


Purpose
The St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association was established January 24,
1974 with a charter membership of fifty-three.
The present membership is composed of music teachers in the areas of piano,
organ, voice, strings, woodwinds, theory and composition.
The objective of the organization is to provide a forum where teachers may
assemble for the purpose of:
a. Sharing related principles and current trends in music education;
b. Establishing a professional code of ethics and standard of music teaching; and
c. Elevating the status of the music teacher in the respective communities.
The St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association is affiliated with the Missouri
Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association, the
oldest music organization in the United States, founded in 1876.
Programs and workshops presenting local and nationally known musicians are
made available to the membership.
Members are encouraged to enter students in various Studio Recitals, Auditions
and Competitions sponsored by the association and by affiliated organizations.
Our MTA is an effective and unique organization for ALL teachers of ALL
instruments and voice, and encompasses the entire metropolitan St. Louis area.
Through the sharing of strengths and the cognizance of limitations will members,
together, continue to experience growth as professional music teachers.
SLAMTA STUDIO POLICY STATEMENT
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The following suggested studio policy is presented with the aim to improving the public status of teachers and the
relationship between teachers, students and parents.
Tuition is payable in advance at the first lesson of each month or term. Suggested tuition range is available on request from
the chairperson of the Independent Music Teachers Forum. Tuition fee reflects not only time spent with the student in
lessons, but also time spent shopping for music, reading and selecting music for each student as well as printing costs,
office expenses, recital expenses, magazine subscriptions, studio maintenance and piano tuning. Teachers may charge a
late payment fee to ensure prompt payment of tuition.
The assigned lesson time is considered a standing appointment and is the responsibility of the student:
a) The student should arrive at the scheduled time with all materials, including assignment book, needed for the lesson.
No lesson will be extended for a student who is not ready to begin on time.
b) Lessons missed because of illness or emergency may be made up at the discretion of the teacher. Lessons missed
for other reasons cannot be made up. Lessons missed by the teacher will be made up or credited to the student’s account.
If termination becomes necessary during the term, one month’s notice or payment of one month’s fee is required.
Assignments and practice are expected to have the same priority as homework. In order to progress satisfactorily, daily
practice is necessary. To help develop self-discipline and good work habits, it is suggested that a regular time for practice
be set aside each day. It is the joint responsibility of the parent and student to see that daily practice is completed. The
student’s piano should be tuned at least once a year and placed in a quiet area of the home that is conducive to productive
study and practice.
Students are required to perform regularly in studio recitals, urged to participate in other recitals, auditions and festivals, and
encouraged to attend recitals and concerts.
Teachers and students comply with copyright laws prohibiting photocopying of music.
The teacher includes an organized method of theory instruction in the curriculum at all levels to increase the student’s overall
knowledge of music and to aid in the transition to a subsequent transfer teacher and/or college music study.
The teacher has the responsibility to the student to provide an atmosphere for learning. Professional standards will be
maintained. Each teacher will continue to further his/her teaching skills by participating in professional organizations,
attending workshops, educational programs and conventions, reading professional publications and engaging in other
activities leading to professional growth.
The teacher submits to parents and students a typed policy statement clearly outlining specific policies, expectations, annual
calendar and teacher’s qualifications.
SLAMTA Recital Etiquette Policy
Due to increasing disruptions during recent recitals, the following policy is
now in effect. All recitals will begin at the scheduled time and wil not last
more than 75 minutes. Participants are expected to arrive 15 minutes before
the scheduled start time and are asked to remain for the entire performance.
Please do not arrive late or leave early. This policy is intended as a model of
good concert etiquette and respectful behavior. SLAMTA hopes that this
policy will allow all performers and guests to enjoy recitals in a more
professional atmosphere.
St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association Affiliated with Missouri Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association
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