Beth Gigante Klingenstein, NCTM

  Beth Gigante Klingenstein’s professional life reflects a multi-faceted teaching career, exciting leadership positions, decades of performing and an abundance of service to MTNA.
   Beth’s extensive teaching career encompasses three distinct tracks: her independent studio in Virginia; Valley City State University (VCSU) in North Dakota; and, while at VCSU, simultaneously founding, directing and teaching at the VCSU Community School of the Arts. These venues allowed Beth to teach students of all ages and a variety of topics including chamber music and piano pedagogy. Her community work was recognized in 2007, when she received the North Dakota Governor’s Award for the Arts.
   Beth’s groundbreaking research on the business concerns of the independent music teacher resulted in her first book, A Business Guide for the Music Teacher, which led to more than 160 presentations on business, pedagogy and advocacy. She has since written more than 40 articles, a second book, The Independent Piano Teacher’s Studio Handbook, and 50 successful grants. She has significantly impacted the business practices of MTNA members and was the first author of AMT’s business column and MTNA’s first Business Resources coordinator.
   Outside of MTNA, Beth’s leadership experience includes being chair of the VCSU Music Department followed by executive director of the North Dakota Council on the Arts. Her interest in leadership is reflected in her final degree, a PhD in Educational Leadership. Within MTNA, she served twice as NDMTA’s state president and twice on the MTNA board, first as WCD director and later as secretary-treasurer. She served on 11 national committees and numerous state and local committees. Beth’s dedication was recognized in 2023, when she received MTNA’s Distinguished Service Award.
   “My professional life has taken me down roads I never dreamed I would travel. I can’t thank MTNA enough for opening my eyes to the diverse paths that exist in our profession. MTNA nurtured my passion for arts advocacy and offered me the support of amazing colleagues. I always have felt the desire to share MTNA’s remarkable value with new members and to cheer on seasoned members as we embrace the innovations our younger colleagues bring to the table. There are many wonderful ways to learn from each other and to support one another in our teaching. It is an honor to be nominated for president, and, if elected, it will be an even greater honor to serve MTNA and its members,” she says.

Cindy Peterson-Peart, NCTM

  Cindy Peterson-Peart, NCTM, is an independent piano teacher who maintains a private studio in Beaverton, Oregon. She is in demand as an adjudicator and presenter and particularly appreciates working with collegiate chapters and young professionals. As a collaborative pianist, Cindy enjoys performing with Too Grand!, an eight-hand piano ensemble that donates private concert proceeds to local charities. They have raised more than $400,000 to date.
   Cindy has served as Oregon State president (2014– 2016) and president of her local Portland chapter. Current leadership roles include working on several state and local committees. She serves as Senior Competitions coordinator for Oregon and has served in that role for the Northwest Division. She was honored to be named Oregon’s 2020 MTNA Foundation Fellow and Honorary Life Member.
   At the national level, Cindy most recently served as MTNA vice president for membership (2021–2023). Other MTNA leadership roles include Northwest Division director (2018–2020), Membership Committee member and chair (2016–2020, 2021–2023), Collegiate Chapters Forum chair (2018–2020) and chair of the State Presidents Advisory Council (2015–2016).
   “In 2026 we’ll celebrate MTNA’s 150th anniversary. This upcoming milestone leads me to reflect on all MTNA has given us, and the unknown wonders and challenges that lie ahead. My collegiate training provided me with the skills to become an accomplished musician, but it was MTNA that taught me the value of excellence in teaching. In my years as an MTNA member, I have been fortunate to learn from, and befriend, a diverse group of gifted teachers and performers. My life and career are vastly enriched by the inspiration and expertise of my wonderful colleagues. And I continue to learn and grow as I observe the creativity, resourcefulness and enterprising spirit of young professional and collegiate members. I can honestly say that MTNA shapes who I am as a teacher, musician and colleague. I am honored to be nominated as president-elect and thankful for the opportunity to give back to this incredible association. I have a passion for the programs that make MTNA exceptional as well as an openness and eagerness for the new initiatives and innovative thinking that will take MTNA forward and shape this extraordinary organization for the next 150 years. It’s truly an exciting time and I look forward to sharing it with all of you,” she says.

