Recommended Professional Policies

GCMTA STATEMENT OF RECOMMENDED PROFESSIONAL STUDIO POLICIES

Tuition:

The teacher establishes tuition to be paid in advance by the month or term.

Calendar:

The teacher determines the number of lessons per month or term. Provision will be made for holidays and the teacher’s commitments, including professional workshop and conventions.

Missed Lessons:

The teacher will give no make-up lessons for those missed except in the event of serious or extended illness or teacher absence.

Conferences:

Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled as needed.

Practice:

The teacher will require each student to designate a certain time each day as practice time.

Materials:

The teacher will select the student’s music and materials.

Termination:

The teacher requires a minimum of one month’s notice when parents terminate lessons. The teacher terminates lessons when the student is irregular in attendance, repeatedly fails to prepare assigned material, or is disruptive.

Professional Development:

The teacher maintains membership in professional music organizations and strives for musical growth.

The Student:

  • arrives at each lesson punctually, well-prepared, and with all necessary materials
  • schedules daily practice without distractions
  • takes advantage of performance opportunities provided by the teachers and obtains the teacher’s consent for all other performances
  • acknowledges the study of music must have its place among all interests

The Parents:

  • support the fulfilling of the student’s responsibilities and encourage progress
  • provide an instrument in the best possible condition, chair height, and adequate lighting, in a location that allows uninterrupted practice
  • make inquiries regarding the musical background and qualifications of the prospective teacher.

GEORGIA MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION POLICY STATEMENT

The Georgia Music Teachers Association affirms and endorses the right of independent music teachers to teach music in their homes.

The Association takes the position that private music teaching in the home is not a business but is an educational occupation, and as such, teachers performing this service should not be required to obtain business licenses nor should they be in violation of any residential zoning ordinances by teaching one on one in their homes.

Private teachers should assume the responsibility for maintaining the neighborhood standards.

REASONS TO SUPPORT THIS POLICY

1. Teachers have taught in their homes for over a century and are preserving a vital musical heritage by teaching the great musical literature of the ages.

2. The services of the independent music teacher are unavailable in the public schools but are a necessary supplement for their successful music program.

3. Students pursuing a musical career in college must avail themselves of the services of the private music teacher.

4. As a school is located in a residential community for the safety and convenience of students and parents, so must the private music teacher be located there.

5. The cost of private music lessons would be prohibitive if teachers were located in the business district. Only wealthy students would be able to afford lessons.

MTNA CODE OF ETHICS

We, the members of Music Teachers National Association, having dedicated ourselves to the advancement of musical knowledge and education, recommend the following principles of ethical practice as standards of professional conduct.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO OUR PUBLIC

  • Members shall maintain the highest standard of moral conduct, professional conduct, and personal integrity.
  • Members shall exhibit the highest standard of expertise by maintaining their professional abilities in the fields of teaching and performing.
  • Members shall maintain and increase the prestige of the art of teaching and shall promote the teaching of music as a culturally enriching profession.
  • When asked, members shall assist those seeking guidance in selecting an independent teacher by suggesting the names of two or more teachers in the community. The final choice shall by made by the parent and the student.
  • Members shall refrain from making exaggerated claims or misleading statements concerning their teaching qualifications. Advertising copy shall by dignified, strictly truthful and representative of the art of music and its responsibility to the community.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF OUR STUDENTS

  • The relationship between teacher and student shall be established, maintained and terminated in a professional manner.
  • Members are responsible for encouraging, guiding, and developing the musical potential of each student.
  • Members shall encourage students to participate in community music activities.

RESPONSIBITIES OF OUR COLLEAGUES

  • Members shall maintain a professional attitude and shall act with integrity in regard to colleagues in their profession.
  • Members shall participate as fully as possible in activities of Music Teachers National Association.
  • Members shall provide professional assistance to one another when such assistance is requested.
  • Members shall respect the rights of colleagues when speaking of their teacher’s work and/or students and shall avoid conflict with the instruction of a student’s regular teacher when serving as an interim instructor.

MTNA CODE OF ETHICS OPERATIONAL POLICY

(Adopted by the MTNA Board of Directors on April 4, 1997)

The MTNA Code of Ethics is a compendium of principles of ethical practices for the professional music teacher. The Code establishes a standard of conduct and recommends a set of responsibilities teachers should have toward students, colleagues and the public. These guidelines assist the professional music teacher in gaining the respect of peers and avoiding conflicts and complaints with students and others. MTNA members are strongly encouraged to adopt the Code of Ethics as their personal model of professional conduct. Compliance with the Code of Ethics is voluntary; therefore, the Association will not respond to, or take action on, any complaint or allegation concerning a violation.