MTNA Certification

[rgh55]

How long does it take to obtain a MTNA Certification?

[deborah88]

The Certification requirements are changing January 2010, but go to the MTNA website and read all about the process. The amount of time is really how long it takes you to fulfill the requirements. After beginning, you have 1 year to complete the certification.

[yiyiku]

If you have a music degree and have been teaching for a while, it does not take very long. I did mine in a couple months in 2006 - I chose the portfolio option and it was just a matter of gathering information together. The new program seems even easier to complete. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask, I may be able to help. good luck!

[keyofc]

What is different with the new one?

And just wondering if you have a degree - why certification would
be something you desire.

[yiyiku]

you can read details of the new program on the MTNA website. i did not spend too much time reading it, since i am already certified, but from what i understand, it is more based on understanding and teaching repertoire, and communicating your knowledge to the students. the old method was more 'old-school', involving getting recommendation letters, university transcripts etc.

what you get out of the certification depends on the individual. if you are a performing concert pianist, obviously you don't need it, if you are a full time professor teaching at a recognized institution, obviously you don't need it either, if you are a private studio teacher, then i totally recommend it. for me, it made me put together a portfolio of my career, student achievements, etc and it made me think about various issues in teaching, professional development opportunities, and ways i can become a better teacher. One of the things i did under the old program was to launch my own studio website - and yes i have gotten many new students since then, so there you go, at least one specific benefit!

[keyofc]

Thanks - good to hear it worked out well for you!

[jenny62]

I also got my MTNA Certification with the portfolio option 5 years ago and I am a huge fan.  I'm currenty the Certification Chairperson at my local chapter and have mentored 5 people to get certified in the past 2 years.  Perhaps if you are highly sought after with a long wait list, you may also not need the certification, but going through the process definitely helps you to develop a business plan, teaching philosophies and just tightening your goals and expectations.  I have a MM degree in piano pedagogy and I do have a wait list, but I am as proud of the Certification Certificate as I am of the MM degree.  The MM degree is in my desk drawer while the certification certificate is prominently displayed in my studio!

[keyofc]

That's great to hear that it's not one of those certificates they advertise that are
"suitable for framing" if you know what I mean.  Some programs think we're suited for framing.

So great to hear how valuable it is for you.
Especially with your masters degree.
thanks for posting!