Music for everyone.(The Back Page)

Although it's been a few months since my spring recital, I'm still dwelling on how well it went.

Every student who played did his or her very best, and brought along a fan club of parents and friends. A recital is a wonderful tribute to a year's worth of lessons, but can be even more than that thanks to MTNA and its "Music For Everyone" programs.

Because of these programs, my Spring Recital has turned into the Spring "Awards" Recital. Following the music, I now take a few moments to talk a bit about and distribute the MTNA Music Study Award, MTNA Studio Festival Certificates and MTNA Music Achievement Awards earned by my students during the yean Being able to present a national award to students in front of family and friends not only makes each recipient feel quite proud of their accomplishments, but also adds to the professionalism of my studio.

With minimum planning, your students, too, can benefit from these wonderful programs. The MTNA Music Study Award recognizes two-year increments of music study. These motivational awards recognize commitment to lessons on the part of students, and, as I present 6- and 8-year awards, parents see I am a committed professional whose students continue to enjoy lessons through sometimes turbulent years.

This award is very easy to implement. When students enter your studio, immediately put their names into your database, including the date of their first lessons. Two months before the recital print out the database, and note each student's number of years of study. Click on www.mtna.org/musicstudy.htm and then order the certificates online.

The MTNA Studio Festival is near and dear to my heart and has become easier to plan each year. The Studio Festival program gives teachers the opportunity to hold a nationally sponsored event in their own studio. Teachers have the opportunity to select their own adjudicator. How do you find this person? Through my activities in my state and local associations and MTNA conferences, I have found a ...