To Parents and Students,
The Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) sponsors a music
study program entitled Certificate of Merit (CM). Initiated in 1933, the
CM Program now involves approximately 30,000 students annually
statewide. There are evaluation opportunities for students of Piano,
Violin, Cello, Viola, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, Horn,
Voice and Harp.
Goals of Certificate of Merit:
How the CM Program Works:
A detailed CM Syllabus has been created and designed for each of the
above-mentioned instruments. There are specific set requirements for
each of the eleven CM levels. Your child’s teacher will decide on the
level that is appropriate.
Student Registration takes place from October 1 - 31.
Your child’s teacher will register your child through a secure online
database. Students must be age 5 or older as of October 31 (the CM
Registration Deadline) to participate in the CM Program.
Students work with their teachers on selected literature, technique
elements, sight reading, theory and ear training for their enrolled
level.
Registered students participate in an annual evaluation held from
mid-February through April.
From the evaluation, students receive a written assessment.
Students will also complete a written theory exam, which includes an ear
training component.
Upon successful completion of all segments of the evaluation, students
receive an official MTAC CM Certificate.
Senior medallions will be awarded to eligible high school seniors.
Students who demonstrate exceptional skill at his/her evaluation may be
selected to perform at annual MTAC State Convention Recitals.
Your child(ren) will benefit tremendously from this wonderful
educational opportunity and experience. Please consult with your child’s
teacher for more information regarding registration and preparation.
General Information:
Any teacher who is an active, provisional, Cal Plan or student member of
MTAC may enroll students in the Certificate of Merit program. Enrollment is
limited to teachers in good standing who are California residents and
who are affiliated with a local branch of MTAC. Students are
evaluated on an assigned date at a site determined by the local branch
of MTAC. These evaluations are administered by state-appointed
evaluators. Evaluations include all elements of
the CM program: performance, technique, ear training, sight reading and
written theory tests. The branch fee for participation is $12.
Syllabus:
The Certificate of Merit Syllabi are published by The Music Teachers'
Association of California and is available for purchase exclusively
through the MTAC State Office. To place an order for a Syllabus, go to
MTAC's Online
Store. You can also order with a credit card by
calling 1-800-834-3340 extension 1 (24 hour automated service) or send
check payment to: MTAC, 833 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA
94103. Member and non-member prices are listed for each Instrument
Syllabus.
Syllabi for other instruments and additional Certificate of Merit
publications are also available through the MTAC State Office.
Teachers' Work Agreement 2019-2020
Welcome Letter to CM Parents from State Chair
2020-2021 CM Evaluations
-will be taking place during the month of March
- exact dates TBD
Winds Evaluation Date - March
TBD, 2021
-Chairs- TBD
Registration Oct.1-31
Fees paid by Nov.5, 2020
Voice Evaluation Date - March TBA 2021
-Chairs- TBD
Registration Oct.1-31
Fees paid by Nov.5, 2020
Piano Evaluation Dates - March TBD 2021
- Chairs- Sharon Shaheed & TBD
Registration Oct.1-31
Fees paid by Nov.5, 2020
Strings Evaluation Date - March TBD, 2021
Chairs- TBD
Registration Oct. 1-31
Fees paid by Nov.5, 2020
The 2021 CM Honors
Festival will take place on TBD
Chairs - TBD
1st Registration Deadline: TBD
2nd Registration Deadline: TBD
The Festival is for students who were awarded honors in the
Certificate of Merit program. There is no enrollment fee for
participation in this festival.
To be eligible, students must be Level IV or higher, pass the theory
exam (70% or better), receive average, good or excellent in sight
reading, receive good or excellent in technique, and receive a 5+, 5 or
5- for the chosen piece that must be memorized. (Keyboard only).
Student registration for state programs must be completed on the state website. To register, please go to new.mtac.org and log in using your teacher ID and password.
Certifcate of Merit Newsletters:
CM Newsletter December 2018 - CM Events 2019
CM Newsletter August 2018 - Welcome to Certificate of Merit 2018-2019
