

Welcome to Music Teachers’ Association of California – West Los Angeles Branch!
Music Teachers’ Association of California – West Los Angeles (MTAC-WLA) branch is a diverse group of devoted and talented music educators, dedicated to the promotion of musical culture and the pursuit of excellence in the field of music education.
MTAC- WLA was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(6). Our members specialize in the study, and performance and teaching of various disciplines, including but not limited to, classical, jazz and contemporary-popular music. All members have received extensive musical training and include graduates of some of the most prestigious conservatories and universities world-wide. Our professional teachers are engaged in crafting the future of the musical community through our distinctive instruction. Our branch provides many program and performance opportunities. In addition, MTAC -WLA provides teacher collaboration and enrichment through educational workshops as well as teacher recitals.
We greatly appreciate any financial support which helps us to continue our mission. Donations can be easily made through the “DONATE HERE” button at the screen’s upper right corner.
The Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) is a professional organization. On our website you can find a private instructor, learn more about the benefits of being a member of the MTAC, and view our event calendar for our activities.
MTAC Association Mission Statement
The mission of the Music Teachers’ Association of California is to promote excellence in the music teaching profession. We do this through high membership standards, strong ethical values and continuing professional education.
(revised and accepted in 2016)
MTAC Code of Ethics
Music Teacher’s Association of California (MTAC) was founded and incorporated in 1897 under the laws of the State of California to promote the welfare of the music teacher, and to elevate the educational and teaching standards of its members. The exacting qualifications for membership in the Association establish the member as a qualified and accredited teacher in the community, thus ensuring a professional status. The Code of Ethics maintains a high standard of personal and professional conduct.
Please refer to MTAC.org for the full statement of the code of ethics adopted by all branches of MTAC.
MTAC-WLA Board of Directors and Program & Project Chairs
(2025-2026)
Board of Directors
-
Ferris Gluck – President
-
Dr. Nara Shahbazyan – 1st Vice President (Programs)
-
Lisa Pietruszka-Polak – 2nd Vice President (Hospitality)
-
Victoria Roizen – 3rd Vice President (Membership)
-
Louisa Wong – Treasurer
-
Mehry Lalezarian – Recording Secretary
-
Dr. Ching-Yi Wang – Director
-
Kyunghwa Yoon – Director
-
Nancy Arnold – Director
-
Jan Kravets – Parliamentarian
Event & Committee Chairs
-
Mehry Lalezarian – Certificate of Merit™
-
Dr. Wojciech Kocyan & Louisa Wong – Gawartin Chopin Piano Competition
-
Dr. Wojciech Kocyan & Louisa Wong – Alice Frazier Kitchen Memorial Scholarship Competition
-
Nurit Caspi & Victoria Roizen – Naomi Reisfeld Etude Festival
-
Marina Kalantarova – Piano Masterclass
-
Jan Kravets – Branch Student Recital I
-
Mary Ann Cummins & Jan Kravets – Branch Student Recital II
-
Marla Jones – VOCE
-
Jan Kravets – Directory
-
Barbara Roe & Christine Rosander – Adult Salon-Musicale
-
Rosa Wong – Bach Festival (Branch)
-
Victoria Roizen – Cal Plan
-
Susanna Safarian-Tarontsi – 20th-21st Century Music Festival
-
Dr. Neil Galanter – Living Composers Fiesta
Support Roles/Clubs & Student Activities
-
Ferris Gluck – Webmaster
-
Muyiwa Ogunsanya – Web Designer / Developer
-
Marguerite Schwinger 1954–1956
-
Mildred Haines 1956–1958
-
Margaret Rose Sheet 1958–1960
-
Eva Redick 1960–1962
-
Alice Kitchen 1962–1964
-
Evelyn Paddock-Smith 1964–1966
-
Sybil Maxwell 1966–1967
-
Emilie Fong 1967–1968
-
Elizabeth Withrow 1968–1969
-
Emilie Fong 1969–1970
-
Evelyn Paddock Smith 1970–1971
-
Beth Jones 1971–1973
-
Nannette Kliger 1973–1975
-
Jean Waller 1975–1977
-
Anne Furniss 1977–1979
-
Florence Fainman 1979–1981
-
Susan Rosett 1981–1983
-
Ellen Batzdorf 1983–1985
-
Elspeth Nickerson 1985–1987
-
Louisa Wong 1987–1989
-
Marilyn Priestley 1989–1991
-
Alpha H. Walker 1991–1993
-
Nancy Arnold/Diane Bloomer 1993–1995
-
Eric Aranda 1995–1997
-
Marie Lewis 1997–1999
-
Deborah H. How 1999–2005
-
Jane Jonaitis 2005–2007
-
Kathleen Summerland/Rosa Wong 2007–2009
-
Louisa Wong 2009–2013
-
Sharon Collins & Nancy Fierro 2013–2014
-
Jan Kravets & Georgi Slavchev 2014–2016
-
Jan Kravets & Marina Kalantarova 2016–2017
-
Jan Kravets & Desislava Grueva 2017–2018
-
Jan Kravets & Marla Jones 2018-2021
-
Dr. Wojciech Kocyan 2021-2024