MTNA Certification Standards
What a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM)
Should Know and be Able to Do
 

STANDARD I: Professional Preparation
A. Knowledge of and Skills in Music
Competent applied music teachers have a thorough knowledge of music theory, music history/literature and pedagogy/teacher education, and possess a practical understanding of and facility on their performing instrument(s). They demonstrate a specialized knowledge in an area(s) of applied music as they provide students with quality, sequential instruction.

B. Knowledge of Students
Competent applied music teachers have knowledge of and understand students' physical, social and cognitive growth and their past musical experiences. They assimilate this knowledge to develop a course of study and prepare instruction that meets the needs of each student while cultivating positive and productive relationships.

STANDARD II: Teaching Practices
A. Planning and Assessment
Competent applied music teachers plan courses of study for their students on a regular basis using a wide range of music and materials. They utilize multiple evaluation methods to assess and convey the progress of students' musical growth and to gather data for planning subsequent courses of study.

B. Facilitating Music Learning
Competent applied music teachers foster students' interest and facilitate their musical learning by using a broad variety of resources, equipment, technology, materials, methods, music, and teaching styles and strategies.

C. Educational Settings
Competent applied music teachers provide and cultivate settings that are conducive to learning and performance and that are inclusive of students and families with varied backgrounds, cultures and capabilities. They provide settings for a course of study that encourage student confidence, independence, teamwork and high achievement.

STANDARD III: Business Management
Competent applied music teachers understand and apply basic professional and ethical business practices including establishing operational policies, marketing strategies, planning annual budgets and setting fees in managing their studios and classrooms.

STANDARD IV: Professionalism and Partnerships
A. Professional Involvement
Competent applied music teachers contribute to the professional growth of their colleagues, their studios and schools, their professional associations and to their profession at large.

B. Building Partnerships
Competent applied music teachers understand and appreciate the unique position that the family unit, colleagues and the community play in the musical education of students. They actively seek opportunities to build and nurture partnerships with them.

STANDARD V: Personal and Professional Renewal
Competent applied music teachers continue to reconsider their personal music education philosophy. They regularly assess their teaching, their students' musical progress and performance, and their personal growth in order to expand their knowledge and improve their teaching. Through continuing education, they stay current regarding new teaching tools, pedagogical materials and methods, music, teaching practices and technology.