A Brief History

The Michigan Music Teachers Association was organized in 1885 by a group of music teachers in Jackson, Michigan.

Forty teachers from throughout the state were in attendance, including J.H. Hahn, who founded the Detroit Conservatory of Music in 1874. Officers were elected, committees appointed, and dues were set at $1.00 annually.

The first annual meeting took place on June 30 – July 1, 1887 in Jackson, MI. One of the essays presented there was entitled “The Importance of Music Study in the Public Schools.” This topic has appeared throughout the years as the association has worked to obtain school credit for music study with a qualified independent teacher.

Today, Michigan schools recognize a student’s participation in private music study by including testing scores in each student’s permanent folder.

The MMTA Certification of Teachers program is one of MMTA’s hallmark activities. The first certificates were presented to teachers in October 1951, and by the following year the list had grown to 175 certified teachers. Certification through Music Teachers National Association first became available in 1967.

The MMTA also offers an annual testing program called Student Achievement Testing. This comprehensive program requires students to demonstrate their skills in performance, aural awareness, sight-reading, technique, and music theory.

Student Achievement Testing is non-competitive. However, students are able to apply for competition rounds if they qualify and desire to do so. Testing is available for piano, voice, strings, and woodwinds.