Participate in your local association. (Local Association News).

It has always bewildered me to hear of individuals who teach private music lessons and do not belong to a professional organization or of people who join a professional organization such as MTNA and do not participate.

The following is from the President's Pen by Deb Lynch, of Illinois's Northwest Suburban MTA (NWSMTA).

One of the things I enjoy the most about teaching piano is the variety in my schedule. The fresh start in the fall makes all things seem possible. Trying to set up a new schedule can be challenging, but it's not the nightmare it was when I first began teaching. I guarantee everyone the time slot they had at the end of last year. At the end of summer, I take requests for time changes. It all seems to work out in the end, although I am filled with wonder as it all falls into place.

NWSMTA provides us with direction and opportunities for our students for the upcoming year. Even more important is the networking with our colleagues. One of our most popular meetings each year is the Independent Music Teachers Forum. We want to know how others handle difficult teaching situations, set policies, organize their time and continue to be creative in their teaching. This type of information is also shared at each of our monthly meetings.

Who else besides a music teacher could imagine a profession with hours beginning after school and going into the evenings that affords the possibility of bringing a lifetime of enjoyment into someone's life, of sharing the thing you love most, and of being your own boss, setting your own salary and schedule? None of your colleagues feels you should get a "real job" or that you don t deserve your salary since you can do it at home and in your "spare time." This is a group that understands how dedicated, motivated and inspired we all are and yet, how exhausted, frustrated and frazzled we sometimes become. We may be alone in our studios, but we are all together in our encouragement, direction and inspiration of new musicians. We've walked the same road, but never alone.

I urge you to become involved in your local association. Attend the monthly meetings, participate with your students in the many opportunities we provide and join one of the committees you have an interest in. I have been involved with NWSMTA for more than twenty years and have never known of a single person who regretted joining a committee. There are a broad number of opportunities for participation. Some involve a one-time commitment, and others have duties spread over a larger span of time. There is always someone who will assist you.

It takes awareness before changes can be made. I'm looking forward to working with all of you.

RELATED ARTICLE: Thank you for sending your local and state newsletters. Here are a few interesting program ideas:

* Northeast Area MTA, Iowa -- University of Northern Iowa graduate piano pedagogy student Allison Dencklau, NCTM, will show how to enhance music learning through the use of games and off-the-bench activities.

* Greenville MTA, South Carolina -- Paula Morgan will present "The Mindset of the Studio--How Our Basic Philosophies Shape Our Studio Profile."

* Flint MTA, Michigan -- April's general meeting will be a discussion of studio policies and expectations. Each teacher will bring a copy of the letter sent out in the summer before the fall lessons begin, as well as policies members implement in their studios. Questions will be addressed regarding attendance and practice problems, and members will discuss successful business ideas.

* Howard County MTA, Maryland -- As part of a series called "Programs to Enhance Teaching and Playing," the Performing Arts Medicine Committee of MedChi will offer an inexpensive day-long workshop, "Aging and the Performing Artist: Responses to the Maturing Process." Topics include arthritis, hearing, eyesight, embouchure, Pilates and T'ai Chi.

* Naperville MTA, Illinois -- Two presentations will be "Parental Involvement" by Barbara Shepherd, NCTM, and "Talking of Business" by H&R Block, the tax and financial services firm.

Thank you to the Local Association Committee: Pauline Eidemiller, NCTM, Portland, Oregon; Millie Mehnert, NCTM, Lenexa, Kansas, and Content Sablinsky, NCTM, Charlottesville, Virginia. Congratulations to the new local associations chair, Melody Allen, NCTM, San Angelo, Texas.

--Carolyn Malnes National Local Associations Chair Lynnwood, Washington She is an independent music teacher.

--Deb Lynch, President, NWSMTA Mundelein, Illinois Reprinted with permission.