Certificate of Merit

This page contains information about the Certificat of Merit Program for the year 2024-2025

We are excited to introduce you to a wonderful opportunity that many of our students participate in—the Certificate of Merit (CM) Program. Organized by the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), CM is a comprehensive and challenging curriculum designed to develop well-rounded musicians. The program covers essential aspects of musicianship, including repertoire from various musical periods, technique, sight-reading, ear-training, theory, and performance practice. It culminates in an evaluation and theory exam each spring.

What’s Involved

Students progress through one CM level per year, with specific requirements at each stage. In February or March, students participate in a performance evaluation and theory exam. During the evaluation, they will perform their prepared pieces, technical exercises, and complete a sight-reading test, all evaluated by a certified MTAC evaluator. The theory exam also includes an ear-training section. If a student performs well, they may advance to the next level the following year.

New this year, students have the option to complete their performance evaluation and theory test in person (which was unavailable during the pandemic), or they may choose to participate online. In-person evaluations will be held in San Jose at Valley Christian High School. The cost for in-person and online evaluations is the same this year, making the in-person option much more affordable—though it does involve a longer drive. For the online option, students submit videos of their performances and complete their theory and sight-reading tests remotely. Videos can be recorded at home or here at the school with their teacher (recommended!)

In-person vs online

When choosing between in-person or online evaluations, both options are viable, and we fully support whichever feels like the best fit for your student. In-person evaluations provide a valuable live performance experience, an essential skill for students to develop. While performing live can feel more intimidating, it’s a one-time event—students prepare for a single day, perform, and then they’re done! The downside is the long drive to San Jose. The in-person evaluation for 2025 will take place on February 24th.

Online evaluations offer more flexibility, allowing students to record videos as they complete their pieces. However, video-making can be stressful and time-consuming, using valuable lesson time. It also requires more parent involvement and technical skills for uploading, whereas in-person evaluations only require drop-off and pick-up. The online evaluation period for 2025 is February 15th-25th for submissions and testing.


Time Commitment

While the overall time commitment for CM aligns closely with their regular practice and lesson schedules, students will have specific deadlines to meet. We are inviting your child to participate because of their demonstrated dedication and strong practice habits, which we believe make them a good fit for the challenges of the program. Not every student at our school is selected for CM, as it requires a high level of commitment. We also offer specialized CM prep classes during Musicianship Week, so please ensure your child attends the class that matches their level.

Costs

The cost for participation varies by level and instrument. For piano/guitar/strings

  • Levels Prep & 1-2: $84

  • Levels 3-5: $90

  • Levels 6-7: $96

  • Levels 8-9: $102

  • Level Advanced: $110

For Voice:

  • Voice Levels 1-2: $84

  • Voice Levels 3-4: $90

  • Voice Levels 5-6: $96

  • Voice Levels 7-8: $102

  • Voice Levels 9-10: $110

Payment will be made to MTAC and is due by October 5th. In addition to the fee, your student may need new books based on the theory and repertoire requirements for their level. Returning students, please note that MTAC has increased their fees this year by $1.

Next Steps

If you would like your child to participate in CM, please notify their teacher. Registration is open throughout September, with a hard deadline of September 30th. Your teacher will initiate the process once they hear from you, and you’ll receive an email from MTAC with further instructions. Payment will be due October 5th.

How to Prepare

We will provide all necessary materials during lessons, including repertoire, technique exercises, theory homework, practice tests, and examples for sight-reading and ear-training. Your child simply needs to maintain regular practice habits, follow their practice sheets, and stay on top of theory assignments.

Participating in CM is a valuable experience that fosters musicianship, performance skills, and goal-setting. It’s also an impressive addition to college applications—Miss Ashley and Miss Stella even participated in CM as students! If you have any questions or are ready to enroll, please let us know.