About NSMTA

Mary Beth Molenaar received a Doctor of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Northwestern University. She taught keyboard and pedagogy classes there in addition to directing Northwestern’s Music Academy.

Molenaar has written articles, presented workshops and performed at national and state conferences. Her credits include performances in St. Petersburg, Russia and in numerous midwestern states.

Mary Beth has served MTNA organizations in many capacities and is committed to work that furthers our profession. She previously chaired the Illinois Achievement in Music piano program and currently leads the string syllabus revision. She strives to encourage young teachers and welcome new members in her local chapter, the North Shore Music Teachers’ Association.

Among many distinguished awards, Molenaar was named an MTNA Foundation Fellow. She received the National Artist Performance Award from Sigma Alpha Iota and an “Outstanding Service to Music Education” award in Minnesota.

In addition to teaching piano and organ, Mary Beth enjoys gardening and creating visual and textile arts.

Dr. Yeeseon Kwon is Professor and Co-Chair of Interdisciplinary Conservatory in the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Specializing in andragogy, she teaches adult group and applied piano at Northwestern University Music Academy.

A nationally recognized adjudicator, clinician, conference, and masterclass presenter, her lecture performances encompass Romantic pianism, innovative group piano musicianship, instructional technology, and adult learning. Her international performances include solo, duo piano, and collaborative engagements.

She is President of Illinois State Music Teachers Association; Director of Institutional Engagement at the Frances Clark Center; Vice President of The College Music Society; and MTNA East Central Division Director-Elect.

Jennifer Merry, NCTM, maintains a busy studio in Glenview, Illinois, teaching piano and voice for over 25 years. She is on the faculty of Northwestern University Music Academy.

She holds Masters degrees from Northwestern in piano performance, pedagogy, and music education. Certified in Illinois K–12 Music, she has taught in both public and private schools, led youth and adult choirs, and currently sings alto in the Apollo Chorus of Chicago.

She is also a published writer with reviews and articles in Clavier. Jennifer has been a member of MTNA for over 35 years and is now co-chair of the Sonata-Sonatina Festival.