We piano teachers pursue our chosen career for a variety of reasons, one of which is the autonomy the work offers. As self-employed business owners, we don't have to answer to anyone! Right? Well... this is not so when you are a member of the MTAC. This morning's meeting was mandatory. Then in the spring every active member is required to commit a full day working an assigned job for the CM Exams. Draconian punishments are threatened if either of these requirements are not met.
All this is fine. I recognize the pros and cons of being an MTAC member. I'm willing to put in the necessary time.
The new president of our branch is very soft-spoken and this leads to many teachers being disrespectful and chatting incessantly while she tries to address the room. This behavior is so childish. Anyone who occupies a position on the board does so as a volunteer and receives minimal pay, if any. So the least we can do is give them our attention for a few minutes.
Some things are predictable. Halfway through these annual beginning-of-the-CM-cycle general meetings, a third of the teachers shuffle out the door. Meanwhile, I stay. I'm bored and feel trapped, but I stay. I listen as the branch scrapbook coordinator appeals (yet again) for help with her work. No one offers help. I presume that many, like me, don't see a particular need for an ongoing scrapbook. Maybe we're alike in our lack of sentimentally.
But here's one thing that's awesome: these meetings are held at the Castro Valley Center for the Performing Arts, which is a mere four blocks from my house. So there was no need for me to rev up my car to get there - I walked. An hour and a half later I was free to go home and mow my lawn.
Jesse
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