Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Music Education Partner in Tucson
Founded in 1948, the Tucson Music Teachers Association (TMTA) is a collaborative network of over 100 professional musicians dedicated to advancing music education across southern Arizona. Our members, spanning Tucson and surrounding communities, offer instruction in piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, and more, while fostering student growth through performance opportunities, scholarships, and professional development. Affiliated with the Music Teachers National Association and Arizona State Music Teachers Association, we prioritize excellence in teaching, composition, and community engagement.Our programsincluding Piano Ensemble, KUDOS recitals, and scholarship competitionsprovide students with platforms to refine their skills and gain recognition. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we focus on connecting students with qualified educators, supporting teachers through networking and resources, and ensuring accessible, high-quality music education for all ages and skill levels.
Services
Music Instruction
Performance Opportunities
Scholarship Programs
Teacher Referrals
Community Events
Student Honor Society
Arizona Study Program
Virtual Lessons
Music Theory Classes
Early Childhood Music
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We offer access to over 100 professional music teachers across southern Arizona.
- Our students gain exclusive performance opportunities at events like Piano Ensemble and KUDOS recitals.
- We provide scholarship competitions at local to national levels for dedicated learners.
- Members adhere to professional standards through affiliations with MTNA and ASMTA.
- We specialize in diverse instruction including piano, voice, strings, and music theory.
Services
Music Instruction
Our members provide tailored instruction in piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, and music theory for all ages. Lessons emphasize technical skill, performance readiness, and musical creativity. Teachers adapt curricula to individual goals, from beginner exploration to advanced preparation for competitions or collegiate study.
Performance Opportunities
Students participate in events like Piano Ensemble (12 grand pianos on stage) and KUDOS recitals for skill development. These programs build confidence through public performance and adjudicated feedback. Annual festivals and community concerts offer diverse venues for showcasing talent to audiences across Tucson.
Scholarship Programs
We administer merit-based scholarships and competitions to support continued music education. Students access funding through TMTA Merit Scholarships and Pima Community College awards. These programs reduce financial barriers while recognizing dedication to musical growth and achievement.
Teacher Referrals
Our Find a Teacher tool connects students with qualified instructors based on instrument, location, and teaching style. Members maintain professional standards through affiliations with state and national music education associations. Both in-person and virtual lesson options are available.
Community Events
We organize events like Festival in the Mall and Barnes & Noble fundraisers to engage local audiences. These activities provide relaxed performance settings while supporting scholarship initiatives. Community outreach strengthens ties between music educators, students, and the broader Tucson area.
People
Dr. Astrid Chan
President
Dr. Astrid Chan leads TMTA with expertise in music pedagogy and organizational leadership. She champions initiatives expanding access to music education while maintaining high teaching standards through professional development programs for members.
Jenn Swegle
Treasurer
Jenn Swegle manages TMTA's financial operations with a focus on sustainable growth. Her background in music business ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting scholarship programs and event funding across southern Arizona.
Marie Sierra
Member-At-Large
Marie Sierra contributes to TMTA's community outreach efforts. As a practicing music educator, she bridges member needs with organizational goals, emphasizing inclusivity and innovation in music instruction.
Dr. Ian Houghton
Corresponding Secretary
Dr. Ian Houghton oversees TMTA's communications and external partnerships. His academic background in music theory informs initiatives connecting educators, students, and cultural institutions throughout the region.
Kathleen Kelly
Vice-President
Kathleen Kelly coordinates TMTA's professional development programs. With decades of teaching experience, she mentors new educators and promotes best practices in pedagogy and studio management for association members.
Questions
How do I find a qualified music teacher in Tucson?
Use our Find a Teacher tool to search by instrument, location, or teaching style. All listed teachers are vetted TMTA members offering in-person or virtual lessons across southern Arizona.
What performance opportunities exist for students?
Students access events like Piano Ensemble (12-piano concert), KUDOS recitals, Festival in the Mall, and adjudicated competitions. These programs build performance skills and community engagement.
Are scholarships available for music students?
Yes. TMTA offers merit scholarships and partners with Pima Community College for additional funding. Students compete at local to national levels to support continued music education.
How can teachers benefit from TMTA membership?
Members gain professional development resources, student referral networks, and event participation opportunities. Affiliation with MTNA and ASMTA enhances credibility and access to industry standards.
What instruments and subjects do TMTA teachers cover?
Instruction includes piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, percussion, organ, harpsichord, and music theory. Specialized programs address composition, chamber music, early childhood education, and recreational music making.
How does TMTA support music education in schools?
We collaborate with schools through student honor societies, community performances, and teacher training initiatives. Our programs complement school music curricula with additional performance and scholarship opportunities.
