The MTNA National Conference: an investment in the future.(Forum focus: collegiate chapters)

Ten years ago, I attended my first MTNA National Conference in Spokane, Washington, with two friends. As undergraduate students at Brigham Young University, we worried about how attending the conference would affect our schooling mad our preparation for upcoming recitals. As we scraped together out pennies to buy plane tickets and pay for motel costs, we wondered if conference attendance truly would be worth the sacrifices we were making.

The magical energy of meeting with so many other music teachers and students at the Spokane conference has had a lasting impact on my teaching. Some individual moments and experiences of that conference stand out in my memory: Byron Janis's performance of Henri Dutilleux's Sonata, Nelita True's description of her first piano lessons in Montana, the Collegiate Chapters session with E. L. Lancaster and the exhibit hall, where I spent hours looking through music. In addition to wonderful memories, I came away from the Spokane conference, and each MTNA National Conference I have attended since, with three priceless gifts: motivation, education and vision. Attending the MTNA National Conference may be one of the greatest investments collegiate students will make in their future teaching careers. Here are some of the specific "returns" students may receive on their "principal":

One of the most compelling reasons to attend the National Conference as a student is the low cost! The cost for student registration is $55, compared with $195 for a regular member registration. Registration for Pedagogy Saturday or Professional Studio Saturday is $25 for a student member and $35 for a regular member. Also, students who volunteer eight hours to help monitor competitions and sessions receive free registration to the conference. (Saturday registration is not included.)

Hundreds of informative sessions covering numerous topics are presented by outstanding leaders, not only in the music teaching profession, but also in related fields, such as psychology, medicine, business, child development and law. Each year I gain important knowledge and new ideas that help me improve my teaching skills and keep my teaching current. I think the conference is like a one-stop teaching shop, where I can gain something I need for each student, from the best teachers in the country in one convenient location.

The finals of the MTNA student competitions present an opportunity to hear the best junior high, high school and collegiate age students from across the country compete for top honors.

The evening concerts feature outstanding professional concert artists whose performances inspire and invigorate. I also have enjoyed the Rising Star concerts, which spotlight exceptional young performers.