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PhMTA: Founded as a local music teachers association in 1891

Read the First 100 Years

Theodore Presser, teacher and music publisher, founded the organization to promote the professional interests of teachers and improve the quality of teaching. In 1912, PhMTA launched a campaign to attract music students to the city by publicizing its cultural events. A rally meeting was held the following year for the purpose of discussing the protection of the business interests of teachers. The organization met monthly during the winter months to discuss music and education with noted speakers and artists. These activities were reviewed in the Etude magazine.

At annual dinners, eminent civic leaders and prominent musicians were invited to speak and perform. Among these guests were Percy Grainger, Victor Herbert, John Phillip Sousa and Joseph Levine. An article in a 1935 issue of the Etude reported that a new activity, The Little Recital Hour (an unauditioned student performance recital), had been initiated. This activity continued until 1963.

In 1960, the Board reorganized the association’s program and developed the format we follow today. We offer the Dr. Andor Kiszely Solo, Concerto and Ensemble Recitals which require an audition. In 1989 the organization voted to join the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), which offers expanded opportunities for PhMTA’s members and their students to participate in regional and national fesitivals and competitions. The Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival is held as a preliminary performance in which students are evaluated by an adjudicator. If the student is evaluated as well prepared, they may go on to the State competitions.

Members meet in the homes of other members to perform for each other in an informal Salon Musicale. Members performance recitals, lectures and board meetings are held at Jacobs Music in Philadelphia.

Executive Board
2023-2024

Meet our board members who all have distinguished careers and achievements in music spanning decades, whose passion for music extends far beyond the classrooms.

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Michelle Cosgrove

Co-President
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Jenn Juang

Co-President
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Nicholas M. Mynyk

Past President
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Paula Skutnick

Vice President
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Dr. Michael Sheadel

Treasurer
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Dr. Lois Forbes

Secretary
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Dr. Michael Sheadel

Financial Assistant
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Dr. Joann Marie Kirchner

Member
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Marilyn Granahan

Member
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Joan Krzywicki

Member
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Jennifer Jie Jin

Member
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Sara Sablosky

Member
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Maria Dell'Orefice

Recording Secretary

Board

Meet everyone who plays their part in making the Philadelphia Music Teachers Association what it is today and dedicating their time to further our mission.

State Newsletter

Michelle Cosgrove

Certification

Dr. Joann Marie Kirchner

Historian

Yi Cao

Salon Musicale

Francine Christy

Dorothy Sutton Festival

Stanislav Serebriannikov Rebekah So Vera Shissel

Hospitality

Marketing Committee

Michelle Cosgrove Jennifer Juang Dr. Michael Sheadel Joan Krzywicki Rebekah So Sara Sablosky

Dr. Andor & Joy Kiszely Auditioned Recital

Dr. Michael Sheadel Joan Krzywicki Lois Forbes Jennifer Jie Jin Laura Childress Kerr (non-board member) Nicholas Mynyk Sara Sablosky

Members At Large

Marilyn Granahan Dr. Joann Marie Kirchner

Spring Festival

Yi Cao (Co-chair) Jennifer Juang (Co-chair)

Website

Michelle Cosgrove Jennifer Juang Rebekah So

Membership

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Advantages

The Philadelphia Music Teachers Association offers:

  • Programs given by distinguished musicians and educators addressing the various aspects of the teaching of music.
  • Performance opportunities including the annual Members Recital at Jacobs Music, and informal “Salon Musicales” held in members’ homes.
  • Recitals and Performance Festivals for our students, and the opportunity to participate in PMTA and MTNA events.
  • Opportunities to network with other music professionals in the community.
  • Further opportunities for growth through State and National conferences and the MTNA Certification program.

Article III Membership

The Constitution & By-Laws of The Philadelphia Music Teachers Association state:

Section 1. The membership of The Philadelphia Music Teachers Association shall include three classes: Active Members, Students, and Honorary Members.

Section 2. Active Membership shall be open to anyone engaged in the teaching of any branch of music or in promoting better teaching of music, and to all music lovers who have an interest in the encouragement of The Philadelphia Music Teachers Association activities.

Section 3. Honorary Membership shall be limited to such eminent musicians who offer noteworthy recognition or service to the organization. Honorary Members shall be nominated by the President’s Board, which nomination must be ratified by vote of the Board.

Section 4. Any person who shall qualify for Active Membership, and who shall pay the dues, shall become a member of the association.

How To Join

As an affiliate of Music Teachers National Association and Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association, prospective members must join all three organizations. Total fees may add up to $149.

For an application, go to the MTNA website at www.MTNA.org to join online. Be sure to include Philadelphia Music Teachers Association as your Local Association.

Go to MTNA.org
Students

Our Student Performances