Getting the MTNA Certification in Piano

As of January 1, 2010, the Music Teacher's National Association has come out with a new process for becoming a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in the area of piano. The process, while different from the previous certification method, is still quite strenuous and requires a lot of effort. Here's how the piano certification procedure works.

First, you will need to make sure that you thoroughly review the areas of music history, pedagogy, and theory, particularly if you do not have a music degree or if it has been some time since you have been in college. It is recommended that you study related texts, take several online or campus courses, and study for a time with a master teacher.

Now write a 600-word synopsis of your teaching philosophy. This should encompass why, how, what, and who you teach, and should include your educational goals and discussion on least one additional topic that the MTNA gives, such as developing healthy technique or musical interpretation skills.

Next, write an analysis for four teaching pieces, works from the baroque, classical, romantic, and modern time periods that will be given to you upon your registration; the analysis should be very thorough, including exploring the history, theory, study approach, and technical aspects of the works, and the concepts should be explained in a way that could be understood by a typical intermediate student.

Now is the time to video-record three segments of your teaching the same piece to the same student. Choose a 30-minute lesson segment where the student is in the beginning stages of learning the piece, another 15-minute portion of a lesson where the student is in the intermediate stage, and then a last 15-minute segment of a lesson where the student is polishing the piece for performance. Before submitting the video segments, have the student's parents sign the Authorization and Release form that the MTNA provides. Each video segment must be accompanied with your own evaluation of how you did, how you adapted your teaching to the student's learning style, your goals for the student, a list of materials used in the lesson, and a synopsis of what was covered in the lesson.

Include on the same DVD five to ten minutes of your own performance, using pieces listed as grade 7 or above in The Pianist's Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature by Jane Magrath (Alfred Publishing Co.). You do not have to memorize these pieces.

The next project in the certification process is to describe your teaching environment. You need to write a 300-word essay on how you encourage a positive teaching atmosphere in your studio, and give at least three resources you use to promote this environment and how you use them.

Finally, discuss your studio policies and business ethics. When you register for the certification, you will be given a list of three scenarios that you must write responses to. A copy of your studio policy needs to be included, as well as a list of questions you ask beginning students during their interview and a list of questions you ask transfer students during their audition with you. A typed typical year budget, with anticipated income and expenses, must be included.

Compile a notebook containing all of your projects. Make three copies of this notebook and three copies of the DVD, submitting two of them to MTNA as they will direct you after you apply for the certification. You will be notified if the MTNA will award you the certification or not.

The NCTM process is a long and difficult one, but the results are well worth the effort in so many areas. If you choose this route of professional accreditation and development, then stay committed and you will succeed.