Formation of the Associated Music Teachers League, Inc.

New Teachers Organization Formed - Musical America 1926-07-31 Vol 44 Iss 15

New Teachers Organization Formed – Musical America 1926-07-31 Vol 44 Iss 15

In 1927, the Associated Music Teachers League, Inc. (AMTL) was officially established in New York City with a vision to elevate the standards of the music teaching profession. Headquartered at the Hotel Majestic, this groundbreaking organization brought together educators with the shared goal of advancing music education, supporting teachers, and fostering public appreciation for musical arts.

 

Leadership and Organization

The founding officers of the League were:

  • Gustave L. Becker, President
  • Nathan Ulanov, Vice President
  • Aaron N. Ornstein, Secretary
  • George J. Berman, Corresponding Secretary
  • Charles Levenson, Treasurer
  • Ferdinand Greenwald, Chairman of the Organization Committee

These individuals played a pivotal role in defining the League’s mission and policies.

 

Mission and Goals

Musical Courier 1926-07-29 Vol 93 Iss 5

Musical Courier 1926-07-29 Vol 93 Iss 5

The AMTL was established with the following core aims:

  • Recognition and Standards: To elevate the status of music teachers and establish them as key contributors to musical education.
  • Professional Courtesy: To foster mutual respect among educators, including pledges against unethical practices like speaking ill of colleagues or claiming undue credit for students.
  • Support and Advocacy: To provide financial assistance to aged or disabled teachers, support talented but needy students, and advocate for better economic conditions for music educators.
  • Standardization: To promote best practices in teaching across various musical disciplines, while respecting diverse methodologies.
  • Professional Development: To exchange knowledge and improve instructional methods within the teaching community.

 

Key Policies

The League implemented a progressive framework, which included:

  • Certification for teachers meeting AMTL standards, symbolizing adherence to the League’s ethics and teaching quality.
  • Committees for different branches of music education to guide standardization efforts.
  • Creation of funds to provide accident or sickness benefits for members, financial assistance for those in need, and promotional campaigns to raise public awareness of the League’s goals.

 

Looking Ahead

The League also envisioned long-term initiatives, including the creation of a dedicated center for music teachers in New York, serving as a hub for professional development and collaboration. The League’s policies and initiatives set a strong foundation for uniting the music teaching profession and addressing the challenges educators faced during the era.

This moment in history marked the beginning of a powerful collective movement, solidifying AMTL’s role in shaping music education and supporting teachers through both advocacy and action.

 

 

Source: Musical America 1926-07-31: Vol 44 Iss 15, https://archive.org/details/sim_musical-america_1926-07-31_44_15/page/n1/mode/2up, Musical Courier 1926-07-29 Vol 93 Iss 5, https://archive.org/details/sim_music-magazine-and-musical-courier_1926-07-29_93_5/page/24/mode/2up