Who We Are

The Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association is a non-profit organization of 380 teachers of musical instruments. Since 1950 we have promoted high standards of musical excellence in independent studios throughout the Virginia suburbs of our nation's capital. NVMTA is proud to be the local affiliate of two national and two state organizations: Music Teachers National Association (www.mtna.org) and Virginia Music Teachers Association (www.music-usa.org/vmta/); and the National Federation of Music Clubs (www.nfmc-music.org) and the Virginia Federation of Music Clubs.

We sponsor more than 30 events each year, including a large VFMC Spring Festival that attracts over 2400 students. In addition we hold festivals featuring Bach-Baroque Music, Contemporary Music, Chamber Music, Original Compositions, Concertos, Piano Ensembles and Sonatas. Twelve student recitals in both judged and un-judged formats occur at regular intervals during the school year.

Scholarship competitions in piano, voice, strings and woodwinds span all levels from elementary to adult and result in monetary awards for outstanding achievement. At the left a young clarinet student of Ken Lee is one of several students over the years who have won national competitions in piano, voice, woodwinds or composition. Our three financial aid scholarship programs and our support of MusicLink help students who might otherwise lack the means for individual instruction. Through various fund-raising projects, we are able to provide over $10,000 in scholarships each year. Our Scholarship Endowment Fund continues to grow with donations given in honor of beloved musicians. This fund also makes grants to teachers for professional development.

In addition to monetary awards, our partnership with the Little River Symphony enables senior concerto winners to perform with an excellent orchestra. At right, Chris Hite, Conductor of the Symphony is shown with the 2005 winners. Young Artist Musicales, held in the lobby of George Mason University's Performing Arts Center before concerts by the pianist Jeffrey Siegel, feature selected students. These concerts are a part of our ongoing collaboration with GMU that also includes observation of NVMTA teachers by GMU pedagogy students. Another aspect of our mission is to provide syllabi and testing for sight reading, music theory, and instrumental skills.

Regular monthly meetings keep teachers abreast of the latest trends in performance practices, pedagogy, and studio management. For example the September program will feature Poster Sessions by several members on topics such as theory, ear training and sight reading; adult students; structuring lesson time; relationships and parents, teachers and students; and encouraging students to compose. A Teachers Forum before each meeting will provide more opportunities for teachers to come together to discuss other topics of professional interest.

Besides teaching in independent studios, NVMTA members perform as soloists and in orchestras and chamber groups, teach at local schools and colleges, direct church music groups, compose new music, and serve as community leaders.