A dean's view of the value of MTNA.(Forum focus: college faculty)

As the dean of a mid-sized conservatory of music, I think I have a somewhat unique perspective on the importance of MTNA to collegiate music faculty. Let me begin with the national conference, scheduled for March 27-31, 2004, in Kansas City, Missouri. Collegiate faculty attendees will have the opportunity to go to sessions about developing musicianship through improvisation (one of the NASM standards that is encouraging music faculty to take a fresh look at their curricula); the historical and musical significance of Martinu's Sonata No. 2 for cello and piano; the special needs and demands of accompanying the doublebass; the historical background, creative process and literary influences behind Liszt's Annees de pelerinage: Suisse; practicing for artistic success; and stress management techniques--to name just a few. You will have the chance to hear world-class musicians and teachers like Edna Golandsky, Barry Green and Robert Weirich discuss topics like communicating your musical intentions in performance, ten pathways to true artistry and creating the accomplished learner.

You also will have occasion to network with the independent teachers who are preparing your next class of music majors. Did you know your conference name badge now includes your collegiate affiliation? That can help facilitate those conversations and firmly plant the name of your institution in the minds of some of the best teachers in the country. You will have opportunities to reconnect with friends from your collegiate days who have relocated throughout the country and make new connections with faculty from your own region--people you might not otherwise meet, given your hectic schedule back home.

Attending an MTNA National Conference involves a commitment of time, energy and money, but the rewards are significant. Going to the national conference opens up one set of opportunities; presenting a session at a conference offers even more rewards. The conference program is set for this year, but I encourage you to pursue the possibility of being a presenter sometime in the future. Guidelines and deadlines are printed in American Music Teacher and are available on the MTNA website. Presenting at a national conference usually is viewed positively by tenure and promotion committees ...