The Hawaii Music Teachers Association (HMTA) is an affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and a resource for music teachers and students across the state of Hawaii.

Our Mission

The Hawaii Music Teachers Association's mission is to promote the professional growth and development of its members and to further the art of music by providing programs that encourage and support teaching, performance, composition, and scholarly research.

50 Years of Music!

The Hawai`i Music Teachers Association (HMTA) was conceived and founded in August 1968 at a tea in honor of Celia Mae Bryant, then vice-president of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). Appointed to acting positions were president Alice Kiewit and Amy Mitsuda, who served as treasurer and secretary. Through their capable efforts, HMTA received its charter from MTNA in September 1968 and became the 49th state affiliate. Since its founding, HMTA has endeavored to fulfill the purposes stated in its constitution: "To promote the professional growth and development of its members and to further the art of music by providing programs that encourage and support teaching, performance, composition, and scholarly research."

HMTA provides opportunities such as competitions, master classes, workshops, and recitals for students and members. In 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010, HMTA presented multi-piano concerts entitled "Pianomania." Over 350 students from Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Kauai performed in each of these concerts. In 2008, the "Parade of Young Musicians" gave students an opportunity to participate in a fun, relaxed and non-competitive festival. The students were adjudicated and recognized for their efforts and given an opportunity to perform at the finale recital which took place at Orvis Auditorium at the University of Hawaii. In 2011, the Parade of Young Musicians opened the HMTA annual convention and in September 2012 the Parade of Young Musicians "duets only" had its premiere run.

In 2019, HMTA expanded its programming and relaunched the Hawaiʻi State Music Competition (formerly the HMTA Junior Artist Competition). 2019 also saw the birth of Members Recitals, where teachers’ love of performing is celebrated, in a chamber music concert held at Orvis Auditorium at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa.

During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, HMTA persevered with virtual events for members and online competitions for the students.