FAQ: Why Join the RMT?

So you’re wondering about the Registered Music Teachers Association. Why should you join them? Do you know what joining the RMT requires? This post is to help answer some common questions we have about our group.

  • What is the benefit to me?
    • The Saskatoon branch holds monthly meetings from September until May.  These events are a great way to keep educating yourself, as well as giving you the opportunity to network with other musicians and music teachers in your local branch area. You can check out our calendar to see what kinds of topics we discuss.
    • Participation in the Liability Insurance Plan.
    • Students of RMT can enter various competitions, and can apply for some of the organizations’ scholarships.
    • Belonging to our organization shows your students that you are a professional.
    • Our provincial branch has an even more comprehensive listing of benefits – check it out for more details!
  • Do I have to be a piano or a voice teacher to join?
    • Whilst there are a lot of piano teachers in our organization, our local Saskatoon branch includes members who teach saxophone and clarinet as well. Music teachers who have the necessary qualifications are welcome, no matter what instrument you play.  We would love to have a variety in our organization!
    • We regularly have workshops that apply to all kinds of students – for example, our past seasons have included subjects such as composition, playing by ear, and how to teach rhythm, to name only a few. There’s a lot teachers can learn from each other, no matter what your instrument is.  Your presence in our association would be beneficial for you as well as enriching our membership.
  • What credentials do I need to join the RMT?
    • Our provincial website has much information on this topic as well, as do we elsewhere on our local branch website.
    • There are a few levels of membership. These are all outlined wonderfully on the provincial and local website, but here’s a summary for your help. The three levels of membership are: Affiliate level 1, Affiliate level 2, and Full member.
    • A Full member can use the designation “RMT” and must have completed pedagogical training (either as part of their diploma/degree or as a supplement to their diploma/degree) or show  proof of successful teaching and have completed at least one of the following:
      • A music degree from a university recognized by the Executive, subject to approval by the Board of Examiners.
      • Associate Diploma or equivalent to that granted by the Royal Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Canada, Canadian National Conservatory of Music, or any university or school of music recognized by the Executive.
      • An Associate or Licentiate Teacher’s or Performer’s Diploma granted by Trinity College, London, England, any one of the Royal Schools of Music, London, England, accompanied by successful completion of all the Royal Conservatory Grade IV theory exams (Harmony, History, and Counterpoint) or their equivalent.
    • Affiliate Level 1 – Applicants may apply for this category if all requirements for Full Membership are not yet met, and must have completed a Grade 10 certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Canada, or the Canadian National Conservatory of Music, or the equivalent thereof.
    • Affiliate Level 2 – Applicants may apply for this category if all requirements for Affiliate Level 1 Membership are not yet met, and must have completed a Grade 9 certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Canada, or the Canadian National Conservatory of Music, or the equivalent thereof.
  • Do I have to charge a certain amount if I join your group?
    • The RMT has a suggested fee, the purpose of which is to sustain a province-wide minimum.  The RMT recommends this rate as it is important to assure professional music teachers are being fairly paid for their services.

If you’d like further information about us, please drop us a line, we’d love to hear from you!

If you’d like to join us, here’s links to our provincial membership application form, and also the local branch membership application form.