Accreditation

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is the attainment of an acceptable level of music teaching skills.  An Accredited private music teacher is considered to be able to teach effectively and competently. Although Accreditation is not a condition of membership of the MTA of NSW, it is hoped that all teachers would wish to become Accredited Members of the MTA.

Requirements for Accreditation

Category A (formal qualifications)

Teachers may hold either:

(1) A degree or diploma in music/music education from a recognised tertiary institution, which must include training in musical pedagogy.

or

(2) Qualifications in each of Performance, Theory and Pedagogy. Examples of minimum qualifications include:

Performance:
  • Certificate of Performance (AMEB)
  • Associate Performer Diploma (ANZCA)
  • Associate Diploma of Performance (ATCL, Trinity)
  • Diploma of Musical Performance (ABRSM)
Theory:
  • Grade 6 in Music Craft, Musicianship or Theory (AMEB)
  • Grade 6 Theory (ANZCA)
  • Grade 6 Theory (Trinity)
  • Grade 6 Theory (ABRSM)
Pedagogy:
  • Certificate Teacher of Music (AMEB)
  • Associate Teacher Diploma (ANZCA)
  • Associate Diploma of Principles of Instrumental/Vocal Teaching (ATCL, Trinity)
  • Diploma of Instrumental/Vocal Teaching (ABRSM)

Category B (without formal qualifications)

Teachers without formal qualifications may be considered for Accreditation if they can produce evidence of successful professional teaching. This can include references, list of students' achievements, etc.

Category C (contemporary teachers)

Teachers of contemporary music may be considered for accreditation if they have evidence of all or some of the following:

  • Be accepted as a teacher of contemporary/jazz/popular music at a tertiary institution (eg TAFE, Conservatoria, University etc). This could include teaching of composition via computer/electronic means and audio engineering.
  • Any suitable qualification e.g. Certificate 4, appropriate Music Theatre qualifications, or a graduate of appropriate courses from the Film & Television School etc.
  • A proven record of successful teaching in the field via references, list of students' achievements, etc.
  • Submission of a CV.

Bursaries

Bursaries are available to MTA Members to assist with achieving the appropriate qualifications for Accreditation. These bursaries are sponsored by the MTA Benevolent Fund. Contact the MTA office to apply.

Applying for Accreditation

Complete the Membership application form and submit to the MTA office along with copies of qualifications or other supporting documentation, and the application fee. Your application will be considered by the Accreditation Committee and you will be notified in writing regarding the success of your application.

Directory of Teachers

All Accredited teachers are entitled to be listed on the MTA's web-based teacher search. Accredited teachers may also choose to have their names entered into the Directory of Accredited Private Music Teachers, which is published annually by the MTA of NSW. An annual fee applies for the printed Directory.

Professional Development

Teachers are encouraged to attend professional development, in-service courses or seminars and workshops, which the MTA and various other institutions hold from time to time.  It is hoped that all teachers will avail themselves of the opportunity to review current trends in areas such as music education, repertoire, syllabus change, pedagogy, musicianship etc.

Notes

  • AMEB: Australian Music Examinations Board
  • ANZCA: Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts Music Examinations
  • Trinity: Trinity College London
  • ABRSM: Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music