Gulimina Mahamuti, NCTM

  “Music has the power to transcend boundaries, unite cultures and give voice to those who have been historically underrepresented. As a nominee for Vice President for Representation and Advocacy, I bring a deep commitment to advancing representation and ensuring that all voices in music education are heard and valued. My journey—from being an ethnically underrepresented person in China to becoming the first Uyghur to earn a DMA in piano performance in the United States—has shaped my passion for fostering a more inclusive and equitable music community.

“MTNA has long been a vital organization for music educators, providing crucial support and resources. As our world becomes more interconnected, there is a growing need for our programs to evolve to better reflect the full range of voices within our membership and the communities we serve. By strengthening our commitment to representation and advocacy, we can ensure MTNA remains a leader in music education, responsive to the diverse needs of educators and students.

“Throughout my career, I have worked to amplify underrepresented voices in music by expanding the range of music taught, including works by women, people of color, and musicians from diverse global traditions. My recording of Xinjiang piano music from Western China highlights how we can celebrate these repertoires, which MTNA has begun to incorporate into its festivals, competitions and recitals. I have performed globally—from Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall to stages in Canada, Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Brazil and China— always seeking to bridge cultures and broaden perspectives. Through my work with DUO MUNDI GEORGE & GULI and our outreach in Belize, where we reached nearly a thousand students, I’ve seen the power of global collaboration. MTNA can foster international exchanges to enrich our community by allowing educators and students to collaborate across borders. My experience working with rural students, migrants, and individuals with learning disabilities has reinforced my belief that everyone, regardless of background, should have access to quality music education.

“As a member of the MTNA Representation and Advocacy Committee, I’ve seen the strides we’ve made, including organizing the DEI Track at MTNA National Conference’s Pedagogy Saturday. If elected, I will champion initiatives that strengthen representation and advocacy, ensuring our programs reflect the richness of our global music community and empower all members to thrive,” she says.

Artina McCain

  Artina McCain, hailed by the New York Times as a “virtuoso pianist,” has an international career as a speaker, educator and artist. As a recitalist, her credits include performances at Wigmore Hall and Barbican Centre in London, Weill Hall at Carnegie and Merkin Hall in New York City. Other highlights include guest appearances with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Symphony Orchestra and others.
   Dedicated to promoting the works of underrepresented composers, McCain is a prolific recording artist. She has multiple award-winning albums and a book of 24 Traditional African American Folk Songs. After battling a performance injury for six years, she uses her miraculous recovery to serve as an advocate of musicians’ wellness. Currently, she is associate professor of piano at the University of Memphis.
   “When we spend time communing with others, we become more empathetic and compassionate toward the concerns of others. We begin to desire spaces where we can learn and grow from all people, lift up the disadvantaged and create more opportunities. In my career, I have done this in multiple ways. “In the studio, I consistently encourage students to broaden their repertoire. I teach works ranging from Vincent Ho, Chopin, Cervantes, Bach and Amy Beach to Oscar Peterson and beyond. I actively partner with additional teachers to broaden students’ understanding of diverse repertoire to become well developed musicians.
   “I take a holistic view of musicians’ wellness into every lesson. Years ago, I reengineered my own playing to create a way of playing that feels physically natural. This journey transformed my teaching and thoughts on body equity and how it relates to repertoire choices. My goal is that every student learns to use their bodies efficiently. Everyone should be able to enjoy a lifetime of rewarding music making.
   “As an artist teacher, the performances I curate often inspire and inform what repertoire my students feel a license to explore. Many students have curated their own concerts to promote diverse repertoire. This demonstrative performance focus leads students to exploring their own musical voices. “It is a privilege to be nominated as the next potential leader to create spaces where generations of musicians can learn and flourish. The work we do collaboratively in representation and advocacy teaches everyone to become more exemplary human beings and citizens in our world,” she says.

