The primary purpose of this association is the advancement of musical knowledge and education through discussion, investigation, performance, publication, and the promotion of the general welfare of music teachers in the state of North Carolina. Activities of this organization are aimed both at the promotion of the art of music and of the advancement of musical knowledge both by disseminating the knowledge of educational activities and by promoting the appreciation of music throughout the state.  

History 

On November 1, 1959, twenty-five interested music teachers met at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to discuss the organization of NCMTA.  The first state conference was held in January, 1960 at UNC Chapel Hill. 

The plan for certifying the private piano teachers was adopted in 1962.  In 1963, the plan was revised to include four types of certificates:  Provisional, Standard, Experience and Professional Advancement.

In the fall of 1963, it was decided to move and organize the NCMEC piano teachers section to NCMTA.  The piano contest and festival which had previously been under NCMEC were now shilfted to NCMTA.  Other sections (voice, organ and strings) were later added to NCMTA.  In the fall of 1975, district piano workshops were added.  In 1976, there were over 700 students participating in the NCMTA spring Piano Contest/Festival.  There were also contest/festivals held in the areas of organ, string and voice.

Two annual publications developed:  the North Carolina Music Teacher and the President's Newsletter. 

Today, NCMTA has approximately 600 members. 

Historical records of the North Carolina Music Teachers Association are located in the Manuscript Division of Wilson Library, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.