Recognizing achievement.(Forum Focus: Arts Awareness and Advocacy)

As you are finalizing plans for the new school year, remember to incorporate MTNA's Music Achievement Award Program into your curriculum.

The Music Achievement Award Program, first introduced five years ago, is based on this premise: A simple form of encouragement often is all that is needed for students, especially those "everyday" students, to continue music lessons. In addition, the program provides teachers with a means to encourage students to seek a well-rounded education beyond the private lesson.

Similar to the badge programs used by both the Girl and Boy Scouts, the MTNA Music Achievement Award Program rewards the accomplishment of goals. A specific set of criteria, determined by the teacher and approved by the parents/guardians, must be met to earn the award. Each teacher tailors the program to fit each one of his or her students, setting realistic, attainable goals according to needs, ability and motivational level. "It is important that these goals challenge the students, yet are something that will pique their interests and will motivate them to accomplish the goals," says Diane Higgins, NCTM, MTNA Southern Division director and an independent music teacher from North Carolina. The program has been updated this year through her efforts.

The students are given a time frame in which to achieve the goals. Examples of suggested goals include community service performances, the completion of a sight-reading assignment, performing as a soloist on a recital, composing a piece and so forth. The program has been updated to include 20 additional suggested goals, bringing the total to 42. Additionally, the goals are now grouped into three musical areas--participation, exploration and observation.

"I believe that these new suggestions and ...