STAFF (Student Teacher Advancement for the Future)

Under the Umbrella of ARMTA

Dear Prospective Member,

Thank you for your interest in STAFF. The purpose of this letter is to give specific details about the STAFF group, as well as to inform you of the many benefits of being a STAFF member. If you still have questions or need any other information, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.

What is STAFF?

STAFF is a group geared towards beginning music teachers of any age or piano grade level. STAFF group conducts a monthly meeting and workshop, the second Saturday (4:00 - 5:30 pm) of the month. STAFF also provides opportunities for teaching advancement through STAFF student recitals and masterclasses, etc., according to the needs of the membership.

How Does STAFF Run its Organization?

The meetings can involve a mentor teacher demonstration lesson, a workshop, and announcements or even an outing. During months when there are costly major events in the group, the event itself becomes the meeting.

Mentor Teacher Demonstration Lessons

One of the most interesting ways to learn from a successful teacher is to watch him or her teach. At the demonstration lesson, an experienced teacher brings one of his/her students to a STAFF meeting and teaches a lesson in front of us. Watching other teachers struggle and succeed with the same challenges as we do is often inspiring and helpful.

Workshops

Workshops involve the discussion of specific topics by experienced music teachers from the community, providing novice teachers with suggestions and tools for teaching. Past workshop topics have included everything from “how to prepare students for exams” to “running a teaching business”, from “which editions of books to buy” to “how to purchase and maintain a piano”. Our workshops are as varied as the profession of piano teaching itself. Workshops for the 2009/10 Season are listed under the “News & Events” page of the web-site.

Announcements

STAFF co-leaders and convenors take the beginning portion of the STAFF meeting to inform members of upcoming events and important dates. We try to keep this brief!

**Monthly meetings are the key to being a STAFF member. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that members attend regularly in order to fully benefit from everything STAFF has to offer.**

Benefits of Participating in the STAFF Group

Opportunity to Attend Monthly Workshops

Workshops are not just a useful forum for acquiring information but are also an excellent opportunity for networking with well-recognized teachers and musical experts. Another workshop benefit is the valuable time for asking questions. Questions that begin with “I have a student who…,” or “I have a hard time teaching…..” are encouraged, and clinicians are more than happy to suggest specific solutions geared towards your particular student.

Performance Opportunities and Masterclasses

The unique situation of beginning teachers is that often they are still taking lessons towards further musical certificates, etc. Masterclasses give students a taste of the knowledge and enthusiasm of a “master” teacher. Performance opportunities at meetings or recitals provide a safe and supportive environment to share your music with others, prepare for exams, test your memory, etc.

Student Recitals

These events give your own students a chance to perform and be applauded for their hard work, in a relaxed atmosphere, but in a larger public venue with a grand piano. You also gain valuable experience by putting together a program, welcoming parents, introducing your students, etc.

You Get Information!!!

• Check out STAFF events through our ARMTA website www.armtareddeer.org

In Addition, STAFF Members May…

• Attend ARMTA general meetings (no voting privileges)
• Attend any ARMTA workshops/functions for the same cost as ARMTA members
• Promote their teaching business and receive student referrals for the Red Deer area with the assistance of the STAFF co-leaders

What are the Costs Involved?

STAFF members pay $15 for a one year membership (Oct - June). However, if a membership is not purchased, a fee of $5 will be charged per individual session attended. In addition, you may also become a member of AMEF at a reduced “Group Membership” fee of $20 and receive a subscription to their magazine.

How Do I Register?

Staff Group Application Form

Registration can take place during the first meeting of the year. Print off and fill out application form, and bring it along with your $15 fee to the first meeting in October. Or, you may also drop off your form and cheque to any one of the ARMTA Representatives.

We hope to see you in October!

Sincerely,

ARMTA Representatives Joyce Emms and Rita Kennedy