Registration for the 2026 Works In Progress is now open. Please visit the Works In Progress page for more information. Teachers must be logged in to access the registration form.
Category Archives: Branch News
Reintroducing Red & Gold Seal Opportunities
Are you looking for a flexible performance opportunity for your students? The Red Seal and Gold Seal Solo Recitals are officially back!
These recitals are a long-standing branch tradition that allows students to perform a varied repertoire and receive formal acknowledgment for their entire body of work. They also offer a wonderful, low-pressure environment to share music with friends and family.
Why participate?
- Complete flexibility: Plan a serious, formal recital or a fun, casual event.
- Creative freedom: Aside from a few basic requirements, you and your students can design a completely unique program.
Visit the Red & Gold Seal Solo Recitals page to learn more. Registration is now open.
2026 MSSL Report
I am pleased to report that the Music Students’ Service League (MSSL) has had a successful start of the school year! This past Sunday, August 30th, 2026, five students from MSSL West LA Branch performed beautifully at the Savant Studio Royale Assisted Living facility for over 30 residents there. Students representing piano studios of Nancy Arnold and Rita Hovanessian graced the audience with pieces from J.S. Bach, Kuhlau, Chopin and Austin. As a special treat, one student performed Happy Birthday for the residents who had birthdays in August, while cake was enjoyed by all.
Stay tuned for upcoming service opportunities and performances on: November 15, 2026; January 17, 2027 & May 16, 2027. To be part of this incredibly rewarding experience, please contact Faculty Advisor, Lisa Pietruszka Polak at or by text/phone: (310)867-0987
2026-27 Board of Directors and Event Chairs
Dear MTAC-WLA Branch Members,
We are pleased to introduce you to the dedicated members of our 2026-2027 MTAC West Los Angeles Branch Board and Event Chairs.
Our Board members and Event Chairs bring their time, talents, and enthusiasm to help to make this year’s programs engaging and successful for our membership. We are grateful for their commitment and look forward to working together to make this a great year for our branch.
2026-2027 MTAC WLA Branch Board of Directors
Dr. Nara Shahbazyan, President
Jan Kravets, 1st Vice President (Programs)
Lisa Pietruszka-Polak, 2nd Vice President (Hospitality)
Victoria Roizen , 3rd Vice President (Membership)
Ryan Humphrey, Treasurer
Mehry Lalezarian, Recording Secretary
Nancy Arnold, Parliamentarian
Dr. Ching-Yi Wang, Director
Kyunghwa Yoon, Director
Event Chairs of 2026-2027
Dr. Wojciech Kocyan, Kathryn Gawartin Chopin Competition
Nurit Caspi & Victoria Roizen, Naomi Reisfeld Etude Festival
Rita Hovhanesian & Nancy Arnold, Alice Frazier Kitchen Memorial Scholarship Competition
Jan Kravets & Mary Ann Cummins, Branch Student Recitals
Dr. Neil Galanter, Contemporary Music Festival
Barbara Roe & Christine Rosander, Adult-Salon Musicale
Nancy Arnold, Red & Gold Seal Solo Recitals
Lisa Pietruszka-Polak, MSSL- Music Student Service League
Please join us in thanking our Board members and Event Chairs for their dedication and service to the West Los Angeles Branch.
We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
Warmest regards,
Dr. Nara Shahbazyan
President, MTAC-WLA Branch
A Message from Branch President
Dear MTAC-WLA Branch Members,
I hope you all had a wonderful and refreshing summer. As we begin a new season, we are looking forward to an exciting year ahead, with a wonderful selection of programs and events planned for our branch.
We are also excited to announce that our new MTAC WLA Branch website has officially launched! Please take a moment to check it out and explore the new site, where you’ll find the latest information, updates, programs, and events.
In addition, please keep an eye on your email for a separate message with your individual username and login information. All MTAC WLA Branch members will have access to a member login on our website, which will provide access to member-specific information and resources.
We will also share more details about our upcoming events and plans at our first General Meeting of the 2026-2027 year on September 20th.
Thank you for your continued support, enthusiasm, and active participation in our branch. Your involvement, dedication, and commitment are what make our community so special. I look forward to creating a meaningful and memorable year together.
Wishing everyone a successful start to the new season!
Warmest regards,
Dr. Nara Shahbazyan
President, MTAC-WLA Branch