Music for everyone.

Although it's been a few months since my spring recital, I'm still dwelling on how well it went.

Every student who played did his or her very best, and brought along a fan club of parents and friends. A recital is a wonderful tribute to a year's worth of lessons, but can be even more than that thanks to MTNA and its "Music For Everyone" programs.

Because of these programs, my Spring Recital has turned into the Spring "Awards" Recital. Following the music, I now take a few moments to talk a bit about and distribute the MTNA Music Study Award, MTNA Studio Festival Certificates and MTNA Music Achievement Awards earned by my students during the yean Being able to present a national award to students in front of family and friends not only makes each recipient feel quite proud of their accomplishments, but also adds to the professionalism of my studio.

With minimum planning, your students, too, can benefit from these wonderful programs. The MTNA Music Study Award recognizes two-year increments of music study. These motivational awards recognize commitment to lessons on the part of students, and, as I present 6- and 8-year awards, parents see I am a committed professional whose students continue to enjoy lessons through sometimes turbulent years.

This award is very easy to implement. When students enter your studio, immediately put their names into your database, including the date of their first lessons. Two months before the recital print out the database, and note each student's number of years of study. Click on www.mtna.org/musicstudy.htm and then order the certificates online.

The MTNA Studio Festival is near and dear to my heart and has become easier to plan each year. The Studio Festival program gives teachers the opportunity to hold a nationally sponsored event in their own studio. Teachers have the opportunity to select their own adjudicator. How do you find this person? Through my activities in my state and local associations and MTNA conferences, I have found a treasure-trove of well-qualified MTNA-certified teachers from which to choose. For those not so well-connected, it's quite easy: go to members.mtna.org/mtnareports/Teacher_Lookup.asp, enter your zip code and find a local certified teacher who would most likely be thrilled to judge your festival.

For participation in the Studio Festival, students receive a national certificate, a Studio Festival medal and, most importantly, a supportive critique from a well-qualified teacher. Since there are no set rules or regulations, the Studio Festival becomes as unique as the teacher.

To implement the MTNA Studio Festival award all you need to do is click on www.mtna.org/ studiofest.htm, and you will be sent an MTNA Studio Festival Starter Kit, which includes an organizational check-list, budget worksheet, judge's guidelines and comment forms, parent's letter and a press release for your local newspaper.

The MTNA Music Achievement Award is for all students. A student can earn this award by completing attainable goals set by the teacher at the beginning of the year. These goals can include simple things such as listening to a CD of a masterwork and answering a few questions and can become more challenging as the age/musical advancement of the student progresses. Upon completion of the award goals, the student receives a beautiful pin. To implement this award in your studio click on www.mtna.org/musicachievement.htm, and you're on your way.

Because of these wonderful MTNA programs, I can give my students opportunities for awards they respect and work hard to earn. Plus, I can continue to teach piano in the most professional way l know how--with my national association supporting me every step of the way. Gosh--I love my job!

Michelle Gordon, NCTM, is an independent music teacher in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. She has written articles for the technology section of Keyboard Companion magazine and is a member of the technology committee of the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy.