August 26, 2026
Story by Amanda Staab
Courtesy photo submitted
Barton Community College Instructor of Keyboard Studies and Director of Accompaniment Dr. Alejandro Avila has officially taken on the role of president-elect of the Kansas Music Teachers Association (KMTA), a statewide leadership position that will lead to him becoming president of the organization in September 2027.
KMTA is a state-wide professional organization for music teachers in Kansas, providing a community where educators can connect, learn, collaborate, and support the next generation of musicians. For 140 years, KMTA has been part of the tradition of music teaching in Kansas, helping teachers strengthen their professional practice while creating educational and performance opportunities for students. Through educational programs, professional development, competitions, conferences, and networking opportunities, KMTA continues to support music teachers and students and to promote the important role of music education in communities across the state. As an affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026, KMTA is also part of one of the longest-standing professional organizations supporting music educators in the United States.
As president-elect, Avila will work alongside KMTA leadership and members, support statewide initiatives, and prepare to assume the responsibilities of president. He will also serve as a connection between Kansas music teachers and the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), participating in national leadership events and bringing resources and perspectives back to Kansas.
Avila will also collaborate with organizations such as the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) as part of statewide efforts to strengthen partnerships and support music education.
Avila said being selected by his peers for the leadership position is a tremendous honor.
“It is truly an honor to have been selected to serve as president-elect and eventually president of an organization that has such a strong history of supporting music educators and students throughout Kansas,” he said. “I am grateful for the trust my colleagues have placed in me, and I look forward to learning, serving, and helping continue the important work of KMTA.”
The statewide leadership role builds on Avila’s work at Barton, where he has focused on creating opportunities for students, expanding access to music education, and connecting the College with the community.
In 2024, Avila created Barton’s Community Music School to provide affordable music instruction while creating teaching opportunities for Barton students. The program began with individual piano lessons for children ages 6 to 18 and has since expanded to include clarinet, oboe, bassoon, trombone, saxophone, trumpet, viola, violin, cello, guitar, bass, drums, and French horn.
Avila was also a recipient of Barton’s 2025-26 Distinguished Instructor Award, which recognizes excellence in teaching. He was recognized for his energetic teaching style, high expectations, commitment to student growth, recruitment efforts, and program development.
His work also includes extensive performance and collaboration. In 2024, he performed George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the Prairie Winds Symphony Band in recognition of the composition’s 100th anniversary. He has also collaborated with visiting musicians and Barton faculty through concerts, master classes, and recitals.
Avila said his KMTA involvement will provide opportunities to develop relationships that can also benefit Barton students and programs.
“One of the greatest benefits of being involved at this level is the opportunity to connect with music educators from across the state,” he said. “Those relationships allow us to share ideas, learn from one another, and create new opportunities for our students. It also gives me the opportunity to represent Barton and share the incredible work taking place here with colleagues throughout Kansas.”
Avila said representing Barton is an important part of the opportunity.
“I am incredibly proud to represent Barton Community College in this role,” he said. “Barton has given me the opportunity to develop programs, collaborate with talented colleagues, and work with outstanding students. To now represent the College while serving music educators and students throughout Kansas is a tremendous privilege.”
Avila holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance from the University of Kansas, a Master of Music from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Music from São Paulo State University in Brazil.
To learn more about Barton’s music program, visit music.bartonccc.edu.