The Judge Education Committee (JEC) nurtures and supports the professional development of new and experienced judges, and oversees all aspects of the adjudication process for MMTA programs.
Becoming an MMTA Endorsed Judge
An MMTA Endorsed Judge is an MMTA member and experienced teacher who is passionate about music and music education.
MMTA Endorsed Judges are “endorsed” by completing a training process consisting of: submitting an application, attending an overview of philosophy and current program judging directives, receiving a favorable evaluation of their written critiques. MMTA Endorsed Judges periodically attend judge continuing education sessions.
Steps Toward Becoming an MMTA Endorsed Judge
- Submit an application to become an MMTA Endorsed Judge. click here for online application
- Attend a JEC orientation for Endorsed Judge Candidates. This may be offered at convention, in a small group, or by appointment.
- In preparation for the first judging assignment, the Endorsed Judge Candidate will be provided with a playlist for writing practice critiques. Feedback on practice critiques will be provided.
- Judge at an MMTA site (or for a virtual event) as an Endorsed Judge Candidate and have critiques evaluated by the JEC.
- Become an Endorsed Judge after receiving a favorable evaluation.
- Attend at least one Endorsed Judge Continuing Education session every four years.
- As part of continuing education, each judge’s critiques will be reviewed at roughly five-year intervals and written feedback provided.
Benefits of Becoming an Endorsed MMTA Judge
- In recognition of the extra effort taken to become endorsed and maintain that status, endorsed judges are paid at a higher rate than those who are not endorsed.
- Names of MMTA Endorsed Judges are provided to the site administrators for MMTA program events and will be the first to be contacted for judging.
- MMTA Endorsed Judges are invited to participate in an online availability survey each quarter of the program year.
Maintaining Endorsed Judge Status
MMTA is an organization with a wide variety of adjudicated events that are constantly evolving to meet the needs of today’s teachers and students. Thus, continuing education and evaluations are an important part of maintaining endorsement.
- Attend at least one Endorsed JEC session every four years. These are offered annually at conventions.
- As part of continuing education, each judge’s critiques will be reviewed at roughly five year intervals and written feedback provided.
Teacher Feedback Regarding Adjudication
From time to time, teachers and students may wish to provide feedback to the JEC regarding a judging issue or a particular judge. The JEC welcomes both positive feedback and grievances.
Please provide in writing and send both documents to the JEC Chair:
A copy of the critique in question and;
A statement giving an account of the particular experience or issue you wish the committee to address.