Professional certification: exam preparation.(Association News)

You've decided that you want to become nationally certified and are ready to start preparing for your exams. Good for you! Just taking the first step toward certification by making the decision to apply for this professional goal is an important milestone. So, what can you do to make sure your first attempt at the exams is successful?

There are several exams that may be needed to reach your goal of becoming a nationally certified teacher of music. Proficiency exams in music theory, music history and pedagogy/teacher education will be taken if you need to establish your competencies through testing rather than through previous college-level classes in these areas. In addition to these competencies, there is a performance competency that may require a recital, depending upon the individual's applied music background. The proficiency tests cover topics common to any area of private teaching, from flute to trombone to piano. Here are a few study tips:

* Set your goals by scheduling the test, then planning a strategy to meet that goal. Break each larger goal into smaller ones that you can manage in a reasonable amount of time.

* Form a study group to meet on a regular basis and support each other in the exciting process of expanding your skills.

* Check the MTNA website for requirements and valuable study guides.

* Choose one or more of the books listed in the study guide and buy the workbook with the text to use as sample test questions.

* Write an overview chart of the musical elements for each major era as well as important dates, composers and compositions found in that era.