Short answer: Certificate of Merit (CM) is a statewide music assessment run by the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC). Each year, students are evaluated at their level on performance, technique, sight-reading, ear training and written theory. It gives children a clear goal every year and gives parents an outside, objective measure of progress.

Here's how it works, and how to make it a good experience rather than a stressful one.

Who runs CM, and who can take it

CM is run by MTAC through its local branches, and Bay Area branches are among the most active in the state. Students don't sign up on their own. They enter through a teacher who is an MTAC member, so if CM matters to you, ask about it before choosing a teacher.

The levels

CM runs from a Preparatory level through Level 10, followed by an Advanced level. Most children start at Preparatory or Level 1 and move up one level a year, though some skip a level when their teacher thinks they're ready.

Each level has a published syllabus that sets out the repertoire, technique and theory expected. MTAC updates it from time to time, so always work from the current year's syllabus.

What the evaluation covers

On evaluation day, your child meets an evaluator, usually a teacher from outside your own studio. The evaluation typically includes:

Performance. Pieces from the required style periods, often played from memory.
Technique. Scales, arpeggios, chords and cadences at the level's tempo.
Sight-reading. A short piece your child hasn't seen before.
Ear training. Recognizing intervals, chords and rhythms by ear.
Written theory. A short test on the theory for their level.

Students receive written comments and a score for each section. Strong results at the upper levels can lead to branch honors and invitations to perform.

When it happens

Evaluations are held once a year, usually in the spring, with teachers registering students months earlier. Preparation really starts in the fall, when pieces are chosen and memorization begins.

When should a child start CM?

There's no single right age. A good rule: start when your child can learn a short piece over a few weeks and play it reliably. For many children that's after six months to a year of lessons. Starting too early can turn piano into a test. Starting at the right time gives them an annual goal they're proud to reach.

How to prepare without stress

Practice a little every day. Memory and technique come from short, frequent practice, not long weekend sessions. This is the single biggest factor in CM results.
Start theory early. Theory is where many children lose points. Ten minutes a few times a week through the year beats cramming in March.
Rehearse the real thing. Have your child play their pieces for family, from memory, in the clothes they'll wear. Nerves fade with practice.
Sight-read something new every week. It's a skill like any other, and it grows with regular exposure.
Keep the goal in perspective. CM is a milestone, not a verdict. The comments are often more useful than the score.

How Everyday Piano School prepares students

Our students work toward CM from Level 2 onward, with preparation built into the daily lessons rather than added on top. Because your child meets their teacher every weekday, technique and memory problems get fixed the same day, and theory and ear training happen a few minutes at a time all year.

If you'd like to know which level your child is ready for, a free assessment with one of our teachers is the easiest way to find out.