Our Mission Statement
To advance the value of music study and music making, to support the professionalism
of area music teachers, to provide rewarding performance experiences for area
music students, and to serve the regional community by providing a variety of
musical programs. To support the mission of the Elnora Hartman Stickley Scholarship
Fund Board.
Our Goals and Objectives: To support and inspire one another, to provide a platform
or an arena for student performances and competitions, to aid in the growth and
professional development of members by providing musical enrichment, educational
opportunities, and social events for the teachers, and to promote music in the South Bend area.
The South Bend Area Music Teachers Association is an organization for teachers in all areas of music. The group meets monthly and offers festivals, recitals, workshops, masterclasses, competitions, insurance plans, office supply discounts, prescription discounts, publications, and professional networking for area music teachers. SBAMTA is celebrating its 77th anniversary during the 2023-2024 season. The group affiliated with the Music Teachers National Association in 1988, and many of our local members have held offices at the State, Division, and National level. Membership in the South Bend Area Music Teachers Association is open to those persons in the Michiana area who are actively engaged in music teaching and those who are interested in the profession.
History / About
The first general membership meeting was held on Wednesday, October 23, 1946, with six teachers present. Miss Dora Hershenow was elected president of the group. Teachers from South Bend, Mishawaka, Nappanee, Indiana, and Berrien Center, Michigan were in attendance. There were 30 charter members listed for the
1946-47 opening year.
The organization has changed its name several times over the years. A Certificate of Incorporation as the South Bend Association of Piano Teachers Inc. was obtained on June 6, 1958; reincorporated on April 8, 1981 as the South Bend-Michiana Association of Piano Teachers.
In 1989 the Association voted to become affiliated with the Music Teachers National Association and was called the South Bend Michiana Music Teachers Association. In May, 1996, the name was changed to South Bend Area Music Teachers Association. The group became fully reincorporated in the spring of 1997.
We celebrated our 75th anniversary during the 2021-2022 season.
During the year 1994-95 a large monetary gift was given to the Association from the estate of Marcella Hartman, an associate member, in memory of her “dear sister, Elnora Hartman Stickley.” The Elnora Stickley Scholarship Fund was established and has benefitted many students and teachers on collegiate and non-collegiate levels.
The South Bend Area Music Teachers Association is a direct descendant of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), which was founded in 1876. SBAMTA is also an affiliate of the Indiana Music Teachers Association (IMTA).
SBAMTA Officers
President – Paula Laskowski
Vice President / Program Chair – Jennifer Keeley
Secretary – Krysta Hawkley
Treasurer – Juliana Lockman
If you need to get a hold of us about application materials, forms, or membership, please feel free to contact Paula Laskowiski at beethoven361@hotmail.com. If you are looking to contact a specific teacher, please contact them through their email address listed on the teacher page.
