Newfoundland Registered Music Teachers Association

Newfoundland Registered Music Teachers Association

Newfoundland Registered Music Teachers Association (NRMTA). Incorporated in July 1987, the NRMTA had its beginnings in 1986 when 10 teachers from St John's joined the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers' Association (NSRMTA). The NSRMTA sent Matt Hughes and Janet Leffek to assist the Newfoundland teachers in the founding of their own professional association. The goals of the association include the ultimate registration of all music teachers according to recognized standards; the promotion of progressive teaching ideas; communication among private music teachers; and the presentation of the concerns of private music teachers to governments and the community.

A full member of the NRMTA must have a university music degree or a diploma from a recognized conservatory and two years of teaching experience, and is entitled to use the letters RMT after his or her name. The association also has 'auxiliary associate' and 'pre-diploma' classes of membership.

The NRMTA sponsors student recitals, masterclasses, and workshops and organizes events to honour Newfoundland musicians. A Canada Music Recital, held at Memorial University, is organized annually for Canada Music Week. Lectures have been arranged featuring such speakers as John Beckwith, Donald F. Cook, Mario Duschenes, Maureen Volk, and Paul Woodford. The association works closely with the School of Music at Memorial University, although there is no formal affiliation. Since 1991, a variety of scholarships have been awarded to music students of NRMTA members.

The NRMTA is a member of the Artists' Coalition of Newfoundland and is affiliated with the CFMTA.