Certificate of Merit
The Music Teachers’ Association of California® sponsors a music study program entitled Certificate of Merit®. Started in 1933, the Certificate of Merit Program now involves approximately 27,000 students annually statewide.
There are evaluation opportunities for students of many other instruments besides piano but piano is the most popular. Students work with their MTAC teacher during the year to prepare for the evaluation which is done near the end of February or early in March. Based on the evaluation, students will receive a written performance assessment by a state-approved evaluator.
There are distinct parts of the evaluation. In the performance evaluation, students are given a time period within which to play all of their assigned technical skills. Technical skills include scales, cadences and other pianistic patterns. Students then have 5 to 10 minutes to play their assigned repertoire pieces. This could be 2, 3 or 4 pieces depending on skill level. There is also a written theory test that includes an ear training portion. For the ear training test students listen to recorded samples and choose answers based on what they hear.
The goals of the CM Program
• To provide a systematic and comprehensive plan to develop performance skill, technique, ear training, sight reading/singing and understanding of music theory.
• To develop practical goals to help students maintain a steady and focused approach to their musical studies.
• To encourage students to strive for musical excellence.
• To create opportunities in which students may share their music with others.
How the CM Program Works
Each year, the student application period takes place from October 1st through October 31st. Students must be age 5 or older as of October 31 A detailed Certificate of Merit syllabus has been created and designed for piano. There are specific set requirements for each of the eleven Certificate of Merit levels. The teacher will decide on the appropriate level and will make repertoire choices for each enrolled student.
Students work with their teacher on selected literature, technique elements, sight-reading, theory and ear training for their enrolled level until the evaluation in February. All results and theory tests are provided to the student by their teacher after all evaluations are complete statewide. Upon successful completion of all components of the evaluation, students receive an official Certificate of Merit certificate. There are additional awards and performance opportunities for high performing students. Among others, students may be selected to perform in annual MTAC state convention recitals.
Certificate of Merit is a great way to learn all of the necessary technical skills for playing piano and to perform them well and to receive recognition for doing so.
