Types of membership
Accredited Membership
Accreditation is the attainment of an acceptable level of music teaching skills. Accredited members are teachers who hold qualifications or experience to a standard approved by the MTA Accreditation Committee.
Accreditation is not a condition of membership, but it is hoped that all teachers would work towards Accreditation.
Full accredited members of the MTA are entitled to append the post-nominals MMTA after their name.
The cost to be an accredited member is $140.00 annual fee (plus $40.00 application fee). For country or international accredited members, the annual fee is $120.00 (plus $40.00 application fee). Payment is required upon application.
Standard Membership
Membership is also available to teachers without formal qualifications, or those with insufficient qualifications to qualify for Accredited Membership. Members who are not yet accredited are able to participate fully in all MTA events, as are their students.
The annual fee for a standard membership is $140.00 for those living in a metropolitan area and $120.00 for country or international members. Payment is required upon application.
Student Membership
Student members are teachers who are studying music full-time in a recognised tertiary degree or diploma. They receive a discount on their membership fees. Student membership may only be held for four years and evidence of student status must be included with the membership application form.
The annual fee for a student membership is $65.00. Payment is required upon application.
Friend Membership
Friend Membership is for retired teachers, interested members of the public, parents, grandparents, siblings, in fact any individual of the community who is not currently teaching music. We welcome all supporters to become Friend Members!
The annual fee for a friend membership is $55.00. Payment is required upon application. Only page 1 is required to be completed.
Membership Benefits
MTA NSW offers a range of benefits for its members, including:
Teacher Referral Service
Members receive a listing in the online teacher directory. The MTA runs a comprehensive online teacher directory, Find A Teacher, via this website https://www.musicnsw.com.au/teacher-search/
The teachers listed on this online directory are fully qualified private music teachers.
The MTA publishes an annual Directory of Accredited Teachers, a resource for the music education sector. The directory provides names and contact details of accredited music teachers across NSW and will help music students find an accredited teacher in their area. An eBook copy of these publications can be accessed via this link (add new page)
This publication is distributed to primary and secondary government and non-government schools, as well as universities, selected institutions, conservatoriums, retail outlets and Music Teachers’ Associations nationally with a minimum circulation of 2,500 copies across Australia — a mix of both eBooks and hard copies.
The MTA Magazine - Music Teacher Matters
Members receive the Association’s digital magazine, Music Teacher Matters on a quarterly basis. Music Teacher Matters contains news and articles of interest to music teachers.
Back issues of the Association's magazine The Studio are available in the members area.
Professional Development
All members are encouraged to attend the various professional development workshops, seminars, masterclasses and in-service courses that are offered by the MTA throughout the year. Details of these events are published on all MTA platforms.
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
Events for Students
Student concerts provide students with an opportunity to play in front of a friendly audience. They are held in various locations in Sydney, Newcastle and the Illawarra.
Junior Music Festivals and Student Concerts offer young music students the opportunity to perform in a friendly, relaxed and encouraging environment. They are for any instrument or voice, and even late beginners have a chance to shine.
Scholarships are offered on a regular basis to encourage performance experience and further study opportunities for aspiring young musicians and vocalists. They are offered in a variety of instrumental and vocal fields.
Benevolent Fund
The MTA Board administers a Benevolent Fund. This fund exists solely to help and support music teachers and fellow musicians and their families in times of hardship, brought about through illness, accident or financial distress. Each case is treated with the strictest confidence. Donations to the Benevolent Fund are always welcome.
Social events
The MTA enjoys bringing its members into contact with each other. Various events are organised throughout the year and are advertised on all MTA platforms.
Frequently asked questions
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is the process of formal recognition of attainment of an acceptable level of music teaching skills. An accredited private music teacher is considered to be able to teach effectively and may also hold an appropriate music teaching degree or diploma. More about Accreditation
What sort of qualifications do I need to become an Accredited Member?
Accredited Membership requires formal qualifications, or evidence of successful professional teaching, in classical or contemporary context. More about Accreditation
Can I join if I have no qualifications but have teaching experience?
Yes, you may still apply for Membership. Whilst Accreditation is not a condition of membership, it is hoped that all teachers would wish to become Accredited Members of the MTA.
Do I need to know a Member of the Association to join?
No, this is not necessary.
After the application is completed, what is the process of approval?
The application is submitted to the membership committee of our Board. The committee then determines the appropriate level of membership and you will be advised in writing.
Can I join the MTA if I am not a music teacher?
Yes, members of the public are welcome to join as Friend members.
What does annual MTA NSW membership cost?
The following fees are payable:
| Membership Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan Sydney, Newcastle and Illawarra Branches | $140.00 |
| Country, interstate and international | $120.00 |
| Student (studying tertiary degree or diploma full-time) | $65.00 |
| Friend | $55.00 |