Life lessons from long-standing members.(Music Teachers National Association's awards banquet)

Of the twenty-eight educators who reached a half-century of commitment to MTNA, four present at the Awards Banquet were honored at the 2002 MTNA National Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. No matter the instrument, pedagogy method or time spent fostering the love of music, these teachers demonstrate the best qualities of association members.

Merilyn G. Clizer

"I think that being involved in the association gives you many contacts with experienced teachers through workshops and writings of people who have taught," reflects Merilyn G. Clizer, NCTM, of Walla Walla, Washington. "And then, of course, in our various state organizations, the competitions and playing opportunities that students have to be heard by expert adjudicators enriches our teaching and our students' experience."

Merilyn has been active on the local, district and state levels of MTNA, participating on the national certification board (now national certification commission) and as certification chair of the Northwest Division. Also, she served as president of the Washington State Music Teachers Association (WSMTA) from 1985 to 1987. She adjudicated auditions for WSMTA, for the National Guild of Piano Teachers and for the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.

She taught piano to students age 7 through adult during her active years of teaching. Her basic philosophy, in music and in life, is to enjoy what you are doing and "make it personal." Beyond the basics of reading music and understanding rhythm, she advises, "Help each student find something rewarding in their studies."

Of many memorable students, a particular exchange comes to Clizer's mind. "I traded lessons for a portrait," she says. "One adult student wanted to learn the first movement of the Moonlight Sonata. She was a talented artist, and in exchange for lessons and learning the movement, she did a lovely portrait of myself and it made a very special memento."

Mavorette Flummerfelt