Celebrating certification: why should MTNA have a Professional Certification Program? The MTNA Board of Directors responds.

The MTNA Certification program provides perhaps the single best indicator to our society that MTNA and its members view the teaching of music as a profession requiring not only dedication but also intense preparation.

--R. Wayne Gibson, president

Credentials for every professional music teacher can include more than academic degrees and experience. MTNA, as the leader in professional music organizations for teachers, offers to its members an opportunity to strengthen their personal credentials through a National Certification Program.

--Sue H. Holder, vice president

The MTNA Certification Program is important because it establishes competence standards in the music teaching profession. It helps the public identify qualified teachers of music in their communities. For the teacher, MTNA Certification provides added justification for receiving reasonable compensation for their instructional efforts. Prominent display of this important credential will improve current public awareness and future expectations.

--Paul Stewart, treasurer

As the premiere association for independent and college music teachers in the U.S., it is the responsibility of MTNA to develop and maintain standards for the music teaching profession and to encourage all members and nonmembers to attain this certification.

--Phyllis Pieffer, president-elect

In California, certification is important because:

1. It allows students of certified teachers to receive high school credit for private music study.

2. It sets our members apart from the other older and larger teachers' association in our state.

3. It lets the public know we are qualified teachers of music.

--Kathryn Hull, vice president

MTNA'S Certification Program is a necessity and the association's obligation. It serves to elevate the entire music teaching profession, it identifies for the public the essentials that define a competent music teacher and offers incentive--and opportunities for professional growth.

--Joan M. Reist, immediate past president

As the professional association for independent and collegiate music teachers, MTNA provides a Certification Program in order to promote professional competence and to improve the level of proficiency within the music teaching profession. Certification benefits not just the members of the profession, but also the public--especially parents who deal with the music teaching profession. Finally, MTNA Certification provides prestige, recognition and possibly increased earning power for the individual music teacher.

--Gary L. Ingle Executive Director

In 1889, teachers from Texas joined together to form an association. From those early minutes comes this statement, "Clap-trapping imposters who profess to have music skills for teaching"--1889. A harsh, strong description of the 1889 Texas Music Teachers Association members seeking formation of an organization that recognizes "real teachers of stature." For over a century, music teachers have sought a means to identify those teachers who are "qualified--certified."

--Melody Allen, director

In a country where private music instructors are often stereotyped as hobbyists, it is imperative to have a certification program that upholds the standards of our profession. A National Certification program declares that we are dedicated to the profession of teaching piano properly.

--Ann Fernandez, director

MTNA Certification tells the public that a music teacher is competent in the same way that a license documents the competency of a lawyer or a medical professional. MTNA Certification, newly revised to be a uniform and efficient process, is highly recommended for all MTNA members.

--Sigrid Luther, director

The certification program allows MTNA to recognize qualified teachers with an important credential. This type of credentialing is one of the main features of all professions. The credential provides the distinction between the professional and the amateur.

--Kathleen Murray, director

MTNA Certification and the renewal process make me personally accountable for staying abreast of new developments in the music profession. My students benefit because I improve my teaching when I'm learning and practicing too. I take pride in being a nationally certified teacher of music. MTNA offers the only certification program for the independent and college music teacher.

--Sylvia Coats, director

Certification provides distinction and awareness to our profession as a whole, because it assures the standardization of minimal qualifications whether or not one has an earned music degree. Those teachers already certified are showing their support for a level of professionalism desperately needed in our vocation. Parents and students should expect that they can locate a music teacher anywhere in the country, just as they expect other professionals in their lives to be endorsed.

--Carleen Graff, director

It's crucial to have a nationally recognized standard of excellence in music teaching. This will give the independent music teacher added credibility in the community and increased professional stature, as well as the ability to charge a higher fee.

--Scott McBride Smith, director