Join the collaborative performance forum.(Music Teachers National Association, conference and forum)

Every MTNA National Conference has scheduled times for various constituencies to sound their voices about issues facing MTNA members. These meetings, called Forums, are designed for any member to identify both problems and opportunities for the association's leadership. The moniker of "Forum" was purposely chosen to describe an open flow of ideas from member to member, in hopes of involving as many people as possible in the process of determining the future of MTNA and its programs. Among the topics offered every spring are: "Arts & Advocacy," "Independent Music Teachers," "College Faculty," "Collegiate Chapters," "Local Associations" and "Collaborative Performance."

The Collaborative Performance Forum was created to serve all members, but particularly those interested in group performances. The term should be viewed as including any music-making venue that involves more than one solo musician. It could refer to something as small as duets or as large as symphonies; however, chamber repertoire with one performer on a part is the medium most often explored. Although the current Forum participants are mostly pianists, all instrumentalists and vocalists are invited and welcome in the dialogue.

In the past, the Collaborative Performance Forum has initiated several projects to serve members. The Intermediate Chamber Music list, available online at the MTNA website (www.mtna.org) under "Resources and Services," was compiled by volunteers from the Forum. The list's purpose is to help independent teachers find appropriate literature for students just beginning to explore ensemble playing. The database is searchable by title, composer, difficulty and instrumentation.

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