Columbine Music Teachers Association (CMTA) is an educational non-profit organization for music teachers in the southwest suburban Denver area, including the communities of Littleton, Lakewood and Highlands Ranch.
Founded in 1990, the purpose of CMTA is to further the art of music and to promote the growth and professional development of its members by providing programs that encourage and support teaching, performance, composition, and research.
CMTA is a local chapter of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and is also affiliated with the Colorado State Music Teachers Association (CSMTA). Awarded Location Association of the Year by CSMTA in 2011 and again in 2016.
SPECIAL AWARDS
Local Association of the Year 1997-1998 2009-2010 2015-2016 2020-2021
Teacher of the Year Carol DuBe -- 2017 Devika DeMel -- 2021
9/10 -- Joe Harkins, Jazz Piano Teaching Improvisation.
10/8 -- Master Class with Dr. Errol Haun focusing on Romantic Era
11/12 -- Leila Viss, Using Technology in the Studio
12/9 -- Musicale, Holiday themed.
1/7 -- Vision Board 2022
2/11 -- Mac Merchant, Preparing Students to be Successful Collaborators
3/11 -- Angie Olsen - Diversity in the Piano Study
4/8 -- TBD
5/13 -- Kristen Celusniak, Book discussion Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom by Ariel Burger
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
A special Master Class is held each year with a University Professor.
Two unique recitals each year include a professional level guest artist: Boys Recital and Adult Recital.
Monthly Newsletter
Educational Programs at each monthly meeting
Three-fold flyer. Information on the programs for the year.
Columbine Teacher Practice during the month of October was extended to CMTA and community musicians to encourage personal development.
Professional Reading Program: 2022-2023 Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
Columbine Cares initiative focussed on the professional and personal health and wellness of members. Planned events include Zoom Yoga and hikes in the Ken Caryl Vallry.
STUDENT EVENTS
Chee-Hwa Tan will work with students in a very special Zoom Master Class in October
Fall Recital and Recital for Creative Musicians in October.
Celebration Series – Modern Festival (theme changes every year) in November
Christmas on the Keys: December musicales in local community area.
Boys Recital in February
Achievement Day in March
Adult Recital in April
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
In 2021-22 Columbine students presented in-person “Holiday on the Keys” performances at the Southwest Plaza Mall and the Littleton Starbucks over the course of 2 weekends in December. This was a great opportunity for students to share their talent with the community. They were fun, festive events for the students and their families.
Columbine events were also shared virtually. “Holiday on the Keys” was available via YouTube on an unlisted channel with friends and family. Videos were also shared for Veterans Day and Valentine’s Day. These video events became popular with students who continued to learn virtually. Family members living out of state and who were otherwise unable to attend performances were delighted to be able to engage with these performances. Columbine plans to continue with the virtual and in person offerings in 2022-23.
Columbine is in the very early planning stages of a “CMTA Vocal and Instrumental Showcase” to be presented in April 2023. The plan is to partner with the Wild Beautiful Orchestra (a new non-profit) and present a concert with vocal and instrumental (non-piano) students, accompanied by the small orchestra. The program will be advertised in the community with hopes of getting some non-Columbine spectators in the audience.
Columbine partners with Music & Arts and Piano Pathways for Holiday on the Keys events.
A previous year activity included a Mitten drive “Playing Hands are Helping Hands” in conjunction with Starbucks. The gloves and mittens were taken to Centennial School for the Fine Arts in Littleton.
