About OMTA Rogue Valley
Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA) is a professional organization of music educators comprising private studio teachers and college music faculty across Oregon. OMTA sponsors statewide festivals, scholarships, and competitions to promote music in Oregon and provides workshops, master classes, and conferences to help music teachers maintain the highest standards of music education.
We strive to develop productive relationships with schools, organizations, businesses, and the media to promote music. We seek to elevate the status of the private music teacher and to encourage and recognize student achievement in music.
We offer a comprehensive music education, helping to develop the skills to improvise, compose, and play an instrument. These skills include music reading, understanding and development of rhythm, ear training, and a basic knowledge of music theory, music history and musical styles.
In addition to our celebrated Syllabus Evaluation program, a variety of performance opportunities are available for students, including the Ensemble Music Festival, which promotes the performance of group repertoire, the Junior Bach Festival, which focuses on music of the Baroque Period, and the Composition Celebration, which encourages students to compose and perform their original compositions.
As an affiliate of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the oldest professional music teachers association in the United States, we participate fully in the activities sponsored by MTNA and enjoy the benefits and support that MTNA provides.
We welcome you to explore our website or contact us for more information about how our programs feature the best in music education.
Join OMTAWhy study with an OMTA teacher?
Well-Trained and Experienced Teachers
OMTA teachers meet rigorous musical and pedagogical standards of excellence and many take the additional step of becoming nationally certified teachers of music. Lectures, workshops, and conferences keep our teachers up-to-date on the latest methods and ideas in the field.
Comprehensive Music Education
Students of OMTA teachers have the option of participating in a curriculum called Syllabus, which covers technique, music theory, sight reading, rhythm reading, and repertoire.
The ten levels of Syllabus are graduated in difficulty and challenge students to achieve musical goals. After completion of a level, the student is assessed by a master teacher who provides a helpful critique. Syllabus is open to students studying classical piano, organ, strings, voice, woodwinds, guitar, harp, and jazz.
Regular Performance Opportunities
The 14 OMTA chapters around the state provide many performance opportunities. Some events are local and some are statewide.
Statewide events include the Ensemble Music Festival, which promotes the performance of group repertoire, the Junior Bach Festival, which focuses on music of the Baroque Period, and the Composition Celebration, which encourages students to compose and perform their original compositions.
Scholarships and Achievement Awards
Merit Scholarships: Students may audition for any of several OMTA scholarships awarded to outstanding high school and college-age students of voice, piano, and other solo instruments.
MusicLink: MusicLink identifies potentially talented students in financial need and provides some assistance with the expenses associated with music study.
MTNA Competitions: Students may enter state, regional, and national MTNA performance competitions in strings, brass, woodwinds, voice, composition, and chamber music. Contestants compete for cash awards.
Certficates and Trophies: Students may receive certificates or trophies for participating in a number of OMTA events. Certificates and trophies are presented at the teacher's discretion.