2023-2024 MTAC Certificate of Merit Information

Please review following 2023-2024 CM details in it's entirety. Details included are:

• New CM Technique Recording Process
• Recording Cover Sheet for all CM Repertoire Videos
• Using Photocopies for Page Turns 
• All CM Evaluation components are completed in the MTAC Online System
• Practice Portal
• Ratings Summary

• Memory Requirements 

• Technique (Scales) Requirements 

• Online Technique (Scales) Performances 

• Sight Reading Test 

• Online Sight Reading Performances
• Theory Test 

• Ear Training Test 

• Live Piano Accompaniment Required
• Online Cheating
• State Honors Eligibility

• Senior Award Eligibility 

• Appendix A: Online CM Video Recording Guidelines 

New CM Technique Recording Process

All CM Online Students must use the Official CM Technique chart found on the MTAC Online System in their recordings. The students using the official CM Technique Chart need to show their technique chart to the camera at the beginning of their recording. Students who utilize any other technique charts (i.e. from the CM Syllabi) will receive an “Ineligible for Certificate” rating.

Recording Cover Sheet for all CM Repertoire Videos 

All online CM Students will need to hold up an official MTAC recording cover sheet at the beginning of each repertoire video recording. The Recording Cover Sheet will be posted on the CM Teacher Resources and the CM Parent Resources page.

Using Photocopies for Page Turns 

MTAC Policy states that students who use a photocopied score during their video recordings or live evaluations will receive an automatic Remain at Level rating for their evaluation. The only exceptions are copies to facilitate page turns (an original score must be on the music stand during the video recording or the live evaluation) and copies for confirmed out-of-print material. If the original score is not on the music stand, the student will receive the Remain at Level rating.

All CM Evaluation components are completed in the MTAC Online System

• Repertoire/Etude video recordings can be uploaded as soon as repertoire has been correctly added to the application. 
• Technique videos can be uploaded before the testing period begins and as soon as the Technique upload button on the application page becomes active. 
• Sight Reading test must be completed and video recordings uploaded during the ten-day testing period. This video should include the study time and the performance time. 
• Theory Test must be completed during the ten-day testing period. The Theory Test includes Ear Training. All video recordings must follow the CM Recording Guidelines. Please see Appendix A below.

Practice Portal 

Students can take practice tests (Theory and Sight Reading) in the Testing Portal in the MTAC Online System. The Testing Portal is available for students who will complete their upcoming Evaluation in person or online. The Testing Portal is available once the CM application is paid until the student’s testing period begins. 

Ratings Summary 

• Technique: Excellent, Good, Average, Weak, or Incomplete 
• Sight Reading: Excellent, Good, Average, Weak, or Incomplete 
• Repertoire: Excellent, Good, Average, or Weak 
• Overall Performance: Pass, Ineligible for Certificate, No-Show, or Remain at Level 

Memory Requirements 

Technique (Scales) must be played by memory. (See technique requirements for further details. Students also must play at least one of the songs (repertoire) by memory. Memorizing both songs can result in a higher final score. Failure to meet the memory requirements will result in a Remain At Level.  

Memory requirements for online CM evaluations are met by having the student turn the music stand towards the recording device at the start of the video recording so they cannot see the music.

Technique (Scales) Requirements 

Students perform the Technique requirements set forth in the applicable Syllabus that correspond to their enrolled instrument and level. Students are required to perform their Technique memorized as one complete unit, including all elements from start to finish, in any order the student wishes, but uninterrupted and unassisted. 

Students may look at a Technique Chart that is provided on the Testing Portal to help them remember all the elements to perform, but can only use the official Technique Chart that is on the Testing Portal or available in the CM Resources in the Teacher Portal. 

Students may not use the technique chart from the CM Syllabi or other publishers, nor may the elements be announced to the student. Note that the official Technique Charts will have an “MTAC” watermark.

Online Technique Performances 

Technique is pre-recorded by the student in accordance with the CM Video Recording Guidelines and uploaded to the student’s CM Application in the MTAC Online System by the assigned submission deadline. Students are required to show the official Technique Chart at the beginning of the video recording. If a student performs from an incorrect Technique Chart or the elements are announced to the student, they will receive an Ineligible for Certificate rating.

