5 minutes with ... Ruth Edwards.

Ruth Edwards served as MTNA president from 1995 to 1997. She has held positions on the faculties of Texas Wesleyan College, Northwestern University and the University of New Hampshire until retirement. She was also a contributing columnist for Keyboard World and reviewed new music and books for Notes and AMT.

Tell us about your tenure as MTNA president.

I emphasized the importance of every member's responsibility for the success and future of MTNA. It was an honor to serve with the support of an excellent board, headquarters staff, and Executive Directors Shirley Raut and Gary Ingle.

You're an avid proponent of volunteerism. What can we do?

Get involved, even in the smallest way, in something that you believe in and is important to you: MTNA? Arts Advocacy? Literacy? Your special talents are needed.

How can we increase MTNA membership?

Isn't it strange that I knew nothing about MTNA until I was asked to join the New Hampshire Music Teachers Association, founded in 1967? Search out the unasked and share your enthusiasm for the association.

You taught for many years in higher education. These jobs are so competitive; is it realistic for students to aspire to such positions?

Of course. We need our dreams, but it is not the end of the journey that is most important--it is the path you take. Keep learning and be open to new experiences on the way because you might be surprised where they lead.

Any tips on overcoming performance stress?

Try these things first: 1) Give up anticipating danger, 2) Breathe, 3) Focus and enjoy sharing your music.

Has the pace of life slowed at all since retirement?

Almost. I reinvented my life when I moved to Connecticut and left the "eight-day week" behind.

What are your current passions and initiatives?

I tutor reading in America's Reading Corps, am an officer on the board of the Friends of Simsbury Library, am on the Music Board and Concerts Committee at church, am doing a modest amount of performing and coaching and so forth.

What do you enjoy most about being a terrific mentor to teachers and students?

I don't know about "terrific," but I've had several students and colleagues who were. I believe teaching is about inspiring confidence and creativity, expanding perspectives and sharing enthusiasm and love of music by helping others explore and realize their potential.

What was your most memorable experience as a collaborative pianist and coach?

I give the same weight to each experience, learning a great deal from each one.

You savor that nightly glass of red wine. Any other secrets for a long and happy life? (Dancing? High-alkaline water? Puttering with pottery?)

I have the joy of living close to four of my five exceptional (of course) grandchildren, staying in touch with old and new friends, attending Hartford Symphony Orchestra concerts (for example, the Masterworks Series and Family Matinees, which are basically children's concerts), walking, laughing a lot and reading all the rest of the books in the world.

Arthur Houle is associated profesor/ director of keyboard studies at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado and founderldirector of the Festival for Creative Pianists (www.pianofestival. org).