Join us at the 2027 Music Teacher Matters Conference, July 4 & 5, 2027
A charitable, not-for-profit organisation representing and supporting all music teachers - in studios, schools, and community settings
Founded in 1912, the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW (MTANSW) is Australia’s oldest professional body for music educators and remains the peak organisation supporting the teaching and learning of music across the state.
MTANSW exists to advance the study, practice, and understanding of music education for the public benefit. Through advocacy, professional standards, teacher accreditation, research partnerships, and publicly accessible programs, we work to strengthen music education in every context — studio, classroom, and community.
We also provide professional development, information, and performance opportunities for teachers and their students, helping to sustain a vibrant, skilled, and connected music-teaching profession.
Membership is open to all teachers and supporters who share our belief that music education enriches individual lives and strengthens communities.
What we offer
When you become a member of the Music Teachers Association of NSW, these are a few of the benefits.
Teacher referral service
The MTA runs a comprehensive directory of NSW music teachers, to help teachers find new students, and students find the right teacher.
Professional development
All members are encouraged to attend the various professional development workshops, seminars and masterclasses that are offered by the MTA throughout the year. Details of these events are published in The Studio and on this website.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the attainment of an acceptable level of music teaching skills. An Accredited music teacher is considered to be able to teach effectively and competently. The MTA is the sole Accrediting body for vocal and instrumental teachers in New South Wales.
Events for students
The MTA offers a number of performance and learning opportunities that students of members or non-members may enter.
These include Junior Music Festivals, student concerts, scholarships and masterclasses.
Social activities
Our members get together regularly in various places to chat, share teaching ideas and support each other.
Benevolent Fund
The MTA Board administers a Benevolent Fund. This fund exists solely to help and support teachers and fellow musicians and their families in times of hardship, brought about through illness, accident or financial distress.
MTA Conferences
The 2025 Music Teacher Matters: Innovate, Lead, Inspire Conference. Join us for an inspiring conference dedicated to enhancing music education.
Act of creating and winning
2025 MTA Composer Competition is open to students of all teachers, regardless of whether they are members of the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW.
Make A Donation
The MTA NSW is a non-profit organisation that is able to operate its programs and support its network with thanks to the ongoing support of our community.
What's happening
We run social and professional development events. Some are in-person; others are virtual events over Zoom or similar conferencing platforms.
First Thursday: Legal Essentials with Alex Solo
As the end of the financial year approaches, in this practical session, Alex Solo (lawyer and ...
2026 Term 2 – Newcastle Student Concert
MTA NSW Newcastle Branch presents a student concert at Hunter Valley Grammar School. This concert is ...
2026 WOLLONGONG STUDENT CONCERT
This performance opportunity, provided by MTA NSW Illawarra Branch, is open to all students of MTA ...
Contact us
Got a question? Drop us a line.