The Lincoln Music Teachers Association Music Outreach Program began in 1997 as an affiliate to the Music Teachers National Association MusicLink Program.  MusicLink was founded by the MTNA- affiliated Virginia MTA in 1992 and launched nationally by MTNA in 1993.  The purpose of MusicLink was to provide educational opportunities in music instruction to talented students who were in financial need or at risk.  Teachers provided lessons at a free or reduced rate to ensure this opportunity.

From 1997-2002 the LMTA chapter of MusicLink partnered with local schools and universities, the Lincoln Public Schools Ventures in Partnership Program, the TeamMates Program, and local businesses (particularly Dietze Music House).  It was through these partnerships that the most students could be identified, reached, and offered the most conducive opportunity. Grants were awarded by The Lincoln Arts Council and Woods Charitable Fund to jump start the program and initiate long term planning.   

In 2002, MusicLink discontinued its association with MTNA.  At that point, the LMTA leadership chose to continue a similar program, renaming it LMTA Music Outreach (LMTA-MO).  In 2005, grants were awarded to further fund the program.  A new component to the grant awards was partial $10.00 teacher reimbursement for instruction.  Additional grant support came from:  The Nebraska Arts Council, Delta Omicron, the Rolofson Foundation, Music Teachers National Association, the Cooper Foundation, the (St. Mark’s) Lincoln Community Outreach Foundation, Lincoln Arts Council, the Lincoln  Community Foundation, the Pearle Francis Finnegan Foundation, and the Weibe Charitable Foundation.  Play-a-thons were added to further raise funds and service recitals were introduced to further reach the general public.

Since inception, hundreds of students have been served by approximately fifty LMTA teachers.  In 2007, a standardized program (LMTA-MOP) was designed and approved by the LMTA Board.  This Program now reaches all interested students who meet financial criteria.  The Policies and Procedures Manual strives to assure excellence in instructional standards and consistency in student eligibility and program administration.  Data is now being recorded for the purpose of historical documentation, accountability regarding population served, and credibility in searching for other supporting sources.

On August 31, 2011, the M.U.S.I.C. Endowment (Music for UnderServed Interested Children) was established through the Lincoln Community Foundation for the benefit of the LMTA Music Outreach Program. The M.U.S.I.C. Endowment Society was formed at the same time of those charter members who donated the first $10,000. Funds can be donated through LCF and a percentage is paid out each year to support the program. Read more about the Endowment HERE. 

1997-2002 Donna L. Baddeley

2002-2005 Marian Eschliman

2005-2007 Jo Riecker-Karl

2007-2008 Donna L. Baddeley

2008-2013 Wanda Mandigo

2013-2014 Nancy L. Schoen

2014-2018 Jessica Freeman

                       2018-current   Jo Riecker-Karl