Division Directors Slate



The MTNA Nominating Committee has prepared a slate consisting of two candidates for each position. The names of each candidate and their biographies are below. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the candidates. Then cast your ballot for the person you want to represent you. You may vote for only one candidate in the division of your primary residence. Voting closes March 2, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

To vote online:

  1. Click on the “Vote Now” button
  2. Enter the first few letters of your last name and wait for a list of names to appear, select your name and enter your zip code. Click Select. On the following page, enter your member number and click Submit.

You can also download and print the ballot by clicking on the "Download Ballot" button, then completing the ballot and mailing with first-class postage.

Voting via email is also an option:

  1. Send an email to mtna@mtna.org with
    • Your Name
    • Your Member Number
    • The name of the Officer candidates for whom you are voting

Please exercise your right as an active member to vote. If you have any questions, please contact the MTNA National Headquarters at mtna@mtnanet.org or (888) 512-5278. 

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East Central Division

Lori Rhoden Lori Rhoden, NCTM
Lori Rhoden, NCTM, is professor of piano and coordinator of piano pedagogy/group piano at Ball State University. A Fulbright Specialist grant recipient, she has performed and taught in China, Korea, Canada, and throughout the United States. She is piano program director for the MasterWorks Festival and has been an instructor for the Yamaha Passport to Music program. She is a past president of the Indiana MTA, received the IMTA Teacher of the Year and Distinguished Service awards, and has served on MTNA committees.
“I am deeply committed to helping MTNA thrive in providing essential professional support for all music teachers,” she says.

 

Sheila Vail Sheila Vail
Sheila Vail earned degrees from the Peabody Conservatory of Music. She has taught piano for 45 years and is the recently retired founder and director of a large music academy in Cincinnati. A member of the OhioMTA Board for 22 years, Sheila has served as District President and is a Foundation Fellow. Active in the RCM Certificate Program, she served as the U.S. National Coordinator 2018–2020, is a member of the College of Examiners, and is the Cincinnati Center Representative.
“Always working to strengthen my musical community in creative and meaningful ways, I have created and managed many inspiring local programs and events throughout my career,” she says.

 

 

Eastern Division

Jonathan Roberts Jonathan Roberts
Jonathan Roberts is the owner and director of the South Shore Piano School in Quincy, Massachusetts, serving more than 350 students and 12 teachers. He is an examiner and U.S. Ambassador for the Royal Conservatory of Music and the immediate past president of Massachusetts MTA.
“As music education evolves faster than ever, MTNA remains a vital resource—one that’s especially dear to me—for helping teachers stay current and connected. I’m excited for the opportunity to bring my experience as both an educator and entrepreneur to help MTNA continue empowering teachers in a rapidly changing world,” he says

 

Junko Takahashi Junko Takahashi
Junko Takahashi has served on the Maryland State, Montgomery County, and Washington MTA boards for more than 20 years. As MSMTA president, Junko facilitated several initiatives and new student events while fostering robust growth for established activities. During COVID, Junko assisted five major event chairs to immediately switch to a virtual format. She was recognized as a 2019 MTNA Foundation Fellow and, in 2024, the first Gary L. Ingle State Leadership Service Award.
“MTNA provides me with countless opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I continue working toward ways to build camaraderie through which we welcome new teachers and learn from one other,” she says.

 

 

Northwest Division

Eneida Larti Eneida Larti
Eneida Larti is associate professor of piano at the University of Idaho and president of the Idaho Music Teachers Association. An active performer, she has appeared across the U.S., South America, and Europe, often featuring works by underrepresented composers. For more than 15 years, she has held leadership roles in the Idaho and Colorado MTAs.
“MTNA has been part of my professional journey since high school, when I entered my first competition. Three decades later, it continues to provide me with an incredibly supportive community and meaningful professional opportunities. I’m honored to serve this wonderful organization and represent the Northwest Division,” she says.

 

Lynda Lybeck-Robinson Lynda Lybeck-Robinson, NCTM
Lynda Lybeck-Robinson, NCTM, teaches piano in Alaska’s rugged Aleutian Islands, reaching from Unalaska’s in-person students to remote village students online. She is president of the Alaska Federation of Music Clubs and Kenai Central Peninsula Music Teachers. Lynda has more than 50 publications through Hal Leonard, including “Williwaw,” “Alaska Sketches,” and more.
“Teaching in the Aleutians is isolating but deeply gratifying, offering new musical opportunities to island communities. MTNA membership connections and programs have sustained me and often contributed to my successes. I am grateful to reciprocate with my time, skills, and adventurous spirit in support of MTNA’s mission and future,” she says.

