Dr. Charles Jones Receives 2024 Distinguished Service Award from Louisiana Music Teachers Association

Dr. Charles Jones, Senior Lecturer of Music, was awarded the Louisiana Music Teachers Association (LMTA) Distinguished Service Award during the annual LMTA State Conference held on Thursday, Oct. 10 at Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport. The Distinguished Service Award is not awarded annually; rather, it is awarded on a semiannual basis to an individual who is nominated by LMTA members.

 

Jones has served on the LMTA Board of Directors, leading various statewide competitions and initiatives, for 30 years. He has also served as President of the LTMA, 2000-2003, and as Director of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)’s South Central Division, 2010-2012. Jones began teaching piano at LSMSA in 1993, and he is one of the nationally recognized school’s longest-running professors. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds the Master of Music and Doctor of Music Arts degrees from the University of Texas.

“Receiving the Distinguished Service Award came as a huge surprise,” said Jones. “It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by my fellow music teachers, but we don’t do this to win awards. We’re trying to bring younger people into the field and to create more opportunities for student performers to be recognized.”

LMTA is a non-profit organization of teaching professionals, in both independent studios and academic institutions, who are interested in promoting high-quality music teaching and performance in Louisiana. The LMTA, which has been proudly affiliated with the MTNA since 1952, oversees events including regional piano and voice competitions, statewide rallies, and teaching conferences where Louisiana’s most talented young musicians can earn recognition for their accomplishments.

“The entire LSMSA community applauds Dr. Jones for this much-deserved recognition,” said Dr. Steve Horton, LSMSA Executive Director and CEO. “By sharing his tremendous gifts with others, Dr. Jones has made a positive impact on LSMSA, Natchitoches, and Louisiana.”