The 2026 SDMTA Conference will be held November 5-7 at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. This year’s conference will feature guest artist Mackenzie Melemed.
American pianist Mackenzie Melemed brings audiences closer to classical music through world-class performance, personal storytelling, and thoughtfully shaped recital experiences. His concerts place core repertoire alongside rare works and newcommissions, with spoken introductions that help listeners hear familiar music freshly and unfamiliar music with curiosity. Designed to deepen listening and spark discovery, each performance offers audiences a more personal way into the music - and something memorable to carry with them long after the final note.
The professional life of MTNA President-Elect Beth Gigante Klingenstein, NCTM, reflects a multi-faceted teaching career, exciting leadership positions, decades of performing and an abundance of service to MTNA.
Beth’s extensive teaching career encompasses three distinct tracks: her independent studio in Virginia; Valley City State University (VCSU) in North Dakota; and, while at VCSU, simultaneously founding, directing and teaching at the VCSU Community School of the Arts. These venues allowed Beth to teach students of all ages and a variety of topics including chamber music and piano pedagogy. Her community work was recognized in 2007, when she received the North Dakota Governor’s Award for the Arts.
Beth’s groundbreaking research on the business concerns of the independent music teacher resulted in her first book, A Business Guide for the Music Teacher, which led to more than 160 presentations on business, pedagogy and advocacy. She has since written more than 40 articles, a second book, The Independent Piano Teacher’s Studio Handbook, and 50 successful grants. She has significantly impacted the business practices of MTNA members and was the first author of AMT’s business column and MTNA’s first Business Resources coordinator. Her third book, Arts Advocacy: A Guide for Musicians, Artists, Administrators, and Arts Enthusiasts, is due to be published in March 2027.
Outside of MTNA, Beth’s leadership experience includes being chair of the VCSU Music Department followed by executive director of the North Dakota Council on the Arts. Her interest in leadership is reflected in her final degree, a PhD in Educational Leadership. Within MTNA, she served twice as NDMTA’s state president and three times on the MTNA board, first as WCD director, next as secretary-treasurer, and currently as president-elect. She served on 11 national committees and numerous state and local committees. Beth’s dedication was recognized in 2023, when she received MTNA’s Distinguished Service Award.
Here is the schedule:
| Year | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | November 4 - 6 | University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD |