About MMTA Minnesota Music Teachers Association www.mnmusicteachers.com The purpose of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association, which is affiliated with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) is to enhance the professional status of its members, to sponsor and participate in programs for the enrichment of music education, and to encourage musical performance and creativity. MMTA fulfills its purpose through programs for students and teachers, publications, and the annual MMTA convention. The publications include a newsletter, a calendar with detailed information on MMTA and its programs, a directory of members, and many brochures. Membership forms can be found on the MMTA web page www.mnmusicteachers.com  The web page also has a listing of teachers by area. You can request inclusion on this list. MMTA 10800 Lyndale Avenue S, Suite 263 Bloomington, MN 55420 (952) 345-0629 For information on MMTA student programs, see the website: www.mnmusicteachers.com Minnesota Tax Credits / Deductions Parents of all students who study with an MMTA teacher are eligible to take tax credits or tax deductions (depending on income) for their music lessons. The State legislature has passed a bill that considers all MMTA teachers as “qualified teachers” whose students are eligible for the tax credits/deductions. MMTA State Convention: June 8 & 9, 2009 This conference offers a rich variety of presentations on pedagogy, performance practices, music history, composers, technology, new music, and much more! It is also a chance to “talk shop” with people from all over the state and meet new friends.   Music Teachers National Association: The MTNA website is: www.mtna.org MTNA National Convention: March 28-April 1, 2009, Atlanta, GA

MMTA Student Programs MMTA ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL                           Saturday, November 1, 2008 First Unitarian Universalist Church 1727 Walden Lane SW, Rochester Cost:  $10.00 per pair Registration Deadline:  October 1, 2008 Chairperson:  Carol Prescher This festival is an excellent opportunity for all kinds of music collaboration. Think creatively! Duets, trios, and more are performed and critiqued. Memorization is encouraged but not required. All students receive a certificate and critique if music has been provided for the judge. A family member may perform as a partner of a student currently studying with an MMTA teacher. See the MMTA calendar for rules and registration form. MMTA Preliminary Contest SE MN Saturday, January 24, 2009 RCTC, Rochester, MN Cost:  $15.00/student Registration Deadline:  December 1, 2008 MMTA COMPREHENSIVE PIANO EXAMS Piano Syllabus Exams are offered three times a year. There are eleven levels which include elementary through very advanced. Covered in the exam are keyboard skills, technical studies, repertoire from the various musical periods, oral questions, and sight playing. All who pass a level receive a certificate. Monetary awards are given on the upper levels. Information and applications are found in the MMTA calendar. Exam dates for this are included with the information on MMTA Theory and Sight Playing exams. Costs vary--consult MMTA Handbook or see www.mnmusicteachers.com MMTA THEORY AND SIGHT PLAYING EXAMS Theory and Sight Playing Exams are offered three times a year. The theory program is divided into six levels. The levels progress in the areas of notation and ear training as well as analysis and the understanding of structure and form in music. Each level has oral, written, and keyboard sections. There are no restrictions as to age for the levels. All who pass a level receive a certificate. See the MMTA calendar for rules and application forms. Costs vary--consult MMTA Handbook or see www.mnmusicteachers.com EXAM DATES FOR PIANO EXAMS, THEORY, SIGHT PLAYING & KEYBOARD SKILLS Test Date: November 22, 2008                                Deadline:  October 17, 2008 Test Date:  January 10, 2009                                    Deadline: December 5, 2008 Test Date:  April 4, 2009                                           Deadline:  February 27, 2009 Location:  Hoffman Madsen Studios, Rochester Co-Chairs for Piano Exams:  Amy Heetland & Nadine Langworthy Chairperson for Theory Exams:  Lynee Larson All registration forms are sent to MMTA Office, 10800 Lyndale Ave S, Suite 263, Bloomington, MN 55420. SYLLABUS & THEORY PROGRAMS FOR VOICE, ORGAN, VIOLIN, FLUTE, GUITAR There are MMTA testing programs these growing areas, and we encourage you to enter students in these fine exams. More information is found in the MMTA calendar.  See www.mnmusicteachers.com OTHER MMTA STUDENT CONTEST OPPORTUNITIES: See descriptions and dates on MMTA calendar at www.mnmusicteachers.com MMTA YOUNG ARTIST CONTEST Junior (Piano Only) and Senior Piano, guitar, strings, voice, winds, organ (dates differ for organ) MMTA CONTEST: INSTRUMENTAL & VOICE MMTA MUSIC BRIDGES MMTA STUDENT COMPOSITION CONTEST TEACHERS ORIGINAL DUET COMPOSITION CONTEST MUSIC LINK PROGRAM  This program is designed to offer partial to full scholarship to promising students in need. MMTA/MTNA members volunteer to teach for a reduced rate or full donate the lesson time. More info available at www.musiclinkfoundation.org