North Shore Music Teachers Association
Connecting the Chicago North Shore community to music educators since 1974.
The North Shore Music Teachers Association (NSMTA) is a community of dedicated music educators from Chicago’s northern suburbs who are passionate about teaching and music. We gather at monthly meetings to network, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration. Each year, we host a variety of events — including student competitions, recitals, piano festivals, non-competitive exams, and our annual Teachers Recital & Luncheon.
Quick Links:
Looking for a music instructor in the North Shore?
Our Find A Teacher database can help locate a qualified music educator in your area. Search by location, name or instrument to find the right teacher for you.
NSMTA News and Announcements
-
![]()
Teachers Recital & Luncheon
All NSMTA Members are invited to attend the NSMTA Annual Teachers Recital and Luncheon.
For more information: https://www.nsmta.org/teachers-recital-luncheon
-
![]()
May Newsletter
Read the latest issue of The SCORE, NSMTA’s monthly newsletter!
All issues of The SCORE can be found at www.nsmta.org/thescore
-
![]()
ANNOUNCEMENT: 2025 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Read more about the winners at www.nsmta.org/scholarships.
Winners are invited to perform at the NSMTA Winners Recital on May 11, 2025. For more recital information, visit: www.nsmta.org/winnersrecital.
-
![]()
ANNOUNCEMENT: 2025 PIANO COMPETITION WINNERS
See the complete list at www.nsmta.org/competition.
Winners are invited to perform at the NSMTA Winners Recital on May 11, 2025. For more recital information, visit: www.nsmta.org/winnersrecital.
-
![]()
April Newsletter
Read the latest issue of The SCORE, NSMTA’s monthly newsletter!
All issues of The SCORE can be found at www.nsmta.org/thescore
-
![]()
2025 IMSTA Foundation Fellow: Jennifer Cohen
We are so proud of our own Jennifer Cohen, recipient of the esteemed ISMTA MTNA 2025 Foundation Fellow Award.
She was honored at the 2025 MTNA Conference Gala in Minneapolis in March and said it was the highlight of her career. Congratulations, Jennifer!
-
![]()
2024 Member of the Year: Anthony Ty
Anthony Ty has served NSMTA in great capacities with his technical skills in marketing and social media. He also expertly runs the live stream monthly meetings, making the programs accessible to all our membership. Congratulations and thank you for your service, Anthony!
NSMTA MONTHLY MEETING
Join us on the 4th Monday of the month as we gather for our monthly member meetings!
The next monthly meeting is on April 28, 2025. This is the last meeting of the 2024-25 year.
9:30-10:00 Pre-Meeting Presentation
10:00 Business Meeting / Coffee & Refreshments
11:00-12:00 Program
We are pleased to offer hybrid meetings:
In-person at Northfield Community Church (400 Wagner Road, Northfield, IL 60093).
Online via Zoom (link emailed to members the weekend prior along with the newsletter).
Head over to the Calendar of Events (or click on the picture) for event information.
Fellow MTNA Members are invited!
Members of other local chapters are always welcome to join our monthly meetings. This is in the collegial spirit and to engage a wider audience for esteemed program speakers. Contact programs@nsmta.org for more information.
APRIL PRE-MEETING
Presenter: Jennifer Cohen
Program: What can Google Forms do for my studio?
In this digital age where you’re probably communicating mostly by emails and texts with your students, Google Forms is a great way to gather information you need without having to sift through numerous emails or texts! This interactive session will have you creating a Google Form in no time, which you can adapt for every need in your studio that require collecting information. How about all the information you need to enter students in AIM or SSF? Already know how and use Google Forms? Jennifer will share other creative ways that she uses Google Forms with her students, so bring your iPad, laptop or even your cellphone, and let’s create a Google Form together!
Read Jennifer Cohen’s biography here.
APRIL PROGRAM
Presenter: Winston Choi
Program: Beyond Apples and Oranges: Using Comparison Practice to Enhance Musical Growth
Comparing musical elements (such as hands, fingerings, keys, section) enhances awareness and practice efficiency. This approach encourages musicians to observe differences and similarities, fostering focused practice, improved problem-solving, and greater artistic control. Practical examples demonstrate integrating comparison-based thinking for deeper musical and technical development.
Read Winston Choi’s biography here.