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Music Examinations

Important Certificate of Merit Updates

2025-2026

2025-2026 CM Regional Online Testing for this branch for violin will have media submissions open 1/31/2026 and close 2/10/2026. Media submissions for this branch for piano open on 2/28/2026 and close on 3/10/2026.

  1. All portions of the online CM Evaluations (repertoire upload, Theory test, Sight reading test) for all instruments must be uploaded and completed by this deadline. No late submissions will be accepted.

The evaluations will resume at the end of May and continue through June.

The Performance Portion of the exam will be conducted in a video format.

  • Students must record their performance portion and upload it to the audition platform. There will be no ”live-streamed” performance evaluations.
  • Specific instructions for recording are TBA, along with submission dates and deadlines.
  • For Violin Students: Piano accompaniment will not be required this year. You may perform your music with no accompaniment or a recorded accompaniment. Your decision to do one or the other will not affect your evaluation results.

The Theory exam will be hosted on an online platform.

*SJAM requires those students who are enrolled in the CM program are required to complete 39 lessons in the  Academic Term and at least 6 lessons in the Summer Term

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Annual Music Evaluations

SJAM Certificate of Merit Policy

Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) sponsors a music study program entitled Certificate of Merit (CM). Initiated in 1933, the CM Program now involves approximately 30,000 students annually statewide.

There are evaluation opportunities for students of Piano, Violin, Cello, Viola, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, Horn, Voice, and Harp.

Goals of Certificate of Merit (CM): To provide a systematic and comprehensive plan to develop performance skill, technique, ear training, sight reading/ singing, and understanding of music theory. 

To develop practical goals to help students maintain a steady and focused approach to their musical studies. 

To encourage students to strive for musical excellence and to create opportunities in which students may share their music with others.

HOW THE CM PROGRAM WORKS:

There are specific set requirements for each of the eleven CM levels.

  1.  Your child’s teacher will decide on the level that is appropriate.
  2. Student Registration must take place from September to October.
  3. Students must be age 5 or older as of November 15 to participate in the CM.
  4. Students will work with their teachers on selected literature, technique elements, sight reading, theory, and ear training for their enrolled level.
  5. Registered students participate in an annual evaluation held from mid-February to April.
  6. As part of the CM Evaluation, students will complete a written theory exam, including ear training and sight reading exam.
  7. Upon successful completion of all segments of the evaluation, students receive an official MTAC CM Certificate.
  8. Senior medallions will be awarded to eligible high school seniors.
  9. Students who demonstrate exceptional skill at his/ her evaluation may be selected to perform at an annual MTAC State Convention Recitals.

Your child(ren) can benefit tremendously from this wonderful educational opportunity and experience. Because of the intensity of said requirements and the commitment and dedication necessary from student and teacher, SJAM has implemented the following mandatory guidelines to participate in the CM program.

Certificate of Merit (CM) Program Requirements

  1. Weekly lesson lengths are as follows:
    1. Levels Prep to 2: 45 minutes
    2. Levels 3 to Advanced: 60 minutes
  2. A minimum of two extra lessons will be mandatory for those instruments needing piano accompaniments (Violin, Flute, Guitar, etc.). Fee: $100; Due Dec 1. any additional piano accompaniment rehearsals: $75
  3. Mandatory Theory Training for Certificate of Merit: $50, Levels Prep – 5 (one-time fee)
  4. A minimum, mandatory total of 45 classes from March 1, 2024 to March 1, 2025 must be completed to take the exam. Those students who plan to take prolonged music classes breaks for more than six consecutive weeks may not be considered for CM.
  5. No photocopies of music are ever allowed for the exam. All the required books must be bought online, or the local music store by the student/ parents, upon assignment from the teacher.
  6. A daily home practice routine must be established by the student. Technique and repertoire must be reviewed daily. Minimum practice sessions are the same as the regular lesson lengths.
  7. For piano students, a grand piano or upright piano must be provided by the parent for optimum daily practice. An 88 weighted keyboard is acceptable.
  8. For violin students, a correct size of violin is required.
  9. If accepted to perform in the Honors recital, students and family must stay for the whole duration of the recital.
  10. All SJAM instructors reserve the right to withdrawn the student from the exam if the instructor has assessed that the student is not prepared for the exam.
  11. All repertoire must be memorized to be considered for the Convention Honors Performance.

