Volusia County Music Teachers Association

There had been interest in creating the Florida Music Teacher Association (FMTA) since 1918 due to Mrs. Byrd, she wanted to create a state organization for her fellow teachers. The reason for a state organization was to seek official recognition and high-school credit for adequate private instruction.

The idea for establishing the FMTA was kept alive for over a decade yet nothing was done to progress it until after about fourteen years. In 1932, the idea for the state organization was revived by the president of the Jacksonville Music Teacher Association, Mrs. Lloyd Jones, she appointed a committee to study the most advisable way to accomplish the idea and form the State Music Teacher Association.

After a failed attempt in 1933, finally on March of 1934 there was an organizational meeting that was held in Jacksonville, the association had finally been found with over one-hundred members. FTMA was then later affiliated with Music Teacher Association in 1953.

Four years later in 1938, the association gained the recognition that they sought out for; High School Credit, it was announced with a statement as followed "Credit may now be offered for adequate private instruction" on the Florida school bulletin. They did not have a set plan on how exactly the teacher would be certified to their competence, it was until 1954 that they had a Model Plan.

A meeting on September of 1955 was initiated to talk about creating a local music teacher association. These meetings consisted of writing up and sending applications for people to join the organization, as well as creating by-laws and code of ethics that had to be submitted for approval prior to the official meeting. In October of 1955, fifteen music teachers met up to organize the Music Teachers of Volusia County. During the meeting the purpose of creating the organization was discussed. Francis Stevenson had been encouraged by the president of Florida State Music Teacher Association, Merle Sargent of Miami; she urged him of the importance of the formation of a local organization, and the local organization was formed.

Volusia County Music Teacher Association (VCMTA) is comprised of 21 professional music teachers throughout Volusia County organized in 1955, the association is affiliated with Music Teachers National Association and Florida State Music Teachers Association.

The primary objective of the Volusia County Music Teachers Association is to provide musical growth and enrichment for its members and their students. By sponsoring events that improve and expand the opportunities for students and their teachers, VCMTA can increase public awareness of quality music education, thus making a contribution to the cultural life of the entire community.