MTNA Conference 2025 Reflections

Johnny Elliot

This March, I attended my very first MTNA national conference, and the experience was truly something to write home about! Given musicians know how to entertain and teachers know how to explain, music teachers make some of the best conference presenters I have ever seen.

I first realized I was in for a valuable conference on Pedagogy Saturday — the day before the "official" start — after listening to Logan Skelton's presentation on Béla Bartók. Sure, Skelton had the theoretical knowledge and pianistic chops to explain and perform compelling Bartók interpretations, but what made his lecture truly magical was his storytelling. As if walking alongside Bartók in his journeys across Eastern Europe and Northern Africa, we got to experience the folk tunes he encountered and collected along the way, and even listen to digitized versions of his original wax cylinder recordings. Immersed in Ukrainian dance rhythms, Arabic chromaticism, Serbo-Croatian polyphonies, and much more, we discovered how Bartók humbly synthesized cross-cultural masterpieces. Skelton shared passionately about how Bartok, amidst growing nationalism in early 20th century Europe, fought to promote cross-cultural appreciation and a view of diversity as enriching, not — as many were arguing — diluting. Welling up as he concluded, Skelton left us with a powerful question, "What could be more relevant in 2025?"

Even with Skelton setting the bar high, I found talks of similar caliber on every day after that. Whether it was the premier of Connor Chee's 16 Etudes for piano, Florida State University's showcase on pre-method book learning and rote teaching, or the technology showcases of Muzie and Fons, I was vigorously taking notes and growing more excited to implement the new knowledge into my early teaching career.

I am deeply grateful for MMTA's support of my attendance, and can confidently say that I will be a better teacher because I attended.

Jia Shi

Attending the National Conference was an incredibly rewarding experience, filled with meaningful reunions, professional growth, and personal connections. It was a joy to reconnect with colleagues, share our experiences, and offer each other support. The opportunity to meet and learn from distinguished educators and speakers was truly inspiring. Each conversation and session reinforced my passion for education and deepened my appreciation for the community we have built together.

What stood out the most for me was the overwhelming sense of warmth and belonging within MA. This organization is more than just a professional network; it is a family that embraces inclusivity, mutual support, and unity. The connections I have here are invaluable, and this conference reminded me of how fortunate I am to be a part of such a welcoming and encouraging environment.

One of the most special moments was seeing my greatest mentor and dearest friend, Mr. Ungar. His guidance has always been a source of inspiration for me, and catching up with him in person was truly a highlight of the trip. Another unforgettable experience was our evening gatherings, where we bonded over deep conversations and even watched “horror movies” together—an activity that brought us even closer. I am especially grateful to our East Division Director, Alison Barr, for making this experience possible.

To wrap up this perfect trip, I had the chance to explore CityWay with Dorothy and Ranko, adding yet another memorable experience to this journey. The conference was not only an educational opportunity but also a reminder of the strength of our community and the friendships that continue to grow within it. I return home with a heart full of gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.

Rebecca Helm

Attending the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) National Conference in Minneapolis this March was an inspiring experience. As a first-time attendee, I arrived with high hopes and left feeling reenergized, intellectually enriched, and more committed than ever to my role as a music educator. The conference was not only a professional milestone but also a celebration of the shared passion and purpose that unites our teaching community.

Throughout the conference, I engaged with a diverse range of sessions that directly informed and expanded my teaching practice. Workshops on incorporating technology in piano instruction introduced innovative tools—such as interactive apps and educational software—that promise to make lessons more engaging and accessible for today’s students. I also attended a session on repertoire selection for competitions and auditions, which provided invaluable insight into balancing musical appeal, technical development, and jury expectations. Equally compelling was a session on preschool piano, where I gained creative approaches to engaging young learners through movement, storytelling, and imaginative play—techniques I’m excited to bring into my own studio.

