History of RPTA

The Raleigh Piano Teachers Association was originated by the Raleigh Music Club. It began as an interest activity of that club and met with the Raleigh Music Club members for about two years. During this time, the enthusiasm and leadership of Mr. Stuart Pratt and Mrs. Roberta Templeton, along with others, proved to be a most vital force toward the growth of the small group and attracted the interest of other piano teachers. After two years and much help and encouragement from the Raleigh Music Club, it was felt by both groups that the piano teachers would find it to their advantage to form an organization of their own. Thus, in 1955, the Raleigh Piano Teachers Association, with Stuart Pratt as President, was organized. Since that time it has been successful in helping many teachers by its programs, workshops, and other professional activities.

Who We Are

The Raleigh Piano Teachers Association is a local affiliate of the North Carolina Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association, and serves the professional piano teaching community of Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas. Membership in RPTA is open to any individual professionally engaged in a music activity. Click here to read the RPTA Constitution, Bylaws, and Code of Ethics. 

What We Do

The mission of RPTA is to stimulate professional growth so that our members may provide quality education to their students. In keeping with this mission, RPTA regularly sponsors programs, workshops, and other professional activities designed to provide practical support for our teachers. An ever-growing lending library of music-related teaching resources is available to members free of charge. RPTA also seeks to cultivate music-making in the community by providing numerous student performance opportunities throughout the year.     

Why Join?

Members of RPTA enjoy a warm and caring community of supportive peers dedicated to excellence in teaching.  Throughout the school year, programs are presented during RPTA regular monthly meetings dealing with specific pedagogical issues. RPTA summer workshops have featured well-known guest clinicians from all over the US. In addition to serving teachers, membership in RPTA also provides unparalleled performance opportunities for students. Participation in RPTA's yearly Young Artist Auditions festival regularly exceeds 1,000 piano students.  RPTA's Ensemble Festival, held every other year, encourages social music-making by providing students the opportunity to perform ensemble music together and share their interest in piano playing. Other RPTA student events include the yearly Scholarship Auditions, NCMTA Piano Performance Festivals, and various musicales. Anyone interested in membership in RPTA is cordially invited to attend one of our regular monthly meetings held September - May the third Wednesday of each month (except December and March) from 9:45am to 12pm in Carswell Concert Hall at Meredith College in downtown Raleigh, NC. The featured program for each meeting is listed on the Calendar page. For driving directions to Meredith College, see below. We sincerely hope to see you there!

RPTA Charter Members

Below are the names of the charter members of the Raleigh Piano Teachers Association who were influential in the founding of this organization. A list of all past presidents may be found in the Yearbook.

Edna Deitz Busby

Beulah Cameron

Marion Cable

Ruth Everett

Elfreda Johnson

Dorothy Kenyon

Stuart Pratt

Hilda Senter

Elizabeth Scott

Louise Tripp