A while back, I mentioned that I am planning to attend the MTNA Conference in Albuquerque this year. But I decided to hold off a little longer before announcing the exciting news that MTNA is having me live-blog the conference for them!

Throughout the conference I will be snapping pictures, taking notes, and posting up-to-the-minute (give or take a few minutes ) updates so that even those who aren’t able to attend in person this year will get to attend virtually. The conference will be held March 19-24, so be sure to mark your calendar and check in throughout the day for the latest updates.

In addition to picking up lots of great ideas and scouring the exhibit hall for new resources, I’m really looking forward to meeting some of you! We’re planning a get-together for Monday evening, so find our group on Facebook or send me an e-mail if you want to join in on the fun and I’ll send you the details!

In the last New Release Club shipment from FJH there was a flier announcing a new piano method by Helen Marlais that will be available in March, 2010. I am thrilled! Helen Marlais’ books are all fabulous and I can’t wait to see what this new method is like! The two cover illustrations portrayed on the flier are very attractive; I especially love that they include a whole group of kids sitting around the piano, participating in the musical experience. If you are interested in receiving a complimentary copy when it is released, just sign up on this page of the FJH website.

What I’m even more excited about, though, is that Dr. Marlais will be showcasing the method at its official launch at the MTNA conference in Albuquerque! She was in our local area a couple of years ago for a workshop and is an incredibly engaging and personable presenter. So, her workshop will definitely be at the top of my list!

Okay, I think I’ve saved the best for the last! You must, must, must find a way to get together with other teachers on a somewhat regular basis. Virtually is good, but in person is the best! I am a member of several local music teachers associations, plus our state association, and Music Teachers National Association. I can say without hesitation that I would not be the teacher that I am today were it not for the investment of numerous other teachers in my life. It is impossible to quantify the benefit I have received from attending local workshops, serving on leadership boards, traveling to state and national conferences, and just visiting with colleagues about a host of teaching-related issues. They’ve given me advice, support, encouragement, ideas, and camaraderie that is invaluable!

It’s great to be able to connect with other teachers on-line via forums, blogs, and e-mail (and I’ve met some incredible teachers that way!), but I highly recommend becoming a member of your local association(s) and making plans to attend a state or national conference this year. In fact, I just completed my registration for the MTNA Conference in Albuquerque, NM March 20-24 a couple weeks ago and I think it would be a blast to plan a time to meet-up, get to know each other in person, and talk about all things teaching-related (well, maybe about other things, too…)! Anyone else already going? Anyone else thinking about going? Leave a comment or e-mail me if you’re interested in being part of a group meet-up and we can start working on the specific arrangements. (Or, for those of you on facebook, RSVP on the 2010 MTNA Conference event page and I’ll keep you in the loop as we make plans!) I still have to finalize my travel and lodging arrangements, but now that the registration is in, I’m thrilled and anticipating a fabulous time!

Hopefully this short series on re-igniting enthusiasm has been helpful. Please keep sharing your own thoughts or suggestions in this area. I know we can all use it!