Observing masterclasses and the National Competition was another highlight of the conference. Watching renowned pedagogues work in real time with students of all levels—both advanced and less experienced—offered fresh perspectives on interpretation, technique, and artistic expression. The competition performances, in particular, underscored the importance of technical precision, expressive depth, and stage presence—qualities I aim to nurture in my own students as they prepare for performances and auditions.

The conference was also rich with opportunities for connection and collaboration. I attended the Eastern Division meeting, where I connected with colleagues from neighboring states and learned about exciting regional initiatives. Conversations with fellow educators, composers, and industry professionals throughout the week sparked new ideas and broadened my understanding of different pedagogical approaches. Exploring the exhibitor booths introduced me to new repertoire, resources, and tools that will further enrich my studio offerings.

Perhaps most importantly, the MTNA National Conference reminded me of the vitality and creativity at the heart of our profession. The live performances, collaborative events, and joyful gatherings—especially the memorable gala—brought to life the sense of community that makes MTNA such a dynamic and supportive organization.

Leaving Minneapolis, I felt both affirmed and inspired. The knowledge, connections, and creative energy I gained from the conference have already begun to influence my teaching in meaningful ways and I look forward to attending future conferences and continuing this journey of lifelong learning and artistic exploration.

Yi Charice Tang

As a violinist, even though most of the attendees were piano educators and students, attending the MTNA 2025 conference was still incredibly inspiring and eye-opening for me.

During the conference, I explored various teaching materials and musical scores, learned about different festivals, workshops, and opportunities, gained new perspectives on music education, and even bought a Dexibell piano.

Three presentations, in particular, left a strong impression on me:

The first was The Influence of Jazz and Blues on Classical Music by Allison Brewster Franzetti. Although I’ve always known that jazz was influenced by classical music during the same time period, this was the first time I saw someone compare the two in such detail. Allison examined many ragtime, jazz, and folk songs alongside short piano pieces by French composers like Debussy and Ravel. She analyzed their structure, basslines, rhythmic patterns, and harmonic language—some of which were almost identical. I loved seeing how unified yet distinct these musical styles are. It showed a deep appreciation between genres and how composers inspired and paid homage to each other. I was especially thankful for this presentation because I also discovered many lesser-known and underrepresented pieces.

The second workshop was Igniting Success in Music Education: A Guide to Launching Your Own Music School by Lynette Zelis. Lynette shared the mistakes she made when starting out as an entrepreneur and the lessons she learned along the way. She emphasized the importance of recognizing your own vision and knowing what sets your school apart—whether it's the payment system, curriculum, or recital format. She also discussed the structure of her school and recommended attending other schools’ events to learn from the peers. The most inspiring thing she shared was that instead of taking a cut from teachers’ salaries, she simply charged them rent for using the studio space and allowed them to keep their full lesson fees. This was something I’d never heard of before, but it’s an idea I would absolutely consider for my own future studio. I believe this model explains why she has so many long-term employees.

My favorite presentation was Rediscovering Fanny Mendelssohn’s Ostersonate by Lydia Artymiw. Lydia explained that the sonata was originally discovered and wrongly attributed to Felix Mendelssohn. It was signed “F. Mendelssohn,” and since Felix was the more well-known composer, people assumed it was his work. It was later correctly attributed to Fanny Mendelssohn by musicologist Angela Mace Christian, who closely compared Fanny’s known works with this sonata and provided extensive evidence. The piece was ultimately republished under Fanny’s name by Bärenreiter. Lydia’s performance of the sonata was incredible, and what moved me most was the connection among women musicians—understanding, aspiration, respect, and the fight to have their voices and creations recognized.

Harry Li

This was my second MTNA conference experience. I attended last year’s conference in Atlanta, so I had a pretty good idea of what to expect—meeting successful pedagogues and composers such as Catherine Rollin and Kevin Olson, making tough choices between overlapping sessions, and browsing the overwhelmingly resourceful exhibition hall.

