Northeast Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (NEPMTA) was organized in 1972, and has been an affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) since 1972.
NEPMTA is a nonprofit organization of over 50 music teachers, independent andcollegiate, who share the vision of furthering the art of music through programs that encourage and support teaching and performance.
Music educators meet quarterly to organize and develop a strong organization which perpetuates education for its members through master classes and workshops. We also provide performance opportunities for our students such as recitals, festivals and competitions. Through our affiliation with MTNA, we offer teachers national certification. NEPMTA can be a vital resource to you. Our organization can provide stimulating ideas for improving your music studio and motivating each other. NEPMTA is an organization and affiliation you won’t want to pass up.
Northeast Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association is the outgrowth of a meeting of teachers who sought to raise standards of music teaching in the state. Preliminary plans were made at a local meeting with Ray Cramer, Anne Liva and Lilburn Dunlap. A formal organizational meeting occurred in 1971 when Northeast Pa MTA became affiliated with MTNA, and held its first convention in the same year.
NEPMTA immediately became active in working toward a program of state certification for its members. Within seven years, a number of teachers had been certified, and a few years later the Association enthusiastically embraced the MTNA program.
Other programs sponsored by NEPMTA include: Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival, a program for student evaluation on a regional and/or state level each fall; Carnegie Hall Honors Recital, a competitive event where select students perform at Carnegie Hall, New York City, NY, Kirby Center Recital, a competitive event where select students perform at the Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
NEPMTA is affiliated with the state organization, Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association where students can participate in state festivals, honors recitals and competitions. Our state affiliate sponsors an annual leadership conference to further our teacher’s education.
NEPMTA Music Teachers Association members voted for incorporation of NEPMTA at the 2021 fall meeting.