top of page
girl in a beautiful pink dress playing o

  Philosophy  

Certificate of Merit Program (CM test)

Certificate of Merit program evaluates students annually on various musical skills. 

Evaluators hear students perform various pieces and evaluate student’s technique and sight reading. Students receive an assessment of progress. Students also complete a written theory exam, with ear training. 

Students receive a certificate for successfully completing all parts of the examination. 

Certificate of Merit evaluation program was created and developed by the Music Teacher’s Association of California.


There are a total of 11 levels in the Certificate of Merit evaluation program: preparatory, 1-9, and advanced level.

Teachers enroll students at their most appropriate level. In addition, teachers decide if a student will skip a level, repeat a level or move form Path A to Path B.

The goal of the program: Is to encourage students to strive for musical excellence. 

bottom of page