WTMA

Wisconsin Music Teachers Association History

The Wisconsin Music Teachers’ Association held its first annual meeting in Appleton, Wisconsin on June 22-24, 1910. The Constitution, adopted at the first meeting, stated the purpose of the organization was:

The development of improved methods of musical instruction,
the interchange of thought,
the furtherance of professional fraternity,
the elevation of the standards of professional work and the musical taste of the public,
the advancement of American musical compositions, and,
the issuance of certificates of proficiency in the various departments of music.

The first President of WMTA was Dean William Harper of Appleton. At the first meeting, round table discussions were held on the topics of harmony, piano, voice and public school music. Recitals were presented in organ, voice, piano and violin. Members of the faculty of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music presented a concert.

Highlights in WMTA History 1911-1973

1911 - The convention held at Beloit College had 75 members in attendance.
1912 - At the convention at Ripon College, a single ticket admission was fifty cents and was ‘good for any single session, recital or concert.’
1916 - The Wisconsin Music Teachers’ Association was incorporated by the State of Wisconsin as a non-stock, non-profit corporation.
1934 - Pianist, Leo Podolsky performed at the annual convention.
1943 - The annual convention was ‘postponed for patriotic reasons’. John W. Schaum was president.
1944 - Information about the upcoming convention in Fond du Lac stated, "Fond du Lac is easily reached by train, bus, or automobile if you have the gas." Leo Podolsky presented a lecture-recital at this convention.
1945 - The annual convention was again cancelled due to the war.
1946 - Miss Elizabeth Hearding, age 86, or Delafield, was elected Honorary President. She had been the state treasurer for twenty years and was then the oldest active member of the organization, still teaching and composing.
1958 - Soulina Stravinsky, son of Igor Stravinsky, was ‘master critic’ for performances of high school students. Mr. Stravinsky also gave a lecture on ‘Post Romanticism’, and performed in concert compositions written by his father and by French composers.
1972 - Pianist Ruth Slenczynska performed at the annual convention.
1973 - There were two sets of officers for a period of time. This was due to questionable nominations from the floor. An election tie for office of president, conducted at the November 04 convention and a later mail-in ballot was eventually deemed improper. This was finally resolved on January 13, 1974, when a special meeting, was called (by specific written direction of the Music Teachers National Association President) to elect new officers.

All historical data compiled here was found in the Wisconsin State Historical Society Archive Files in Milwaukee.