Robert Weirich
Eric Wyrick
Chee Hwa Tan
Adria FIrestone
Brian Shepard
Matthew Liu
NJMTA is a non-profit organization that depends on your participation and contribution to further help our students in developing their skills as musicians. Your gift in any amount will go towards:
1. The MTNA Competitions — state level winners who advance to Division and National levels receive travel grants and/or assistance for video recording as necessary.
2. High School Scholarship support for graduating seniors who enter college as music majors in either performance or composition.
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UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
With profound sadness, the New Jersey Music Teachers Association mourns the passing of longtime member Veda Zuponcic.
Veda Zuponcic’s distinguished career as a soloist, performer, and pedagogue spanned more than five decades. She served as Piano Department Head and Professor of Piano at Rowan University for over 54 years, inspiring generations of students through her artistry, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
Honored with the NJMTA Teacher of the Year Award in 2022 as well as the MTNA Foundation Fellow in 2011, Veda touched countless lives with her brilliance, intensity, honesty, and unwavering devotion to her students. Her legacy will continue to inspire the musical community for years to come.
Contributions in Veda’s memory may be made to the Northern Lights Music Festival:
https://www.northernlightsmusic.org/donate/
HIGHLIGHTS oF 2025
2025 Teacher of the Year - BETTY STOLOFF
Teacher of the Year Award was established as a special award to recognize an outstanding teacher in teaching, character, and service, to be in line with MTNA’s Teacher of the Year Award given at the annual National Conference.
A cornerstone of our organization for over 40 years, Betty Stoloff truly embodies the heart of NJMTA. As a Past President and long-term Board member, Betty was actually one of the original architects of the Teacher of the Year Award back in 2009—helping to define the very standards of excellence she continues to model today. She is also well known as the visionary founder and current Co-chair of the NJMTA Performathon, an incredible initiative that has turned student performances into thousands of dollars for families at the Ronald McDonald House and HomeFront. Beyond her extensive work mentoring the next generation of piano teachers, Betty’s mix of creative leadership, selfless service, and genuine warmth has built lasting bridges between music education and our local community.
2025 SERVICE AWARD - CHRISTINE KANG
Every year, NJMTA presents a Service Award acknowledging a member who has contributed much time and effort to NJMTA and its vision.
A dedicated teacher of both piano and flute, Christine Kang has consistently given back to NJMTA through her leadership in several key roles. From her service as piano chair for YMC, as Winds Chair for both spring and fall events, to her time as Conference Chair/President-Elect, her steady guidance has made a real difference. We are proud to recognize her for her service.