About SAMTA

A brief history of SAMTA

Through the local press, a meeting of music teachers of San Antonio was called on the mezzanine floor of the St. Anthony Hotel, Wednesday, March 24, 1915. After lengthy discussion as to the purpose of such a meeting, and having decided that a music teacher's organization would raise the standard of the profession in San Antonio, the nineteen teachers present organized "The Music Teachers Association of San Antonio, Texas.” Committees were elected for establishing requirements, drafting a constitution and by-laws, and a Chairman was selected.

The first meeting was held in the Tapestry Room of the St. Anthony Hotel, March 31, 1915. A constitution and by-laws were presented and permanent officers were elected at a meeting on April 14, 1915. Mr. J.M. Steinfeldt became the first president.

Early meetings were held every other month from September to May. Each meeting ended with a performance or presentation of a paper by a member. The first yearbook with members' names, constitution, by-laws, and a list of scheduled activities was printed on October 1919. Membership quickly rose to close to one hundred and fifty active members, five contributing members and five honorary members. The scope of activities has expanded over the years to include many activities for members' students, the latest being the establishment of a SAMTA Scholarship Fund in 1988.

One hundred years after the first meeting, on March 30, 2015, SAMTA once again gathered in the Tapestry Room of the St. Anthony Hotel. Joined by family, friends, students, and associates, SAMTA members celebrated the centennial anniversary. The SAMTA Centennial Luncheon featured presentations and proclamations by many local, state, and national dignitaries, including the President of the United States, and recital programs of former and current SAMTA teachers and students.

Professionalism and quality teaching have continued to be the purpose of the San Antonio Music Teachers Association for over 100 years.

 

2023-2024 Officers and Chairs

Officers

President*: Deborah Rhine
Immediate Past-Pesident*: Sharon Robinson
1st Vice President (Programs)*: Ivan Hurd
2nd Vice President (Yearbook)*: Kieley Morales
3rd Vice President (Student Affiliate)*: Susan Bell
Recording Secretary* Abigail Johnson
Corresponding Secretary/Membership*: Vida Scott
Treasurer*: Pamela Rodriguez
Historian*: Vida Scott

TMTA Student Affiliate Activities Chairs

Local Performance Contest: Peter Steigerwald
Original Composition Contest: Elizabeth Gutierrez
TMTA Theory Test*: Diana Maldonado
World of Music Test: Ginny Godsey
MTNA Certification Elizabeth Gutierrez, NCTM

SAMTA Committees

Membership: Welcome new members and send out cards for significant life occasions
Outreach: Find and plan service opportunities for SAMTA in the community
Communications: Update social media accounts, promote fundraising, and promote SAMTA in the community
Hospitality: Welcome new members and promote fellowship throughout the organization
Activities: Assist with current activities and plan new activities for both students and teachers

*Indicates SAMTA Board Position

MTNA Code of Ethics

The principles and aspirations found in the Code of Ethics are not conditions of membership, but are goals and ideals that each MTNA member should strive to make an essential part of his or her professional commitment to students, to colleagues and to society.

Commitment to Students

The teacher shall conduct the relationship with students and families in a professional manner.

  • The teacher shall respect the personal integrity and privacy of students unless the law requires disclosure.

  • The teacher shall clearly communicate the expectations of the studio.

  • The teacher shall encourage, guide and develop the musical potential of each student.

  • The teacher shall treat each student with dignity and respect, without discrimination of any kind.

  • The teacher shall respect the student's right to obtain instruction from the teacher of his or her choice.

Commitment to Colleagues

  • The teacher shall maintain a professional attitude and shall act with integrity with regard to colleagues in the profession.

  • The teacher shall refrain from disclosing sensitive information about colleagues obtained in the course of professional service unless disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by law.

  • The teacher shall participate in the student's change of teachers with as much communication as possible between parties, while being sensitive to the privacy rights of the student and families.

Commitment to Society

  • The teacher shall maintain the highest standard of professional conduct and personal integrity.

  • The teacher shall accurately represent his/her professional qualifications.

  • The teacher shall strive for continued growth in professional competencies.

  • The teacher is encouraged to be a resource in the community.