CODA Guidelines & Instructions

• The Certification Of Distinguished Achievement is a unique and innovative event designed to evaluate and give recognition to piano students.

The primary goal of CODA is to set a high standard for performance that will:

• ​​Encourage long-term commitment to piano studies
• Allow students to feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments
• Give parents a means to gauge their child’s progress

CODA offers piano students an opportunity to:

• ​Have goals and perform repertoire
• Receive written evaluations
• Experience the evaluation process in a friendly setting

CODA has two options for student evaluation:

1. ​​Musicianship Option: Levels Preparatory through 6
   Students play two pieces for Levels Preparatory–3; three pieces for Levels 4–6;
   includes Technique, Sight Reading, Ear Training and Concepts/Theory.
2. Performance Option: Levels Preparatory through 10.
   Student evaluations are based entirely on performance of repertoire.
   All music must be original works for solo piano solo.

Students who complete a CODA evaluation receive a Certificate of Distinguished Achievement for the level completed.

• Students demonstrating exceptional mastery are also awarded Honors.
• A special Advanced Certificate is awarded at Level 10—the completion of the Performance Option.