Marie Wollam-Mergler has been named as the EMTA Volunteer of the Month for November, 2025! We are delighted to share your interview responses with our membership and to have this opportunity to thank you publicly for all that you do to benefit the membership of EMTA and the students of our members.

First, please share with our readers a bit about your teaching.  

Currently, I teach piano to ages 6-adult, beginners to advanced. We have four studio recitals per year with various themes to keep students motivated and actively learning new music. Aspiring students are encouraged to participate in festivals not only at the EMTA but also in the greater Seattle area.

Please tell us how you have volunteered service to EMTA and to our students. 

I have volunteered as chair or co-chair with the Jazz, Rags and Blues Festival and MAP Honors Recitals, as well as helped with the Musicianship Festival, Time Era Festival, and Excellence in Music Awards.

How have you balanced your teaching load with the huge amount of time that you have devoted to EMTA volunteer work?

Teaching and volunteering are connected. In Colorado Springs I had a full studio and still managed to volunteer with their musicianship festival and as membership chair. After moving back to Washington and while homeschooling three kids, I stepped back from any extra roles beyond teaching. Volunteering was encouraged by other members here at the EMTA so I took on more roles as my schedule became less hectic. I encourage my students to participate in EMTA festivals and activities, so we prepare music for studio recitals that will have pieces that work for both.

Is there a special memory about your volunteer activities that you would like to share?

I remember one of my students feeling energized after their Honors Recital performance, and apparently it showed as she was approached by multiple families asking about the piece! Of course, it is wonderful to see everyone at these events, to hear students perform, and learn so many great ideas from master teachers! 

Besides benefiting students and EMTA members, please tell our readers about any benefits or personal rewards that you feel that you get from doing volunteer work for EMTA?

Volunteering for EMTA has made it easier to meet other teachers and members of our community. It is challenging to prepare for an event, so many pieces that must fall into place, yet wonderful when it is successfully completed. Similar to when students have their pieces memorized (surprise!) on the day of the recital.

Is there anything else that you would like to say to our members about volunteering for EMTA?

Please volunteer! The EMTA is such a friendly chapter, and we miss your energies and talents! Thank you so much for this honor.

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Thank you to EMTA member, Rick Asher, for coordinating the EMTA Volunteer of the Month.