MTNA--your partner in learning.(In Unison)(Music Teachers National Association)

Serving as a positive role model to our students is one of the most significant responsibilities we face when we decide to pursue a teaching career. For that reason, it is especially important for our students to see us continuing to improve ourselves. We want them to understand that the learning process never stops as long as we remain involved in our profession. That means attending professional meetings and taking an active role in professional organizations, reading professional journals, practicing and continuing to make music. You will find it reassuring to know that you are not alone in your pursuit of greater knowledge. MTNA is here to serve as your pedagogical and musical partner in your quest.

From ages 6 through 17, I studied piano with a wonderfully dedicated, college-educated musician. A number of her students chose music as a major in college. However, when I think back to some of the technical and musical advice she gave me, it is clear that times have changed. I am struck by how scientific research in the years since then has radically changed the information I, in turn, give my students. Without exposure to sources of information through further study and attending countless workshops and conference sessions, I might not have recognized how essential it was for me to make these changes.

It is MTNA that has consistently offered me opportunities to learn and grow as a musician, pedagogue, performer and even as an individual. I have been able to select from a wide range of educational and leadership opportunities at the local, state and national levels. MTNA makes it easy to continue to grow both professionally and personally. It also offers my students an abundance of educationally beneficial opportunities.

Local: MTNA has 559 local affiliates--even I was amazed at the large number! When I arrived in Athens, Ohio, 33 years ago, there was no local group, meaning that Athens teachers had to drive 90 minutes to Columbus to participate in local events. Although that worked, we decided to band together and form our own local association. Now 30 years old, the Ohio MTA Southeast District hosts fall and spring conferences, student recitals, an annual Music Fair, performing opportunities for teachers, as well as other activities that provide our area teachers support, camaraderie and opportunities to stay current in their knowledge-all of this right in our backyard. If you don't have a local affiliate nearby, you might want to explore the possibility of creating one.

State: The great thing about belonging to MTNA is that wherever you go, MTNA follows. When I moved from Illinois to Ohio, my membership in Ohio MTA provided an instant group of colleagues that quickly became good friends. An annual conference is the event common to all of our states. As I travel the country and read our state affiliate newsletters, it is evident that these conferences provide outstanding educational experiences for our members, offering sessions and performances that ...