Members Area

WHERE's My Things? FAQ

Find quick answers to common questions about member resources and benefits.

⚠️ Important Notice

Some resources require member login. If you're having trouble accessing any materials, please check that you're logged in or contact your district chair.

Where are my PEP forms?

PEP forms are available in the Members Area under "Programs & Forms". You'll find:

  • PEP Application Form
  • PEP Judging Evaluation Sheet
  • PEP Judge Expense Request Form

Contact Janna Warren at jannadiv@yandex.ru for assistance.

How do I find competition information?

Competition details are in the Competitions menu, including:

  • MTNA Competition guidelines
  • Honors Auditions requirements
  • PEP dates and locations

Where are the scholarship applications?

Find scholarship forms under "Scholarships", including:

  • Danfelser Piano Scholarship
  • Janet Spangenberg Weed Memorial Scholarship

How do I access the handbook?

The PMTNM Handbook is available in two formats:

  • Online viewer in the Members Area
  • Downloadable PDF version
Imagine The Next 75 Years

Shape the Future of PMTNM

Help us plan our milestone 75th anniversary celebration in 2026

But don't wait. We need help now.

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Take the Survey Now →

Dear PMTNM Community,

As we gather to share knowledge and inspire one another, we're preparing for a momentous milestone: our 75th anniversary in 2026. Your voice is essential in shaping this historic celebration.

75 Years

Share Your Vision!

Your input will help create a conference that truly serves our community. We want to hear your thoughts on:

Take Our Conference Planning Survey →

Looking Ahead: Regional Events in 2025

2025

Local chapters host mini-conferences and workshops, in-person and online, focusing on recruitment, sharing knowledge with each other, and encouraging new teachers to suggest ideas for workshops and roundtables.

2026

Historic 75th Anniversary Celebration. A chance to revitalize our community and welcome new members as we celebrate our legacy.

Join us in building momentum through regional gatherings as we approach our diamond anniversary!

Root Meaning: "Confer"

The word confer comes from Latin conferre, meaning "to bring together." In English, confer means:

  • To consult together; to compare opinions; to deliberate.
  • To bestow or exchange ideas, wisdom, or encouragement.

So at its heart, a conference should be a time to gather with peers, share experience, exchange insight, and be strengthened by community.

Definition of a Conference

A conference is a gathering of colleagues to confer — to discuss, share, encourage, and learn from one another through open dialogue, collaborative exploration, and mutual support.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to gather as music educators to confer — to exchange ideas, inspire one another, and explore the evolving landscape of teaching, performance, and creativity. We believe in the power of conversation, the value of shared wisdom, and the strength of community. This conference is not just a series of lectures; it is a collaborative space for discovery, encouragement, and professional renewal.

How We Gather and Confer

  • Roundtables instead of just lectures
  • Facilitated discussions where all voices are heard
  • Mentorship moments where experienced teachers share stories and insight
  • Interactive workshops where teaching techniques are demonstrated and discussed
  • Open spaces for idea-swapping, journaling, and reflection

Competitions & Performance Opportunities

Performance Evaluation Program (PEP)

The Performance Evaluation Program (PEP) is a PMTNM-sponsored non-competitive general audition. The repertoire, dates, and general rules are determined by the PEP Committee. PEP auditions are held at various locations around the state throughout the year.

Entrants must be studying with a teacher who is a member in good standing of PMTNM, and may be of elementary, junior high, or senior high age. There is an adult category for students over the age of 18.

2025 PEP Dates:

Los Alamos
April 4-5
Albuquerque
April 12
Santa Fe
April 26

Application forms must be submitted to the Local PEP Chair no later than four weeks prior to the audition date.

PEP Application Form
PEP Judging Evaluation Sheet
PEP Judge Expense Request Form

For questions about the PEP program, please contact the PEP Committee Chair through the Members Area.

Honors Auditions

The Honors Auditions are competitive auditions open to piano, instrumental, and voice students at the district and state levels. The program was designed to encourage students to study, prepare, and present recital caliber repertoire in a polished performance. Participants have the opportunity to perform before qualified judges who provide careful and constructive criticism. The state winners perform on a Student Winners' Recital during the PMTNM Conference.

Students enter in one of five levels based on their age. There is also a collegiate level. Entrants must be studying with a teacher who is a member in good standing of PMTNM. Non-PMTNM members may enter students with the payment of a $25 surcharge fee added to both the District and State Honors Audition fees.

Honors Audition Application

MTNA Competitions

The MTNA National Competitions are the most successful and prestigious student competitions in the country. Each year, thousands of students compete for top prizes and national recognition. The purpose of the Music Teachers National Association Performance competitions is to provide educational experiences for students and teachers and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists and their teachers in their pursuit of musical excellence.

New Mexico's MTNA performance competitions are held in person at the state conference in November of each year. Awards are generously supported by the Joyce Walker Foundation.

For information about MTNA competitions in New Mexico, please contact the state competition chairs through the Members Area.

Please visit www.mtna.org to view the complete rules and to apply for MTNA competitions.

Competition Categories:

  • Junior, Senior, and Young Artist Performance: Three-tiered competitions starting at state level, advancing to video-only division competition, and culminating in national finals. Categories include Brass (Senior and Young Artist), Piano, Piano Duet (Senior), String, Voice (Senior and Young Artist), and Woodwind.
  • Composition: Available for Elementary, Junior, Senior and Young Artist levels, with state, division, and national finals. Winners' compositions are performed at the MTNA National Conference.
  • Chamber Music: A two-tiered event with preliminary video submissions and live finals at the MTNA National Conference. Seven ensembles in both String and Wind categories are selected nationwide.

Scholarships

Byrdis W. Danfelser Piano Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Mrs. Danfelser, who founded PMTNM in 1950. She was the first president and a Life Member, and did much to promote music teaching as a profession in New Mexico. The scholarship is available for piano students, grade school through high school, whose primary piano teacher is a member of PMTNM, Inc. at the time of the application.

Danfelser Scholarship Application (Student)
Danfelser Scholarship Application (Teacher)

Janet Spangenberg Weed Memorial Scholarship

Janet Spangenberg Weed was a long-time member whose children established this scholarship in her memory. The fund is supported by annual contributions, primarily from the Weed children. The scholarship is available for music students (piano, voice, and other instruments) in grade school through high school, whose primary music teacher is a member of PMTNM at the time of application.

Weed Scholarship Application (Student)
Weed Scholarship Application (Teacher)
Weed Scholarship Application (School Teacher)

Contributions to both scholarship funds are tax deductible. For contribution details, please see the Handbook section or use our Contact Form.

Code of Ethics

Adopted December 2003; Revised April 2024

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 their 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 their 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 respect the reputation of colleagues and shall refrain from making false or malicious statements about colleagues.
  • 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 their professional qualifications.
  • The teacher shall strive for continued growth in professional competencies.
  • The teacher is encouraged to be a resource in the community.