PRESS RELEASE – LAUNCH OF WPTA IRELAND
14 November 2019
The World Piano Teachers Association – WPTA, together with the WPTA associations and chapters in individual countries is the single most comprehensive piano-related association covering the entire globe. It was inaugurated in 2007, with Dr. Dorian Leljak as its President. World-class musicians act as Honorary Presidents of WPTA, such as Grigory Sokolov (Russia), Peter Frankl (USA), Angela Hewitt (Canada) & Tamas Vasary (Hungary).
WPTA IRELAND, under the presidency of Dr. Gabriela Mayer, is being launched on the 14th of November 2019 with the support of concert pianist Barry Douglas as Honorary Patron. Members will have access to a varied programme of events, which will include open forums, masterclasses, concerts, workshops and other activities. The goals of the association are to share expertise, offer opportunities for networking and provide useful information and professional development for piano teachers, graduates and students. Further details can be found on the WPTA IRELAND Homepage www.wpta.info/ireland
Ever since the inception, WPTA has received international calls to stimulate expansion through a worldwide network of associations and chapters. This initiative has come to fruition in late 2017. It is with great excitement that Ireland is joining a rapidly expanding family of associations all around the world that now include Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, USA, amongst many others.
Dr. Leljak wrote: “We believe the inauguration of WPTA IRELAND has only been possible due to the perseverance, energy, commitment and determination of Dr. Gabriela Mayer. Being proud of this marvelous enterprise between WPTA and WPTA IRELAND, may I offer my warm welcome and support to Dr. Mayer and all others that are joining us in this truly special endeavour!”
Dr. Gabriela Mayer is currently the Head of Keyboard Studies at the CIT Cork School of Music. She is an active teacher and performer, and has given masterclasses, concerts and presentations abroad. She is involved in activities of the Association of European Conservatoires (AEC) and Innovative Conservatoire (ICON) through participation in seminars, presentations at conferences and as an international member on institutional review panels. Her interest in effective practice and performance preparation has led to being part of the ‘Potential to Performance’ project, a collaboration with colleagues from Finland, the Netherlands, Germany and Australia. Her students have won prizes and awards and many of the MA graduates she taught have secured professional careers and continue to be active as performers.