Professional certification: my long road to certification.

I began investigating the possibility of National Certification in 1990, but due to a family situation, it was put on hold. Because I did not attain a college degree, I understood that the Certification process would require a different path. Through the years, I have taught piano; worked in various music organizations; entered students in countless festivals, recitals and adjudicated events; attended numerous workshops; and kept up to date with technology. I took several correspondence courses and was able to complete a music course at a local university. I also took piano lessons from a master teacher who required intense practicing from me. Through almost seven years of lessons I gained an amazing repertoire of good piano literature from the four periods of music history. I decided to pursue the Certification process seriously in late 2004. By this time I had already passed age 60.

I ordered the Certification packet and began the process of fulfilling the requirements. Having taught for many years gave me an edge on many aspects of Certification. Obviously, I had the teaching experience. Now, could I meet the requirements in performance/theory/pedagogy/music history? It seemed somewhat overwhelming at first. Because I had been fortunate enough to learn an amazing amount of repertoire at the piano, I was able to satisfy that requirement by having a college-level teacher attest to my knowledge of diverse repertoire.

I ordered the books suggested in the Certification Packet and studied them diligently. I bought theory books and self-tested over and over. I located websites on the Internet and utilized the knowledge I discovered there. The day I took the tests, I was a nervous wreck. Could I pass all three proficiencies at once? Had I adequately studied? Amazingly, I passed them all. All that was left was to take a comprehensive test or do the portfolios. I chose the portfolio option because I wanted a detailed record of my accomplishments as a musician.

Compiling data for the portfolio was a huge amount of work, and I was required to submit two copies of it. For eight weeks I waited to hear. A letter arrived informing me that the portfolios had failed. Of course, it was disappointing, but I diligently studied the examiners' reasons for not giving the portfolios a passing grade. They gave very good reasons. I made the necessary corrections and re-submitted two complete copies of the portfolio.

Again, I waited for eight weeks. My husband brought in the mail one morning and I saw a white envelope with my name on it and "NCTM" after my name. I was certified!

I have always stressed goals to my students. It was important for them to know that their teacher was willing to set the example.

Certification is a worthy goal.