Who We Are
Our Purpose
Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico is the New Mexico affiliate of Music Teachers National Association, founded in 1876. We are teachers – of piano, voice, strings, winds, guitar, and more – working in private studios, schools, and universities across the state.
PMTNM was formed in 1951 as the New Mexico Music Teachers Association, founded by Byrdis W. Danfelser, who served as its first president. In 1998 the name was changed to Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico, Inc. We are a nonprofit organization, tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since July 1981.
PMTNM exists to advance music teaching as a profession and music study as a part of life in New Mexico. Specifically, we work to:
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promote the music teaching profession through certification, public awareness, and teacher education
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support students through auditions, competitions, scholarships, local projects, and school credit
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advance music in American culture through programs, scholarships, and composer commissions
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encourage people of every age to take up the study of music
National Affiliation
As the state affiliate of Music Teachers National Association, PMTNM belongs to the MTNA Southwest Division alongside Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Membership in PMTNM includes membership in MTNA, with access to national certification, competitions, and the American Music Teacher journal.
How We're Organized
New Mexico is divided into six districts, each represented by a District Vice President. Officers are elected annually at the state conference, and the association is governed by an Executive Committee and a Board of Directors under bylaws adopted by the membership.
Local Music Teachers Associations
The district associations below are affiliated with PMTNM and MTNA.
Albuquerque Music Teachers Association
AMTA is a large organization of almost 50 members, offering several annual student programs, including:
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Honors Auditions
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MTNA Competitions
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Performance Evaluation Program (PEP)
Northern New Mexico Music Teachers Association
NNMMTA covers the Santa Fe/Los Alamos/White Rock/Espanola/Taos/Las Vegas area. The organization offers several annual student programs, including:
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Honors Auditions
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MTNA Competitions
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Performance Evaluation Program (PEP)
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Sonata Contest
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Halloween Masquerade Musicale
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Spring Musicales
Music Teachers of Eastern New Mexico
Description coming soon.
MTNA Collegiate Chapter
Collegiate Chapter of UNM
The MTNA Collegiate Chapter of UNM, advised by Dr. Falko Steinbach, was chartered in 2025. Their major accomplishment was setting up a professional pianist meet and greet for aspiring piano students at UNM. The event invites young pianists entering their careers to ask questions of highly experienced musicians from different artistic paths. Chapter members also helped out with Honors Auditions and the Winners Concert at the 2025 PMTNM Conference. They volunteered again at the 2026 MTNA National Conference, helping with general logistics such as handing out programs and directing competition finalists to where they needed to be. Thank you, UNM Collegiate Chapter!
Scholarships and Funds
PMTNM administers several funds established by members and families to support students and teachers across New Mexico.
Byrdis W. Danfelser Piano Scholarship
For piano students from grade school through high school whose teacher is a PMTNM member. Presented at the annual state conference.
Janet Spangenberg Weed Memorial Scholarship
For students in piano, voice, and other instruments, established by her children in her memory.
Joyce Walker Student Foundation (no application needed)
Established in 1980, providing awards to students who have won PMTNM and MTNA competitions.
PMTNM Memorial Outreach Fund (awarded by simple written request for an outreach project)
Tax-deductible gifts made in memory or in honor of someone, supporting music outreach programs.
PMTNM Student Travel Fund (no application needed)
Grants to MTNA competition winners toward preparing a video for Division (MTNA's second round) and travel to National auditions (finals).
Contributions to these funds are tax-deductible.
PMTNM Board 2025 - 2026
Dr. Laura Spitzer
President
Sam Jacobs
Vice President
Successor TBD
Executive Secretary/Treasurer
Sharon Kunitz
Past President
District Vice-Presidents
Tatyana Bayliyeva
Central
Position open
Northwest
Wendy Ge
Northeast I
Position open
Southeast
Lori Dawkins
Northeast II
Dr. Yoshiko Arahata
Southwest
Committee Chairs
Advertising Manager
Position open
Archives
Position open
Awareness and Advocacy
Laura Spitzer
Budget
Jeanne Grealish, NCTM
College Faculty Forum
Marina Bengoa Roldán
Collegiate Chapters
Falko Steinbach
Commissioned Composer
Elizabeth Garland
Handbook
Laura Spitzer
Joyce Walker Student Foundation
Cindy Walker
Music Bowl
Terri Reck
MTNA Competitions, Composition
Dr. Yoshiko Arahata
MTNA Competitions, Performance
Tatyana Bayliyeva
MTNA Foundation
Sam Jacobs
PEP
Janna Warren
Scholarships
Laura Spitzer
Segue Editor
Cheryl Pachak-Brooks
State Honors Auditions
Melinda Moore
Website
Laura Spitzer