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A Musical Tradition of Excellence


SDMTA was founded in 1955 by a group of music educators across the state who joined forces to improve the standards of teaching music, although membership is open to all music professionals. The primary function of SDMTA is to serve the needs of teachers who teach privately or as an employee of a school, church, business, college, or other organization. Our members teach piano, organ, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion to individuals or to small groups.

SDMTA is an affiliate of Music Teachers National Association. 24,000 members in fifty states and the District of Columbia broaden the scope of our state organization.

SDMTA has four local associations which sponsor their own events in Aberdeen, the Black Hills, Brookings, and Sioux Falls. Our locals provide opportunities for networking with colleagues, schools, and other arts organizations in their areas. Stimulating and educational monthly meetings throughout the school year feature topics of interest to the music professional. Recitals, workshops, festivals, and master-classes benefit students and teachers.

Membership in SDMTA and its local associations requires membership in MTNA.




2024 Conference


The 2024 SDMTA Conference will be held November 7-9 at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD.




Ready, Set, Renew!


For well over a century, the MTNA has been the backbone for a collaborative community of music-teaching professionals, connecting both the seasoned educator and those at the beginning of their career.

MTNA membership does more than simply complement your career as a music professional—it supports, supplements and shapes it. It empowers music teachers nationwide to become better educators through networking, leadership, mentoring and educational opportunities.

Join today to make MTNA your partner in teaching!


MTNA Membership Delivers:


  • Peer Connections—a network of outlets, forums and channels for like-minded individuals in the music profession to collaborate and communicate, both locally and nationally.

  • Ongoing Education—conferences, events and advice on teaching tips and pedagogy, technology and web trends, master classes and informational sessions.

  • Invaluable Resources—access to countless benefits, from Certification, publications and consultation services to competitions, teacher enrichment grants and insurance.



SDMTA Board Members


Local Association Presidents