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Do you have a music teaching
question you would like to have answered? Perhaps you have a practice tip for students you would like to share or a studio
idea you are trying differently this year. Did you know your questions and ideas could be shared with MTNA members through
the Polyphony column in AMT or the teaching tips on the MTNA website? These
two features offer members the opportunity to interact with other teachers from across the country to share expertise. To participate, send MTNA your questions, ideas and tips to MTNA, 441
Vine St., Ste. 505, Cincinnati, OH
45202-2811; fax 513-421-2503;
or e-mail to amt@mtna.org.
Did you know that MTNA has three
searchable databases to assist you
with research and professional development?
The American Music Teacher Database provides brief summaries of
articles that have been in the journal. Searches can be performed
using author, title, subject, volume or year. This valuable tool
provides information about articles published from the more than fifty
years that AMT has been in existence.
Another useful database is the Intermediate Chamber Music Repertoire
Database. This resource provides a list of chamber music selections
that can be searched by title, composer, publisher, instrumentation
and difficulty level.
The Music Wellness Bibliography Database is available in a searchable
format, and includes search options such as author, title, ISBN,
publisher, audience, material type and year published. Started in 1994
and sponsored by MTNA since 1997, the purpose of this tool is to
provide a quick source for teachers and students to address the
prevention of medical problems, performance preparation, stage fright,
healthy practice techniques and psychological techniques. It also is
available in PDF format.
To take advantage of these resources, visit the website at
www.mtna.org click on the "Resources and Services" tab.
MUSIC FOR EVERYONE
Are you looking for some new ideas to motivate your students to practice and reach their long-term goals? Did you know
that MTNA offers three affordable ways to motivate your “everyday” students? The Music for Everyone programs are
designed to excite and motivate all your students.
The first of these is the Music Study Award. This is an excellent way
to encourage your students by acknowledging their commitment to music lessons. Through MTNA, you can order certificates celebrating
the years of music making your students have completed. Whether it is their first or their twelfth year, they deserve to have
their commitment recognized.
The next program is the Studio Festival Program. This is designed to give students the opportunity to perform and receive a supportive critique from an experienced
adjudicator whom you choose. Students receive performance certificates and also have the new option of ordering medals commemorating
their experience. This program is ideal because you, the teacher, tailor the festival to meet the needs of your studio. MTNA
provides detailed guidance to help you through all the steps from event preparation to publicity. This will surely be a memorable
event for any studio.
The final MTNA sponsored program is the Music Achievement Award Program. The
purpose of this program is to encourage all the students in a teacher’s studio to continue their music study. With this
program, the teacher works with each student to set measurable and achievable goals. Upon completion of these goals the student
will not only be intrinsically rewarded, but will also have a tangible pin as a symbol of their accomplishments.
These programs are perfect for students studying any instrument including voice. Get this year off to a great start and motivate
your “everyday” students to achieve their goals through music study. For more information about the Music For
Everyone programs, visit the MTNA website at www.mtna.org and click on “Programs and Projects” and select which
program interests you from the drop down menu, or contact MTNA at mtnanet@mtna.org or by calling (888) 512-5278
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MTNA FOUNDATION FUND
Did you know the MTNA Foundation Fund is committed to keeping America’s
musical future alive for future generations by supporting comprehensive programs that nurture the creation, performance, study
and teaching of music? The following grants are available through the Foundation Fund. Teacher Enrichment Grants provide financial assistance to music teachers for private
study, college-level course work or special projects in performance, pedagogy, music theory or composition. Funding will not be provided for individuals pursuing course work toward a degree. Teachers may apply for one of four levels of financial assistance: $250,
$500, $750 and $1,000. Detailed grant guidelines
and application forms are available from the MTNA national headquarters or can be printed from the FOUNDATION FUND website
at www.mtnafoundation.org.
Did you know that MTNA has a special licensing agreement
with the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), granting MTNA and its Divisions, State and Local
Affiliates a blanket license to publicly perform copyrighted music, if the copyright holder is a member of ASCAP, for the
entire organization? To comply with this agreement, state and local affiliates must send two copies of any association-sponsored
event program during which copyrighted music is performed to the MTNA Deputy Executive Director by June 30 of each year.
This is done to ensure ASCAP composers are properly credited for the performance. No attendance figures are required from
the states or locals. MTNA submits the report, the programs, and pays the licensing fee to ASCAP on behalf of the entire
association. We are pleased to provide our affiliates this beneficial service. If you have any questions, please contact
Rachel Kramer, Director of Educational Services at rkramer@mtna.org.
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