Aside from collecting freebies and meeting famous people, what I find most inspiring about the conference is discovering how I can fit into and contribute to this vibrant music community. For instance, Japanese video games and anime music have long been a passion of mine. I was ecstatic to attend Shoko Nakamura Kinsella’s presentation on Japanese animation film, video games, and contemporary music. After her session, we had a delightful conversation about our shared interest in the genre. It was also the first time I had a real conversation with someone about the Japanese composer Shigeaki Saegusa, whose work I’ve admired for years but had never discussed with anyone else familiar with his music. Moments like this give me hope and comfort—knowing that there are colleagues out there who are advocating for the music we love. It also inspired me to consider giving my own presentation at a future national conference.

That said, not all sessions were equally compelling. A few felt underwhelming, with some presentations coming across as hastily put together. In particular, some sessions meant to introduce interesting, underrepresented works felt surface-level and lacked enthusiasm. I couldn’t help but feel that I could have offered a more engaging introduction to the music I’m passionate about.

Overall, I believe the national conference has something for everyone. A novice teacher can find an abundance of new information, while seasoned teachers can still walk away with fresh ideas. I left feeling reassured about my teaching path and encouraged in my advocacy for video game music. I’m already looking forward to meeting more inspiring colleagues at next year’s conference.

Ellyses Kuan

The 2025 MTNA National Conference in Minneapolis was an incredibly rewarding and energizing experience. From inspiring performances to meaningful reunions, it was a true celebration of the music-teaching community. The days were filled with learning, laughter, and a strong sense of connection among passionate educators from all across the country.

One of the biggest highlights for me was seeing Michelle Cann in action. She’s such a warm and inspiring presence—both as a teacher and a performer. During her masterclass, she offered thoughtful and empowering feedback, always encouraging students to dig deeper into the music and themselves. Later that evening, her recital was simply unforgettable. She performed Fantasy by Felix Mendelssohn and Fantasie Negre by Florence Price, and every piece was played with such passion, clarity, and heart. The Mendelssohn was sparkling and expressive, and the Florence Price selections were absolutely moving—you could feel the depth of the stories she was telling through her music. It was one of those performances that stays with you, reminding you why we do what we do.

The conference was also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from the Eastern Division, currently led by Alison Barr, a longtime and deeply respected member of the Massachusetts MMTA Board. It was such a joy to reunite with familiar faces from across the East Coast, catch up with old classmates from my alma mater, and meet new friends who share the same passion for teaching and music. These moments of connection—whether over coffee, between sessions, or in the hallways—are truly what make MTNA feel like a family.

Another highlight was the Gala Banquet, where Massachusetts had an entire table proudly representing our state. The evening was full of laughter, good food, and heartfelt celebration, and marked the first banquet under the leadership of MTNA’s new CEO, Brian Shepard. His energy and vision brought a renewed sense of excitement and momentum, and it felt wonderful to be part of such a positive and forward-looking gathering.

So proud to be serving on the MMTA Board, working alongside passionate and inspiring colleagues who never stop learning and growing. Together, we’re nurturing the next generation of musicians and making a meaningful impact in our communities.

Next year’s conference will be held in Chicago to celebrate MTNA’s 150th anniversary—such a milestone event! I hope to see many of you there to continue this incredible journey together.

Qiutong Lin

This year is my second time to attend MNTA. Compared with last year, with more experience, my friends and I chose to stay in a hotel directly during the conference so we can have  a short rest during each meetings. At the same time, compared with last year, this year's sections has added many new topics, such as yoga and piano practice, piano practice for tinnitus and deafness patients, the use of pedal, how to improve sight-reading, and the conducting and piano accompaniment with choirs. I met many familiar faces and also saw many student speakers, most of whom are DMA and some graduate students. Their speeches made me feel very admired and inspired my future direction. Among them, my favorite section is the pedagogy of ADHD students. In this section, the speaker first introduces the particularity of ADHD people and lists the problems they are prone to encounter with teachers in class and their solutions. The most important thing is to build trust with them, which left a deep impression on me.

