Eastern Iowa MusicTeachers Association
The Eastern Iowa Music Teachers Association is the local affiliate for IMTA (Iowa Music Teachers Association) and MTNA (Music Teachers National Association)MTNA and IMTA are professional organizations that provide professional development for member teachers and a variety of performance opportunities for students. Read more about our local student Festivals and Auditions below.
IMTA Festival
The IMTA Festival is a non-competitive event where students perform two pieces and receive a lesson on those pieces from a master teacher.
The student’s parents and current teacher are invited to attend the session. This provides a wonderful opportunity to get feedback on the student’s progress and advice for continued success.
ECMTA District Festivals are typically held in mid-November.
IMTA Auditions
The IMTA Auditions provide students an opportunity to receive feedback on their theory and performance skills.
How it Works
Each student enters the auditions at a certain level. Students then prepare 3-4 pieces of contrasting styles and study the appropriate music theory concepts. On audition day, they take a theory examination and perform their pieces for a judge who provides a rating and comments.
Levels
There are six levels of repertoire and theory recognized by IMTA. Level A is the first and is geared towards students who have already had 1-2 years of lessons, while level F is intended for very advanced students. Levels B – E cover the intermediate and advanced stages of a pianist’s development.
Consult with your teacher to determine the appropriate level.
State Auditions
Each district is allowed to send a small number of students to compete at the annual state auditions in March. Students perform the repertoire they prepared for their district. Students again receive comments, and state winners, runners-up, and honorable mentions are named.
ECMTA District Auditions are typically held in the beginning of February, and the state competition is held mid-March.