Dear CM Parents and Students:
The MTAC Certificate of Merit Program is starting a bit earlier this year. Here is what I know at this point. Below are details, deadlines and rates.
- Online submissions are still the main option being offered. I have been told that an in-person option for performances may be offered but details for that option are not available as of yet. We were also advised that the venue for in-person submissions will most likely be in a different city so you may need to consider travel (with your accompanist) if you choose that option; and fees for the in-person option will increase significantly due to the high cost of renting a facility and insurance costs.
- For their tests, students must play two songs at a high performance level. One must be by memory, and the 2nd one can be performed by reading music. Students that memorize both songs usually receive a higher score and may be considered for state honors depending on how well they play their songs.
- Students will need to perform their level of scales by memory. Scales are available for download and print from the resource section on my website.
- Students Level 4 and above must also prepare and play an etude.
- Students will also be required to take a closed book theory test online as well as an online sight reading test.
- Both songs must be performed with live piano accompaniment. I have a couple of pianists that we worked with last year and they are excellent players, very professional and familiar with the Certificate of Merit program. I will be contacting them soon to make sure they are still available this year and find out what dates they are available to rehearse and record. Hiring the piano accompaniment is a separate cost and is the responsibility of the parent to keep up with schedules and to pay the pianist. I will assist in facilitating scheduling. Please be prepared to schedule at least two practice/recording sessions. If both aren’t needed you can also cancel the 2nd one. The more prepared students are ahead of time the easier these sessions will go. It is also up to the parent to video their media submissions and upload to their MTAC portal.
- Most of my students that will be enrolling in the CM program already know what they will be performing for their tests.
- Deadlines:
Registration Opens: September 1, 2023
Registration Closes: September 30, 2023
(Note: That I need to enroll students on my roster before you can register. I will notify you once your student has been enrolled, then you will need to log-in and complete the enrollment process).
Application Fee Due: October 5, 2023 (late payments are now allowed)
Media Submission Deadline: February 6, 2024 (late submissions are not allowed) - CM Fees: (to be paid through your MTAC portal)
Level 3-5: $90
Level 6-7: $92
Level 8-9: $102
Level 10 (Advanced) $110
I will update you as I learn more. Please feel free to ask me any questions that you have.
Ms. Jill
