Stan Watkins has been named as the EMTA Volunteer of the Month for January 2026! 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.
I began teaching piano and music theory privately in 2010 and now have 36 students from age 6-80. I use the Celebration Piano Repertoire Series extensively and prepare students for RCM exams when they wish. One of my students, who began 14 years ago as a wide-eyed child from Nepal who spoke no English, now has finished his level 9 exam and branched out into choosing his own music. I am learning K-pop from him.

Please tell us how you have volunteered service to EMTA and to our students.
I have served with the Musicianship Festival grading theory papers and also as the lead for our used book sales.

How have you balanced your teaching load with all of the time that you have devoted to EMTA volunteer work?
One way to balance teaching with volunteering is to integrate the two. For example, grading theory papers has helped me understand the musicianship program better so that I can place my own students appropriately and music sales has introduced me to new teaching resources that I can use with my own students.

Besides benefiting 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 has allowed me to feel more accepted and connected with EMTA than if I simply attended meetings. The volunteer work with the Musicianship Festival has encouraged me to develop personal relationships with other volunteers and my work with the book sales has been rewarding as I use my natural strengths in organizing and planning.

Is there anything else that you would like to say to our members about volunteering for
EMTA?
I would encourage others to volunteer with EMTA. Everyone has their own natural abilities and sharing your strengths will help you feel the community you share with your colleagues.

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