About us

The Music Teachers’ Association of NSW is the peak body for instrumental and vocal teachers in New South Wales. Founded in 1912, we aim to support music teachers, and protect the character and status of the profession.

We are the Accrediting body for music teachers in NSW, encouraging high standards of music teaching and learning.

We provide professional development, social connection, information and support for music teachers, as well as performance and learning opportunities for their students.

Membership is open to all music teachers and supporters in NSW, including

  • music teachers in private studios
  • peripatetic music teachers in schools
  • music teachers in multi-teacher businesses
  • music teachers in Regional Conservatoriums
  • supporters of music education everywhere

We welcome all music teachers! Accreditation is not a condition of membership of the MTA. We do hope that all teachers will want to become accredited, and we aim to support teachers in their journey to accreditation, with guidance and financial assistance.

Our board

The Music Teachers’ Association of NSW Ltd is administered by a skills-based Board of volunteer Directors, a minimum of half of whom are Accredited Members. In performing its role, the Board aspires to excellence in governance standards.

Board Members

Chair:Max Holzner
Deputy Chair:Anthony van den Broek
Company Secretary:Neil Kenzler
Directors:Meryl Jackson-Kew OAM
Tracy Harber (Independent)
Vincent Vartuli (Independent)
Rachael Zavodnyik (Independent)

Our supporters

Patrons

  • Signora Lidia Baldecchi-Arcuri
  • The Hon. Mark Coure MP
  • Dr Rita Crews OAM
  • Dr Deanna Hoermann

Honorary Patron

  • Neta Maughan AM

Honorary Life Members

  • Mrs Betty Hanna
  • Miss Christine Edwards
  • Mr David Miller AM
  • Mr James Powell OAM
  • Mr Mark Walton OAM
  • Mr Richard G. Morphew
  • Mrs Rosalind Carlson OAM
  • Ms Rosemary Allen OAM
  • Mrs Valerie Barton

Volunteers

As a not-for-profit organisation, the MTA relies on volunteers. Our board and committee members are all volunteers, and we keep a register of willing helpers. Learn more about volunteering with MTA NSW.

Illawarra branch

The Illawarra Branch caters for music teachers in the Illawarra region, which extends from Nowra in the south to Helensburgh in the north.

Newcastle branch

The Newcastle Branch looks after teachers in the Hunter Region, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley.

History

For over 100 years, the Music Teachers' Association of NSW has looked after music teachers within NSW. It was founded in 1912, originally known as the Musical Association, to support and represent the musical profession. Since that time it has evolved into the peak body supporting instrumental and vocal teachers in New South Wales. Through world wars, depressions and recessions, and dozens of changes of government, MTA NSW has survived and thrived, always seeking to support music teachers and the music teaching profession.