KMTA Kentucky Music Teachers Association
KMTA
Kentucky Music Teachers Association

MTNA Certification

The MTNA Professional Certification program exists for teachers who teach music to students of any age level in private or group settings. The program is based upon a set of five standards defining what a competent music teacher should know and be able to do.

MTNA’s 5 Professional Standards

  1. Professional Preparation
  2. Professional Teaching Practice
  3. Professional Business Management
  4. Professionalism and Partnerships
  5. Professional and Personal Renewal

In order to become a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), the applicant must complete a two-step process.

NCTM Certification Process

  1. Submit a very simple Certification Application and the application fee. No
    more transcripts or letters of reference, no more exams.
  2. One of two processes
    1. Teacher Profile Process: You will receive a Teacher Profile ProjectsWorkbook
      with five Teacher Profile Projects that you must complete and submit within one
      year from your application date, with the possibility of requesting a one-year time
      extension. You should have the requisite knowledge in theory, history, and
      pedagogy BEFORE sending in your application. The five teacher profile projects are:
      1. Write Your Teaching Philosophy
      2. Analyze Four Teaching Pieces
      3. Present Your Teaching: Video record three lesson segments with the same
        student on the same piece. Discuss your teaching strategies and goals for the student.
        Video record 5-10 minutes of your playing – memorization not necessary.
      4. Share Information About Your Teaching Environment
      5. Discuss Your Business Ethics And Studio Policies
    2. Administrative Verification Process for College Faculty: College faculty (both full-
      and part-time) will receive an Administrative Verification Form, which must be
      completed by your dean or supervisor and returned to MTNA. Acceptance of
      this form will complete your certification process.

Upon fulfillment of these standards, applicants are granted the MTNA Professional Certification credential with the designation, Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM). The credential and designation are granted without bias, discrimination, or favoritism between MTNA members and/or non-members or any other arbitrary differentiation. In order to maintain the MTNA Professional Certification credential and designation, NCTM must continue fulfilling the program’s standards through the renewal process.

For more information on becoming and MTNA Certified Teacher, visit the MTNA Certification Overview page.

KMTA MTNA Membership/Certification Chair

Nina Belle Durr
ninabdurr@gmail.com