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Certificate of Merit Manual For Teachers

Menu to select: I. Teacher Requirements (Eligibility)
II. CM Teacher Training
III. CM Enrollment Requirements
IV. Tools for Getting Started, How to Register My Students
V. Preparing Your Students
VI. Teacher Responsibilities
VII. ON CM Day
VIII. After CM
IX. Communication Procedures
 
I. Teacher Requirements (Eligibility)
II. CM Teacher Training

CM Teachers are required to read all guidelines, instructions, policies, procedures, applicable Syllabi and any Syllabi Addenda, and forms related to Certificate of Merit, which are located at www.mtac.org (Teacher Home Page, login required). Before registering online, all CM Teachers are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to attend a CM information meeting at their Branch.

III. CM Enrollment Requirements

There are two types of enrollment in the Certificate of Merit program: Path A and Path B. Both Path A and Path B include all components of the CM program: performance, technique, sight-reading, written theory, and ear training tests, and optional improvisation. Both Path A and Path B students may be enrolled in Preparatory through Advanced (Level 10) Levels.

Path A: Students are evaluated on an assigned date at a site determined by the local branch of MTAC. The evaluations are administered by state appointed evaluators. The evaluation includes all elements of the CM program. Path "A" students are eligible for various state recitals and programs if they have a good or excellent rating for Technique and Sight Reading, a theory score of 80% or above, and a performance rating 5- or above. Path A students are also eligible for the Branch Honors Recital if they achieve the Branch Honors criteria.

Path B: Students are evaluated by their own teacher, or by another teacher arranged by the student's teacher, in the teacher's studio or location of the teacher's choosing. Path B Evaluations take place anytime after Path A Evaluations are completed throughout the state of California. It includes all elements of the CM program. Path B students are not eligible for any Branch or Convention programs.

IV. Tools for Getting Started
  1. All CM Syllabi are available through the MTAC State Office. Along with the syllabus, you should also receive an errata list, which is also available on the MTAC website. Read your syllabus carefully. It will tell you the technique, theory, and repertoire requirements for each level. The syllabus, sight-reading books and past years theory tests can all be purchased on the MTAC shopping page.
  2. Read the CM Newsletter carefully as it contains deadline information as well as other information you will want to consider. Deadlines are posted on our branch calendar. If you have questions, please first check our branch FAQ for CM before contacting the CM chair, Janis Lee.
  3. Read 2011-2012 CM Policy & procedures: From the Teacher Home Page, select "CM Resources" and click on "CM documents". You may access the information you are looking for by clicking on the blue links.
  4. CM Registration is early (Sep.15- Nov.15). Think ahead as to at what levels your students should be evaluated. Remember all elements for which they will be evaluated when considering their level. As their teacher you will want this to be a positive experience for them. Online registration Instruction
    Consult your syllabus for level requirements.
    Registration is done online.
    Follow the online registration instructions and make calculations carefully.
    You will want to get your registration in on time, as there is no late registration after the deadline.
    The State Board of Directors, CM Council, Evaluators and the Branch are not responsible for errors or omissions made by the CM Teacher in the Online Registration.
  5. How to Register My Student. Registration opens September 15 and closes November 15 at 11:59 p.m. Go to www.mtac.org. On the top left side, click MTAC Login. Type in your Username & Password. (If you are new member or forgot password, contact SF Branch CM chair, Janis Lee at cm.piano@yahoo.com) Choose CM Students, select Re-enroll Student or New Student Registration. Follow the instructions - please note that the student's birthdates are required! There is no late registration! Read the SF Branch September issue of CM letter.
    1. Update your information at "Edit Teacher Info". Contact Janis Lee if you are new to the program or if you forget your password.
    2. Use Normal Capitalization for students' names, not ALL CAPITALS
    3. Do not delete students even if they will not participate this year.
    4. Do not delete high school students even if they are no longer your students.
    5. Check the box for Senior Award for only 12th grade students.
    6. All announcements regarding CM including your student's evaluation schedules will be sent by email. Login to the Teacher Home Page and update your email address. Please let Janis Lee know about any email address changes immediately
    7. Mailing your registration fees: See the instruction below.
  6. Mailing Your Registration Fees.
    1. A $20.00 Branch fee for Path A has been added to the Student Fees List. The Path B fee is $23 per student, regardless of level.
    2. Enclose the following and check the list before sending. Important: The items below must be submitted with the registration paper work and fees. Your student registration will not be processed without these documents.
      • Student Registration fees. Send the total fee (calculated for you when you register your students) with 1 check, payable to MTAC-SF.
      • Registered Student Fees List (summary page only)
      • Signed CM Teachers Work Agreement Contract
    3. Mail all by November 16, 2011 to our SF Branch Treasurer, Keiko Banks at 138 18th Ave., San Francisco, CA 9412
  7. Branch Website. Check current information under Certificate of Merit. During the months of CM, updated information will be posted on the Branch Website at CM Calendar & Documents for printing.
V. Preparing Your Students
  1. Performance: See repertoire requirements listed in the syllabus. Remember at least one selection must be taken from the syllabus list at the level entered, and all pieces must reflect the difficulty of the student's level at the level entered or above. Students must receive a 5 or 5+ in order to be eligible for the branch honors recital. (For State convention recitals eligibilities, see the State website)
  2. Technique Requirements: Students perform the technique requirements set forth in the applicable Syllabus that correspond to their registered instrument and level. Technique is performed and evaluated as part of the Performance Evaluation. Technique must be memorized and played without notation, but students may look at a Technique Chart that is included in the Sight-Reading Booklet. Each Level has a specified time limit in which to perform the technique requirements, which are comprised of various elements such as scales, arpeggios, and chords in designated keys. If the student exceeds the allowed time limit, the student's rating shall be affected.