RCM Royal Conservatory of Music Policy

For over 125 years, The Royal  Conservatory of Music (RCM)  has provided an internationally  renowned standard of music achievement through an effectively sequenced course of  study from beginner to advanced  levels. The program inspires  excellence through individual  student assessments at each level,  and allows students to celebrate  their accomplishments and track  their progress with others across  the country and around the  world. 

The Certificate Program is a  comprehensive and effectively  sequenced program of music  study and assessment, beginning  with the Preparatory Level(s),  followed by Levels 1 to 10. At  each level, a Certificate of  Achievement can be earned by  successfully completing a Royal  Conservatory practical examination. Many school  systems recognize RCM examinations for credit toward  secondary school graduation. 

WHY RCM? 

The Royal Conservatory’s  assessment program develops complete musicianship by  including technical tests, etudes, repertoire, ear tests, and sight reading in each practical examination. 

The program  accelerates the development of  musical literacy, increases understanding of the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of the musical language, and encourages an enriched  understanding of stylistic and  structural awareness. 

Please visit the RCM FAQ’s webpage:  https://www.rcmusic.com/certific 

The Royal Conservatory Music Exam Policy on How RCM Works: 

  1. There are two, main music examinations: 
    1. Practical (Performance) examinations evaluate performance of repertoire, etudes or vocalizes, aural skills, sight reading or singing,  and orchestral excerpts for string, brass, and wind instruments. 
    2. Theory (Written) examinations evaluate the understanding of theory  basics such as musical notation. 
  2. Generally, the exams are given three times a year – November/December,  May/June, August – to allow students to work at their own pace. 
  3. Your child’s teacher will decide the appropriate level and the exam session. 
  4. All examination registrations and applicable fees should be submitted using the online registration system by the parent. Exact dates and deadlines can be found  online. https://www.rcmusic.com/learning/examinations/examination resources-students/examination-dates
  5. Students work with their teachers on selected literature, technique elements,  sight reading, theory and ear training for their enrolled level.  
  6. Upon completion of the exam, the examination results are available online  in 4 – 10 weeks. 
  7. Internationally recognized certificates are awarded for successful  completion of each practical and written examination from Preparatory to Level 10.  

 

Your child can benefit tremendously from the RCM program.

Because of the intensity of the said requirements, and the commitment and  dedication necessary from student and teacher, SJAM has implemented the following mandatory guidelines to participate in the RCM program. 

  1. Weekly lesson lengths are as follows:
    1. Levels Prep – 2: 45 minutes
    2. Levels 3 – Advanced: 60 minutes 
  1. A minimum of two, extra lessons will be necessary for those instruments needing piano accompaniments for instruments such as violin, flute, saxophone, etc.  Fee: $100.  Any rehearsals after the two said accompaniment coachings will incur an additional $75.
  2. Mandatory RCM Theory Training:  $50.00, a one-time yearly fee. Level 5 and above.
  3. A minimum, mandatory total of 45 classes, from March 2024– March 2025 must be completed to take the exam. 
  4. Those students who plan to take prolonged music breaks for more than six  consecutive weeks may not be considered for RCM. 
  5. No photocopies of music are ever allowed for the exam. All the required  RCM Repertoire and Theory Practice books must be bought online, or at the  local music store by the student/parents, upon assignment from the teacher. 
  6. A daily, home, practice routine must be established by the student.  Technique and Repertoire must be reviewed daily. Minimum practice sessions  are the same as the regular lesson lengths.  
  7. For piano students, a grand piano or upright piano must be provided by the  parents for optimum daily practice. Alternatively, an 88-weighted keyboard is  acceptable for levels prep – three.
  8. All SJAM instructors reserve the right to withdraw the student from the  exam at any time if the instructor has assessed that the student is not prepared.
  9. All music books and materials, music lessons, and examination fees are to  be settled by the parents before the examination date. 

*Information on this form may change at any time. Please check with your teacher for the most updated program information.