Submit A Manuscript

American Music Teacher is a refereed journal that welcomes submissions from all areas of the music teaching profession. We seek well-written, engaging articles that offer original perspectives.

General Rules

  • AMT will not consider manuscripts that have been submitted to any other publication, including websites, at the same time.
  • If you have an idea for an article, but have not written a manuscript, you may email a query to gauge interest (amt@mtna.org). A query should include a brief outline, the angle and tone that will be used and a list of suggested illustrations or other supporting materials. In a separate document, include your name, address, telephone number, fax number and email address.
  • AMT retains and controls the copyrights to all published manuscripts.
  • Authors are asked to sign an Article Submission Agreement that will be sent via email after a manuscript is received by MTNA.

Readership

  • Members of Music Teachers National Association receive AMT as a member benefit.
  • Nearly 75 percent of AMT's readers are independent music teachers; 15 percent are college/university instructors; 5 percent are students; the balance teach in other settings.
  • Approximately 75 percent of AMT's readers list keyboard as their primary instrument; voice, strings, woodwind, brass and percussion comprise the remaining primary instruments.

Length

  • Feature articles are any length up to 2,000 words including citations and references.

Photos/Illustrations

  • Authors are asked to provide musical examples, photos and/or other artwork to accompany their manuscripts. Only digital photos/scans in JPEG, TIFF, EPS or PDF formats will be accepted; they must be high-resolution (300 dpi minimum) and a minimum 288 x 480 pixels. Color photos are ideal, but black-and-white photos are acceptable.
  • Authors are responsible for obtaining written permission to reprint musical examples and photos when necessary. If a publisher requests a fee for the right to reprint, the fee is the author's responsibility.
  • All copyright information (i.e. date, publisher, etc.) must accompany any copyrighted material that is being used.

Manuscript Preparation/Submission

  • AMT accepts submissions throughout the year; there are no submission deadlines.
  • AMT accepts only manuscripts submitted as a Microsoft Word or text document and uploaded using the button below.
  • Do NOT use footnotes or endnotes. Use the author-date system—in-text citations with a reference list (Consult the Chicago Manual of Style for examples.) Manuscripts not following this format will be returned to the author for correction prior to peer review.
  • A brief abstract/synopsis of the article should be in a separate document.
  • The author's name or other identifying marks should not appear anywhere on the manuscript.
  • Manuscripts should be submitted by clicking "Submit A Manuscript" at the bottom of this page.
  • Receipt of the manuscript will be acknowledged.

Peer Review

  • Most manuscripts are reviewed individually by three members of AMT's editorial committee, who will recommend one of three courses of action: accept with definite publication, accept for further consideration or reject.
  • Based on these recommendations, a final decision will be made regarding a course of action.
  • The author's identity remains unknown to everyone but the managing editor throughout the review process.
  • This process can take several months.
  • Authors will be notified of the decision.
  • AMT will not provide commentary on rejected articles.

Compensation

  • Authors receive a complimentary copy of the magazine in which their article appears.

AMT Editorial Committee

American Music Teacher is a peer-reviewed journal. The seven-member editorial committee conducting the peer review is appointed by the MTNA Board of Directors. Committee members are appointed for two-year terms.

Get the know the members of the committee.

AMT Current Issue

Current AMT Cover

Since 1951, American Music Teacher has led the way by providing articles, reviews and regular columns that inform, educate and challenge music teachers and foster excellence in the music teaching profession. Read the Current Issue. mtna