    Technique charts in the syllabus are helpful in preparing students for this element of CM. Many teachers have found it valuable to copy the technique charts from the syllabus for each student, which allows them and you to stay on track in preparing for this element of the evaluation. You may also purchase the "Technique Requirements" booklet at MTAC Online Shopping. Technique has to be good or excellent in order to be eligible for the Branch Honors or the State Convention Programs. Teachers must follow the technique requirements in the current syllabus in order for the student to receive a CM Certificate. For Piano, Advanced (Level 10) Etude must be from the Etude list provided in the Syllabus. String requirements vary; please refer to the Strings Syllabus for more information.

  3. Sight Reading/Singing: Students shall be shown the Sight-Reading/Singing Test materials for the first time at the Performance Evaluation. Students will be given a certain amount of time to study the Sight-Reading/Singing excerpt, in accordance with the times specified in the applicable Syllabus. Students may put their hands on their instrument and "shadow play" during that time. Counting aloud or saying note names aloud is acceptable both before and during the Sight-Reading/Singing Evaluation. Exception: Panel Auditions for Piano, Strings and Winds are not required to take the Sight-Reading Test. "Keyboard Sight Reading Exercises" by Eugene Kuo for all levels is available through the State Office (MTAC Online Shopping). Sight Reading score has to be good or excellent in order to be eligible for the Branch Honors or the State Convention Programs.

  4. Theory: Information needed for each level is listed in the syllabus. 70% is considered passing (80% for panel students). Students at the Advanced or Panel level are considered exempt the following year(s) if the theory score is 90% or higher. Students are eligible for Branch Honors and State Convention Programs if the Theory Score is 80% or higher for all levels. Students may spend as much time on the Theory Examination as they wish to complete the Theory Examination during testing hours but must submit the Theory Examination by the end of the examination center day (whether complete or incomplete within the time allotted).

    If a student is taking a CM Evaluation for more than one instrument, the student must take both the Performance Evaluation and Theory Examination for each instrument being evaluated. No personal electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, iPads, etc.) are allowed in the Theory Test Room. Parents and unauthorized teachers are not allowed in the Theory Test Room.

  5. Ear Training: The Ear-Training Test occurs during the Theory Examination. Students listen to a CD-recording, provided in the Theory Test Room. Requirements for ear training are listed in the syllabus. Examples of old ear training tests are included in theory exams from past years should you choose to purchase a set.
  6. Put CM dates on your calendar NOW. Our branch holds CM Piano evaluations two days, Winds and Strings on one day each year. See CM Calendar.
  7. Improvisation. Optional part of CM Evaluation for piano students. Materials can be ordered from the State Office (MTAC Online Shopping): "The Improvisation Syllabus and Guide," and "Games and Activities for Improvisation"

