WELCOME TO WSMTA
As an affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), WSMTA is a non-profit organization providing professional support for over 800 music teachers and their students. With 31 local associations, we provide independent studio music teachers and college faculty with many opportunities, including but not limited to:
- Conferences and workshops
- Student competitions
- Non-competitive student evaluations
- Teacher Certification Program
- Mentorship opportunities
- Grants and fellowships
- Leadership support
- Community for teachers and their students
WSMTA UPcoming & RECENT eventS
WSMTA LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
Saturday, September 26-27, 2026 from noon to noon
Hilton Garden Inn in Yakima
Saturday schedule
12:00 noon – Lunch (boxed lunches available outside the Cascade Room)
12:30 pm – Welcome! / Introduction of State Board / Open positions / District Director Conference / Announcements / Introduction of Education Board with Amanda Harris, Kira Miller and Kathy Mortensen
1:00 pm – Fun with Purpose: Social Programming That Grows Chapters with Sophia Pereyra-Johnston and Jessica Evotia Andrews-Hall
2:05 pm – Fun with Purpose in Action: A Toolkit for Building Thriving Chapters with Sophia Pereyra-Johnston and Jessica Evotia Andrews-Hall
3:05 pm – Break
3:20 pm – Communications with Kaitlin Mitchell / Music Artistry Program with Samantha Yeung
3:50 pm – Outstanding Artist Piano Competitions with Amora Bussey / MTNA Competitions with Jason Kuo
4:30 pm – Break to check-in to hotel
4:40 pm – District Director meeting
5:05 pm – District Directors meet with Chapter Leadership
5:30 pm – Social Time
6:00 pm – Dinner
8:00 pm – Board of Directors meeting
Sunday schedule
8:00 am – Breakfast (light buffet with eggs and yogurt in the Cascade Room)
9:00 – State Conference with Nick De Los Santos / Admin update and Website Scavenger Hunt with Kirsten Carlson
9:30 am – Demystifying the IRS: How to get your Non-profit Status Back with Stephanie Lee
10:00 am – Treasurer’s Report with Mary Grant
10:20 am – Break
10:35 am – Music Literacy Program with Melanie Stroud / Fundraising Committee with Jason Kuo / Running A Good Meeting with Kirsten Carlson
11:30 am – Updates on: Early Career Fellowship / Foundation Fellow Nominations / Chapter of the Year / Certification / Representation & Advocacy Committee / NW Division / MTNA Leadership Summit
11:50 am – Reflection + Survey / Closing comments
12:00 noon – Safe travels!
DISTRICT IV CONFERENCE
October 3, 2026. Time: 9:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
1209 Scheuber Rd. North, Centralia, WA
Unleashing the Musical Potential in Students through Dalcroze Eurhythmics • Stephen Moore
WSMTA/MTNA members and non-members are welcome at this event!
DISTRICT II CONFERENCE
Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 10 am
Steinway Showroom in downtown Seattle
1218 3rd Ave, Suite 105, Seattle WA, 98101
Freedom in Music: Attitudes and Performance Practices of the Greats Across the Ages • Mark Salman
important dates and announcements
WA State MTNA Performance Competitions
Deadline: September 9, 2026 at 3:00 pm Eastern Time
WA State MTNA Composition Competition
Deadline: September 9, 2026 at 3:00 pm Eastern Time
2026 Leadership Seminar
Yakima Hilton Garden Inn
September 26 – 27, 2026
Noon to noon
Music Artistry Program
Please contact WSMTA MAP Chair Samantha Yeung wth any questions about the Music Artistry Program.
WSMTA MISSION STATEMENT
The advancement of music knowledge and education. Activities of the Association are aimed at the promotion of the art of music and the advancement of music knowledge by providing educational opportunities that further the appreciation of music throughout the state.
WSMTA PRESIDENT
WSMTA CALENDAR
CLICK HERE for the complete WSMTA Calendar of Events
You can click on most items in the calendar list to learn more about the event.
| September 26-27 | Leadership Seminar in Yakima Contact Amanda Harris, WSMTA President-elect |
| September 26 | WSMTA Board of Directors meeting Contact Kira Miller, NCTM, WSMTA President |
| October 3 | District IV Conference Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1209 Scheuber Rd North, Centralia, WA Contact Jan Rowen Music, NCTM, District IV Director |
| October 15 | In order for their students to participate in the 2026 Music Artistry Program, members must renew their MTNA membership by October 15, 2026 |
| October 24 | District II Conference Steinway Showroom in downtown Seattle, 1218 3rd Ave, Suite 105, Seattle WA Contact Ryan Worswick, District II Director |
| November 6-8 | WA State MTNA Performance Competitions (Piano, String, Woodwind, and Piano Duet Divisions) Contact Jason Kuo, NCTM, WSMTA Vice-President |
| November 6-8 | Outstanding Artist Piano Competition Contact Amora Bussey, OAPC Chair |
WSMTA SUPPORTERS
WSMTA is grateful for the generous support provided by Central Washington University Department of Music for the 2025 WA State MTNA Performance Competitions, the 2025 Outstanding Artist Piano Competition, and the 2026 WSMTA Conference.
WSMTA is grateful for the generous support of the Tulalip Tribes for the 2025 Outstanding Artist Piano Competition and the 2025-2026 Music Artistry Program.
WSMTA NOTICES
AVOIDING EMAIL SCAMS
- Check the “from” email address closely to make sure it is the trusted email address.
- Remember that WSMTA Leadership will never ask for money directly.
- Ignore suspicious requests and do not reply to such emails.
- Watch for either a lack of details or a sense of urgency.
- Consider contacting the person whose name was used in the scam.
RESOURCES FOR TEACHING ONLINE
Communications Coordinator Samantha Yeung has worked with WSMTA members to compile a list of online teaching resources. These include equipment recommendations, tips for setup, pedagogy changes, and advice to give your students and parents.
LEARN MORE