Yes, MTNA requires national level membership, state level, and your local chapter is optional, but is what you're really after. MTNA national dues is $65, and Oklahoma state is $25. Your local chapter, Central Oklahoma, is an additional $25, for a total of $115 per year. This is not expensive as professional organizations go, and you can get a lot out of this organization. Your state chapter has annual conferences, which include workshops for improving your teaching, for example, as well as publisher workshops to introduce you to new music. The MTNA national convention is this on a much larger scale.

The MTNA website doesn't seem confusing to me. I didn't look at your state level website. Why don't you join using MTNA's page. It's quite straight forward.

Thanks John. I will look on their website. I joined when I was in college because one of my professors required it, but I did not continue when I graduated. A professor who I hated with every fiber of my being, so I just always associated MTNA with this terrible person. I wanted to be a part of it, but did not want to have to see this person all the time. But now I need to just bite the bullet and do it for my own personal growth and for my students.

I must have been looking in all the wrong places, because when I was trying to add up everything for dues etc., it was over $300! That is expensive. I can handle $115.

Thanks for your input and help.

Make sure your local chapter has enough activities, seminars, and events to warrant the cost. My branch of MTA has many recitals, festivals, and competitions on top of CM, thus making my fees really worth every penny.

And if it doesn't, then BeccaY can become the leader, and start chapter activities which benefit her and her students. Oklahoma City is a big town, and I'm sure there are plenty of teachers who would be thrilled to see new or renewed activity.

You might also condier joining the American Federation of Musicians, especially if you want performing jobs. (they have chapters throughout North America).

Although I know I am a serious teacher, and I am generally happy with the students I mostly get.

A serious teacher is one whose students perform to a high standard, generally progress well, which can be shown in auditions, exams, and competitions, and understands psychological and physical techniques to make playing better.

Meri

Most of my students do not take exams or participate in competitions.

I also do not belong to any musical organizations.

I'll let the people who read my posts guess whether or not they think I am a "serious teacher".

I have to say, there's alot of self-righteousness assumptions and judgements going on in these here thread parts (said with a southern drawl)...10 pages on...good to hear everyone has found their absolutes to being a 'serious' teacher. lol