Program Director: Handbook pg 61
How it Works:
Teachers may volunteer to teach a student that they know has financial need or they can express their interest in being linked with a qualifying student. Financial need is determined by inclusion in the free or reduced school lunch program or evidence of other financial hardship. Qualifying students must show an interest in learning music and must have parental support. The MusicLink Foundation assists in getting a practice instrument for the student. MusicLink teachers receive an I.D. number which qualifies them for discounts on music and materials for their MusicLink students. MusicLink students also qualify for various
scholarship opportunities.
Website Link: www.musiclinkfoundation.org
Benefits:
MMTA Support MMTA shows its support for the MusicLink program by:
1. Waiving program fees for MusicLink students.
2. Offering a 50% discount on educational materials for MusicLink students.
3. Extending a $10 discount on the Syllabus Package to MMTA member MusicLink teachers.
4. Sponsoring the MusicLink Playathon at the Mall of America.
5. Offering two free Honors Concert tickets for the families of MusicLInk student performers
MMTA Event Registration:
To register a MusicLink student online for an MMTA event (MMTA members only):
Complete the online registration form by the registration deadline.
Since a credit card payment is required, contact the MMTA Office by email to ask for a refund. Let office personnel
know a MusicLink student has been registered. In the email, include the following information:
○ MusicLink Teacher number
○ Date of registration
○ Order number
○ Event
○ Registration fee amount for that particular student.
MMTA will issue a refund within 1-2 weeks.
To register a MusicLink Student by mail:
Complete the paper registration form and mail to the office by the registration deadline.
Write your MusicLink teacher number at the top of the form.
Do not send payment for that particular student.
○ Note: If registering a student for Ensemble Festival, indicate which student(s) are MusicLink student(s).
MusicLink Playathon
Program Director: Handbook pg 63
Purpose:
The MusicLink Foundation believes that anyone who shows musical potential should be given the opportunity to nurture this
musical promise to its full extent. MMTA sponsors an annual Playathon at the Mall of America to raise funds to benefit the
MusicLink Foundation’s Minnesota program. Students of all ages and their teachers are invited to perform at this exciting venue
demonstrating how their music can benefit others.
Location and Dates: February 21-22, 2026 ▪ Macy’s Court, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Deadline: February 11, 2026
QUICK LINKS ARE LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE – See the blue buttons
How to Register:
● Note: You do not have to be an MMTA member to register online for the Playathon.
● Register online by going to www.musiclinkfoundation.org Click on “Event Registration”
● Download and print forms for MusicLink Playathon from the MMTA website or obtain a form from Sue Wege. Then,
send completed form to: Sue Wege, NCTM, 8811 Hillside Trail S., Cottage Grove, MN 55106 OR [email protected]
Fee: Participants collect donations from family and friends.
Procedures:
● All instrumental and voice students of all ages (including adult students) and MMTA member and non-member
teachers are invited to participate.
● Performances may be solos or ensembles.
● Performers may perform 1 or 2 pieces as desired. Memorization is not required.
● A grand piano, CD/MP3 player, microphone and music stand will be provided.
Scheduling:
● Performers may request to play on either Saturday or Sunday. Performance times will be sent to a student’s teacher
after the registration deadline has passed and all performers have been scheduled.
Donations:
● Each performer is expected to collect donations from friends, family, and their community.
● Donation amount may be set by the donor.
● Donations and donation sheets should be brought to the Playathon to be turned in at Check-In.
● Donations are tax-deductible. A receipt will be given on the day of the Playathon at Check-Out, if requested.
● Donations can also be made online through the MusicLink Foundation website (www.musiclinkfoundation.org). Click
“Donate,” then specify the donation is for the MN Playathon. Please include the performer’s name.
● Donations will also be accepted at the Playathon (check, cash, or credit card).
Awards:
● Participants who collect donations totaling specific amounts receive the following:
○ $25 or more = MusicLink Prize
○ $60 or more = MusicLink tote bag or backpack
○ $100 or more = Recognition and photograph in MusicLink e-newsletter
○ $300 or more = $50 Target gift card
● Challenge Award Points: 100 (See Handbook p. 20 for more information).