MTNA/RPMDA partnership action plan

American Music Teacher, August-Sept, 2005 by Phyllis I. Pieffer

Our MTNA motto is "Working For a More Musical Tomorrow." In addition to working together within our association, MTNA has continually sought to further the advancement of music study and music making through shared goals and partnerships with other associations.

This past year MTNA and the Retail Print Music Dealers Association (RPMDA) jointly developed outreach initiatives to strengthen the relationship between independent music teachers and local music dealers. The goals of these outreach initiatives are:

* To forge a strong relationship between teachers and dealers in each organization;

* To develop better avenues of interaction between teachers and dealers;

* To provide information to students and parents about music and the benefits of music study;

* To make available to the dealers the MTNA structure through the local associations in this process.

Both teachers and dealers are involved in the education of students, parents and fellow colleagues and share a common goal of understanding and promoting the value of music study and music making to their students or customers and to the general public. Therefore, it is only natural that the two should have a mutually beneficial relationship in which they nurture each other by supporting independent music educators and by sustaining a robust and convenient commerce in printed music and supplies. Danny Rocks, vice president for educational development, Alfred Publishing Company, states, "To be successful each (music teachers and music dealers) must recognize the true needs of the other party and strive to provide solutions to those needs." Working together, dealers and teachers can network to promote the study of music and music education for all ages--from preschool to seniors.

MTNA and RPMDA propose a new educational triangle of "dealer, teacher and music student" to achieve this purpose of creating and sustaining more music makers and enthusiasts. With dealers supporting teachers through their local associations and educating students, teachers purchasing from their local dealers and educating students, and students studying from teachers and supporting the local dealers, the strength of the three entities advances the study of music and ensures its continued survival. Teachers and dealers cannot achieve this purpose by themselves, but united they can stand together to support music education and the arts.

Each committee member deserves heartfelt thanks and gratitude for supporting this endeavor with their energy, expertise, time and talents. Representing RPMDA dealers on the committee were Richard Rejino, Brook Mays Print Music; Liane Rockley, Rockley Music; and Lisa Shannon, Music & Arts Centers. Representing publishers were Danny Rocks, Alfred Publishing Co, Inc.; Kevin Hackinson, FJH Music Company, Inc.; and Peggy Otwell, Hal Leonard Publishing Corp. MTNA representatives included Michelle Gordon, IMT; Martha Smith, IMT; Phyllis Heifer, MTNA President 2003-2005; and Gary Ingle, MTNA Executive Director.

As we launch these outreach initiatives in marketing and advertising, public relations and education, we challenge the MTNA local association network and all MTNA members to embrace and integrate them into their programs and studios. We are confident this partnership and the commitment of the members of both associations will help us continue to promote music education to the public, thereby ensuring the future of music teaching and the continued existence of print music and music stores, as well as the growth and development of music students of all ages.

Confucius wrote, "Music produces a pleasure the world cannot do without." The study of music and the arts give expression to who we are as individuals, as a community, as a nation, and as a culture. Let us work together for a more musical tomorrow.

Educational Initiatives

The educational initiatives will serve to inform students, their families and the general public about the importance of a quality music education. They also serve to educate all involved parties of developments in music teaching, instruments and technology, as well as legislation regarding copyright law.

** Local Associations

* Panel discussions at meetings with teachers and dealer staff personnel to discuss music purchasing, business practices, etc.

* Include dealers in meeting discussion of events to see where they could be of assistance.

* Ask dealer staff for new issue lists and promotional materials for distribution.

* Have firm policies about not allowing photocopied music in music events.

* Distribute informational pamphlets such as the "Copyright Guide for Music Educators," (available online) "Choosing a Music Teacher," "Buying a Piano," etc.

* Hold special student events at the local dealers, i.e., ensemble festival.

* Partner with dealer to hold "mall" concerts, especially during the holiday season.

** Independent Music Teachers

* Have firm policies about not allowing photocopied music.

* Make available copies of online Copyright Guide for Music Educators in Studio.