The Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA) is dedicated to fostering excellence in music education. We seek to elevate the status of the private music teacher and to encourage and recognize student achievement in music. Since OMTA is an affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the oldest professional music teachers association in the United States, OMTA members benefit from membership at the local, state, and national levels.
Professional Development
Teacher Enrichment Workshops District meetings are often paired with talks and workshops where members and visiting teachers share their expertise on a variety of topics pertaining to teaching and music performance. OMTA also makes available certain recorded talks and workshops for members to benefit from. On the national level, MTNA has hosted monthly webinars since 2015 which our members may attend live and watch later via the archive!
Conferences OMTA and MTNA each present annual conferences featuring nationally and internationally renowned artists and pedagogues in workshops, lecture demonstrations, and recitals. These conferences enable you to connect with music professionals from all over the nation and learn from the most dynamic and successful individuals in our profession. Read more about the OMTA conference here, and about the MTNA conference here.
Exclusive Publications Membership in OMTA and MTNA comes with access to five publications to help you stay current with trends in pedagogy, the business of teaching music, and the activities of your colleagues both locally and nationwide.
American Music Teacher: the official bi-monthly journal of MTNA, packed with information and advice about the latest news, trends, and issues facing music teachers today.
OMTA Music News: the official newsletter of OMTA will keep you informed about upcoming state and national events, awards, contests, and news from OMTA chapters across the state.
MTNA e-Journal: a scholarly, peer-reviewed online journal published quarterly that features informational articles supplemented with interactive features and extras.
MTNA Business Digest: this online quarterly resource is devoted to articles about the business aspects of teaching music.
The Oregon Musician: published annually, this publication’s mission is “sharing ideas about music and the teaching of music.” Each issue features long-form essays organized around a given theme.
Networking & Community Support
Each of our 14 districts hold regular meetings where you may network with member teachers, share successes, trade ideas, and refer students. Many districts also hold regular social events throughout the year, which are great opportunities for making friendships and building community!
Membership with OMTA provides you with the opportunity to become a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM). This notable distinction is awarded to applicants who meet rigorous standards in music theory, history, pedagogy, and performance. Certification helps the public identify the most competent music teachers in their community, enhancing your potential for student recruitment and increasing your earning power.
Insurance and Professional Discounts
Insurance Members are eligible for a variety of reasonably-priced insurance and investment services through MTNA. These benefits include health, auto/home, age-related cancer, and term life insurance. Professional insurance coverage includes liability insurance, musical instrument coverage, and sexual abuse defense coverage.
Professional Discounts MTNA offers discounts to members on MTNA conferences and competitions, as well as partner discounts on office supplies, travel expenses, and much more!
Student Membership
Students can join at both the High School and Collegiate levels, allowing them access to OMTA’s many benefits. They may attend OMTA conferences or programs and enter their own students in Syllabus, OMTA festivals, and events.
High school students who wish to become members must be studying with an OMTA teacher to qualify. Collegiate members do not need to be studying with an OMTA member but must be under 26 and currently involved in regular music study.
New Members
OMTA membership is managed by MTNA*. To join OMTA, create an account with MTNA and follow the instructions for joining your state and local affiliate.
On the form, select Oregon as your state association then select your local association (click here for list of our local districts and their boundaries).
*Apply for High School Membership directly with OMTA through the form below.
Renew your membership in OMTA through the MTNA website, unless you are a high school member, in which case, please submit this renewal form with your dues.
There is a membership category just right for you! Click here for more information.
Dues and Fees
Information about how dues are structured is available here. To receive current rate information, visit the MTNA website and fill in your geographic information.
