TEXOMA NATS INDEPENDENT TEACHER FORUM

Welcome to the Texoma NATS Independent Teacher Forum, a new section on the Texoma NATS website devoted to the interests of Independent Teachers!   My name is Lois Landrum and I am serving as the Independent Teacher Liaison on the Texoma Board of Control.

This forum will include information and discussion on such topics as formulating policy statements, billing, how to create a website for your independent studio, scheduling throughout the year, and any other independent studio related topics that you suggest. 

Take part in the Question/Answer section by sharing your comments and answers or by sending in new questions for discussion.  I will research the topics of interest to you and post the findings here for your benefit.

To submit questions for inclusion on the website or to comment upon or answer any of the questions above, please email Lois Landrum: .

When emailing, please let me know if you will permit me to use your name/city (first names only) when posting your comments, answers, or questions on the website.


Some Frequently Asked Questions – and some Answers – to get us started!

Q:  Do you teach during the summer?

A:  I have found through the years, that students forget so quickly.  If I can have even three lessons with them over the summer, they will be much more likely to retain what they have learned and practiced during the school year. 

Q:  How do you plan for the coming year?

A:  During the summer, we examine contests, festivals, etc. for the coming year.  We select repertoire accordingly, trying to get the maximum use out of each piece.  In other words, we will select pieces that can be used in several contests. 

A:  YES!  Each year, I have several students who make the All-State Choir.  Although I do have students make the choir, who have not attended camp, it is MUCH easier for the student and the teacher, to have that extra preparation.  Then we can concentrate on trouble spots, interpretation and polishing their audition.  About 80% of my students who make the choir, attended a camp.  This is even more important for younger singers.

General Questions for you – your answers may be included here on the website:

Q:  Do you have a policy statement?  Why or why not?

Q:  Do you teach more than one lesson per week to your more serious students?

Q:  Do you offer a voice class for students to perform for each other?  How often?

Q:  What would you say is your biggest challenge as an Independent Teacher?

Specific Questions regarding Texoma actions and policies (feedback to inform your Independent Teacher Liaison’s interaction on your behalf with the Texoma Board of Control)

Q.  What are your wishes regarding the repertoire requirements for the high school divisions at our Texoma NATS Student Auditions?

The Board of Control has asked me to inquire as to your thoughts on the change in repertoire requirements for the High School divisions.  In 2010 the Texoma Board of Control voted, based upon a recommendation from the Independent Teacher Liaison to decrease the repertoire requirements for the high school divisions from 3 selections to 2.  The reason for the change was to make the repertoire requirements for our student auditions consistent with those for entrance into university music programs.  It was hoped that this change would encourage an increase in participation from high school aged students, relieving the burden of learning additional repertoire in what (with TMEA auditions) is already a very busy season.  The change was met with enthusiasm by some and concern from others.  The Board of Control is interested in hearing from the teachers of those students who are affected by this change in policy; and is eager to act in a way that will satisfy the will of the majority.  If you have an opinion that you would like included in the Independent Teacher Liaison report, please send it via email to me at the address listed below.  Here is the information regarding current requirements and those prior to 2011.

Requirements prior to 2011:

1.  One art song in English
2.  One Italian, French, German or Spanish art song
3.  One other selection in the classical genre

Timing for the audition will be limited to 8 minutes and begin when the student announces his/her first selection.

I envision the pairing of a new or uninvolved member with a member who is experienced as an independent teacher and as a member of NATS.  The experienced member will help to navigate the waters of the many opportunities that NATS has to offer, making it much easier for the new member to find his or her place in this tremendous organization.  It is daunting to jump right in and there is so much value in experience!  Perhaps you would like to be paired with a mentor or perhaps you would like to serve as a mentor to someone else!  Email me and let me know.
 

Q.  Are you interested in receiving information of specific interest to the Independent Teachers of our region? 

In order to have a way to notify you of events or topics of special interest to us as Independent Teachers, I am compiling a list of names and current email addresses of our members who self-identify primarily as Independent Teachers.  Please take a moment to send me your information for inclusion on this list. 

Announcement of Changes to Youth Divisions effective at 2012 Texoma Student Auditions

At the 2011 conference the Board of Control passed a motion that affects the high school divisions.  I hope you will be as pleased about this change as are we. 

Beginning next year the Youth Divisions will be divided into four categories, rather than two, and teachers will enter students based upon age as well as grade in school, as is the case with the college divisions.

Minimum age for participation in the I-A and II-A divisions is 14 years old.  To be eligible to participate in this category a student cannot have received a high school diploma and cannot have reached age 16 on or before October 10.  Previous First Place Winners are not eligible to enter the category in which they won; but may advance to the next category.

Minimum age for participation in the I-B and II-B divisions is 14 years old.  To be eligible to participate in this category a student cannot have received a high school diploma and cannot have reached age 19 on or before October 10.  Previous First Place Winners are not eligible to enter the category in which they won; but may advance to the next category.

• II-A  High School Men - Grades 9/11
• (Cannot be older than 16 on or before October 10)

• I-B  High School Women - Grades 11/12
• (Cannot be older than 19 on or before October 10) 

•  II-B  High School Men - Grades 11/12
• (Cannot be older than 19 on or before October 10)