68 Years of Outstanding Music Education
The Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association, voted the top local Music Teachers Association 2004 by the Music Teachers National Association, provides diverse educational opportunities for teachers and students in pursuit of personal growth in music. Its mission: to stimulate the study and enjoyment of music, to broaden the vision and expertise of its members, to promote musical culture in the community, and to reinforce the objectives of its state and national organizations. Join!
Our members offer music lessons in cello, clarinet, flute, French horn, guitar, harp, organ, piano, viola, violin, strings, trumpet, voice, and more in Alexandria, Arlington, Ashburn, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Great Falls, Herndon, Leesburg, Loudoun, McLean, Oakton, Reston, Sterling, Vienna.
Jim Litzelman and Jeri Bennett
Laureate Awards 2018
Jeri Bennett
In her 19 years of membership in NVMTA, Jeri has held board positions of President and Vice President, Keyboard Skills Chair, MusicLink Coordinator, Concerto Festival Chair since 2003, Mtfest co-chair, and Nominating Committee Chair. She has been a proponent of using the website to its full advantage and regularly updates www.nvmta.org. She teaches upwards of 30-40 students a week in her private studio and takes advantage of the many opportunities that NVMTA offers her students.
She is known for her competent scheduling, ease with judges and teachers alike, and physical presence at multiple venues during the same weekend. She is exceptionally supportive during competitions, offering to help however needed.
Jeri is recognized for being patient and kind as she helps chairmen and members learn to use MTFest or just to get involved in any way with the club. Members comment that her organization and calm, non-confrontational leadership style make working with her an enjoyable experience. The members of NVMTA benefit greatly from Jeri’s willingness to work tirelessly for the benefit of the club.
Jim Litzelman
Laureate Award 2018
Jim Litzelman has been a distinguished member of NVMTA since at least 1991. At Catholic University, Jim teaches applied piano and courses in piano pedagogy and musicians’ wellness. Jim maintains a thriving private studio as well. He is active as a soloist, collaborative artist, and lecturer, having performed and lectured around the world. Our club has been the recipient of his talents in these areas! He has served in many capacities both at the local and national levels of MTNA. He served as president of NVMTA, Chair of Piano Achievement Awards, program chair for 4-5 years, the nominating committee, competition resource chair and has cared for our pianos for 5-6 years. He currently serves on the national editorial committee of the American Music Teacher magazine and reviews new publications for that periodical. He writes occasional articles for the magazine that reveal his breadth of knowledge and sense of humor as well! In March 2012 he was a judge for the national finals of the MTNA piano competitions in New York City
Jim is known for his professionalism, kindness and consideration. He welcomed board members to his home during his tenure as president to get to know everyone personally. He works with others well, exuding humility as well as confidence. He does not shy away from controversy when change is needed, for which our club is very grateful.
Jim is very kind and considerate. He gives 100% to everything that he does and serves with grace and poise. He has been a special, beloved friend to many members of NVMTA. His colleagues enjoy working with him and describe him as an outstanding leader, well-deserving of the Laureate recognition.
Congratulations to Jim and Jeri and thank you for your exceptional service and leadership to NVMTA.