|
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” —C.S. Lewis
It’s the middle of the semester and you might already be seeing things you want to tweak or trends to keep an eye on. It’s never too early to plan strategically for the future—to identify what is possible and where hidden potential lies…
| | | |
From an analysis of the recent 2024 MTNA Member Survey results to an extensive resource list of self-care strategies, this issue provides tools to appraise the past, take care of the present, and plan for the future.
Thinking ahead to the 2026 MTNA National Conference? Most conference expenses are tax-deductible! Start saving now so you don’t miss MTNA’s 150th anniversary conference celebration!
Wishing you a productive autumn with time to evaluate and plan.
—Karen Thickstun, NCTM
MTNA Business Resources Coordinator
| | |
In the Spotlight
“Survey Says…”
What We Can Learn from the 2024 MTNA Member Survey
Ryan Greene and Karen Thickstun, NCTM
What do members report as the most important challenge to independent music teachers? How much have average lesson rates increased since COVID? Read more to learn what the “survey says…”
| | | |
Meet the Entrepreneur
Nicola Cantan
This issue’s featured entrepreneur is independent teacher and content creator Nicola Cantan. You may already know Nicola through her blog, Colourful Keys, her membership site Vibrant Music Teaching, or her recent online conference Teacher Turboboost. But ever wonder how her journey started? Watch video. Read transcript.
| | | |
Life-Work Balance
Comprehensive Self-Care for the Independent Music Teacher, Part I
Beth Gigante Klingenstein, NCTM
How old are you? Why would I ask, you may wonder. Because the younger you are, the more value you will get from this article. The older you are, the more essential this information will be. Read more.
| | | |
Top Five
Turn Conference Costs into Tax Savings with
These 5 Deductions
Andrea Miller
Attending conferences can be one of the best investments you make in your teaching career. Not only do you gain new ideas, skills, and connections, but many of the costs can also be deducted on your taxes. Read more.
| | | |
Legal Landscape
What Every Independent Music Teacher Should Know About Business Licenses and Zoning Regulations
Heather Smith, NCTM
Less than half of the independent teachers who completed the 2024 MTNA Member Survey reported they are aware of zoning laws that apply to their area. Whether an existing or emerging studio, knowledge of local/state regulations related to small businesses can prevent future issues or non-compliance penalties. Because laws can change, it is important to stay aware of what the requirements are in your area. Read more
| | | |
Looking for a Good Read?
Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant
Leila Viss
We often assume someone’s potential is based on levels of talent or giftedness. In his book Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, Adam Grant defies this myth and shows how anyone can rise to achieve greater things. Read more
| | | |
Then and Now
Reflections on MTNA’s 150-year legacy
| | | |
From the
1888–1889
MTNA dues notice
READ THIS: Remit dues either by draft on New York, Boston or Chicago, Post-Office Money Order, Express Money Order, or Bank bills.
READ THIS THREE TIMES: Do not remit dues by Postal Note or Personal Bank Check. There is no security (only annoyance) in the former, and neither is desirable bankable paper.
| |  | |
From the
2025–2026
MTNA dues notice
Mastercard/Visa/American Express, Check (U.S. funds)
Did you know that MTNA collects member dues on behalf of all local/state affiliates, and pays the associated credit card fees? Most members paid by credit card last year, amounting to $21,480 in annual fee savings for local/state affiliates.
| | | |
Heads Up
Key dates referenced in this issue:
Would you like to contribute to a future MTNA Business Digest? Contact Karen Thickstun at mtnanet@mtna.org with any ideas or questions you may have. We’d love to hear from you! Guidelines for submission
| | | |
We invite you to share the MTNA Business Digest as a resource for the readers of your local or state newsletter, blog, website, webpage or on social media. Digest Archives can be found by clicking here.
MTNA offers its sincere thanks to all those who contributed their insights, knowledge and experience in this issue of the MTNA Business Digest.
Many thanks to the members of the Business Network team who are writing articles, offering advice, and making recommendations for topics and authors during the coming year:
- Deborah H. How
- Andrea Miller
- Heather Smith, NCTM
- Timothy Stephenson
- Karen Thickstun, NCTM
- Jennifer Walschap, NCTM
- Kristin Yost
- Kevin Chance, NCTM, MTNA President (ex officio)
- Brian Shepard, CEO (ex officio)
| | |
Music Teachers National Association
600 Vine St., Ste. 1710
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 421-1420 or (888) 512-5278
mtnanet@mtna.org
www.mtna.org
| | | | |