Vinh Pham

Last March I finally had a chance to attend the long-awaited MTNA National Conference in Minneapolis - my first one. Amongst the wonderful time spent with colleagues, or sharpening up knowledge about teaching and piano playing, I also brought back with me three surprising lessons! 

1. Baroque Dancing by Greg Presley: 

It was an incredible experience to get up and do some actual Baroque dancing in the session! It completely changed the way I perceived phrasings in highly popular pieces such as the Minuet in G attributed to J. S. Bach. I was also amazed at how serious the French attitude toward dancing was in the 17th to early 18th century, under King Louis XIV. On the other hand, we were all greatly amused when learning about different stereotypes the French had for their neighboring countries, as reflected in their naming of the Baroque dance types. Here are two examples: 

Allemande (German) - stereotyped to be sentimental people (which are amusing because the stereotype is completely opposite in the modern days), as reflected in the moderate, fluid, and graceful movements of the dance. 

Sarabande (Spanish) - stereotyped to be serious, solemn and religious people, as reflected in the slow, dignified smaller movements. 

2. Balancing Passion, Purpose, Profit by Jessica Evotia Andrews-Hall: 

Jessica told fascinating stories of how she gradually became more and more balanced as an artist, teacher, and mother, that all started from the acts of volunteering. In our passion-based field, we can easily get caught up in the moment and say yes to every opportunity available to us, jeopardizing our health, time, resources, and personal relationships. 

“Without your health, you don’t have anything.” - an echoing reminder to a simple truth we can easily forget when our health is not a concern. 

During the Q&A session, one of the attendees brought up a question: “If you were to move to a new city, what would be the first steps you take to establish yourself?” 

This is what Jessica would do:

_ Contact any known people.

_ Contact local associations.

_ Contact local schools.

_ Connect with other musicians to collaborate for performances.

3. Artificial Intelligence in Real Music Learning Situations by Mario Ajero & Joao Paulo Casarotti:

Let’s be honest, whether one likes it or not, it is probably time to give A.I. some serious attention… But where can a music teacher start? This is why a session like this is invaluable. The two professors take turns to show us different applications of A.I. in the music lessons. Here are a few fascinating programs:

Home concert Xtreme: Virtual orchestra that intelligently follows your own playing, in many different ways! 

Piano Marvel: Software designed to help the students maximize the efficiency of their practice time at home, when the teacher is not there. More often than not, students come into the lessons learning the wrong notes, wrong rhythm, etc, or not practicing at all! Being the “note police” or “practice police” can be uninspiring (despite it being an important part of the teacher’s work), and it might be a great idea to use A.I. backed software to tackle that challenge. Software like Percebe, a work in progress, can even evaluate a student's expressiveness in playing through dynamics and rubato! 

Logomaster: Can quickly generate highly customizable logo for the music teacher’s studio - an important element in the visibility of the business.  

Keyu Chen

Attending the MTNA 2025 National Conference in Minneapolis has been an incredibly rejuvenating and inspiring experience for me. Immersed in a vibrant environment filled with professional pedagogical resources, insightful scholarly discussions, advanced masterclasses, and restorative concerts, I felt energized and intellectually nourished—absorbing ideas like a sponge.

One of the conference's highlight features was Pedagogy Saturday, which offered five distinct tracks: Artistry, Musician Wellness, Recreational Music Making, Representation & Advocacy, and Young Professionals. I truly believe each of these areas plays a vital role in music education, encouraging us as educators to adopt healthy, creative, human-centered, and logical approaches tailored to the diverse needs of our students. I am deeply grateful for the wealth of knowledge shared throughout the conference. At times, I wished I had twice as many hours in the day to attend every lecture and session. Driven by a passion for learning, I made it a point to engage with as many topics as possible—confident that each session would expand my understanding of pedagogy and music-making.

