2010 MTNA Conference – Monday Late Afternoon

Independent Music Teacher Forum
presided over by National IMTF Chair, Lezlee Bishop, NCTM

This was an opportunity to raise questions, concerns, or ideas to the MTNA Board of Directors, letting them know what we would like to see them do to meet our needs as independent music teachers. Several teachers expressed a need for support in the areas of insurance and legal representation. A survey was also conducted of those in attendance to assess the motivation and methods of each teacher. Each teacher was asked to select only 3 of the stated teaching philosophies to indicate which ones most closely matched their own priorities and teaching goals. Following are the results of the survey.

How Do You Teach? – Why Do You Teach?

• My goal is to develop technical skills in my students so that they can participate in as many competitions and festivals as possible. The more cups and judge’s comments, the better! (1 affirmative response)
• My goal is to develop students who are capable sight readers and skilled sight players of music. (5 affirmative responses)
• My goal is to teach appropriate style and interpretation in a wide range of repertoire. (13 affirmative responses)
• My goal is for my students to be well rounded musicians, with a solid and practical understanding of music theory, history, ear-training, and technique. (21 affirmative responses)
• My goal is to have highly structured music lessons, geared towards conservatory certification, or entrance into a collegiate music degree program. (1 affirmative response)
• My goal is to be flexible, to allow my students to learn their favorite styles of music, as well as accompanying skills to help them interact musically with their peers. (11 affirmative responses)
• My goal is to have students who play well, and to guide them with sound educational practices and opportunities to become music teachers themselves. (3 affirmative responses)
• My goal is to have students with high scores on comprehensive state, national, and international music testing programs. (no affirmative responses)
• My goal is to emphasize musical improvisation and composition skills to help my students understand and appreciate how music is structured. (2 affirmative responses)
• My goal is to help my students develop a lifelong love of music as performers, music consumers, and concert attendees. (25 affirmative responses)