “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,” Pat shares. He emphasizes the transformative impact of structured learning: “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!” Pat’s experience underscores the power of “uma learn” to reignite passions and foster lifelong learning.
David Reed, another long-time UMA member who joined the Group Piano class in 2019 and returned after the pandemic, echoes this sentiment. For David, retirement provided the ideal time to pursue piano, inspired by his family’s musical heritage. “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,” David recounts. The UMA Group Piano class offered him the perfect avenue to finally embrace “uma learn” and explore his musical potential.
David highlights the tangible progress he has made through the classes. “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!” His dedication to practice and learning, fueled by the UMA Group Piano class, showcases the rewarding journey of “uma learn” at any age. This spring, David planned to continue his practice, eagerly anticipating the resumption of classes in the fall for the 2024-2025 season.
The effectiveness of group piano classes for adult learners is further supported by scientific research. Dr. Diana Dumlavwalla, Associate Professor of Piano Pedagogy and the initiative’s supervisor, has conducted research highlighting the numerous benefits of group piano instruction. Her expertise adds significant credibility to the “uma learn” experience offered by UMA.
Dr. Dumlavwalla’s research emphasizes that group piano settings foster motivation and provide positive reinforcement through peer learning. Furthermore, the doctoral students who teach the classes express profound fulfillment in guiding adult learners in this unique setting. This reciprocal benefit enriches both the teachers and the students, creating a vibrant “uma learn” community.
The UMA Group Piano classes are carefully designed to cater to the individual needs of each student. Lessons often incorporate collaborative activities, improvisation exercises, active listening sessions, and foundational music theory concepts. Students acquire essential skills such as playing chord progressions, learning popular songs, and participating in ensemble pieces, fostering a holistic “uma learn” experience.
Dr. Dumlavwalla emphasizes the profound value of building community and fostering intergenerational understanding through shared musical experiences. “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.” This sense of community is central to the “uma learn” environment cultivated by UMA.
UMA Group Piano Classes present an exceptional opportunity to embark on a musical journey, whether starting from scratch, revisiting past lessons, forging new friendships, or simply reveling in the joy of making music. Classes for the 2024-2025 academic year are scheduled to begin on September 10th at 5:35 PM. If you are a current UMA member and eager to participate in this enriching “uma learn” experience, please contact Dr. Diana Dumlavwalla at [email protected] to register. If you are not yet a member, you can join UMA for the 2024-2025 Concert Season now at tickets.music.fsu.edu and unlock the doors to “uma learn” and a vibrant musical community.