VI. Teacher Responsibilities

  1. CM Evaluation Report Form: After Registration is completed in November, CM Teachers must return to www.mtac.org (Teacher Home Page) after January 2 in order to submit a CM Evaluation Report Form for each student registered in CM for that year. The CM Evaluation Report Form must be submitted by the deadline set by the Branch (see CM Calendar), and its contents may not be changed by the CM Teacher after the Branch deadline. Students must perform the same pieces listed on their CM Evaluation Report Form, or shall be disqualified from Branch Honors and Convention performance.
    CM Teachers must input on the Evaluation Report Form:
    • Accurate and complete Repertoire information
    • Applications for Branch Honors or Convention programs: 1) For Branch Honors check the box only, do not enter repertoire. 2) For convention recital, check the box, choose the appropriate selection and time the duration of the piece. Festival Recital time limit is 5 minutes or less.
    • Choose Day 1 or Day 2 for your student's evaluation day.
    • If your student has a participating sibling or has carpool needs, please enter the leader student's CM ID# forboth students.
    CM Teachers must complete the CM Evaluation Report correctly, paying close attention to the piece chosen from the applicable Syllabus so that compliance with Level requirements may be verified.
  2. By email CM teachers will receive the CM evaluation schedules, Welcome letter to Students and Parents. Fill in your students' evaluation information and hand the letter to your students. Print out the evaluation room MAP (SFSU) and explain the evaluation procedures.
  3. CM Evaluation Results; CM Database: After the CM Evaluation Results have been released (see the date at CM Calendar), CM Teachers are responsible for checking that the Results match those entered in the CM Database online (At www.mtac.org - Teacher Home Page). Corrections must be submitted to the Branch Chair by May 31. Any corrections submitted after May 31 cannot be changed in the CM Database.
  4. Teacher Work Requirements: The SF Branch requires participating CM Teachers to work, in order to assist the Branch in the administration and operation of CM Evaluations. Participation requirements (e.g. number of work hours) are determined by the number of students a CM Teacher has registered as of November 16.
VII. ON CM Day
  1. By email CM teachers will receive the CM evaluation schedules, and the teachers work schedule along with the job descriptions. The printable documents are available at CM branch website (Documents to Print).
  2. Copyright Restrictions: A student who brings a photocopied score or brings music reproduced from a CD or downloaded from the Internet without an authorized logo or source shall not be heard by the Evaluator and shall receive an automatic RAL (Remain at Level) rating. The only exceptions are copies to facilitate page turns (an original score must be present) and copies for confirmed out-of-print material. Confirmed out-of-print material must be accompanied by written permission from the publisher.
  3. Students should bring a bag to hold all their music and belongings, so they can easily check the bag in with the monitor OUTSIDE the theory room. The theory room closes at 5:00 PM.
  4. Teachers need to SIGN IN at the Registration Desk, pick up their MTAC name-tag, and sign out at the end of their shift and return their name-tag. Teachers need to be on time for their scheduled work shift. There will be a $50/hour charge (prorated to the minutes) if a teacher misses any part of his/her shift.
  5. Avoid unnecessary conversations with your own students. During CM days, conversations regarding students, evaluators, or other teachers are prohibited.
VIII. After CM
  1. CM Teachers are able to check the Evaluation results online at Teacher Home Page of MTAC state website. The Honors Recital Programs will be posted on our website under Branch Recital Schedules, Recital & Concerts 4 days after the final CM day.
  2. Pick up Envelopes: Check your emails regularly as to location for teacher envelope pick-up after CM. Evaluation forms will most likely be available one week after completion of branch evaluations. Theory exams will not be available for pick-up until all evaluations are complete throughout the state.
  3. Branch Honors is for Path A students who have performed with excellence and have been selected to play in the Branch Honors Recital after CM. These students will have been recommended by the evaluator to play a specific piece. Requirements for honors eligibility are 80% or higher on the theory and a 5 or 5+ on the performance evaluation, and a rating of good or excellent for Technique and Sight Reading. All pieces must be memorized. (Read the Branch Honors Recital Criteria)
  4. CM teacher has to check the Evaluation Results and apply for the convention recitals before the April 15th deadline. For more information on Convention, please see our website under Certificate of Merit, MTAC State Convention.

IX. Communication Procedures

Any communications, questions, or concerns received that do NOT follow the below procedures will NOT be accepted, responded to, or considered by the CM Branch Chair or CM Council, except as otherwise provided below.

  1. Communications, Questions and Concerns. Any communications, questions, or concerns regarding Certificate of Merit (e.g. administration, operations, evaluations, training, policies and procedures) from parents or students must first be directed to the student's own teacher. Many questions and potential issues can often be resolved at this level.
  2. Line of Communication (see the Chart). Questions or issues that cannot be resolved by the CM Teacher, and/or questions or issues from the CM Teacher, that require a response from the Branch or State, shall be directed as follows, and must be communicated by email only:
    (a) Parents ask to CM Teacher---
    (b) CM Teacher to CM Branch Chair...if needed, the CM Branch Chair will refer to--
    (c) CM Council member(s) (e.g. appropriate Chair, Evaluator, Recital, Database personnel)...if needed, they will refer to--
    (d) CM Conflict Resolution Committee and/or State CM Coordinator
     
    In some circumstances, a situation may rise to the level of a serious conflict or complaint, as solely determined by CM Council or the State CM Coordinator, in which case the procedures in CM Policies & Procedures, page 16, Section 12 shall govern.
  3. Exceptions to Line of Communication. After April 15, a teacher may communicate directly with a CM Council Recital Chair regarding a student's Convention Performance.