Resources for Music Teachers
GTCYS values the important role that private teachers and school music educators play in students’ musical growth. We believe that GTCYS and school music programs complement and reinforce each other, and we’re committed to working alongside teachers and school programs to help young musicians thrive.
Prioritizing School Band and Orchestra Programs: Although organizations like GTCYS can’t legally require students to participate in school music programs, we strongly encourage students’ participation in school band and orchestra. If a school band or orchestra concert conflicts with a GTCYS activity, students are expected to prioritize attendance at their band or orchestra concert.
Connect with GTCYS
School Music Educators
GTCYS offers complimentary in-school clinics to help school band and orchestra students grow as musicians. Clinics are tailored to your schedule and ensemble needs.
Private Teacher Directory
We appreciate private teachers who refer students to GTCYS and offer the Private Teacher Directory as a resource for families seeking private instruction.
- Create a new listing
- View your listing by searching the directory
- Update your listing: Email Jessica Mendez Robles
Other Ways to Connect
- Attend a GTCYS concert for free by contacting us
- Attend the Music Teacher Open House
- Sunday, February 21, 1:00–3:00pm at our office in downtown Saint Paul
- Connect with private teachers and school music educators from across our community and share ideas for supporting young musicians.
- Request a chat with GTCYS
- We value feedback from teachers and we’d love to hear about your work or ways we can improve.
- Sign up for our mailing list to get music teacher updates
Support Your Students
GTCYS Auditions
Use the resource links below to help students prepare for a GTCYS audition.
Student Opportunities
GTCYS provides an inspiring learning community for beginning to pre-professional students. There’s a place for everyone in GTCYS!
- School-Year Orchestras: GTCYS’ 11 school year orchestras rehearse on weeknights from September through May.
- Summer Orchestra Camp: A one-week camp in July that takes place at the University of Minnesota
- Launch Lessons: Free private lessons for students who aren’t yet in GTCYS, with the goal of helping them prepare to join a GTCYS orchestra.
- Current GTCYS members have opportunities to participate in Sponsored Lessons, Percussion Seminars, Chamber Music, Student Leadership Team, and more!
We keep an up-to-date list of opportunities outside of GTCYS including volunteering, camps, scholarships, and competitions. To suggest additions to this list, please contact Jessica Mendez Robles.
Financial Assistance
GTCYS offers over $330,000 in need-based financial assistance for all our programs, including school year orchestras, camps, tours, special activities, and private lessons.
Connect With the Educator Community
Explore professional organizations, view resources, and connect with fellow music teachers. To request a professional organization to be added to this list, please email Dan Mollick.
- Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA)
- Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA)
- Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA)
- Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA)
- Suzuki Association of Minnesota (SAM)