Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Music Education Excellence
Founded in 1897, our organization has dedicated over a century to advancing music education and fostering artistic growth. We provide innovative programs like Certificate of Merit, which offers a standardized curriculum for musical excellence in performance, technique, and theory. Our initiatives include competitive events such as the Piano Concerto Solo Competition and VOCE, alongside creative opportunities like the Young Artist Guild and Composers Today. Through our charitable foundation established in 1989, we award grants, scholarships, and awards to thousands of students statewide. With 4,000+ members across 60+ branches, we remain committed to maintaining high standards in music education while adapting to contemporary needs.Our programs emphasize both classical and modern musical expression, including improvisation and contemporary composition. We support educators through professional development resources and networking opportunities, ensuring they can deliver exceptional instruction. Our annual convention showcases student achievements and teacher expertise, reinforcing our mission to pursue excellence in music education. By bridging tradition with innovation, we continue to shape the future of music teaching and learning in California.
Services
Certificate of Merit
Piano Concerto Competition
Young Artist Guild
Composers Today
VOCE Competition
Improvisation Program
Contemporary Music Recital
Convention Honors Ensemble
Friends of Today's Music
Adult Performance Program
Highlights and features
- We offer over 125 years of experience in music education leadership
- Our Certificate of Merit program provides standardized evaluation since 1933
- We administer thousands of dollars in music scholarships annually
- Our members gain access to professional development and networking opportunities
- We host prestigious competitions and performance events statewide
Services
Certificate of Merit
This standardized program evaluates students in performance, technique, ear training, sight reading, and music theory. Available for 15+ instruments, it provides a structured pathway for musical development. Students receive annual assessments and official certification at each level.
Piano Concerto Competition
Students perform solo or concerto movements before judges in regional and state-level competitions. Finalists receive prize money and performance opportunities at annual conventions. The program includes four age divisions for fair competition.
Young Artist Guild
This prestigious group recognizes top Certificate of Merit students through competitive auditions. Members receive performance opportunities and semi-professional engagements. Induction occurs at the annual state convention with multi-year membership benefits.
Composers Today
Fostering creativity through composition for students and teachers, this program includes the Young Composers Guild for high school students. Participants develop original works and gain recognition through performances and evaluations.
Improvisation Program
Teaching spontaneous musical creation across genres, this program evaluates recorded improvisations. Exceptional participants receive performance opportunities at state conventions and master classes with professional musicians.
People
Dr. Margaret Perry
President
Associate Professor of Practice in Piano at University of the Pacific with DMA from University of Arizona. Served MTAC in multiple leadership roles over 15+ years.
Kate Rubke-Foxworth
First Vice President
Voice instructor with MM from University of Redlands. 15+ years MTAC experience including branch leadership and evaluation roles. Member of National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Jeanette Dreifuerst
Second Vice President
Music educator with 30+ years teaching experience. Holds advanced degrees from West Texas A&M and University of Massachusetts. Organized branch Baroque Festival for several years.
Alicia Ellsworth
Treasurer
Piano and harp instructor with BA from Brigham Young University. 12+ years performing arts department experience at Bakersfield High School. Certified CM evaluator for multiple instruments.
Marc Lombardino
Recording Secretary
PhD candidate in Historical Musicology at UC Santa Barbara. Private piano instructor and church music director. Holds multiple leadership roles in Long Beach MTAC branch.
Questions
What is MTAC's Certificate of Merit program?
A standardized music curriculum evaluating students in performance, technique, and theory since 1933. Available for 15+ instruments with 10-11 progressive levels.
How can I find an MTAC music teacher?
Use our 'Find a Teacher' tool by entering your zip code to locate qualified MTAC members in your area.
What competitions does MTAC offer?
We host Piano Concerto/Solo Competition, VOCE vocal competition, and Young Artist Guild auditions with regional and state-level events.
Is MTAC membership available for teachers?
Yes, we offer professional membership with benefits including program participation, professional development, and networking opportunities across 60+ California branches.
What programs support music composition?
Our Composers Today program fosters creativity through composition for students and teachers, including the Young Composers Guild for high school students.
How does MTAC support adult musicians?
The Adult Performance Program provides evaluation, coaching, and recital opportunities for adult students and teacher-performers through master classes and ensemble experiences.
