I have just migrated to Queensland, Australia and was told by a music shop assisstant that I would need a Queensland Music Teacher Association memership to teach piano in Queensland. Is it true?

From my understanding, I only need the blue card.

Is there any teachers out there from Toowoomba?

Thank you.

I'm not from Queensland, but as far as I know you don't need to be a member of a music teacher association to teach piano anywhere in Australia. There are great benefits to be had from being a member, of course, but that's another question. The assistant may have been saying something about who they would recommend to people asking about a teacher, or who they give teacher discounts to, or something else entirely.

Hi Peanuts

It is not compulsory to join however membership has benefits, as well as some q-dos as being a music teacher with qualifications.
You can teach whether you are a member or not, but being a full member gives prospective students (parents) some reassurance that you have necessary skills needed.

Check out their website: mtaq.org.au

For the record, I am a full member of the NSW MTA and I think its necessary if you are going to teach instrumental lessons as your profession.

cheers

BBB

Thank you currawong and BBBB. I left my certificates back in my country =( . I shall join them once I get that and the blue card.

BTW - Im not sure about QLD, but now in NSW you are required to have a child protection check and obtain a valid certificate done by police if you are a private music teacher working with children. It is now or will be a crime not to have one.


BBB

Peanuts,

It wouldn't be a bad idea in the US if there were licensing of any one working with children, including music teachers. From a safety factor, and also from knowing that the person was indeed qualified to be teaching through some testing and through an audition of their knowledge. I used to rejoice that it was easy to come in through the "back door" of teaching and to gain status and recognition for your teaching success without having had the full 4 years of college and the degree. My piano education was totally private instruction, the quest to attend classes, seminars, workshops and acquired education and membership in MTNA. All the reading and research and pursuit of continued knowledge.

MTNA is a US organization: www.mtna.org

I think membership in a thriving music teacher association is one of the best things money can buy a musician/teacher of music. I have never spent more than $150 per year to be a member since 1981 and membership has been vital to nourishing me toward accomplishment. It is a huge opportunity for personal growth and connecting with similarly minded peers and mentors. It's a good step in the right direction of establishing professionalism to your teaching. Also, the student activities within a chapter are well worth participating in with your students, too.

Today, I'm sorry to say there are people teaching piano who cannot spell the word. Unfortunately, the public things that all piano teachers are created equal. Not so. Not so by a long shot!

Please take into consideration belonging because of what it will mean to you in your career, not just the letters behind your name, or something you have to do.

I taught for 10 years before knowing about MTNA. Once I joined I felt it was a golden opportunity, and it has proven to be exactly that.

Good luck!

Betty