MTA NSW is the accrediting body for instrumental and vocal teachers. Teachers may apply for accreditation, and successful applicants may use the post-nominals MMTA, for Member of the Music Teachers’ Association.
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:
- A degree or diploma in music/music education from a recognised tertiary institution, which must include training in musical pedagogy, or
- Qualifications in each of Performance, Theory and Pedagogy. Examples of minimum qualifications include:
Performance:
- Grade 8 Performance (AMEB)
- Grade 8 Performance (ANZCA)
- Grade 8 Performance (ATCL, Trinity)
- Grade 8 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 (professional experience)
Teachers without formal qualifications may be considered for Accreditation if they can produce evidence of successful professional teaching. Please send as much evidence as possible. This can include
- References
- CV
- Evidence of professional development and training
- Evidence of performance experience
- Exam or eisteddfod reports of students
- List of students' achievements
Category C (contemporary teachers)
Teachers of contemporary music may be considered for accreditation if they have evidence of all or some of the following. Please send as much evidence as possible.
- 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
Download and 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.
Abbreviations used
- 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