MTNA Awards & Recognitions

MTNA Foundation Fellows

The MTNA FOUNDATION FELLOW program honors deserving individuals who have made significant contributions to the music world and the music teaching profession. This program supports the efforts of MTNA through donations to the MTNA FOUNDATION FUND in an individual's name.

Each year new MTNA Fellows are recognized at the MTNA national conference. New Fellows are prominently recognized in American Music Teacher magazine, and their names appear on a plaque located at the MTNA national headquarters.

If you are interested in designating a Fellow, the procedure is outlined on the MTNA Foundation website, mtnafoundation.org. The funds may come from one individual's donation or from a group of persons wishing to confer this special honor upon a colleague. Contact MTNA with any questions you might have about this program at (888) 512-5278 or .

Congratulations to the following GMTA members for being named MTNA Foundation Fellows:
Joy Poole - 2023
John Robert Poe - 2020
Susan McDuffie - 2017
Susan Naylor, NCTM - 2017
Dr. Martha Thomas, NCTM - 2015
Betty White, NCTM - 2013
Susan Andrews, NCTM - 2011
Aurelia Campbell, NCTM - 2004
R. Wayne Gibson, NCTM - 2002
L. Rexford Whiddon - 2001

MTNA Distinguished Service Award

The MTNA Distinguished Service Award recognizes an MTNA leader who has provided significant and lasting volunteer service to the national association.

Congratulations to the following GMTA member for receiving an MTNA Distinguished Service Award:
R. Wayne Gibson, NCTM - 2009

MTNA-Piano Technicians Guild Scholarship

The Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) is dedicated to providing continuing education for piano technicians and credentialed professional piano teachers. To that end, the PTG has created two new scholarships available to MTNA certified members who have earned MTNA Professional Certification and uses a Registered Piano Technician (RPT).

Congratulations to the following GMTA member for receiving the MTNA-PTG Guild Scholarship:
Marguerite Munoz, NCTM - 2009

MTNA Legacy Society

The MTNA Legacy Society recognizes those individuals who have made a commitment to the future of MTNA through a planned gift or by fully funding a named endowment. Because of the foresight of these Legacy Society members, they have made a permanent connection between themselves and thousands of music teachers and students who will be a part of a more musical tomorrow. MTNA members and friends are invited to contribute to these perpetual endowment funds. Proceeds will benefit MTNA programs.

Congratulations to the following GMTA members for being a part of the MTNA Legacy Society:
R. Wayne Gibson, NCTM
L. Rexford & Lynn Whiddon

MTNA Teacher of the Year

The Music Teachers National Association Teacher of the Year Award recognizes an individual teacher who has made a significant difference in the lives of students, has contributed to the advancement of music in their community, and is an outstanding example of a professional music educator.

Congratulations to the following GMTA members for receiving the MTNA Teacher of the Year Award:
Susan McDuffie - 2016
William and Mary Ann Knight - 2010
Naegeli von Bergen Metcalf, NCTM - 2007

MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year

The recipient of this award is chosen from the entrants in the annual MTNA Commissioned Composer program. Three judges select one composer to be honored, whose composition is then premiered at the MTNA national conference. All compositions are placed in the MTNA Commissioned Works Library.

Congratulations to the following GMTA member
for receiving the MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year Award:
Dr. Peter Van Zandt Lane - 2020