Certificate of Merit
Certificate of Merit State Website
The Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) sponsors the music study program Certificate of Merit® (CM). The program provides a standard curriculum that requires students to strive for focused musical excellence in performance, technique, ear training, sight reading/singing, and music theory.
Initiated in 1933, the annual statewide program involves approximately 30,000 students in piano, violin, cello, viola, flute, French horn, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, baritone/euphonium horn, voice, and harp.
The goals of Certificate of Merit are:
- To provide a systematic and comprehensive plan to develop performance skill, technique, ear training and sight reading skills, and understanding of music theory.
- To provide practical goals to help students maintain a steady and focused appreciation of their musical studies.
- To encourage students to strive for musical excellence.
- To create opportunities in which students may share their music.​