Exams, Honors, Awards, & Certificate Programs, including Certificate of Merit (CM), and RCM.

For music students who wish to participate in the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC) Certificate of Merit (CM) test and other exams, honors, awards programs, including RCM.

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Exams, Honors, Awards, & Certificate Programs, including Certificate of Merit (CM), and RCM

For music students who wish to participate in the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC) Certificate of Merit (CM) test, and other exams, honors, awards programs, including RCM.

Descriptions & Benefits

What is Certificate of Merit (CM)?

The California Music Teachers’ Association (MTAC) Certificate of Merit (CM) Program is a structured and prestigious music evaluation system designed for students studying piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. This program provides a progressive curriculum with levels ranging from beginner to advanced, assessing students in performance, music theory, sight-reading, ear training, and technique. Each year, students prepare for an evaluation that includes a performance before an adjudicator, written theory exams, and technical exercises. Successful students receive certificates and recognition, and high-achieving students may qualify for honors, state conventions, and advanced awards.

The benefits of the CM program are numerous. First, it offers goal-setting and motivation, helping students develop discipline, perseverance, and a sense of achievement as they advance through the levels. Second, it provides a well-rounded music education, ensuring that students not only perform well but also understand the fundamentals of music theory and musicianship. Third, participation in CM strengthens college applications, particularly for students applying to music programs, as it demonstrates dedication, mastery, and formal assessment. Lastly, the program helps build confidence and performance skills, equipping students with the ability to showcase their talents in recitals, competitions, and beyond. Through CM, students gain a structured path for musical growth, preparing them for lifelong musical enjoyment and potential careers in music.

The California Music Teachers’ Association (MTAC) Certificate of Merit (CM) Program offers several awards, honors, and special recognitions for students who demonstrate excellence in their evaluations. These distinctions serve as motivation for students to strive for high achievement and are valuable for college applications, music resumes, and personal growth.

Honors Award

Students who score exceptionally well in both performance and written theory exams may receive the CM Honors Award. To qualify, students must achieve a minimum performance rating and a high theory exam score. Honors students are recognized with a special certificate and distinction on their evaluation report.

Convention Recital & Panel Auditions

Convention Program: High-achieving students may be selected to perform at the MTAC State Convention, a prestigious annual event featuring top CM students across California. Selection is based on outstanding performance scores and teacher recommendation.
Panel Auditions: Advanced-level students (Level 10 and up) who demonstrate extraordinary musical skill can audition for the CM Panel Honors program, which is highly competitive. Students who pass may be invited to perform at special recitals or masterclasses.

Senior Award & Medallion

High school seniors who complete Level 7 or higher receive a Senior Certificate, and those who complete Level 10 earn a Senior Medallion as recognition for their dedication to music study. This distinction is especially beneficial for students applying to music programs and colleges, as it shows long-term commitment and achievement.

Branch Honors & Special Branch Awards

Some local MTAC branches offer additional awards, scholarships, and performance opportunities for outstanding students in their region. These may include monetary scholarships, trophies, or invitations to exclusive branch recitals.

By participating in Certificate of Merit, students gain the opportunity to earn prestigious recognition, performance opportunities, and awards that enhance their musical education and future academic or professional pursuits.

More information and details can be found here:

https://www.mtac.org/programs/cm/

Request information about CM from our office by emailing: office@dennisfrayne.com

What is the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) ?

The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) is a highly respected music education and assessment program that provides a structured curriculum for students of all ages and skill levels. Originating in Canada but recognized internationally, the RCM program evaluates students in piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and music theory through a series of graded exams. The curriculum emphasizes technical skills, sight-reading, ear training, music theory, and performance, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded musical education. RCM exams are recognized globally and are often used as a standard of musical achievement in schools, colleges, and conservatories.

The benefits of RCM for music students and youth are numerous. First, it provides clear learning goals and structured progression, helping students stay motivated as they work toward higher levels of musical proficiency. Second, it strengthens discipline, focus, and perseverance, as students must prepare for evaluations and consistently improve their technique. Third, RCM certification is highly respected in academic and music communities, making it a valuable addition to college and university applications, particularly for students pursuing music scholarships or professional careers. Finally, participating in RCM exams builds confidence and performance skills, giving students opportunities to showcase their talents in formal assessments, recitals, and competitions. By following the RCM curriculum, students gain a strong foundation in music that supports both their artistic and personal growth.

The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Program offers several awards, honors, and special recognitions to celebrate students who demonstrate excellence in their exams. These awards motivate students to strive for high achievement and provide valuable credentials for college applications, music careers, and personal growth.

First Class Honors & First Class Honors with Distinction

Students who achieve outstanding scores on their RCM practical and theory exams receive these designations.
First Class Honors is awarded to students who score 80% or higher.
First Class Honors with Distinction is given to students who score 90% or higher, signifying exceptional musicianship and mastery of their level.

RCM Gold Medals & Regional/National Gold Medals

Gold Medals are awarded to students who achieve the highest exam score in their region or nationally, provided they have also completed their required theory co-requisites.
Regional Gold Medals are given for the highest score within a province or state.
National Gold Medals are awarded to students with the highest marks in all of Canada and the U.S.

Collegiate and Career Recognition

RCM Diplomas: At the highest levels, students who complete Level 10, ARCT (Associate Diploma), or LRCM (Licentiate Diploma) receive prestigious diplomas, which are internationally recognized and can help with college applications and professional music careers.
High School Credit: In some regions, RCM exams count toward high school credits, further benefiting students academically.

RCM Celebration of Excellence

Each year, RCM hosts celebration events to recognize top-performing students with awards, certificates, and special recitals.

Through these prestigious awards and honors, the RCM program provides students with tangible recognition of their hard work, opportunities for public performance, and valuable credentials that can support their academic and musical futures.