Music Teachers’ Association of California

Attention all future chinese parents, self hating asian twinkies, selective amnesia first generation asians, and possible adopters of asian children:
To be initiated into an ‘asian childhood’, one must follow these specific rules:
1. must have asian bowl haircut, preferable from ages 3 – 5
2. must have at least one picture of your child with a lipstick dot on their forehead… (ok, maybe my mom only did that)
3. must harsh them over and over again to become a doctor or a lawyer.
4. add ‘lah’ to everything while addressing child. for ex: «Hurry up and help your mom get the grocery lahhhhh»
5. TAKE PIANO LESSONS, and then take the CERTIFICATE OF MERIT.
That’s right, if you’re asian, you’ve had piano lessons. I don’t care where you lived— I remember a friend who was raised in Tanzania… he had piano lessons, twice a week. yes friends, even in the middle of Africa.
My situation though, was a bit different. My parents, not having enough money, could not afford piano lessons till I was about 12, and even then I think they might have seen it as a tool to teach me how to prepare, strategize, and learn how to be disciplined. Their plan did work by the way, might have backfired a bit, since I happened to fall in love with music, permanently.
During my earlier years of studying, all my teachers had me take what is known as the Certificate of Merit. This is an annual test that ranges from Prep level to Panel (about 11 levels). You are tested in Theory, Technique, Repertoire, and Ear Training. If you do well, you’re usually invited to perform in various concerts. Also, I saw this as a great opportunity for me to travel, and be around other passionate young musicians my age. There are numerous competitions all year round, and it sets a yearly goal, that the student (s) can look forward to, and aim for.
I recently joined the MTAC, Pasadena branch. Over 100 years old now, MTAC has over 5,000 members, including teachers of strings, winds, piano, and voice. They allow individuals to expand business, learn from other more experienced master teachers, and have yearly conventions, where one is introduced to the newest, and latest compositions and method books.
Though I was a bit skittish my first year, Esther Chang and Dr. You-​Whai Tsao (secretary and head of the pasadena branch), was extremely helpful and patient with me. I had accidentally mistyped a level my student was taking online, and they were nice enough to change it last minute, without admonishing me too much.
It’s surreal to be part of this organization now, and sitting with teachers I have grown up with, and have learned to love. Most recently, there have been new festivals, including one that focuses on pieces, OTHER then Bach, Beethoven, etc. They want the students to perform new composers, and the MTAC commissions a lot of new work for the organization. Though, there will always be a few glitches here and there, I have been extremely happy with the MTAC. All my students and their parents have been very satisfied with the end product, and I am extremely proud to be a part of this organization.
Moral of the story?
if you want your kid to be a doctor or lawyer, get them that Operation game, and/​or set up mock trials at your home. or you might just end up with crazed, passionate musician on your hands…
side note: if you would like to apply for membership, please contact your the mtac secretary in your local area. there are specific requirements listed, and about a 6 – 8 week wait on if you have been approved or not. best of luck!