For more information, click on the links below.

• CM Online Registration Login Page
• Teacher/Chair Help Page
• CM Newsletters
• CM Branch Chair Mailings
• CM Information, Policies and Forms

Goals of Certificate of Merit:

• To provide a systematic and comprehensive plan to develop performance skill, technique, ear-training and sight reading skills, and understanding of music theory.
• To provide practical goals to help students maintain a steady and focused appreciation of their musical studies
• To encourage students to strive for musical excellence
• To create opportunities in which students may share their music

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. There are two categories of enrollment. Path A and Path B. Enrollment in Path A is limited to teachers in good standing who are California residents and who are affiliated with a local branch of MTAC. Registration in Path B is open to any MTAC member teacher in good standing. Path A 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. Path B students are evaluated in their home studio by their teacher. Path B evaluations are flexible and may be administered at a time determined by the teacher. Both categories include all elements of the CM program: performance, technique, ear training, sight reading and written theory tests.

Student Opportunities:

• Annual evaluation covering performance, technique, ear training, sight reading, and written theory (Path A and Path B)
• Annual Certificate for passing all phases of the attempted level (Path A and Path B)
• Senior Medallions for graduating seniors who qualify (Path A)
• Branch honors recognition (Path A)
• Convention program performances (Path A)
• Convention Honors programs for Advanced-Panel students: Panel Honors Recitals, Master Classes and Young Artist Guild (Path A)

Syllabus:

The CM Piano Syllabus is published by The Music Teachers' Association of California and is available for purchase exclusively through the MTAC State Office. MTAC member price/$22 Non-member price/$27.50. To place an order go to our Online Shopping Page. 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.

Syllabi for other instruments and additional Certificate of Merit publications are also available through the MTAC State Office.

Certificate of Merit Council:

• Coordinator,
• Assistant Coordinator,
• Internet Database and Branch Fast Scheduling,
• Information Chair,
• Panel Chair North,
• Panel Chair South,
• Regional Panel Chair South,
• Young Artist Guild Chair,
• *CCSR, Training Liaison, Evaluator Chair North: Training and Recruiting, Branch Chair Liaison,
• Evaluator Chair North: Scheduling,
• *CCSR, Evaluator Chair South: Training and Recruiting, Branch Chair Liaison,
• Evaluator Chair South: Scheduling,
• New Materials Recital Chair,
• Festival Recital Chair,
• Ensemble/Theme Recital Chair,
• Strings Chair North,
• Strings Chair South,
• Voice Chair North,
• Voice Chair South,
• Wind Chair North,
• Wind Chair South,

*CM Chair Computer Support Representative:

• Branch names from A – L:
• Branch names from M – San Diego County:
• Branch names from San Fernando – W: