Top Music Organizations for Music Teachers

As a music teacher in the United States, there are a variety of music organizations you can join to enhance your chosen career. Whether you’re an independent vocal coach or the leader of a high school marching band, the below organizations and associations were established to inform, support, and educate music teachers across the country and around the world. From the National Association for Music Education to the International Society for Music Education, the below associations have thousands of members just like you, all working together to give the gift of music back to society.

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)

Founded in 1876, the goal of the MTNA is quite simple: to advance the value of music study and music-making to society, while supporting the careers and professionalism of those who teach music. Since then, MTNA has become essential not only to the professional and individual well-being of professional music teachers, but it’s become a vital partner in their growth and development. With over 20,000 members in 50 states, MTNA is a source of support for music teachers. By joining the association, you can rest assured knowing that each of its members embody like-minded values and are committed to the success and happiness of their students. MTNA also supports to subsidiary programs: the MTNA Professional Certification Program, and the MTNA Foundation Fund.

International Society for Music Education (ISME)

With a presence in over eighty countries, ISME is one of the largest societies for music educators. ISME believes that experiencing music is a vital part of everyone’s life, regardless of their culture or identity. The society hopes to enhance those experiences by building and maintaining an international community of music educators, fostering a global intercultural understanding among the world’s music educators, and promoting music education for people of all ages throughout the world. With three different types of paid memberships,including student and group membership options, and a Board of Directors who dedicate much of their professional and personal time to executing the society’s policies, you’ll be joining a group of individuals dedicated to conserving and promoting the richness and diversity of the world’s music.

American String Teachers Organization

Enriching lives through universal access to fine string playing and teaching, the ASTA provides professional development, career building and support, and a community of peers to string instrument teachers. Founded in 1946 after its groundwork was laid at the annual meeting of the Music Teachers National Association, their goal is to develop and deliver high-value and timely solutions that support the evolving needs of both string players and teachers. Becoming a member is easy and, for only 30 cents a day, you can enjoy the many benefits of being an ASTA member, including access to award-winning publications, top-notch insurance programs, advocacy and teaching programs, discounted registration at their annual conference, and access to an extensive network of colleagues and like-minded individuals.

National Association for Music Education

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is one of the world’s largest arts organizations. It’s also the only organization that addresses all aspects of music education instead of focusing only in one area. Since its inception in 1907, the members of NAfME have worked to ensure students have access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality music instruction program that’s taught by only the best  and most qualified instructors. NAfME operates at a local, state, and national level, hosts professional development events, provides resources for teachers, parents, and students, and offers a variety of opportunities for both teachers and students. If you teach music in any capacity, consider joining NAfME. Joining is easy. Simply enter your basic contact information, select your membership type, and submit your payment with a credit card, check, or purchase order.

International Association for the Study of Popular Music

Although not inherently focused on music education, IASPM does focus on one area of music most can agree with: the evolution and importance of popular music in society. Founded in 1981, IASPM has grown into an international network of members whose activities include conferences, publications, and research projects designed to advance society’s understanding of popular music, its production, and consumption. The organization is open to anyone involved with popular music and, in an effort to preserve its autonomy, the music organization remains independent of all commercial and governmental interests. Every two years, its Executive Committee invites its members to an international conference where members are encouraged to reflect on their plans and analyze the results of various academic and journalistic projects.