Participate in your local association. (Local Association News).

It has always bewildered me to hear of individuals who teach private music lessons and do not belong to a professional organization or of people who join a professional organization such as MTNA and do not participate.

The following is from the President's Pen by Deb Lynch, of Illinois's Northwest Suburban MTA (NWSMTA).

One of the things I enjoy the most about teaching piano is the variety in my schedule. The fresh start in the fall makes all things seem possible. Trying to set up a new schedule can be challenging, but it's not the nightmare it was when I first began teaching. I guarantee everyone the time slot they had at the end of last year. At the end of summer, I take requests for time changes. It all seems to work out in the end, although I am filled with wonder as it all falls into place.

NWSMTA provides us with direction and opportunities for our students for the upcoming year. Even more important is the networking with our colleagues. One of our most popular meetings each year is the Independent Music Teachers Forum. We want to know how others handle difficult teaching situations, set policies, organize their time and continue to be creative in their teaching. This type of information is also shared at each of our monthly meetings.

Who else besides a music teacher could imagine a profession with hours beginning after school and going into the evenings that affords the possibility of bringing a lifetime of enjoyment into someone's life, of sharing the thing you love most, and of being your own boss, setting your own salary and schedule? None of your colleagues feels you should get a "real job" or that you don t deserve your salary since you can do it at home and in your "spare time." This is a group that understands how dedicated, motivated and inspired we all are and yet, how exhausted, frustrated and frazzled we sometimes become. We may be alone in our studios, but we are all together in our encouragement, direction and inspiration of new musicians. We've walked the same road, but never alone.

I urge you to become involved in your local association. Attend the monthly meetings, participate with your students in the many opportunities we provide and join one of the committees you have an interest in. I have been involved with NWSMTA for more than twenty years and have never known of a single person who regretted joining a committee. There ...