Sight Reading Test 

The Sight Reading Test shall be administered through the MTAC Online System for in-person and online evaluations. Students are strictly prohibited from seeing the Sight Reading official Test materials in advance of the Evaluation. Students shall be shown the Sight Reading official Test materials when they log in to the Sight Reading Testing Portal in the MTAC Online System during their testing period. Students will be given a certain amount of time to study the Sight Reading excerpt, in accordance with the times specified in the applicable Syllabus. Students may put their hands on their instrument and “shadow play” during that time. Counting aloud or saying note names aloud is acceptable both before and during the Sight Reading Evaluation. Students should use a tablet or computer to take the test. Phones should not be used to take the Sight Reading Test for Online Evaluations.

Online Sight Reading Performances 

The screen of the device the student uses to complete their Sight Reading Test must be shown in the entirety of the video recording. The student’s face must also be visible in the video recording. See the video recording guidelines for all details. If a student does not include the Sight Reading preparation time in their video recording, they will receive an Incomplete Submission rating for the Sight Reading Test.

Theory Test 

The Theory Test is an online examination to test a student’s knowledge and skill regarding music theory, and includes a one-page Ear Training Test to be taken at the same time (see below). The Theory Test shall take place online in the MTAC Online System for online and in-person evaluations. 

Students will have a specific time limit on the Theory Test depending on their level

CM Level Theory Test Time Limit 

Preparatory Level - Level 2: 1 hour (60 minutes) 

Level 3 - Level 5: 1.25 hours (75 minutes) 

Level 6 - Level 7: 1.5 hours (90 minutes) 

Level 8 - Level 9: 2 hours (120 minutes) 

Advanced Level: 2.25 hours (135 minutes)

Students should use a tablet or computer to take the test. Phones should not be used to take the Theory Test for Online Evaluations. It is highly recommended that students use Chrome or Firefox browsers while taking the test for Online Evaluations. Once a student has started the Theory Test for their Online Evaluation, no one else should be in the room while the test is being taken. Students must be able to read the Theory Test (and Ear Training Test) independently without adult help or intervention. 

Ear Training Test 

The Ear Training Test is based on the specific requirements listed in the Syllabus by instrument and level. The Ear Training Test is part of the Theory Test, and occurs during the Theory Test. Students listen to an audio recording included in the online test of various melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic examples. Students may listen to the questions and excerpts as many times as they wish within the time limit of the exam. 

Live Piano Accompaniment Required

Students in all levels must use live piano accompaniment for all pieces using piano accompaniment unless otherwise specified in the instrument syllabus. Students who do not use live piano accompaniment for pieces that require piano accompaniment will receive an Ineligible for Certificate rating.

Online Cheating 

Cheating includes but is not limited to the following: 

(a) The act of dishonestly, deceitfully, or unfairly obtaining, supplying, or changing student answers, by any person (including students, teachers, MTAC members, evaluators, CM Council members, and parents) during any component of CM Evaluations. 

(b) Students attempting to leave the Theory Test page or the Sight Reading Test page while taking the test, which will result in the test freezing. 

(c) Editing videos in such a way that affects the actual performance of the repertoire, sight reading/singing or technique. 

(d) The Theory Test is a closed book test. Use of theory materials during the test is not allowed. 

(e) Use of the instrument during the Ear Training test. 

(f) Taking screenshots, photos or screen recordings of any component of the test and posting to social media.

State Honors Eligibility 

To receive State Honors, students must: 

(1) pass both the Performance Evaluation and written Theory Test for their enrolled CM Level that year.

(2) receive a “Good” or “Excellent” rating for Technique, Sight Reading/Singing, and Repertoire; and 

(3) receive at least 80% or above on the Theory Test for their enrolled CM Level that year. 

All students are automatically enrolled for consideration for State Honors, and CM Evaluation enrollment suffices for consideration without an additional application checkbox in the MTAC Online System.

Senior Award Eligibility 

A graduating high school senior student is eligible for a Senior Award, in any instrument, if they: 

(a) enroll in CM Evaluations at CM Level 7 or above; 

(b) enroll in CM Evaluations for three (3) years during school Grades 9 through 12 (consecutive or non-consecutive years), including in their final year of high school; and 

(c) pass all components of CM Evaluations (e.g., Performance and Theory) for each Level, in each of those three (3) years. 

