The MTNA National Conference: an investment in the future.

Ten years ago, I attended my first MTNA National Conference in Spokane, Washington, with two friends. As undergraduate students at Brigham Young University, we worried about how attending the conference would affect our schooling mad our preparation for upcoming recitals. As we scraped together out pennies to buy plane tickets and pay for motel costs, we wondered if conference attendance truly would be worth the sacrifices we were making.

The magical energy of meeting with so many other music teachers and students at the Spokane conference has had a lasting impact on my teaching. Some individual moments and experiences of that conference stand out in my memory: Byron Janis's performance of Henri Dutilleux's Sonata, Nelita True's description of her first piano lessons in Montana, the Collegiate Chapters session with E. L. Lancaster and the exhibit hall, where I spent hours looking through music. In addition to wonderful memories, I came away from the Spokane conference, and each MTNA National Conference I have attended since, with three priceless gifts: motivation, education and vision. Attending the MTNA National Conference may be one of the greatest investments collegiate students will make in their future teaching careers. Here are some of the specific "returns" students may receive on their "principal":

One of the most compelling reasons to attend the National Conference as a student is the low cost! The cost for student registration is $55, compared with $195 for a regular member registration. Registration for Pedagogy Saturday or Professional Studio Saturday is $25 for a student member and $35 for a regular member. Also, students who volunteer eight hours to help monitor competitions and sessions receive free registration to the conference. (Saturday registration is not included.)

Hundreds of informative sessions covering numerous topics are presented by outstanding leaders, not only in the music teaching profession, but also in related fields, such as psychology, medicine, business, child development and law. Each year I gain important knowledge and new ideas that help me improve my teaching skills and keep my teaching current. I think the conference is like a one-stop teaching shop, where I can gain something I need for each student, from the best teachers in the country in one convenient location.

The finals of the MTNA student competitions present an opportunity to hear the best junior high, high school and collegiate age students from across the country compete for top honors.

The evening concerts feature outstanding professional concert artists whose performances inspire and invigorate. I also have enjoyed the Rising Star concerts, which spotlight exceptional young performers.

Opportunities abound to meet leading pedagogues and build a network of professional colleagues from across the country. Students who are planning to attend graduate school in the future will find that the national conference provides an excellent opportunity to meet faculty from many schools, while visiting only one location. Many music schools also provide information about their programs at booths in the exhibit hall. Faculty from many schools present sessions at the conference, allowing an opportunity to observe different teaching styles. Discussion tables during the Pedagogy Saturday luncheon also provide opportunities to meet and discuss teaching ideas with faculty and students from other schools. But whether or not graduate school is a goal, many friendships and professional ties can be developed with teachers from across the country through attendance at the national conference.

Learn firsthand about the numerous opportunities and programs offered through MTNA for professional growth and student achievement, including Professional Certification, StAR Awards for graduating seniors, Studio Teaching Fellowship award of $3,000, IAJE-MTNA Jazz Studies Guide, Studio Festival Program and MTNA Music Achievement Awards.

Learn about the newest teaching materials and repertoire in the exhibit hall and by attending showcases presented by authors, composers and music publishers. As an added bonus, conference attendees often receive free music and materials. Students who attend the MTNA National Conference let their voices be heard. These students play a real part in shaping the future direction of MTNA. Ideas and concerns can be shared in many settings, such as the Collegiate Chapters Reception, the National Collegiate Council and Pedagogy Saturday discussions. Collegiate chapters also influence other teachers and students as they present sessions.

Create stronger friendships among students within a collegiate chapter as they attend the MTNA National Conference together.

If a student begins saving even a small amount of money while in college, rather than waiting until after graduation, the difference can multiply dramatically into thousands of dollars later. Attending the MTNA National Conference as a student, rather than waiting, can multiply into thousands of increased returns in motivation, skills, knowledge, ideas and inspiration. The MTNA National Conference--you can't afford to miss it!

Laurisa Ward Cope, NCTM, is assistant director of Weber State University's piano preparatory program. She holds an M.M. degree in piano performance from Brigham Young University Cope is collegiate chapter chair for the Utah MTA.