2026 Certificate of Merit Updates

Hello Certificate of Merit Students & Parents:

There have been some changes to Certificate of Merit (CM) this year. I have been discussing these changes with all my students that are enrolling this year. Because there are a lot of details to remember I wanted to outline some important ones in this post for you to refer to. Please be sure to read this in its entirety and refer back to it when you have questions. I am also available to answer any questions you may have.

Enrollment:

CM enrollment is open from September 1-30, 2025. I will initiate enrollment on September 1st and text you with the steps you need to take from there. Enrollment will close on September 30th and after that date you will not be able to enroll. There are online and in-person options. You will want to choose the online option. In person options are not in San Diego and will require travel for both you and the piano accompanist. 

Fees:

The enrollment fees are outlined below. Payment must be made by October 5th in order to complete enrollment.

• Preparatory: $104
• Level 1: $104
• Level 2: $104
• Level 3: $110
• Level 4: $110
• Level 5: $110
• Level 6: $116
• Level 7: $116
• Level 8: $123
• Level 9: $123
• Advanced: $133

Requirements:

There have been changes in the requirements this year. Students will be evaluated on the following elements:

• Technique (Scales)
• Sight-reading
• Repertoire
• Theory
• Ear Training (this will be included in theory exam)

Technique (Scales):

There are some additions to the scale requirements this year. Scales must be memorized and played at or above the minimum suggested tempo. I have prepared updated scale sheets for all the levels and have provided copies to students. PDF and MP3 files are also posted in the resource section of my website (www.GriffinViolinStudio.com) so students can listen to the scales and play along with them. Students that are enrolled my my MakeMusic classroom have also been assigned the scales. MakeMusic allows students to adjust the tempo as they learn the scales. If your student is not enrolled in my MakeMusic program please ask me how to enroll. It has many benefits and I recommend students take advantage of this program. Technique must be memorized and played up to tempo. All scales are to be recorded in one video. Please refer to video guidelines for more information.

Repertoire:

There are changes in the repertoire requirements this year as well. I have already selected repertoire for all my students and we are working together to prepare all their songs.

Levels Preparatory to level 3 need to prepare two songs in different genres listed in the approved syllabus. Both songs need to be performed with live piano accompaniment. A minimum of one song will need to be played by memory.

Levels 4 to level 9 will need to prepare three songs in different genres listed in the approved syllabus. The songs will need to be performed with live piano accompaniment. A minimum of one song will need to be played by memory.

Advanced level students will need to prepare four songs in different genres listed in the approved syllabus. The songs will need to be performed with live piano accompaniment. A minimum of two songs will need to be played by memory.

There is an online syllabus available to parents as well in your CM portals. All repertoire is to be recorded by video. Please refer to video guidelines for more information.

Practice Tests:

Practice tests for both sight-reading and theory will be available in the CM portal. I suggest students take advantage of these tests as soon as they are released. Once the testing period for theory and sight-reading has opened the practice tests will no longer be available.

Video Recording Guidelines:

Technique:

Students must show the official CM technique chart to the camera before recording their scales. THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS THE SCALE SHEETS THAT I HAVE PROVIDED TO LEARN THEIR SCALES. These official technique charts are available in your CM portal, or you can get one from me. 

Repertoire:

Students must show the official CM recording cover sheet to the camera at the beginning of each repertoire video. They must also show the original published music to the camera before they begin performing. If the song is being played by memory they will still need to show the original music and turn the stand away from them as they perform the song. Repertoire must be performed with live piano accompaniment. 

Video recording must be with one fixed camera angle. No moving or zooming in and out. pianist is not required to be in the video frame. If they are in the video, they must use the same type of original, published sheet music or a digital version with digital authorization as the student uploaded to the MTAC Online System. For example, if the student is using a digital device, e.g. iPad, then the collaborative pianist must use an iPad and vice versa. For this reason, I strongly suggest that you do NOT show the pianist in the video.

Sight Reading:

The sight reading study period and performance must be included in the video recording. Failure to include the study period in the video recording will result in an Incomplete Submission rating for Sight Reading. The screen of the device used for sight reading must be seen in the video recording. The video recording must show both the student and the screen in the same shot. This ensures they are playing off of the screen, which is timed.

General:

In all recordings students should be dressed in attire as they would in a live performance. Concert black is always a good choice. Recordings should be of good quality and show student's body, face and arms. Recordings must not be edited. 

Comprehensive guidelines for video recording can be found in your CM portal.

Theory:

Theory tests will be available online through the CM portal. Students should be working in their Core Music Theory workbooks to prepare for their tests. As noted above, practice theory tests will be available in the CM portal. I recommend all students take advantage of these tests.

Sight Reading:

Sight-reading tests will be available online through the CM portal. Please also refer to the recording guidelines for sight reading outlined above in the recording guidelines section. As noted above, practice sight-reading tests will be available in the CM portal. I recommend all students take advantage of these tests.

Media and Test Deadline:

All videos must be submitted and tests taken by March 3rd. Because the cover sheet is already available, videos could (AND SHOULD) be recorded and submitted early and as soon they are available. With good practice habits this can be easily accomplished and your student can be done early. I recommend that students begin rehearsing with their pianist as soon as they have a song ready and tackle them one at a time. Waiting until the end and having to record all songs at the same time is too much stress for everybody. 

Conclusion:

This document highlights some of the pertinent details for certificate of merit. There are also more comprehensive details located in the CM portal. Please refer back to this post as needed. I know there is a lot of information. I will be here to walk you through all the steps.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with your students as they prepare for these exams. Most of all, thank you for allowing me to share my love of music and the violin with your students. I wish all the best of luck.

With Joy,

Ms. Jill
www.GriffinViolinStudio.com