Member Honors
Member Honors > Teacher Of The Year
David Watkins is the 2011 Georgia Teacher of the Year. Watkins' love of piano was evident in his formative years when he entered a piano and organ store in Hapeville, Georgia and asked for lessons in exchange for answering the phone, taking out the trash, and cleaning. Watkins remembers these events warmly giving thanks and acknowledgement to the teachers who nurtured, mentored and inspired him. Betty Reed Moore and Llewellyn Scott Moore taught him the importance of professional membership in addition to providing a strong music foundation. Moore's involvement in the Piano Guild and Scott's involvement in GMTA and GMEA gave Watkins opportunities for auditions, performance and performance. Watkins affirms the importance of this professional experience:
I have encouraged my students to become involved with GMTA and other organizations because I want them and their students to have the same opportunities for growth and networking that have been available to me through the efforts of those who supported GMTA before me. I am proud to say that several of my former students have served, or are currently serving as officers in local chapters of GMTA. Several of my former students are currently on faculties of colleges and universities. Others have well-‐established private studios, and whose students are participating in GMTA auditions.
Watkins continued his involvement in professional organizations throughout his career. His service has included being a member of MTNA since 1974; serving as 1994-‐1996 GMTA President and 1988-‐1990 Vice President of Programs; member of the Cobb County Music Teachers Association since 1980; and, repeated terms of service to the Cobb MTA as Auditions Chair and Program Chair. Many musicians around Georgia have met Watkins at the many events he has adjudicated.
In addition to his personal piano studio and Jim Scott Studios, Watkins has taught at the following institutions and events: the Eastern Music Festival, Georgia College and State University, Kennesaw State University, and Emory University. His performances include numerous solo recitals, collaborative recitals, concerto performances, lecture recitals and premiere performances of works by Sherr, Underwood, Anderson, and Everett. Many solo recitals have been broadcast on WABE-‐FM.
The mark of a teacher's success can be measured by the teacher's students and their activities; students that exit the teacher's studio choose the paths cleared during sound tutelage. Five of Watkins students are now higher education professors. Other students have won numerous awards and scholarships through events sponsored by GMTA, Georgia Music Educators Association, and the Atlanta Steinway Society. Robert Henry was a fourth prize winner in the 1999 Ibla Grand Prize International Piano Competition in Sicily, Italy; First Prize in the Clara Wells National Piano Scholarship Competition at Penn State; and, MTNA-‐Young Chang Collegiate Artist Piano Competition. His students are frequent participants in master classes.
Friends and past students are happy to applaud Watkins' performance and pedagogical gifts. Wayne Gibson, past GMTA President, says, "I have heard more than thirty of Mr. Watkins' concerts over the years, including his Carnegie Hall debut and a dozen or more performances with Orchestra. He is an outstanding soloist, accompanist and chamber musician." Robert Henry reports:
Years ago, when I was but an aspiring concert pianist, I wanted a 'conservatory experience' while staying close to home, and I realized that such an experience was possible within his studio. Under his guidance, I have personally achieved international acclaim, having won the gold medal in four international Piano Competitions, and making my own Carnegie Hall debut in 2002. My years with Prof. Watkins were pivotal, and he provided the foundation for my ongoing success.
GMTA applauds David Watkins for a successful career in preparing pianists though dedication, musicianship, and service.
Arlene Broadhurst Martinides created this image in memory of her mother Joan Broadhurst, a long-time GMTA member.
Previous Teacher of the Year Honorees
We are pleased to share biographies and teaching tips of previous GMTA Teachers of the Year:
2010 Lois Finlay
2009 William and Mary Ann Knight
2008 Aurelia Campbell
2007 George Mann
2006 Naegeli Metcalf
2005 Nancy Elton
2004 Jean Mann
2003 Jeannine Morrison
2002 Betty Nolting
