Founded
The Japan Piano Teachers Association was founded in 1984 as a result of big growth and strong demand of pianists and piano teachers throughout Japan. The JPTA is a major national organization serving as a provider and an advocate of Japanese piano-related musical future. Through the nationwide high quality educational activities, the JPTA was recognized as a public interest incorporated foundation by the Cabinet Office in 2010.
Mission statement
The JPTA is committed to enhance the quality and the value of music making and music study, serving to fulfill social responsibilities of musicians and educators. The annual conference provides close scholastic communication between pianists and piano teachers, operating upon raising standards and seeking for the ideal piano performing and teaching strategies. The JPTA has also a close relationship with the EPTA, through which Japanese musicians are able to be exposed to genuine approach to western music.
Activities
1. Organizing lecture-recitals, master classes, auditions, competitions, and international conferences and symposiums.
2. Promoting close cooperation among the members, and providing close collaboration with the related organizations and groups.
3. Promoting international exchange of artists and piano teachers at every level.
4. Establishing a research center with musicological and educational purpose.
5. Publishing the JPTA journal, and books on Piano pedagogy.
6. Protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of the JPTA members.
7. Advocating awareness of further importance of music, as an essential factor of liberal education, and as a true medium for human communication and world understanding.
Structure
The JPTA is comprised of three thousand individuals and groups, including the most representative of artists, teachers and educators of piano. There are thirteen chapters throughout Japan, according to the geographical distribution. Each chapter is closely associated with the headquarters, functioning as a leading organization in that particular district as well.
