Have you ever searched for information on a website and been surprised to discover after reading and clicking through various links that several hours have passed? Sometimes when this happens I feel that I have learned something, but at other times I realize that I have gotten sidetracked and wasted my time. 

Recently I took some time to visit the new mtna.org website and was amazed to see how much it has been improved and expanded. I could easily have spent hours on it without feeling that they were wasted. I just did a quick survey of what was there and promised myself that I would return to explore in more depth later. 

The new website, like the former one, has areas with general information on MTNA and instructions on how to join or renew membership. There is a section titled Member Benefits which includes a rather long list of discounts. In addition to the great discount that many of us have taken advantage of for printing at Office Depot there are other discount offers for hotels, rental cars, publications, prescriptions, teacher training, and more. There are also links to a number of helpful MTNA publications and a list of professional concerns for which MTNA provides legal advice. 

When I clicked on the Learn tab I discovered a treasure trove of resources. This is where you can find the past Webinars. I have watched several excellent ones but was surprised to see a list of almost twenty. I am looking forward to catching up on the ones that I missed. Under Parent and Student Resources I found a great list of websites for students and teachers, including some that were not familiar to me. Other topics under Learn include Wellness Resources, Studio Resources, and Copyright Information. My favorite area, however, was Teaching Tips. Under a list of subjects such as Learning a New Piece, Practice, Reading, Rhythm, Technique, etc., you can read brief suggestions from other teachers. A few quick clicks gave me a wealth of creative ideas to use with my students. If you have a teaching tip that you would like to share you are invited to send it to MTNA. I plan to return frequently to this great resource from MTNA and hope that you will take the time to explore it as well. 

Before closing for this month I would like to encourage you to attend the ISMTA Conference on November 3-4 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. I guarantee that you will enjoy and benefit from the sessions, recitals, and master class with the guest artist Panayis Lyras. You will also enjoy connecting with colleagues from around the state. If you are a new member or have never attended the state conference your registration is free! Bourbonnais is only about a ninety minute drive from the northwest suburbs, and you may be able to share a ride with other teachers who are attending. I hope to see you there.

NWSMTA  offers a camp scholarship to a camp of the student's choosing.  The scholarship money will be sent directly to the camp.  We provide a $300 scholarship to 1st place winners in each division, junior (up to 8th grade) and senior (9th through 12th grade).  We also provide a $200 scholarship to 2nd place winners in each division.  The deadline is  April 15.  Complete rules & application form are on the website.  If you have any questions, please call or send an email.

Pat Borchardt

847-356-6016

[email protected]