The Hawaii Music Teachers Association, a state affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), was conceived and founded at a tea in August 1968 in honor of Celia Mae Bryant, then MTNA vice-president. Through the efforts of the founders, HMTA received its charter from MTNA in September 1968 and became the 49th state affiliate.
Since its inception, HMTA has endeavored to fulfill its purpose as stated in its constitution: “To promote the professional growth and development of its members and to further the art of music by providing programs that encourage and support teaching, Performance, composition, and scholarly research.”
Through the years, HMTA has provided opportunities for its members and their students to participate in workshops, conventions, master classes, recital and competitions on the local and national levels. HMTA members are professional performers and teachers of piano, string and wind instruments, and voice.

The officers on the HMTA Executive Board for 2006-2008 are President – Barbara Dyer, 1st Vice-President (president-elect) – Helen Chao-Casano, 2nd Vice-President – Sheryl Shohet, 3rd Vice-President – Carolyn Stanton, Secretary – Elsie Serion, Treasurer- Eiko Yano, Past President- Ethel Iwasaki, and Parlimentarian – Laurie Shinsato.