2005-06 Recipients of Robert Schmitt -- MMTA Foundation Professional Development Grants Announced

Through a generous gift from Schmitt Music Company, the Minnesota Music Teachers Association Foundation will provide financial assistance to music teachers to undertake projects which enhance their professional development, such as the development of a new studio program; participation in seminars, conferences or workshops for the enhancement of teaching skills or master classes; course work needed for MTNA certification or an advanced degree; travel grants; or private study with recognized teachers.

Applicants must provide a 100% match to funds received from the MMTA Foundation. There is a limit of one grant per individual in any 3-year period. There will be 2 grant rounds within the calendar year. The number of grants awarded will be determined by the available funds. Applicants will be notified of the results within 60 days of the application deadline.

Click here to print an application form for 2006-2007 grants.

Criteria:

• Quality of the project: its originality and creativity and the possibility of the project to inspire and influence the teaching of the applicant
• Professional involvement of the applicant
• Applicant’s demonstrated commitment to teaching, evidenced by the number of students and length of time taught
• If a previous recipient, the satisfactory completion of the conditions of the previous grant

In 2005-2006, the following grants were awarded:

• Bonnie So, Plymouth, received $500 in matching funds to study piano with Professor Yakov Gelfand at St. Olaf College. Her short-term goal is to improve her skills to teach her students, including MusicLink students and her long-term goal is to have more opportunities to give something back to the community by teaching piano to underprivileged students. She teaches over 200 students in private and group lessons.
• Emily Ireland, Minneapolis, received $500 in matching funds to assist with tuition toward completion of a Masters Degree in Music Education, Piano Pedagogy emphasis, at the University of St. Thomas. She teaches 48 piano students in addition to several classes for young children.
• Hannah Casey, Mora, received $320 in matching funds to assist with tuition costs of video courses in music theory and music history at the College of St. Scholastica, working toward MTNA certification. She teaches 36 students.
• Ann DuHamel, St. Cloud, received $500 in matching funds to attend the Amalfi Coast Music Festival and Institute in Italy where she attended workshops, took private lessons, and performed. She currently teaches about 45 students at the Central Minnesota Music School.
• Amy Unseth, Austin, received $360 in matching funds to study flute with Dr. Margaret Rowland. She currently teaches 10 students from a broad area in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa and performs with the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

Congratulations to these fine teachers, and thanks to all who have enabled the MMTA Foundation to support the professional growth of our members.

For more information about donating to the Foundation, or about applying for the 2006-2007 grants, contact Foundation President Dr. LeAnn House.