Certificate of Merit is a statewide program of graded music education made available to students of music teachers who are members of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC).
Teachers plan annual music instruction by using a carefully researched syllabus for the Certificate of Merit Program.
A certificate from the State Office of MTAC validates your child's success and progress at each level of the Certificate of Merit Program. Students may move on to the next level, or remain at the same level for a second year. For more complete information, visit the MTAC State website at www.mtac.org and follow the instructions to the CM Program.
Certificate of Merit® outlines a detailed year-by-year curriculum of study for the successful and effective learning of a musical instrument through the publication of comprehensive syllabi (one for each instrument) and a system of yearly evaluations.
During the evaluations, experienced adjudicators hear students perform selected literature, technique elements, and sight reading. Students also complete a written theory exam, which includes an ear training component. Following the evaluation, students receive a comprehensive assessment of their performance.
A successful evaluation results in a certificate being given, in recognition that the student has achieved the specified requirements for the specified level (representing one year) of study.
The Certificate of Merit® program in California also offers performance opportunities for outstanding student performers.
www.mtac.org/programs/performance/certificate-of-merit/