Certification

Certification is a process that validates an individual's qualifications for a specific field of professional practice.

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. Upon fulfillment of these standards, applicants are granted the MTNA Professional Certification credential with the designation, Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM).

To maintain the MTNA Professional Certification credential and designation, NCTM must continue fulfilling the program's standards through the renewal process.

TMTA member Todd Van Kekerix says, “Certification offers a level of accountability, challenging me to continue my own education as a teacher. It is a means of demonstrating the value I place on professionalism and continuing education to my students, colleagues, and community. The certification process and requirements give me tangible ways to keep myself up-to-date in current pedagogical research and professional activities. This is one way to ensure I remain a learner, enabling me to facilitate learning for my students in relevant ways. Certification is one of many tools MTNA offers to help teachers provide quality music instruction for their students.”