Sponsored by the Music Teachers Association of California--Certificate of Merit, also called CM, is a comprehensive, goal oriented plan-of-action for becoming an accomplished and well-rounded musician.
Students are evaluated in theory, ear training, sight reading, technical rudiments, and performance skills. A certificate is awarded for completing a designated skill level--with Levels 1-10 achievable (Level 10 is called Advanced). Branch and state honors are awarded for outstanding evaluations.
Seniors who have passed CM three high school years and have reached Level 7 or higher, are awarded a medallion by the State MTAC--and the San Diego Branch (of which I'm a member), presents a monetary award.
Beyond regular CM, there is a division of CM called "Panel," which is for the highly polished and most talented students. Students opting to enroll in Panel must be in Level 9 or 10, and are required to perform at a regional and state evaluation heard by a "panel" of evaluators. If passing the state evaluation, students are chosen for either a Panel Recital or Master Class held at the state convention; or are inducted for five years into the "Young Artist Guild"--the highest achievement in CM, and prestigious honor. Students aiming to become members of the Young Artist Guild must enroll and pass CM all four high school years.
Registration for CM is in October, and the evaluation in February or March.
Visit state MTAC website for general information: MTAC.org
Visit local MTAC San Diego Branch for dates and locations of this year's evaluation:sandiegomtac.com
Students are evaluated in theory, ear training, sight reading, technical rudiments, and performance skills. A certificate is awarded for completing a designated skill level--with Levels 1-10 achievable (Level 10 is called Advanced). Branch and state honors are awarded for outstanding evaluations.
Seniors who have passed CM three high school years and have reached Level 7 or higher, are awarded a medallion by the State MTAC--and the San Diego Branch (of which I'm a member), presents a monetary award.
Beyond regular CM, there is a division of CM called "Panel," which is for the highly polished and most talented students. Students opting to enroll in Panel must be in Level 9 or 10, and are required to perform at a regional and state evaluation heard by a "panel" of evaluators. If passing the state evaluation, students are chosen for either a Panel Recital or Master Class held at the state convention; or are inducted for five years into the "Young Artist Guild"--the highest achievement in CM, and prestigious honor. Students aiming to become members of the Young Artist Guild must enroll and pass CM all four high school years.
Registration for CM is in October, and the evaluation in February or March.
Visit state MTAC website for general information: MTAC.org
Visit local MTAC San Diego Branch for dates and locations of this year's evaluation:sandiegomtac.com