If a student has skipped a grade in high school, official transcripts must be emailed to cminfo@mtac.org for review in order for their grade to be updated in the system.

APPENDIX A: ONLINE CM VIDEO RECORDING GUIDELINES 

Video Recording Instructions for Online CM Evaluations

• Video recordings should be good quality, but do not need to be professionally produced. Recording with a smartphone is an acceptable method of recording. Each video submission should not exceed 5 GB. Accepted video file types are mov, mp4, and m4v. 
• Video recordings must be recorded for the sole purpose of their CM Evaluation. Students must show the 2024 CM Evaluation Cover Sheet at the beginning of each repertoire video recording. The Cover Sheet can be printed from the Teacher/Student/Parent Portal. 
• Video recordings must be made with one fixed camera angle, focused on the performer with the face and hands of the student visible. 
• Students must dress as they would for a live, in-person evaluation; however, shoes are optional. 
• Students must not introduce themselves in their recordings. 
• Video recordings can be completed in a studio, home, school, or any location of the student's choice, but should abide by any physical distancing recommendations. Masks may be worn during the evaluation recording if necessary; students will not be penalized for wearing a mask. 
• Students will submit a separate video recording for each of the following components of the performance evaluation. 

Technique

• Only the official testing technique chart may be used, which is available in the Teacher Portal in the CM Resources or as a digital chart available in the Student’s Testing Portal. Students may not use the technique chart from the CM Syllabi or other publishers, nor may the elements be announced to the student. No written-out notation is allowed for any student. 
• Students are required to hold the official technique chart up at the beginning of the video recording. Students must turn the music stand toward the recording device to show that only the technique chart is on the music stand, then turn it back to play. 
• The elements on the technique chart must be performed in its entirety in one video recording without stopping. 
• Students Level 4 and above must record the elements on the technique chart in one video recording and their prepared etude in another video recording.

Sight Reading

• The Sight Reading/Singing 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. 

Repertoire

One video recording for each piece. 

(a) Students are required to hold the official 2024 Evaluation Cover Sheet up at the beginning of each video recording. 

(b) Each piece should be played in its entirety, without stopping. 

(c) All video recordings do not need to be completed on the same day, but must be completed and submitted by the student’s media submission deadline. 

(d) Memorization - Students must meet the minimum memory requirement for their enrolled CM level. Students memory requirements for online CM evaluations are met by having the student turn the music stand towards the recording device at the start of the video recording so they cannot see the music.

Video recordings must be unaltered and unedited. Editing of videos is considered cheating. Students who submit edited video recordings will receive a Remain at Level rating. Repertoire that requires piano accompaniment must be performed with live piano accompaniment. Please be sure the student’s instrument or voice is heard over the accompaniment. 

It is strongly recommended that you review your video files with your teacher to ensure they meet all requirements listed in this appendix, as well as the Certificate of Merit® requirements for your instrument and level. The CM Council is unable to review videos prior to submission and the MTAC State Office does not review videos for submission. 

It is strongly recommended that you retain the video files of your performance evaluation until you have received the results form your Certificate of Merit® Evaluation.

Certificate of Merit Students In-person Options

 

Hello Certificate of Merit Parents & Students:

Below is location and cost information for students interested in doing their Certificate of Merit performance tests in-person for your review. As you make your considerations, remember that you will also need to also make arrangements for the pianist to meet you there as well and pay the pianist for their time to travel. The cost for in-person evaluations are significantly higher. That information is in the 2nd table below. You are welcome to do in-person evaluations if that is what you wish. I just want to make sure you are clear on the options and the cost differences. Most of my students are opting for the online option.

Online Evaluation Media Submission Due Date	In-Person Evaluation Date (Evaluation Location)	Instruments	Results Publish Date	Parent Results Publish Date
Feb. 6, 2024		All	Feb. 26, 2024	Feb. 28, 2024
	Jan. 13, 2024 (Cosumnes River College, 8401 Center Pkwy, Sacramento, CA 95823)	All	Feb. 26, 2024	Feb. 28, 2024
	Jan. 14, 2024 (Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA 93702)	All	Feb. 26, 2024	Feb. 28, 2024
	Jan. 27, 2024 (Valley Christian School, 100 Skyway Dr, San Jose, CA 95111)	All	Feb. 26, 2024	Feb. 28, 2024
	Jan. 28, 2024 (Valley Christian School, 100 Skyway Dr, San Jose, CA 95111)	All	Feb. 26, 2024	Feb. 28, 2024
	Feb. 3, 2024 (Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626)	All	Feb. 26, 2024	Feb. 28, 2024
	Feb. 4, 2024 (Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626)	All	Feb. 26, 2024	Feb. 28, 2024
	Feb. 10, 2024 (Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626)	All	Feb. 26, 2024	Feb. 28, 2024
	Feb. 11, 2024 (Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626)	All	Feb. 26, 2024	Feb. 28, 2024

