Certificate of Merit
The Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) sponsors a music study program entitled Certificate of Merit (CM). Initiated in 1933, the CM Program now involves approximately 30,000 students annually statewide. There are evaluation opportunities for students of Piano, Violin, Cello, Viola, Voice, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, Baritone/Euphonium, Horn, and Harp. (20 participation points)
The goals of the CM Program are:
● To provide a systematic and comprehensive plan to develop performance skill, technique, ear training, sight reading/singing and understanding of music theory.
● To develop practical goals to help students maintain a steady and focused approach to their musical studies.
● To encourage students to strive for musical excellence.
● To create opportunities in which students may share their music with others.
CM Chairperson:
Contact via E-mail Contact via E-mail
REGISTRATION____________________________________________________________________________________________
Student registration for state programs must be completed on the state website. To register, please go to new.mtac.org and log in using your teacher ID and password. There have been new changes in the CM registration process. Please contact Staci Chiou for further instructions.
Registration fees are non-refundable and must be paid online by the parent between November 1-10. Please mail your student list and teacher work agreement to Staci Chiou by November 13.
Important Registration Dates & Deadlines:
**Please refer to the CM Panel Auditions page for dates pertaining to Panel and YAG.**
September 1 2026- Online system opens for enrollment and entering repertoire and evaluation information
September 30 2026 (11:59PM) - Deadline for enrollment (NO LATE REGISTRATION ACCEPTED)
October 5 2026 (11:59PM) - Deadline for parents to submit registration fees (NO LATE FEES ACCEPTED)
December 15 2026 (11:59PM) - Deadline for Application edit
February 9 2027 (11:59PM) - Deadline for Media Submission
BRANCH EVALUATION DATES/ LOCATIONS___________________________________________________________________
Theory & Ear Training Evaluations - online
Performance Evaluations - video submission online
Performance Evaluations - video submission online
Important Dates for the State Convention:
April 15: Deadline for application and for parents to pay the $30.00 fee per student, per recital
May 15: Convention schedule published posted in Teacher Portal on MTAC Website
Friday, July 1 - Tuesday, July 5, 2020: State Convention 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County
April 15: Deadline for application and for parents to pay the $30.00 fee per student, per recital
May 15: Convention schedule published posted in Teacher Portal on MTAC Website
Friday, July 1 - Tuesday, July 5, 2020: State Convention 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County