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.
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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.
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ECMTA District Auditions are typically held in the beginning of February, and the state competition is held mid-March.