STRINGS
Level	Timing (mins)	Online Fee	In-person Fee
Guitar/Strings Prep	0:10:00	84.00	236.00
Guitar/Strings Level 1	0:10:00	84.00	236.00
Guitar/Strings Level 2	0:10:00	84.00	236.00
Guitar/Strings Level 3	0:15:00	90.00	286.00
Guitar/Strings Level 4	0:15:00	90.00	286.00
Guitar/Strings Level 5	0:15:00	90.00	286.00
Guitar/Strings Level 6	0:20:00	96.00	336.00
Guitar/Strings Level 7	0:20:00	96.00	336.00
Guitar/Strings Level 8	0:25:00	102.00	386.00
Guitar/Strings Level 9	0:25:00	102.00	386.00
Guitar/Strings Advanced	0:30:00	110.00	441.00

2023-2024 Certificate of Merit Updates

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.

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. 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. 
4. Students Level 4 and above must also prepare and play an etude.
5. Students will also be required to take a closed book theory test online as well as an online sight reading test.
6. 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.
7. Most of my students that will be enrolling in the CM program already know what they will be performing for their tests.
8. 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)
9. 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

2023 Fall Recital coming up soon.

 Recital Update:

Our next recital is scheduled for September 10th and will be a virtual recital. Videos are due before August 27th, 2023 to be included in the recital. More details will be provided as we get closer. Videos can be uploaded to the dropbox link located on the video section of my website. I’ve been discussing song options for the recital with my students. While we still have time, it’s always good to be prepared early.

Ms. Jill

2022 Spring Recital Details

We are now just days away from our 2022 Spring Recital. This is going to be such a fun recital with 42 students participating. Also, I am planning on something I have not done before. I am going to have all the students come up and play Allegro from book one together. It’s going to be amazing!

Following are the recital details and logistic information. 

THERE ARE A LOT OF DETAILS HERE SO PLEASE BE SURE TO READ EVERYTHING IN ITS ENTIRETY.

Date: Saturday, April 30, 2022

Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Escondido. 1500 S Juniper St, Escondido, CA 92025. Recital will take place in the main sanctuary located on the upper campus.

Time: 5:00 pm

Program Order:

Because of the number of participants I have divided the recital into two sets with an intermission in between the sets. The event in its entirety will probably take about 2-½ hours. I’m hoping that most will attend both sets; but understand that may not be possible for everyone. 

Please arrive and be in your seats at least 10 minutes before starting time. Students should have  their instruments tuned and music and shoulder rests in hand. We will be starting right at 5:00 pm.

As mentioned earlier, I hope that most will stay for the program in its entirety as there are so many great performances to hear. But I understand there are at least a couple of students scheduled for set 2 that have events planned earlier in the day and will not be able to arrive until later in the program. Those families should plan on arriving as soon as they can so that they will present for the group photo and for the group performance of Allegro (this will take place immediately after set 1). It’s hard to know exactly when set 1 will end; but I’m estimating that it will be between 6:00-6:15 pm. We have a lot packed into this program so in order to keep things moving efficiently I will not be able to wait for late arrivals.

Below is the program order including the list of students scheduled for each set:

Set 1:

Yohan Ramachandran

Emma Richardson

Ashley Caligiuri

Sheha Shaheer

Clara Vasconcelos-Kraus

Neema Maria Mojo

Alfiya Bind Shah

Aaliya Bind Shah

Arjun Anand

Aanya Rastogi

Nikith Muralikrishnan

Maxim Bakhtar

Neel Sampath

Hudson Petersen

Shraddha Kadaba

Pranal Prajwal Jain

Peimeng Xu

Maanasa Ramachandran

Natalie Ho

Carter Lou

Claire Wang

Set 2:

Airi Davis

Larissa Gassian

Natania Shanu

Maya Wendel

Javier Fonss

Natalia Aguirre

Kavya Gopinath

Agastya Gadgil

Dylan Cheadle

Kamali Krishna

Ashley Nielsen

Trever Cox

Aline Gassian

Sarvajh T Nadadur

Timothy Sprengeler

Sophie Ayma

Bhadra Hrishikesh

Kaitlyn Law

Ganga Menon

Aditi Bandaru

Alex Jiang

Please make sure your student is practicing their recital pieces daily leading up to the recital. If you don’t see your student's name listed above or if I have mis-spelled anyone’s name please email me as soon as possible as I will be printing programs soon.

Have a great day! I look forward to seeing you all on April 30th.

With love and joy,

Ms Jill

www.GriffinViolinStudio.com

2021 Fall Recital Details (Virtual and Live In-Person)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND IN IT'S ENTIRETY!!!

FINALLY!!! After nearly two years of pandemic life, virtual lessons and recitals, we are finally able to come together for live in-person recitals! Isn't that exciting? I can hardly wait!

There are many lessons that we learned during pandemic life. Among the many is flexibility and that there is room for both in-person and virtual options for lessons and recitals. I am very happy to be able to offer virtual recitals for those that aren't quite ready for a live in-person recital, live in a different location, or just prefer the flexibility that virtual recitals offer such as working around schedule conflicts and the ability to invite friends and family that aren't local. Same goes for lessons. It doesn't need to be one size fits all!

Below are the details for both live in-person recitals as well as our virtual recital.

Programs:

Programs for all recitals (virtual, set 1 and set 2) will be available to download from www.GriffinViolinStudio.com on Friday, October 22nd. Please download prior to recital. Printed copies will not be available.

Virtual Recital:

The Fall 2021 Virtual Recital link will be posted on www.GriffinViolinStudio.com by 2:30 pm on Saturday, October 23, 2021. 

Virtual Recital Performers are: 

Peimeng X, Yohan R, Reyansh M, Larissa G, Aline G, Javier F, Natania S, Sheha S, Neel S, Trever C, Amitesh S, Shraddha K, Bhadra H, Ganga M, Sujay R, Claire W, Yeji H, Natalia A, Nikith M, Natalie H, Stuti K, Ashley N, Rithvik M, Maanasa R, and Alex J.

 

Live In-Person Recitals:

Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021
Set 1: 4:30 pm
Set 2: 5:45 pm
Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Escondido
1500 S Juniper St, Escondido, CA 92025

Upper Campus Sanctuary (please note that it is on the UPPER campus and NOT in the lower campus chapel.)

Please arrive AT THE DOOR fifteen minutes before your set begins and find your seats immediately. Make sure that performers have their violins tuned, bows rosined, and music with them. As soon as you are seated have your student remove their violin from their case and be ready to walk up on stage when they are called. Please stay for the entire recital so that all performers have an audience. If you require assistance with tuning please see me at least 10 minutes before we start. We will begin promptly at the designated start time and I will not be able to help once we start.

Masks are required for everyone above the age of two (no exceptions). Please adhere to this for everyone's safety and comfort. Also, please be mindful of social distancing as you enter, seat yourself and as you exit. Performers will be allowed to remove their masks while they are performing. I will also remove my mask as I am speaking.

There will be a break in time between the sets to allow for a safe transition. Everyone in Set 1 will be asked to leave the premises immediately at the end of the recital. Everyone in Set 2 should not arrive at the door before 5:30 pm. Please make sure that you wait for all attendees in Set 1 to exit before entering.

Set 1 Performers are: 

Carter L, Kaitlyn L, Ashley C, Clara V-K, Srinivas N, Hudson P, Aditi B, Sarvajh N, and Timothy S.

Set 2 Performers are:

Neema M, Airi D, Agastya G, Maxim B, Dylan C, Kamali K, Aanya R, Kavya G, Catelin S and Pranal J.

Thank you for all of your support throughout the year, and in making our 2021 Fall Recitals possible. Also thank you for being mindful of the rules of the event. Hopefully the next time we gather for an in-person recital we will be in a much better situation regarding the pandemic and less restrictions. 

Always with Joy and Gratitude!

Ms. Jill