MTNA certification

[keyofc]

Does anyone know about how much theory one should know before they take the theory test on MTNA?

[pianistimo]

are you talking about a certain level as a student?  i don't think teachers need to take a theory test because most already have a bachelor's degree in music. 

your teacher should be able to advise you and help you practice exactly what you need to know on each level of theory.  if they are not - and you are not prepared - then maybe the teacher isn't very aware of their teaching that particular level.  ask your teacher to ask MTNA if she/he can borrow or have some old practice tests from years gone by.  this should be a boost to your moral to have your teacher adequately explain what to at least expect.  usually they spell it out - what you need to know at each level. 

get yourself a theory workbook and work in it a little every day.  don't rely on your teacher only for theory (this is a big mistake for most piano students).  take a class at the community college or uni in theory.  or at least go into the bookstore and buy the books.  the library is the next best thing.  there are usually many many hardly read theory books.  (and some really worn out ones).

[maryruth]

I'm actually working towards getting certified.  I haven't taken the theory exam yet, but a colleague of mine just did and she said that everything you need to know is in the Snell Theory Series (level 1-10)...that's all see went through to prepare.  You know, the test is multiple choice, so that makes it easier!

[Bob]

(off topic, sort of)
I don't know what to think of all the extra certfication.  I got a degree and then I see these other certifications out there.  Having extra certs would be great, but when I look at the criteria, it looks like a lot of what I've already done, so why go through all that again?  (and pay someone again...)

[pianistimo]

here's a certificate sure to impress students, bob:

https://www.robsdemo.com/china/29certificate.html

[maryruth]

If you have a degree already then you probably aren't thrilled with the idea of repaying for certification.....You wouldn't have to do any testing--just send in your transcripts, but it does still cost you money. 

But certification is a worthwhile investment if you are undegreed--it basically is a way of getting a piece of paper that says you have a body of knowledge about music equivilent to a Bachelor's Degree.  Not a bad thing to get if you've gained your knowledge and experience outside of traditional means.

But MTNA certification is not just about how well you can play or how much theory you know, there's also the business side of things.  You have to show at least 2 years of teaching experience and show that you are able to manage a business--not just an art. 

It's a good thing to have if people actually cared and looked into the qualifications of their piano teacher--which isn't always the case, as we all know.