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:

• 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:

• 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 September 15 through November 15. Your child’s teacher will register your child through a secure online database. Students must be age 5 or older as of November 15 (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. 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.

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 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. 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.

2011-2012 Certificate of Merit Council:

• State Chair Coordinator,
• Assistant Coordinator,
• Information Chair, Training Liaison,
• Public Relations, Recording Secretary,
• Panel Chair North,
• Panel Chair South,
• Regional Panel Chair South,
• String Panel Chair South,
• Young Artist Guild Chair,
• Evaluator Chair North: Training and Recruiting, Branch Chair Liaison,
• Evaluator Chair South: Training and Recruiting, Branch Chair Liaison, *CCSR,
• Evaluator Chair North: Scheduling, *CCSR,
• Evaluator Chair South: Scheduling,
• New Materials Recital Chair,
• Festival Recital Chair,
• Ensemble/Theme Recital Chair,
• Strings Chair North,
• Strings Chair South,
• Voice Chair North / South,
• Wind Chair North / South,
• Advisor/Consultant for Website and Database Development,

*CM Chair Computer Support Representative:

• Branch names from A – Imperial Valley:
• Branch names from Irvine – Pasadena:
• Branch names from Placer – Santa Clara:
• Branch names from Santa Clarita – Yolo: