Special moments be prepared to succeed.

The indomitable Winston Churchill, the master statesman and one of the most brilliant figures of the 20th century, wrote: "To every person there comes that special moment when he is tapped on the shoulder to do a very special thing unique to him. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared for the work that would be his finest hour."

Each of you reading this column today is the embodiment of Churchill's prediction. You have been tapped to do a very special thing--to be a music teacher. As a member of this noble profession, you have the special opportunity to make unique contributions to your students, your colleagues and your community. And, as Churchill implied, this work should be your finest hour.

But, as Churchill also reminded us, we must be prepared if we are to succeed and fulfill our destiny--that "special thing unique to us that would be our finest hour." It would be, as Churchill remarked, a tragedy to be unprepared at this special moment in our lives.

MTNA exists to prepare you for your special work as music teachers. We have been doing this since 1876, longer than any other music teacher association in the country. Since the beginning, our members have found MTNA to be essential to their professional well-being, as well as an indispensable partner in their growth and development as music teachers. MTNA provides many opportunities for, among other things, continuing education and professional development. And one of the most vital ways we accomplish this task is through the American Music Teacher magazine.

Every issue of AMT is ...