2025-2027
The State Board of Directors is elected biannually by voting members of MTAC. These dedicated volunteers work closely to govern the organization with MTAC State Program Chairs and Committees, as well as the State Office staff.
Dr. Margaret Perry, President
Dr. Margaret Perry is an Associate Professor of Practice in Piano at the University of the Pacific. She teaches group piano and piano pedagogy in the Conservatory of Music and private lessons for Pacific’s Community Music School. Margaret received a BM degree in piano performance and pedagogy and MM in piano performance from Brigham Young University. She completed a DMA in piano performance at the University of Arizona.
Margaret served two terms as President of the MTAC San Joaquin County Branch. She has also held the office of Recording Secretary. She served on the State Board as 1st Director, 1st Vice President, and is now President.
Kate Rubke-Foxworth, First Vice President
Kate Rubke-Foxworth joined the MTAC over 15 years ago, mentored by the late Phyllis Eddleman. Her first experience with the organization was as a piano student of Michi Swanson. Kate continued her musical studies in college, receiving a MM in Voice from University of Redlands and currently teaches privately.
She served the Riverside County Branch MTAC board as President and as branch CM and VOCE chairperson. Kate has evaluated for CM and judged for VOCE and festivals.
Kate is also a member of National Association of Teachers of Singing and enjoys leading music as a substitute church musician.
Jeanette Dreifuerst, Second Vice President
Jeanette Dreifuerst received a Bachelor of Music Education from West Texas A &s; M University and Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. She studied German and Music Pedagogy at the Ludwig Maximillian University in Munich, Germany while studying piano with Susanne Schemann. She taught in Catholic and public school systems for several years as well as teaching piano and violin privately for over 30 years. Jeanette has served the Contra Costa County Branch MTAC as Recording Secretary and Branch President and the last several years as Co-Chair of the branch’s annual Baroque Festival. She is honored to have serve as Recording Secretary on the 2021-2023 Board, and as Treasurer on the 2023-2025 Board.
Alicia Ellsworth, Treasurer
Alicia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in piano from Brigham Young University. She worked in the performing arts department at Bakersfield High School for over 12 years, and now mainly teaches private Piano and Harp lessons from her home studio. Alicia is a member of the Kern Branch of MTAC and has served on the Branch Board as Secretary, and as Treasurer. She has been a CM Evaluator for both Piano and Harp for many years.
Marc Lombardino, Recording Secretary
Marc received a B.A. in Music from the University of California, Berkeley; M.M. in Piano Performance and M.A. in Musicology from California State University, Long Beach; and will soon complete his Ph.D. in Historical Musicology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He maintains a private piano studio in Long Beach; plays regularly for Ballet Schools, student Musical Theater, and municipal chorales; and directs the choir and plays organ for his Church. Marc is a member of the Long Beach Branch of MTAC where he has served as Branch President, Second Vice President, and Program Chair.
Susie Fong, Membership Secretary
Susie Fong received her B.A. in Music from the University of California at Berkeley and an M.M. in Harpsichord Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She has taught piano privately since 2011, and is the owner/director of Plumrose Piano Studio in San Francisco. As a member of the San Francisco Branch of MTAC, Susie has previously served as Branch CM Chair, Director and Vice President, and is currently serving as Branch President.
Ben Dorfan, Director 1
Ben received a BA in Music Technology from Oberlin College and an MA in Music Composition from UC Santa Cruz, where he is currently a DMA candidate. Ben was a member of the “Freeway Philharmonic” for many years, appearing with organizations including the Carmel Bach Festival, Santa Cruz Chamber Players, and Santa Cruz Symphony. A frequently commissioned composer, his works have been performed worldwide. He now focuses on private teaching, chamber music performance, and completing his doctorate. Ben is a member of MTAC Santa Cruz County Branch, where he has served as Branch President, Vice President, and Recording Secretary.
Kevin Martinez, Director 2
Kevin Martinez received a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from California State University, Sacramento under Professor Richard Cionco. He has taught piano in the Sacramento and Folsom areas for over 10 years in music schools, as well as his private studio. Kevin initially served as Recording Secretary, and is currently serving as the President of the Sacramento Branch.
Yuko Maruyama, Director 3
Composer-arranger-pianist Yuko Maruyama is from Tokyo, Japan. Yuko holds a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from USC and has professionally performed in a wide range of styles, including classical, jazz, blues, Latin and Broadway. A Kawai Piano’s Featured Artist, Yuko has toured the U.S. with her acclaimed CD, “In Tone Nation” in 2002. As an educator, she strongly advocates incorporating improvisation in music lessons to elevate students’ overall musicianship. Yuko teaches privately in her San Diego studio and virtually from anywhere in the world online. She currently serves as the San Diego Branch President and is the Improvisation State Chair.
Advisor to the State Board
Neo Law Group