Natalya Thran, NCTM

  Natalya Thran, NCTM, is an independent piano teacher who manages a large, successful piano studio in Gilbert, Arizona. A native Russian, Natalya Thran received her formal music education in the former Soviet Union. She earned an MM with Honors from Tashkent State Conservatory and an MA from the University of Nevada, Reno. Natalya came to the United States after winning a three-round competition in the former USSR in 1994; she became a U.S. citizen in 2003.
   Natalya serves as the Arizona State MTA Foundation Fund chair. Her previous leadership positions have included Southwest Division director and Collegiate Chapters Forum chair.
   Natalya is active in ASMTA serving as president (2015–2017), ASMTA Membership chair, Arizona Study Program Judges’ coordinator and co-chair of ASU Pedagogy Day, and she helped with several state conferences. In her local East Valley MTA, Natalya has been Membership chair, Spring Recital chair and Composer Celebration Concerts chair. Before moving to Arizona, Natalya was active in the Northern Nevada MTA, serving as the Silver State Competition chair and co-chair of an upper level of the NNMTA Festival.
   In 2022, Natalya received the ASMTA Honored Teacher Award and the EVMTA Teacher of the Year Award. In 2023 she became an MTNA Foundation Fellow.
   Natalya is a highly sought-after independent piano teacher, adjudicator and clinician. Her piano duet and composition students represented the state of Arizona in the MTNA Southwest Division Competitions in multiple years. Throughout her 30-plus year teaching career, many of her students have won international, national, state and local competitions and festivals.
   “Being a part of the MTNA has been invaluable in developing my musical career. MTNA helped me understand my goals as a teacher and shape my identity. For many musicians, MTNA is the base from which we can foster growth and build a sense of togetherness. Despite coming from a different background, MTNA has allowed me to feel welcome and comfortable in the musical community. Throughout my life and career in the U.S., I have always been proud to be an MTNA member and was honored to serve the MTNA as a board member. I am grateful to be nominated for the vice president of membership position and am committed to serving with enthusiasm and integrity,” she says.

Noreen Wenjen

  Noreen Wenjen, NCTM, is an internationally recognized piano teacher, entrepreneur, technophile and author of Two-Year Wait List: An Entrepreneurial Guide for Music Teachers. Noreen has a marketing background working with Fortune 500 companies. For the past 30 years, Noreen has used her ability to bring people together and to help build successful music studios, businesses and organizations.
   Noreen is the 2025 MTNA Conference Planning Committee chair. From 2022–2024, Noreen served on the MTNA Board as Southwest Division director and Finance Committee member. She also served on the CEO Search committee. Noreen was the California Association of Professional Music Teachers vice president of membership for two terms and CAPMT state president from 2017–2019. She was honored to be named an MTNA Foundation Fellow in 2020.
   In 2021, she received the Steinway Top Teacher Award, Most Inspirational Piano Teacher in Southern California from the AI Business Excellence Awards and Local Businessperson of the Year in Torrance. Wenjen Piano Studios was voted 2021 South Bay’s Best Music School by the Daily Breeze newspaper. She regularly contributes to podcasts and conferences as a keynote speaker.
   Noreen received a BM in piano performance from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an artist diploma from the American College of Musicians. Noreen has received top prizes from international piano competitions. Her teachers include Joanna Hodges, Nancy Rohr, Peter Yazbeck, Stewart Gordon and Jim McCormick. She has RCM and MTNA permanent national certifications.
   “I am deeply honored to be nominated as vice president of membership for MTNA. I enjoy the challenge of growing things. Whether growing a business or organization, my creative marketing background fires up and kicks in. My growth mindset philosophy has always been centered around helping others and bringing people together to create a diverse network of music teachers. Every teacher has something unique and valuable to offer. Growing an organization is like growing a garden: Seeds and plants need tending and support for optimal growth and production. Everyone should ask, ‘How can we help?’ The result of growing a successful crop is akin to having an enthusiastic group who may not always agree, but is always willing to listen, communicate, collaborate, bring forth new ideas and thus will grow,” she says.

