Toward a Deeper Definition of Integrity

By Karen Thickstun, NCTM

American Music Teacher, April/May 2024

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Professionalism was the topic of my initial column in the August/September 2007 American Music Teacher. I intentionally chose professionalism as a debut topic because I believe it is an essential element of all successful studios. As I re-read that column recently, I was inspired to take a deeper look at integrity, an element of professionalism.

Integrity has two definitions. First, integrity involves consistent adherence to mission and values, honesty and authenticity, and earnestness of actions. The MTNA Code of Ethics challenges us to act with integrity in our commitment to students, colleagues and society.

Second, integrity means "whole"—as in the quality of being whole, unified and coherent. In business, brand integrity conveys a consistent, unambiguous, authentic image. Integrity is part of our whole studio and self. It is easy over time to lapse into a routine and operate on autopilot. It takes conscious effort to stop for a breath and take a deep look at ourselves and our studio operations from a perspective of integrity.

Integrity of the Teaching Philosophy

As times change, and we change, so may our studio's mission and values. The who/what/where/why/how of our teaching will evolve. Regularly examining your teaching philosophy statement will affirm that it remains relevant and truly reflects you and your studio.

University of Minnesota's Center for Educational Innovation identifies categories, along with prompt questions, to assist with writing (or updating) a teaching philosophy statement. Read more at https://cei.umn.edu/teaching-resources/writing-your-teaching-philosophy.

Integrity of the Curriculum

Is our curriculum and repertoire consistent with our current teaching philosophy? Based on my own evolution as well as student requests, I am now more purposeful in my efforts to be inclusive with repertoire, language and events as I seek to provide students with more choices.

Integrity of the Studio Policy

Most teachers update their studio policy annually—sometimes to address a first-time issue (such as adding a bank fee after the first bounced check), but also in response to our environment and society. In recent years, teachers have added guidance related to hand≠washing, masks and immunization or the use of online lessons when one party is ill. Photo and video releases are now common to provide consent. Keeping the studio policy up-to-date and in alignment with our teaching philosophy ultimately maintains the professionalism and integrity of our studios.

Integrity of Studio Operations

Consistent and earnest actions convey integrity, often through the smallest of actions. Consider:

• how quickly you return phone calls, texts or emails
• how effectively you respond to questions or concerns
• how organized you are (during the lesson or handling financial matters)
• how promptly you start and end lessons on time
• how effectively you maintain the energy of an 8:00 p.m. lesson compared to a 3:00 p.m. lesson

Simple actions and behaviors that convey professionalism and authenticity create strong positive impressions that promote the integrity of your brand.

Integrity of the Studios Brand

An independent studio is only as effective as the teacher—you. Your brand is you—it is the sum total of what you do, why you do it, how it is presented and how others perceive your offerings. Your brand is how you pre≠pare, present and reinforce each concept and how you assess outcomes. It is also your tone, manner, sense of humor, personality, communication style and bedside manner with par≠ents. The wholeness of these elements acting in harmony with each other is your professional brand, your professional integrity.

Your studio's brand and integrity are not something you develop solely when starting your studio. A professional teacher is aware of trends in the market, changes in target audience and customer wants/needs, and responds appropriately.

The key to sustaining the integrity of your brand is to make a positive impression and then keep making an impression. You make an impression every time someone hears your studio name, reads about you or your students, or drives past your location. Consistent attention through purposeful strategies, with a commitment to integrity and professionalism, creates the most important impression of all—a lasting one.

On a personal note, this is my final column. And so it's fitting that I end as I began, with a nod to the professionalism and integrity that our students and profession deserve. It has been an honor to serve MTNA in this capacity. I will continue to serve as coordinator of the MTNA Business Digest—watch for my next article in the Spring 2024 issue.

Karen Thickstun, NCTM, teaches piano pedagogy at Butler University and recently retired as founding director of the Butler Community Arts School. She holds degrees in music, economics and business. Thickstun is MTNA immediate past president.