On October 10-11, 2025, Appalachian State University's Hayes School of Music will host the North Carolina Music Teachers Association (NCMTA) Annual Conference.
The NCMTA Annual Conference brings together music teachers – especially private teachers – of any and all instruments for a weekend of enthralling concerts, engaging professional development, and camaraderie. The conference also hosts an exciting performance competition for young musicians, welcoming student musicians from K-12 schools and colleges across North Carolina. We are proud to host the NCMTA Conference at App State's Hayes School of Music!
How to Participate
Two concerts in the festival are open to the general public, free of charge:
- Friday, Oct. 10, 8:00pm - 9:15pm - Elizabeth Schumann, Conference Artist - Rosen Concert Hall
- Saturday, Oct. 11, 5:30pm - 6:30 pm - App State Faculty Recital - Rosen Concert Hall
For all other events, conference registration is required. Different price levels are available depending on one’s student or member status. Please visit NCMTA’s conference page to learn more and register. App State employees and students, once verified, will be able to attend the entire conference at no charge.
Conference Events
The NCMTA 2025 Annual Conference will feature a performance and clinic by pianist, producer, and educator Dr. Elizabeth Schumann. Dr. Kevin Chance, President of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), will deliver the keynote address at the Friday night banquet.
The seminars at the NCMTA conference bring together expert research, advice, and conversation on a variety of issues relevant to music teachers. For many, the conference is not only professional development, but a chance for teachers to catch up with friends and colleagues new and old.
The conference includes a statewide music competition. Students will compete with their excellent peers to gain performance experience and have a chance to be recognized with awards and prizes. Their visit will also be an opportunity to see the Hayes School of Music and meet some of our faculty and staff.
Presenters from the Hayes School of Music
Several faculty and staff from App State's Hayes School of Music will present at the conference. Visit the NCMTA Conference website for the complete schedule.
- Dr. Kathryn Z. Douthit and Dr. James Douthit, NCTM: Pedagogical Strategies for Teachers Instructing Students with Hyperactivity, Disruptive Behaviors, and Inattention
- Dr. Joby Bell - “What if They Ask About the Organ?” Organ Presentation in Rosen Concert Hall
- Corinne Cassini - Teaching with Ease: Integrating the Alexander Technique into Music Pedagogy
- Faculty Performers - Saturday 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm - App State Faculty Recital in Rosen Concert Hall
- Exhibit Hall - Attendees can visit the Hayes School of Music and Cannon Music Camp tables in the exhibit hall to learn more about our summer music camp and degree programs directly from our camp and school staff (Lisl Kuutti and Leslie Harker). The exhibit hall will also include some fantastic vendors such as Steinway Carolina and the TUDDR app.
About NCMTA
https://ncmta.org/professional-development/annual-conference/
The North Carolina Music Teachers Association (NCMTA) is an affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association. A non-profit organization founded in 1959, NCMTA now consists of approximately 500 music teachers throughout the state.
Mission and Vision
The mission of NCMTA is the advancement of musical knowledge and education through discussion, investigation, performance, publication, and the promotion of the general welfare of music teachers in the state of North Carolina. The vision for our activities is aimed both at the promotion of the art of music and of the advancement of musical knowledge by disseminating the knowledge of educational activities and by promoting the appreciation of music throughout the state.
Elizabeth Schumann standing behind a grand piano
Pianist Elizabeth Schumann will perform at the NCMTA Conference.