 

 

South Central Division

Chan Kiat Lim Chan Kiat Lim, NCTM
Chan Kiat Lim, NCTM, is Distinguished Professor of Piano at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. An active performer, pedagogue, and co-author of eNovativePiano, he is a recipient of the LMTA Outstanding Teacher Award, the MTNA Frances Clark Keyboard Pedagogy Award, and the AMT Article of the Year Award.
“MTNA has been a trusted companion in my journey from student to educator and leader. It remains a vital platform for growth, connection, and empowerment. I am deeply grateful to the mentors, lifelong friends, and community who shaped and inspired me, and honored to serve MTNA in continuing its mission of excellence,” he says.

 

Catharine Lysinger Catharine Lysinger
Catharine Lysinger serves on the boards of the Dallas MTA and Texas MTA and is on faculty at Southern Methodist University where she teaches applied piano and piano pedagogy. She is also an active soloist, collaborative pianist, and lecturer.
“MTNA and South Central Division have been the cornerstone of my musical life— first as a young pianist, then as a collegiate participant, and currently as mentor to the next generation of pianists and teachers. The advancement of MTNA and its goals is important work. It would be an honor to give back to MTNA as representative of the South Central Division,” she says.

 

 

Southern Division

Amanda Montgomery Amanda Montgomery, NCTM
Amanda Montgomery, DMA, NCTM, teaches gifted high school pianists at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. The immediate past president of the South Carolina MTA and a member of the MTNA 2026 Conference Planning Committee, her teaching spans elementary to collegiate levels in a variety of educational settings. A distinguished performer and scholar, she presents her work locally, statewide, and nationally.
“Service is at the heart of everything educators do. As the Southern Division Director-elect, my goal is to serve MTNA and its members by listening to members’ needs, fostering collaborative initiatives, and advocating for our profession,” she says.

 

Nancy Shackelford Nancy Shackelford
Nancy Shackelford holds a master of music degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. She teaches piano to students of all ages in two locations, specializing in young beginners. She has a Montessori certificate in addition to certification from the Gordon Institute for Music Learning (obtained with the help of an MTNA Foundation grant in 2001). Nancy has held several board positions at the state and local levels.
“I value the community and support that MTNA offers to its members. The association has helped me grow as a musician and educator. I’m happy to continue growing while serving MTNA,” she says.

 

 

Southwest Division

Brandon Bascom Brandon Bascom, NCTM
“I’m honored to be nominated as Southwest Division Director-elect. MTNA has shaped my professional life over the past 22 years. I bring a broad perspective as a Collegiate Chapter Advisor at Fresno City College—guiding a nationally recognized Co-Chapter of the Year—as a college professor, and as an independent studio owner. I have been a member of six state affiliations while earning degrees from BYU, Manhattan School of Music, University of Michigan, and the University of Iowa. I have attended 18 national conferences. I am passionate about fostering connection, supporting educators, and giving back to the organization that has given me so much,” he says.

 

Marie Lee Marie Lee
Marie Lee, owner of Musicality Schools in Nevada, brings a proven record of service-oriented leadership at state and national levels. As SPAC Chair, she amplified best practices nationwide and supported key MTNA transitions. As Nevada MTA president, she promoted inclusion, professional development, and collegiate growth. A frequent MTNA presenter, she also produces the Group IlluminatED conference and actively mentors through community outreach.
“My philosophy is to empower teachers, foster innovation, and advance MTNA’s mission with purpose and heart. Through supportive leadership and shared vision, we can create meaningful change in our communities and elevate music’s impact in every learner’s life,” she says.

 

 

West Central Division

Andrew Cooperstock Andrew Cooperstock, NCTM
Andrew Cooperstock, NCTM, professor of piano at the University of Colorado, has performed on six continents and recorded a critically acclaimed series of American music. As immediate past president of CSMTA, Andrew helped spearhead initiatives for greater inclusion, leading Colorado to being named the 2024 MTNA State Affiliate of the Year. He and his students present regularly at national, state, and local meetings.
“MTNA has been central to my own musical and professional development over many years, and I’m committed to giving back to the organization as it carries on its vital mission to our remarkable community of students and teachers in the future,” he says.

 

Kristín Jónína Taylor Kristín Jónína Taylor
Kristín Jónína Taylor, an Icelandic-American pianist, is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Fulbright grant. She serves as the Keyboard Area Coordinator at the University of Nebraska- Omaha and is recognized as a Steinway Artist.
“MTNA has shaped my career as a student and educator, fostering innovation, community, and professional growth among music teachers. I’m grateful for the mentorship and resources it provides. As West Central Division director, I aim to build connections and promote meaningful engagement. MTNA’s ongoing impact on teachers, students, and communities inspires me to give back to this incredible organization that has influenced my life and work,” she says.