My road to certification.(Professional Certification)

I graduated with a degree in medical technology and a minor in chemistry. After working as a toxicologist for a couple years, I left the profession to raise my family. (I now have four sons, ages 3-13.) I had taught piano lessons during high school under the tutelage of my piano teacher, Virginia Hawley Buhn, NCTM, and knew teaching piano would work well with my family responsibilities and was a career I already found both enjoyable and fulfilling. I have benefited greatly from the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association since joining in 1991.

Recently, I decided it was time to become certified. I would like to share the steps I took in hopes it will inspire others who might be on a similar nontraditional track to certification with MTNA.

It took me about two years to go through the process of becoming a nationally certified teacher of music. Here are some hints for your endeavor to become certified.

* Financial assistance is available. I was fortunate to receive a grant from Jordan Kitt's Music Store that helped cover my tuition for lessons as I prepared for my solo recital. Sometimes local music organizations have Professional Development Funds from which you can borrow money if needed. Grants may be available at the local or state level. See www.mtna.org for a list of grants offered at the national level.

* Participate in events sponsored by your local organization--now. Keep records of your studio participation in festivals, contests and local events to ease documentation. I have participated in several local festivals (contemporary music, baroque and theory testing). These events help me motivate my students to obtain a higher level of musicianship.

* Attend local meetings and become friends with the teachers. Volunteer to work with them and help at meetings and events. The associations are valuable to all. Attend master classes, participate in local pedagogy programs and have lunch with your colleagues. The only way to obtain recommendations is to get to know other teachers.

* In preparation for my solo recital, I chose my program carefully using the repertoire guide provided by MTNA. I used several pieces I already knew and learned some new pieces. I selected an excellent teacher, Nancy O'Neill Breth, who provided wonderful suggestions. It was so enjoyable to me to take lessons again. She was kind enough to teach early morning lessons so I could fit them into my family life.