MTNA Professional Certification Guidelines


Summary of the MTNA Certification Process
As of January 1, 2010, there are totally new guidelines for obtaining national certification.
Anyone applying for MTNA Professional Certification must follow the new procedure, which
is only a two-step process.
  • Step 1:   Submit a very simple Certification Application and the application fee. No
    more transcripts or letters of reference, no more exams.
  • Step 2:   One of two processes.
  • Teacher Profile Process: You will receive a Teacher Profile Projects Workbook
    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.         
  • 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.

Overview of the Five Teacher Profile Projects
  • Project # 1 – Write Your Teaching Philosophy
  • Project # 2 – Analyze Four Teaching Pieces
  • Project # 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.  
  • Project #4 – Share Information About Your Teaching Environment
  • Project #5 – Discuss Your Business Ethics And Studio Policies  


The application form and more complete information about the certification process and the
Teacher Profile Projects Workbook can be found on the MTNA website,
www.mtnacertification.org.

Questions about National Certification may be directed to Melissa Curtice at the MTNA office
(mcurtice@mtna.org or 888/512-5278 ext. 237).

Questions regarding State or National Certification, may be directed to the KMTA
Certification Chair, Dr. Brenda Kee (brendaekee@aol.com or 502-426-2050).
Kentucky Music Teachers Association