About NSMTA
North Shore Music Teachers Association (NSMTA), founded in 1974, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the advancement of quality music instruction and general music enjoyment. We are proudly affiliated with the Illinois State Music Teachers (ISMTA) and the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).
Our membership is comprised of music educators who are active in the local community, teaching at a variety of levels and in diverse areas of music. Members range from seasoned pedagogues with a rich history of teaching experience to newer educators contributing fresh ideas and energy to the field. Some are affiliated with area music schools and programs, while others maintain independent home studios. While most of our members are piano teachers, we welcome teachers of other instruments and musical specialties to enjoy the many benefits of membership.
NSMTA is a volunteer-driven organization, led entirely by its members who serve in leadership roles and coordinate events throughout the year.
NSMTA Membership Benefits
NSMTA membership offers valuable opportunities for connection, professional growth, and community engagement.
Visit our Join NSMTA page to become a member!
MONTHLY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
LEARN: Our monthly programs provide ongoing professional development. Attend monthly programs to hear esteemed pedagogues perform and present on a variety of musical topics.
BE THE SPEAKER: Share your expertise by presenting a program on your research, leading a discussion, or performing for the group. Submit your proposal to First Vice-President and Program Chair, Eric Sutz.
NETWORK: Connect with fellow NSMTA members over refreshments.
STUDENT EVENTS
Members may enter their students in a variety of NSMTA-sponsored events:
ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC (AIM) Theory and Performance Exams
SCHOLARSHIPS: Available for collegiate study and summer music camp programs.
Click here to learn more about our Student Events.
GROW YOUR STUDIO
FREE FIND A TEACHER LISTING: Promote your teaching studio through our public NSMTA Find a Teacher Database.
Customized Public Profile: Specify your instruments, specialties, and teaching locations to help prospective students find you.
STAY CONNECTED
PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join the NSMTA Members-Only Facebook page to share announcements, events, questions, and more. NSMTA (Members Only)
PUBLIC FACEBOOK PAGE: Help increase visibility by liking and sharing our public Facebook page. North Shore Music Teachers’ Association - NSMTA
GET INVOLVED
BE A LEADER: Serve in a leadership role and gain valuable experience! Put your other skills to use in an administrative role.
JOIN THE BOARD: Our slate of officers rotates every two years, and we welcome you to take part in the leadership of our organization. See the current slate of NSMTA Board Members and the roles. New board members are nominated and voted in the Spring.
SERVE ON A COMMITTEE: Collaborate with colleagues to plan and run local events.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: Attend the meetings and take part in voting and discussions.
BRING INNOVATION: Share your ideas and contribute to the continuing advancement of NSMTA.
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
MTNA CERTIFICATION: Work with NSMTA Certification Chair, Jennifer Cohen to pursue certification (NCTM) through MTNA. See MTNA certification for more information.
CONFERENCES: Attend Illinois State and MTNA National Conferences. Participate in educational sessions, network with teachers from across the state/country, and explore the Exhibition Hall for the latest resources.
OTHER MTNA MEMEBERSHIP BENEFITS
Subscription to American Music Teacher (AMT) magazine
Access to concerts and performance events
Eligibility to apply for national grants
Access to insurance programs and other professional resources
JOIN TODAY
Visit our Join NSMTA webpage to learn more about how to become a member.
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Coming Soon!
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2024-2026 Heidi Mayer
2022-2024 George Radosavljevic
2020-2022 Eric Sutz
2018-2020 Debbie Gillette
2016-2018 Jennifer Merry
2014-2016 Mary Beth Molenaar
2012-2014 Betty Benton
2010-2012 Karen Tobias
2008-2010 Jennifer Cohen
2006-2008 Eric Sutz
2004-2006 Lynd Corley
2002-2004 Pat Borchardt
2000-2002 Marcia (Norman) Bosits
1999-2000 Jennifer Merry & Bea Isaak
1998-1999 Krista Wallace-Boaz
1996-1998 Mary Beth Molenaar
1994-1996 Marlene Chatain
1992-1994 Donna Fortney
1990-1992 Elizabeth Agard
1988-1990 Barbara Rubenstein
1986-1988 Barbara Kudirka
1984-1986 John Martin Ford
1982-1984 Leora DeFord
1980-1982 Harriet Smith
1978-1980 Marlene Blechman
1976-1978 Ellie Bonebrake
1974-1976 Agnes Andersen
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2025 Jennifer Merry
2024 Anthony Ty
2023 Lindsey Baer and Jia-Yee Tang (Jason Craft)
2022 Donna Fortney and Jia-Yee Tang
2021 Jennifer Cohen and Eric Sutz
2020 Catherine Foreman & Jia-Yee Tang
2019 Yeeseon Kwon & Mary Beth Molenaar
2018 Susan Corkum & Jennifer Merry
2017 Dawn Johnson & George Radosavljevic
2016 Grace Juang
2015 Yvonne Harada & Yeeseon Kwon
2014 Betty Benton
2013 Bruce Berr
2012 Debbie Gillette
2011 Jane McInnis & Eric Sutz
2010 Kristin Elgersma & Lynd Corley
2009 Jia-Yee Tang & Karen Tobias
2008 Emily Parker & Eric Sutz
2007 Joni Kurtenbach
2006 Jennifer Cohen
2005 Susan Atkins & Livia Ayal
2004 Carolyn Sanderson
2003 Marlene Chatain
2002 Mary Beth Molenaar
2001 Jennifer Merry
2000 Pat Borchardt
1999 Nancy Eisenstein
1998 Donna Fortney
1997 Harriet Smith
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