The entire conference embodies a philosophy rooted in the belief that everything serves the purpose of creating beautiful music. With that in mind, the binary of "right" and "wrong" becomes less important than the ongoing process of discovery. Embracing imperfection, nurturing creativity, and supporting personal growth are key to cultivating a healthy and enriching learning environment. Beyond the academic experience, the sense of community was tangible. Peer-to-peer interactions and collaborative exchanges fostered a warm, welcoming, and unified atmosphere. I am proud to have joined this dynamic community as a collegiate member, and I look forward to contributing meaningfully to its future.

He (Jessica) Qu

As a first-time attendee and a newer piano teacher, attending the 2025 MTNA National Conference was one of the most heartwarming and inspiring experiences I’ve had since beginning my teaching journey. I went in not knowing what to expect, but I came out feeling deeply moved, encouraged, and energized for the path ahead.

From the very beginning, I was struck by the warmth and openness of the community. I was honestly surprised by how welcomed I felt—not just as an observer, but as a fellow educator. The conference brought together people from so many different places and teaching backgrounds, yet everyone shared the same passion for music and education. As someone who is still finding her footing in this profession, it meant so much to be part of a space where young teachers were not only acknowledged but also valued. I didn’t feel invisible—I felt seen, heard, and included.

One of the most memorable moments for me was Pedagogy Saturday. I’ve followed many of these well-known pedagogues online, through YouTube, books, and articles, but to see them in person—teaching live, sharing their stories, and even chatting with attendees between sessions—was just surreal. What amazed me the most was how down-to-earth and approachable they were. You often expect that people with big names and reputations might feel distant, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Their love for music and their sincere desire to pass on their knowledge reminded me why I fell in love with teaching in the first place. They didn’t just share information—they shared their hearts.

Another highlight was the incredible range of sessions and topics offered throughout the conference. There were practical, hands-on workshops that helped me think more clearly about the business side of being a teacher—things like managing studio finances, understanding tax responsibilities, and setting sustainable tuition rates. As a young teacher who’s still figuring all this out, those sessions were gold. I left with a notebook full of ideas and to-do lists that I know will make my studio stronger and more organized. At the same time, some sessions dove into the power of music on the human brain and body. One presentation that stood out to me explored how music affects neural pathways and supports cognitive development from MIT. As someone interested in the intersection of music and healing, I found these sessions incredibly meaningful. They reminded me that our work as music educators goes far beyond the piano bench—we’re shaping minds, nurturing souls, and making a difference that often can’t be measured.

The performances, exhibits, networking opportunities, and spontaneous hallway conversations were just as impactful. I met so many kind and passionate people—from college professors and veteran teachers to students and composers—who all shared their stories generously. Each conversation left me feeling a little less alone and a lot more inspired. It truly felt like I had found a community I could grow with.

Thank you for investing in young teachers like me and I’m excited to carry that energy into my teaching and my continued journey as a musician and educator.

Rulin Yu

As a graduate student at the Longy School of Music of Bard College and a piano teacher with five years of teaching experience, this year marked my second time attending the MTNA conference. Compared to my first year, this experience felt significantly more grounded and insightful. I was no longer overwhelmed by the newness of the environment instead, I was able to navigate the conference with confidence, planning my schedule and choosing sessions that aligned with both my interests and teaching needs.

One of the highlights for me was the Saturday pedagogy track. I was particularly inspired by the session “Baroque Dance: Why Should We Care About It? If It Ain't Baroque, Don't Fix It” held in Symphony Ballroom II & III. This interactive presentation shed light on the deep connection between Baroque dance forms and the music of Baroque and Classical composers. Understanding the historical and rhythmic context behind each dance form not only enriched my appreciation of the repertoire but also gave me new interpretive tools I can bring into both my playing and my teaching. Knowing the actual dance steps helped me understand the phrasing, articulation, and energy required to bring these pieces to life.

