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. Students of piano, strings, woodwinds, brass and voice may participate. Each instrument has a different syllabus, graded from Preparatory to Advanced Levels, and they are among the most thorough and widely used syllabi among their kind in the United States.

Over 30,000 students participate at the annual evaluations in the spring. They are held by various local branches throughout California. Students are tested at their specific levels in sight reading, technique, performance, ear training, and written theory.

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® (CM) is a stimulating educational opportunity and experience for students who study with a teacher who is a member of MTAC. Initiated in 1933, CM is sponsored and run by the MTAC and now annually involves approximately 30,000 students statewide.

THE 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.

Enrollment

Students are enrolled by their teachers, using a secure online database system, in the fall for participation in the following spring. Annual evaluations are held between mid-February and early April, on specific dates arranged by the local branch.

HOW TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD IN THE MUSIC TEACHER’S ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA CERTIFICATE OF MERIT PROGRAM

The time to enroll your child in the MTAC’s Certificate of Merit Program is now! The registration period goes through the month of October, ending on October 31. There are a few steps necessary for you to get your child correctly and successfully enrolled.

Here are the steps you need to take:

Set up your student’s account in the online system:

1. Your child’s MTAC teacher will initiate the process but you will need to receive your students MTAC student ID number if you do not already have it. A temporary student ID number will be sent to you. Check your email to verify and follow the instructions.

2. You need a Parent Account to proceed. Create the account and proceed.

3. Confirm with your child’s MTAC Teacher.

Application and Enrollment for the Certificate of Merit Evaluations Program

As we mentioned previously, the enrollment period will be from October 1 to October 31, 2019.

Application fees will also need to be paid as well, but only during the period of November 1 through November 10. Be sure that the payment is made during this period or else your child’s application will remain incomplete.

To read additional details directly from the Music Teachers’ Association of California, click here.

For further inquiry regarding our Certificate of Merit program, Please CLICK HERE.