In 1984, several local music teachers saw the need for a local music teachers association. They saw a local association as a place where they could share ideas, refer students and organize recitals with other professionals. These Southern Maryland pioneer teachers went about researching and developing a local association under the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and Maryland State Music Teachers Association (MSMTA).

On October 14, 1984, The Music Teachers Association of Southern Maryland was formed when its charter was accepted at the annual Maryland State Music Teachers Association convention. The founding officers included Carol Heinick, President, Marian Martinez, Vice President, and Mary Stevens, Secretary/Treasurer.

Our purpose is to promote excellent musical instruction to students and professional growth for teachers. Our activities, open to students of all ages and levels, include joint recitals, festivals, auditions, performance classes, masterclasses, theory and keyboard testing programs, and a yearly competition. The association also offers teacher enrichment opportunities.

The intent of the founding members was to develop a local association that would further good musical instruction for students and opportunities for professional growth for both members and students.

Since its inception in 1984, members of MTASM have succeeded in developing that goal and the association now includes teachers of piano, violin, other instruments, music education, and music therapy. Members of our association maintain private studios and teach at local schools. We are now proud to introduce our mentoring program for new and provisional teachers.