Secretary-Treasurer

Sharon Callahan

  Sharon T. Callahan has been active in MTNA for many years. She served as South Central Division director on the MTNA Board and the MTNA finance committee (2018–2020). Her MTNA appointments include Wellness Forum chair, MTNA Foundation Development and Affiliate Grants committees. Sharon has also served as South Central Division Performance Competition Senior Coordinator and has written several reviews of recently published piano repertoire for AMT. In 2015, she was honored as MTNA Foundation Fellow and joined the Legacy Society in 2016.
   Sharon is very active in Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA) and has served as president, vice president for Business Activities, TMTA Board member, TMTEF trustee and managing editor of the TMT magazine. In 2009, she was honored with TMTA’s “Teacher of the Year” award. At the local association level, she has served in almost every official capacity.
   She collaborates as a piano accompanist for numerous civic and school/university groups and various choral and instrumental soloists. She is frequently requested as an adjudicator for many festivals and contests. Sharon was also an independent piano teacher for over 40 years. Sharon is a graduate of Baylor University earning a BBA degree in management and computer information systems. She and her two cats live in Montgomery, Texas.
   “Being a member of MTNA provides so many opportunities for us, not only to grow as musicians and learn new and innovative teaching techniques, but also to network with colleagues. Meeting so many wonderful people from all across America has been key for me over the past 34 years of membership, and I will treasure those friendships for a lifetime. MTNA offers a myriad of options for teachers to get involved and volunteer their time and talents to help shape the musical society of tomorrow. Today’s world is continually facing dramatic change and music teachers’ organizations must adapt to provide quality service. MTNA and its affiliated associations exist to serve their members, but many of the tried-and-true benefits that have long served us sometimes no longer seem relevant. As a former MTNA Board member, we faced many thought-provoking issues—a declining membership and the budgetary restraints that it causes. Our biggest challenge is, how do we remain relevant? I am honored to be nominated for the position of secretary-treasurer; it would be a blessing to get the opportunity to live out my passion to serve my fellow MTNA members, especially during challenging times,” she says.

Jeff Kleinsorge, NCTM

  Jeff Kleinsorge, NCTM, is the director of the Preparatory and Community Music Program at Concordia University Chicago, where he also teaches piano pedagogy and keyboard skills. He spends his summers as a member of the piano faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp. As a teacher, Jeff blends his eclectic academic background in performance, pedagogy and composition into a unique approach that produces informed, creative, expressive, and accomplished pianists. Jeff holds a master’s degree in performance from the Manhattan School of Music and a PhD in composition from Michigan State University and is currently president of the Illinois Music Teachers Association.
   “MTNA has always been an important part of my life and career. My childhood piano teacher was president of her local and state MTAs. As a pre-college student, I regularly participated in state and local MTA testing programs, festivals and competitions. Those experiences, as well as the high standards and extraordinary regard for thoughtful pedagogy that I saw in my teacher’s work and the work of her MTNA colleagues—in addition to the sense of professional community—made a lasting impression on me. I went on to found and become president of a collegiate chapter and have been engaged with MTNA organizations for the whole of my professional livelihood. I took a brief detour, mid-career, to assist in the sale of a family business, which led to a two-year stint as the budget director for a generous slice of a very large corporation. When I came back to my senses and returned to my musical career, I brought with me the unusual ability to talk about business, finance and especially budgets in ways that musicians can relate to. That led me to become treasurer for the Chicago Area MTA, and eventually the Illinois State MTA. In both organizations—but especially the latter—I was able to raise the standard of financial practices and responsibility in ways that made tremendous, positive and lasting impacts. I’m humbled and grateful to have been nominated for the position of MTNA secretary-treasurer and would be thrilled and honored to serve in that role,” he says.