Certificate of Merit for Marin Music Students
The Music Teachers’ Association of California® (MTAC) sponsors Certificate of Merit® (CM), a comprehensive music study and evaluation program for students of MTAC teachers. Established in 1933, Certificate of Merit® provides a standardized curriculum designed to develop musical excellence in performance, technique, ear training, sight reading/singing, and music theory.
Through its structured curriculum, Certificate of Merit® provides students with a clear pathway for musical growth at every level. The program is available for piano, violin, cello, viola, flute, French horn, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, euphonium, trombone, trumpet, voice, harp, and guitar.
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Families in Marin County interested in Certificate of Merit® should consult their child’s MTAC teacher for information about enrollment and preparation. Looking for a teacher? Use our Find a Marin Teacher tool to connect with an MTAC music teacher in Marin County.
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Certificate of Merit® is exclusively available through MTAC teachers. Music teachers in Marin County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area who are interested in offering Certificate of Merit® to their students are invited to learn more about MTAC Marin membership, professional opportunities, student programs, competitions, and our local community of music educators.
Evaluation & Awards
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Students participate in an annual Evaluation between mid-February and March and receive a musical assessment.
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Students complete a written theory exam which includes an ear training component.
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Students may choose to take their Evaluation at a Regional Testing Facility or online through the MTAC Testing Portal. Please speak to your MTAC Teacher about pricing for both options.
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Upon successful completion of the Evaluation, students receive an official MTAC CM Certificate for their level.
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Eligible High School students who complete the Advanced level of their instrument may move onto the Panel and Young Artist Guild Auditions. Learn more about this program here.
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Senior medallions are awarded to eligible high school seniors.
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All CM students who meet the State Honors award requirements will receive a special seal on their certificate.
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Students demonstrating exceptional skill during their Evaluation may be invited to perform live at annual MTAC State Convention Recitals.
Certificate of Merit Levels
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Each instrument has its own 10-level or 11-level syllabus, detailing a specific set of requirements. Teachers will decide the appropriate level for each student.
Students and teachers work together on level-appropriate selected repertoire, technique elements, sight reading, theory, and ear training. -
Eligible High School students who pass the Advanced levels of their instrument can move onto the competitive Panel track, where students can compete for the coveted Panel awards and the inclusion in the Young Artist Guild. Learn more about this program here.
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All Certificate of Merit® Syllabi and supplemental testing materials are published by the Music Teachers’ Association of California® and are available for purchase exclusively through the MTAC State Office.
Enrollment
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Students must be age 5 or older by September 30 and added to their teacher’s MTAC Online Roster to participate.
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Teachers create applications for their students in September and complete the student’s repertoire list by December 15.
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Parents or Adult Students must submit their application fee by October 5.
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Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Teacher Information
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MTAC teachers who have paid their membership dues by July 31 may enroll their students in Certificate of Merit®.
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For new applicants and former members wishing to reinstate, all required membership and reinstatement applications and documents, along with correct payment, must be submitted to the MTAC State Office by July 31st, in order to participate in Certificate of Merit®. Please note that MTAC cannot be responsible for lost or late submissions.
INTERESTED IN JOINING MTAC AND OUR BRANCH?
FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT MTAC STATE'S FAQ