Rules Governing MTAC
San Gabriel Valley Events
(revised 2016)

1. All recital and competition entries must be registered by the deadlines listed in the Branch Calendar and on the individual event pages of the branch website.
2. All entries must be submitted through the online forms provided on the branch website. Entry forms with incomplete or incorrect information may be rejected.
3. The correct fees and a Teacher Cover Page must be postmarked by the day after the registration deadline. The teacher must submit one check for all recital/competition entries, payable to MTAC SGV. Student or parent checks will not be accepted.
4. Specific scheduling requests for students will be accepted only if the reason for the request is provided. No new requests or changes to previous requests will be honored once the entry form has been submitted. EXCEPTION: No scheduling requests are accepted for the Theme Festival.
5. A student who withdraws from a recital is eligible for a refund only until scheduling of the event has been completed.
6. Open Recitals have no time limit for a single, one-movement piece. If performing any additional repertoire (i.e. multiple pieces or movements), the total playing time must not exceed 8 minutes. Three pieces maximum per performer.
7. All solo repertoire must be memorized. EXCEPTION: Woodwinds & Strings, Ensemble.
8. NO PHOTOCOPIES of musical scores will be allowed for performance under any circumstance.  This includes accompanistsʼ scores and scores provided for adjudicators.
9. In the case of an out-of-print score, the performer must acquire a Permission of Photocopy from the publisher and present it with the photocopy.
10. Pop tunes, improvisations, and the use of prepared piano are not acceptable. All music must be copyrighted and available for purchase. EXCEPTION: Pop tune selections that are included in method books.
11. Students must perform repertoire as printed on the program. No substitutions or additions will be permitted.
12. Performers must adhere to the Dress Code. It is the responsibility of the teachers to advise their students regarding appropriate attire. The Dress Code is as follows:                                                                                                                                                                                   BOYS:  Dress shirt – Shirts must have buttons all the way down the front and must be buttoned and tucked in. Denim or polo shirts are not acceptable. Suits and ties are suggested, but not required. Dress pants –No jeans, cargo pants or shorts of any kind. Dress shoes – No sneakers or sandals.                                                                                                                          GIRLS: Dress or skirt & blouse – No pants or culottes/skorts. No overly revealing outfits (e.g. miniskirts, high slits, plunging​ necklines). No casual t-shirts or denim of any kind. Dress shoes – No sneakers, slippers, platform shoes or high boots.
13. Performers should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the program and should be seated in their designated seating area, not with parents or family members. EXCEPTION: Theme Festival - students may wait outside or sit with their family.
14. Performers must remain seated for the duration of the program. Programs will begin on time and last approximately one hour. EXCEPTION: Theme Festival – Students must arrive before their performance time but are not required to remain for the duration of the program.
15. Photography and filming of any kind are expressly forbidden during any MTAC programs.
16. Children under 4 years of age are not permitted inside the performance venue during adjudicated events.
17. Students are expected to adhere to the above guidelines. Failure to comply will result in the assessment of a $15.00 fine per violation.
18. Student fines will be issued by email to the teacher within 14 days after the event. Fines must be paid to the Treasurer (or a letter of appeal submitted to the Program Committee Chairperson) within 14 days of issuance in order to participate in future events. Appeals will be ruled at the next scheduled Board Meeting.
19. In the case of a judged event, infringement of the rules by a student may result in disqualification. Repeated offense will also lead to the student not being allowed to participate in the event. 
20. It is the duty of the teacher to ensure that students and their parents have read and understand the rules outlined in the Student/Parent Guidelines for Recitals & Competitions.
21. Teachers are expected to attend and work at the programs in which their students are performing. If unable to work, it is the teacher’s duty to find another branch teacher to substitute. Teachers scheduled to preside at an event must arrive 30 minutes before the start of the assigned program. Any teacher who arrives late or does not show up for his/her assignment will be fined $50.00 by the branch.
22. Teachers should dress in a professional manner. Jeans are not considered appropriate.
23. Participation trophies are awarded to students for active participation in branch events. Students become eligible to receive trophies at the end of the branch year (June) based on a weighted point system.
24. Participation trophies can be earned only for San Gabriel Valley Branch events.
25. In order for students to receive participation trophies, teachers must complete and submit the Participation Trophies Form and the accompanying Participation Trophies Worksheet by the Award Recital deadline. No late submissions will be accepted.
26. All teachers who have students receiving trophies are required to attend Trophy Sorting and help sort the trophies for distribution at the Awards Recital.
27. All decisions made by the Board of Directors are final.