2024-2025 Board of Directors

SMTA Elected Board Members

Josie Zocco, President

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada Josie moved to Seattle in 2011. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Piano Performance and Ethnomusicology at York University as well as an Associate’s Degree in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She has been an active teacher, performer, and accompanist for more than 10 years. She previously served as SMTA’s Newsletter Editor and VP of Marketing and Communications.

Email: smtapresidentofficial@gmail.com

Ryan Worswick, Immediate Past President

Having studied and played the piano for over twenty years, Ryan enjoys collaborating with students of all ages to explore how the wonder and beauty of music fills our life. Possessing a math background as well he founded Notes & Numbers, through which he's taught piano and tutored math in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Seattle for the past five years. Today he's looking forward to perfecting online lessons and helping others do the same, in addition to continuing to hone his musical practice. Ryan previously served as SMTA secretary and is the WSMTA Technology Chair.

Ann Simonson, Treasurer

Ann Simonson is a longtime SMTA member, currently serving as Treasurer on the Board. She teaches piano in the south end of Seattle, and is the Director of Music at Magnolia Lutheran Church. In her many years as a member of SMTA she has served as President, and as Adjudications Chair.

Email: smtatreasurerofficial@gmail.com

Colleen Kennedy, Secretary

Eric Branner, Board Member at Large

Eric is the CEO/Co-Founder of Fons Inc. (fons.io). He’s taught guitar for twenty years, and owns the Blackforrest Music School. Eric has also taught for Holy Names Academy, American Music School, and Shenandoah Academy. He’s the author of Blackforrest Guitar Companion. Eric has also worked in marketing/development for Seattle Opera, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Symphony, Seattle Repertory Theatre, and ACT Theatre.

Sophia Pereyra-Johnston, Board Member at Large

SMTA Appointed Board Members

Peter Mack, VP of Teacher Development

Irish pianist Peter Mack is in great demand as a performer, clinician, convention artist, adjudicator, and teacher. Celebrated for his moving playing, and his easy rapport with audiences, he has performed throughout the United States and Europe, as well as in Australia, India, and the former Soviet Union.

His students are frequent winners of local, national, and international competitions. An active educator, he is current President-elect of MTNA.

“Mack is one of those lucky ones, born with a completely balanced set of talents… In all capacities he is indefatigable....” --Los Angeles Times

Kathy Mortensen, VP of Legacy Management

Kathy has held many positions in SMTA. She enjoys working with the dynamic and caring people on the Board of Directors. She co-Chairs the Dorothy Woodcock Oversight Committee (with RoseMarie Tamburri), organizes The Marsha Wright Commissioned Sonatina Award, and manages music donations for SMTA. Kathy also serves on the budget committee and the proofreading team. She is currently Immediate Past President of WSMTA.

Pamela Chang-Rice, VP of Recitals

Pamela has been an active member of SMTA for about 30 years and teaches Suzuki piano out of her home studio in North Seattle. She has been enjoying playing chamber music as an amateur cellist and also sings in no fewer than three choral groups! Pam served formerly as secretary of SMTA. Impressed with the energy and leadership of her fellow board members, she has elected to remain on the board in a Board-Member-at-Large position to support SMTA programs in whatever way she can.

Thom Stuart, VP of Competitions

Thom Stuart joined SMTA in 2015 and loves being part of this wonderful and engaged organization! The people in SMTA make it great. He teaches piano, voice, and theory in a private studio on the eastside. He includes Dr. Nelita True, Dr. Stewart Gordon, and Dr. Gary Wolf among his inspiring instructors. He also earned a degree in accounting with highest honors from George Mason University in Farifax, VA and continues to work as a controller in the nonprofit sector. Thom’s true passion, though, is teaching. He hopes he is able to help students to fall in love with music forever.

Jessica Evotia Andrews-Hall, VP of Membership

Jessica Evotia Andrews-Hall is an award winning performer who enjoys a vibrant international career as a collaborative pianist, teaching artist and arts advocate. A Steinway teacher and educational partner, she is the founder of JAM Studios where she has taught private and group piano lessons to all ages for 15 years. She is also currently a staff pianist for the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Theatre Group and the Seattle Opera where she is preparing to go on her fourth tour. Jessica is an active member of SMTA and SKCTMA where she serves as Vice President of Membership and Vice President respectively.

Tom Lee, VP of Student Development

Born in Hong Kong and raised in the Pacific Northwest, pianist Tom Lee enjoys a diverse career as a performer and educator of the instrument. As both a solo and collaborative pianist, he has performed extensively around the state, as well as throughout the United States and abroad. Tom holds a Doctorate in Piano Performance from the University of Washington, a Master of Music from Indiana University, and a Bachelor of Music from Rice University. As a teacher, he believes strongly in maintaining high musical standards while fostering an atmosphere of warmth, kindness, and support in his studio.