Another session that deeply resonated with me was “Notation Character: Finding Inspiration Directly from the Composer Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert” presented by Douglas Humpherys. He emphasized the importance of studying the score in detail and how every marking can lead to a world of expressive possibilities. His examples from Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert reminded me that developing musical convictions doesn't mean following rigid rules it means learning to read the composer’s voice on the page and guiding students to explore their interpretation within that framework.

I also attended the session hosted by the RCM, where I gained valuable insight into their examination system and requirements. This was especially timely, as one of my students is preparing for a level exam this summer. As an international student, I often find that resources outside of my school curriculum are not always easy to access or fully understand. Conferences like MTNA provide an incredible opportunity to bridge that gap. We not only learn practical skills and pedagogical strategies but also gain exposure to different systems and standards in music education. The conference is also filled with concerts and performance showcases, which add inspiration and joy to the learning experience. I am truly grateful to the organizers for creating such a rich and supportive environment. It’s opportunities like these that give students like me so many reasons to keep coming back year after year.

At the same time, the conference also gave me many forward-thinking ideas. For example, I attended a session focused on teaching students with ADHD. It provided me with more professional and comprehensive knowledge that will allow me to approach such students with greater confidence and empathy if I encounter them in the future. I’m truly thankful for the invitation and the effort the organizers put into making this event so meaningful. I deeply value opportunities like this and am already looking forward to next year’s conference in Chicago. See you in 2026!

Zoe Hsu

Attending this conference has provided me with invaluable insights that I would not have acquired through my academic studies or private piano teaching experience alone. The event featured a wide range of topics and research from diverse disciplines, allowing me to tailor my learning based on my personal interests and professional needs. Each speaker brought unique perspectives and reflections, offering me new ways to think about piano pedagogy and educational approaches that I had not previously encountered.

In particular, I found the presentations by various publishers—such as Faber and Helen Marlais—especially enriching. As educators, we need to understand not only the content of the teaching materials we use but also the pedagogical philosophy and intentions behind their design. This deeper understanding enables us to use these resources more effectively and to convey them to our students with greater clarity and purpose.

Moreover, I was highly impressed by the sessions focused on educational apps. Without attending this conference, I would not have been aware of the latest technological advancements available to support and enhance piano instruction. These tools offer new possibilities for engaging students and enriching their learning experiences, and I am excited to explore how they can be integrated into my teaching practice.

Yong Qi Deng

I had the privilege of attending the entire 2025 MTNA Conference, and it proved to be an exceptionally rewarding and transformative experience for me as both a musician and educator.

Among the many highlights, Pedagogy Saturday stood out as the most enjoyable part of the conference for me. The sessions offered a wide range of practical and philosophical insights into piano teaching, and I found myself engaged and energized throughout the day. The collaborative environment and the open exchange of ideas made the experience both educational and inspiring.

The session in Pedagogy Saturday that left the deepest impression on me was "The Brotherhood of Peoples: Folk Styles in the Piano Music of Béla Bartók" presented by Professor Skelton. His exploration of the folk elements in Bartók’s compositions was both musically and emotionally profound. Professor Skelton not only analyzed the distinctive folk tones Bartók employed but also framed the music as a unifying force during a time of darkness and division in history. His conclusion, that Bartók used music as a means to bring people together was especially moving and brought me to tears.

Another valuable aspect of the conference was the opportunity to explore a wide variety of method books, many of which I had never encountered before. Speaking directly with some of the composers of these materials was incredibly inspiring. Hearing the stories behind their creative processes and pedagogical intentions gave me a deeper appreciation for the resources I use in my own teaching.

In addition, I was introduced to many new and diverse approaches to piano instruction, which have completely refreshed my perspective as a teacher. I left the conference with renewed enthusiasm and a wealth of ideas that I look forward to incorporating into my own studio. Overall, attending the MTNA Conference was a meaningful and enriching experience. It not only deepened my knowledge of piano pedagogy but also reinvigorated my passion for teaching and connected me with a broader community of dedicated professionals.