About PMTNM

The Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico (PMTNM) was established as the New Mexico state affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). MTNA, founded in 1876 by Theodore Presser and 62 colleagues, is the oldest professional music teachers organization in the United States.

PMTNM membership is not a simple directory listing. Every teacher who joins has committed to the professional standards and code of ethics of MTNA — a national organization with a 150-year track record of advancing music teaching as a legitimate and rigorous profession.

We represent studio teachers, collegiate instructors, and private educators across Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and communities throughout New Mexico.

Featured Recognition

2026 Teacher of the Year

Jacqueline Zanderwall

Jacqueline Zanderwall is a mezzo-soprano, teacher, and artistic leader whose work has helped shape a collaborative musical community in New Mexico. As the Founding Artistic Director of the Vocal Artistry Art Song Festival, she has reached more than 1,500 students and awarded over $10,000 in annual scholarships.

Read Jacqueline's Story →

Est. 1876

Why the Organization Behind Your Teacher's Credentials Matters

In 1876, a group of 63 music teachers decided that teaching music deserved the same professional structure as medicine, law, and education. They founded MTNA.

By 1883, MTNA had established the international pitch standard — a foundational act that shaped every piano tuned since. Through two world wars, the emergence of recorded music, and the rise of the internet, MTNA has remained the professional anchor for music teachers who take their work seriously.

Today, MTNA's 17,000 members nationwide share a mission: "MTNA enriches lives, strengthens communities, and furthers quality music instruction by empowering music teachers through lifelong learning."

PMTNM carries that mission in New Mexico.

"A world where every music learner is inspired by skilled, supported, and empowered teachers." — MTNA Vision Statement

What PMTNM Does

For Teachers

→ Continuing professional education workshops and events
→ Access to MTNA publications: American Music Teacher, MTNA Business Digest, eJournal
→ Networking and peer community across New Mexico
→ Access to MTNA member discounts and insurance programs
→ Support for professional certification (NCTM)
→ Recognition programs including Teacher of the Year

For Students

→ Entry into MTNA's nationally prestigious student competitions
→ Access to NM state competitions — first tier toward national recognition
→ MTNA eFestival — adjudicated online performance opportunities
→ Studio festivals and honors recitals
→ Music Study Awards and Music Achievement Awards

For Families

→ A vetted directory of professional music teachers in New Mexico
→ Confidence that every teacher listed has committed to MTNA's code of ethics
→ The Choosing a Music Teacher guide — an honest resource for families
→ Direct contact with teachers through individual profile pages

Our Leadership

President

Laura Spitzer, Las Cruces

Vice President

Sam Jacobs, Santa Fe

Executive Secretary-Treasurer

Jeanne Grealish, Albuquerque

State Competition Coordinator

Ronald F. Grinage, Santa Fe

Certification Chair

Linda C. King, Las Vegas

Interested in serving on the PMTNM board? Contact us →

Become Part of Something 150 Years in the Making.

PMTNM membership connects you to local colleagues, statewide programs, and the full resources of MTNA — the national professional organization that has defined music teaching standards since 1876.

Join PMTNM / MTNA Today Already a member? Log in →