The Brandon & Westman RMTA has a long history. As Neufeld explained, it had its beginnings as the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers’ Association Brandon Branch through the efforts of Dr. W.L Wright of Brandon College and local music teachers in 1936. Recitals by visiting artists were sponsored between 1936 and 1944, and after they began supporting the Young Artist Series and the Canadian Music Week Series. The name was changed to Brandon & Westman Registered Music Teachers’ Association in 2010 to be inclusive to others outside the Wheat City.
“After I finished my undergraduate degrees, I looked to this organization for support while setting up my personal teaching studio,” said the Margaret-based piano teacher.
At this time, there are 15 members of the organization, reaching from Alexander to Boissevain, Brandon, Melita and Reston. As Neufeld explained, to be members, teachers must hold a degree or diploma from a recognized university or conservatory, or meet the necessary qualifications laid out by the Manitoba RMTA. This ensures the best quality instruction and the association is meant for those who teach privately.
The organization is involved in many music endeavours.
“We are music teachers who organize regular meetings, concerts, recitals and workshops for teachers and students. These opportunities are local and National because of the association with the Canadian Registered Music Teachers Association.”
Neufeld said the organization plans pedagogy (teaching method) chats online once a month, which are open to any private teacher interested in growing as an educator. There are workshops for students, available scholarships and teacher conventions, among other activities.
Although many think of piano teachers when music instruction is discussed, Neufeld said the local RMTA is about more than this.
“Registered Music Teachers Associations consist of all music disciplines - piano, guitar, voice, all strings, winds, brass, conducting, theory and pedagogy teachers. Music is more than just piano, and our organization is inclusive of all musical genres and styles. There are many teachers of all disciplines equally.”
She added there is an opportunity to add more members. There have been some teachers retire in the last few years, in some cases due to COVID. Now that the conservatories and private instruction is back in person, there is more interest from graduates to become members.
The organization itself has plans for the immediate future.
“We are back planning and the next event coming up is the Canada Music Week celebration, which is the last week of November,” Neufeld said. “Our branch will be working together and bringing a workshop, an in-person and online recital. This keeps our program inclusive for all of our students and teachers during the pandemic.”
Neufeld quoted the provincial organization saying they are a group that provides leadership in music education, including high standards among its members and every community represented. What is the role of the Brandon and Westman branch?
“To bring quality music education inclusively to all students.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff