Minnesota Music Teachers Association Foundation
Our Mission
The MMTA Foundation is committed to improving the quality of music education in Minnesota by supporting the educational and charitable objectives of MMTA.
How to Contribute
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Donation checks payable to “MMTA Foundation” may be mailed to:
MMTA Foundation
10800 Lyndale Ave. S., Ste. 120
Bloomington, MN 55420
About the MMTA Foundation
The Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTAF) offers grants and awards to support music education and recognize student achievement. These include Teacher and Local Association Grants, Collegiate Travel Grants, and Monetary Awards for high achievement on MMTA exams. Additional awards include the Young Artist Winners, Student Composition Winners, and Student of the Year.
“The grant I received from the MMTA Foundation has been instrumental in helping me take lessons to prepare for my upcoming recitals. Studying and doing my art also helps me to be a better piano teacher. Thank you!”
– Kathryn Horntvedt, MMTA Teacher from Rochester, MN
Bravo Advertisements
Looking for a way to honor your student(s) that participated in the 2026 Piano Contest? The MMTA Foundation is here to help with Bravo Ads! Parents, teachers and friends of Honors Concert participants are encouraged to congratulate your student with a Bravo Ad! Bravo Ads include a photo of the performer and a brief congratulatory message which will be compiled into a video slideshow and will be shown at the Honors Concert for family and friends to admire. To make an ad:
Purchase Bravo Ad Here!Used Music Sale
Support the MMTA Foundation with your donation of new and gently used music. Donations will be accepted at the 2026 MMTA Convention site starting Wednesday, June 10 at 10am through the end of the day.
Please contact Emily Rudquist with further questions at [email protected]
Student MMTA Exam Awards
A large portion of MMTA Foundation distributions fund the Student MMTA Exam Awards. Monetary awards are given to the highest-scoring students after each academic year.
MMTA Foundation State Fellow Award
The Minnesota Music Teachers Association Foundation State Fellow Award recognizes and honors music teachers and members (current and former) of MMTA for their outstanding, long-lasting, and inspiring contributions to music education in the state of Minnesota.
Learn more
Nomination form
Student of the Year Award
The Student of the Year Award honors a high school senior who has maintained active participation in MMTA programs. The candidate should display a strong record of community service through music, participation in musical ensembles, skill as a performer, and dedication to music. The award is $1,000.
Application deadline: May 1, 2026.
Apply HereLocal Association Grant Application
MMTA Local Associations are encouraged to apply for assistance in funding educational programs. The award is $200.
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026.
Apply HereRobert Schmitt Professional Development Grants
The Robert Schmitt Professional Development Grant supports Minnesota music teachers in their pursuit of excellence and leadership in the field of music education. Individual grant requests may be made up to $500 per project. All applicants must provide 50% of the cost of the project. Previous grant winners may not apply for two years after they were awarded the grant. Funding is provided through a generous gift from the Schmitt Music Company.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026.
Apply HereMMTA Collegiate Travel Grant
Application deadline: November 1, 2026
The Collegiate Travel Grant provides assistance for MMTA collegiate members to attend one of the following. Grants are awarded at $100 each.
- MTNA Collegiate Chapters Pedagogy Symposium (January)
- MTNA Conference (March)
Board of Directors
President: Emily Rudquist, NCTM
Vice President: Kay Koehnen, NCTM
Secretary: Jenna Huntoon
Treasurer: Laura Harding, NCTM
Directors: Richard Tostenson, Sarah McCaffrey Ritchie, Sue Freeman Dopp, Elsa Mathews, Alix Theien