Xavier Collegiate Chapter: Music Teachers National Association

August 14, 2019

This summer, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) approved the formation of Xavier University’s Collegiate Chapter.

In large part, MTNA focuses on opening the world of individual music instruction and entrepreneurship for students and teachers across the country. As a chapter of this organization, Xavier students are provided with an incredible networking opportunity in this field.

Becoming a recognized chapter of MTNA is no small feat. Co-advisors, Sonya Szabo-Reynolds, Adjunct Professor of Piano and Polina Bespalko, Teaching Professor of Piano and Keyboard Area, spent much of the Spring 2019 semester applying, planning and organizing their goals for the Xavier chapter. They determined student officers, wrote the chapter’s bylaws, and brainstormed projects they hope to see completed as an official collegiate chapter. Prior to official approval, the Xavier chapter hit the ground running, volunteering as judge and door monitors for Ohio Music Teachers Association-Southwest District Buckeye Auditions, hosted by Xavier in April.

As Szabo-Reynolds explained, “Being engaged in music brings a certain kind of peace to one's being.” This peace highlights the importance for instructors such as Szabo-Reynolds and Bespalko to create opportunities for their passionate students to continue to grow and network in this field.

Going forward, the chapter, “looks forward to many more opportunities for campus and community engagement, and for our student members' professional growth as future music educators.”

--

Xavier now joins the following institutions with MTNA Collegiate Chapters in Ohio (and across the river): Bowling Green State University, Capital University, Cedarville University, Malone University, Miami University, Northern Kentucky University, Ohio State University, Ohio University, Otterbein College, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and University of Mount Union.