Hello Students & Parents,
If you haven’t already, please log into your Certificate of Merit portal and confirm that all of your student’s information is correct. The deadline for payment is October 5.
Students should now be preparing to record their first piece. If you have not already contacted your piano accompanist to schedule rehearsal and recording time, please do so soon.
Students should also be working through the practice theory and sight-reading tests in their CM portal.
Things to Remember
Scales and at least one repertoire piece must be memorized.
The 2027 CM cover sheet must be shown at the beginning of all recordings. If you do not have a printed copy, you can download one here:
2027 CM Cover Sheet DownloadFor scale recordings: Show the cover sheet and the technique chart from the CM portal. Do not show the scale sheets I have provided.
For repertoire recordings: Do not show the pianist in the video.
At the beginning of each repertoire recording, you must show the 2027 cover sheet and your original music.
If the piece is memorized, show the original music first, then turn the stand around so it is clear that you are performing from memory.
Keep the recording device steady. Do not zoom, move, or pan the camera.
The student’s face and arms must be clearly visible throughout the video.
Students should wear performance attire: nice clothing, no sneakers or sandals. Barefoot or socks are fine.
Final Deadlines
All videos must be uploaded before February 23, 2027.
Both the theory and sight-reading tests must also be completed. The testing window is February 13–23, 2027.
I will be uploading the PDF files for everyone’s pieces into the CM portals, so you do not need to upload the music yourselves.
I’ll continue reviewing all of the video-recording guidelines with students during upcoming lessons. Once a student records their first piece, they can focus solely on preparing the next two. After recording the second piece, they will be able to focus entirely on their final piece.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting your student through this process. I am very proud of their hard work and commitment!
With joy,
Ms. Jill
