Celebrating certification - parents on why they chose a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music

Because parents ultimately guide their children's education--and have the potential to strongly impact the standards of the music teaching profession--MTNA asked several parents why they chose a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music to instruct their kids. Here are their responses.

Nevada R. Bovee, Fairbanks, AK

Child: Julianne R. Walton-Rantz, age 14

Instrument: Piano lessons for more than seven years

Teacher: Marsha Dynes of North Pole Keys and Song

"I'm glad I chose Marsha Dynes because of her commitment to the high standards expected of a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, Mrs. Dynes's talent and ability to inspire independent learning, internal enjoyment of musical achievement and to instill confidence have helped my daughter in every area of her life."

Children: Kristin, age 6, and Sarah, age 6

Instrument: Piano lessons for more than two years

Teacher: Debra Hadfield of Debra Hadfield's Music Studio

"Mrs. Hadfield keeps the piano lessons interesting and fun for our six-year-old twins by incorporating creative teaching methods and assigning skill appropriate lesson books. Mrs. Hadfield also encourages our children to participate in local competitions and activities, which motivates them to improve their piano skills."

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Ann and Dave Richter, Waterloo, IA

Children: John, age 11; Andy, age 10; and Tom, age 8

Instrument: Piano lessons for ten months

Teacher: Lucinda Lear of Lear Music Studio

"Our teacher was recommended to us by our church's music director. She had worked closely with her on many musical projects and knew of her certification background, which included quality educational and experiential background. We have found her to be an innovative teacher who uses a wide range of activities, including ensemble groups, to teach. Her methods are particularly strong in the area of theory, which provides a good foundation for further learning."

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Marc and Pamela Finch, Hattiesburg, MS

Child: Allison, age 7

Instrument: Piano lessons for nine months

Teacher: Janice Mesrobian

"As an MTNA Permanently Certified Teacher, Mrs. Mesrobian holds herself to the utmost standards of professional musicianship, while keeping abreast of current teaching trends and involving her students in the NFMC, MTNA and MMTA activities. Her students adore her, and their successes speak volumes of her ability and experience. I would encourage any parents to seek an MTNA Professional Certified Teacher."

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Wendy Huang, Boise, ID

Child: Kevin, age 7

Instrument: Piano lessons for almost four years

Teacher: Marilyn Foutz of Harmony Road

"I'm glad my son takes lessons from a certified teacher who is well trained, as he has received a superior rating on all the competitions he has entered."

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Kathy and Roger Light, Plano, TX

Child: Joseph, age 7

Instrument: Piano lessons since March 2002

Teacher: Debra Hadfield of Debra Hadfield's Music Studio

"I selected a Nationally Certified teacher because I wanted my son to have very high-quality, well-rounded musical training. I wanted him to learn not only how to play the piano, but also theory, music history, composition and accompaniment. His teacher is highly skilled in all of these areas, and we appreciate her tremendously."

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Darryl and Nancy Sorensen, Hattiesburg, MS

Children: Greg, age 13, and Troy, age 12

Instrument: Piano lessons for six years for Greg and four years for Troy

Teacher: Janice Mesrobian

"In looking for the best music teacher for our children, a piano teacher at a local university gave us names of MTNA Professional Certified Teachers. `Why MTNA Certified?' we asked. `Because you'll know the teacher is qualified to develop your children's talent.' Childhood is a precious time when learning comes so easily, and we did not want to waste it with an unqualified teacher. Observing our MTNA Professionally Certified Teacher develop our children to their greatest potential has been a great joy. Why would anyone choose less?"

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Kent and Cheryl Severns, Fairbanks, AK

Children: Caleb, age 14; Keegan, age 10; and Aspen, age 8

Instrument: Piano lessons for more than four and a half years

Teacher: Marsha Dynes of North Pole Keys and Song

"After years of lessons, gaps began to appear in our children's music theory. Based on personal references we chose Mrs. Dynes for our new piano teacher. Immediately, we noticed a difference in the quality of instruction. We are confident our children are now developing tools necessary for lifetime piano enjoyment."

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Norman and Annette Rowe, Hattiesburg, MS

Children: Anna Beth, age 11, and Luke, age 8

Instrument: Piano lessons for three years for Anna Beth and for one year for Luke

Teacher: Janice Mesrobian

"Selecting the right music teacher for my children was my most important consideration when beginning their music education. The National Music Teachers Certification Program ensures that the teacher is a well-trained professional who is serious about providing my children with the best possible music education."

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Allen and Dorcas Hawkins, Hattiesburg, MS

Children: Lindsey, age 11, and Bryant, age 14

Instrument: Piano lessons for three years for Lindsey and for five years for Bryant

Teacher: Janice Mesrobian

"In choosing a piano teacher for our son and daughter, we knew of Janice Mesrobian's reputation for excellence and of her experience in the field of music. As we reviewed her credentials, the fact that she belonged to four professional organizations, as well as being an MTNA permanently certified teacher, showed us her dedication to high ideals. We felt comfortable that through her affiliation with other professionals, she would bring a love of music to our children and a discipline to reach goals desired."

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John and Gail Tobin, North Pole, AK

Child: Vianne, age 16

Instrument: Piano lessons for more than ten years

Teacher: Marsha Dynes of North Pole Keys and Song

"Marsha Dynes was our choice because she has knowledge and experience of how students learn music. She provides varied enrichment activities that are fun and educational outside of the regular piano lesson. Her excellent standards are very apparent when her students perform at Honors Recitals as compared with other performances."