Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association:

Celebrating Musical Excellence

Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association has promoted musical excellence throughout the Virginia suburbs of our Nation’s capital for decades.  Established in 1950 as a chapter of the National and Virginia Federation of Music Clubs, NVMTA became affiliated with the Music Teachers National Association and the Virginia Music Teachers Association in 1978.  The small group that began meeting in private homes has become a vibrant professional association of approximately 400 members.  In 2004, NVMTA was chosen as the Local Association of the Year by the Music Teachers National Association.

NVMTA sponsors exciting events that motivate students to deepen and broaden their knowledge of music.  NVMTA teachers have developed over a dozen first place winners in national competitions in piano, voice, woodwinds, brass and composition, arguably more than any other local association in the nation.  Non-competitive music festivals provide practice goals and constructive feedback each year for thousands of students in piano, strings, voice, and woodwinds.  In pursuit of well-rounded musicianship, NVMTA offers theory and skills tests, and a composition festival that features the orchestration of winning compositions.  And over the past decade, NVMTA has awarded more than $90,000 in scholarships based on both merit and need.

In addition to their work in independent studios, NVMTA members enjoy performing as soloists, in orchestras and chamber groups, teaching at local schools and universities, directing church music groups, composing, and serving as leaders in state and national affiliates.  In a recent survey, 6% of members who responded had Doctorates, 43% had Masters, and 50% had Bachelors as their highest degrees.

We take pride in research by members who have published books and articles, led workshops, and participated in community outreach.  One member established and directs a national foundation for linking students unable to afford private lessons with volunteer teachers.  A former president has pioneered advancements in business aspects of music teaching and published a textbook for student teachers.  Many have received recognition for their achievements in performance and pedagogy.

NVMTA values its professional ties with George Mason University, an all-Steinway school and the venue for a number of NVMTA events.  GMU pedagogy students observe NVMTA teachers in action as part of their coursework.  NVMTA maintains its own Steinway B piano as well as a Steinway B piano on long-term loan from the Steinway Piano Gallery.  Both are housed at the Woman’s Club of Arlington, the site of regular meetings and student events.

We look forward to continuing our tradition of stimulating musical growth and encouraging musical excellence.

December 1, 2010 (updated 2018)

 

Juliana Kuo, Julie Slingerland, Martha Smith