Why the Certificate of Merit Is Worth It for Music Students

The Certificate of Merit gives students clear goals, well-rounded skills, and a record of achievement that grows with them year after year.

If you've read our parent's guide to the Certificate of Merit, you know what the program is: a multi-level music evaluation sponsored by the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC). The next question most families ask is, "Is it worth it?" For many students, the answer is a clear yes. Here's why we encourage families in Victorville and across the High Desert to consider it.

It Turns Practice Into a Clear Goal

Practicing "to get better" can feel vague, especially for kids. CM gives students a specific target: a set of pieces, technique, and theory skills to master by evaluation day. Having that goal on the calendar gives practice purpose and helps students stay motivated through the school year.

It Builds the Whole Musician

Many students focus only on the pieces they're learning. CM asks for more. Each year, students are evaluated in performance, technique, sight-reading, ear training, and music theory. That balance produces musicians who can read new music confidently, understand what they're playing, and hear the music more clearly, not just play memorized songs.

Feedback From an Outside Expert

Students receive a written assessment from a state-approved evaluator, not just their own teacher. That outside perspective confirms what's going well and points out what to work on next. It's valuable for students and reassuring for parents who want an objective view of their child's progress.

A Steady Path From Beginner to Advanced

Each instrument has a syllabus of 10 or 11 levels, so students can enter at the level that fits them and move up over the years, much like grade levels in school. Because each level builds on the last, students grow steadily without big gaps in their skills.

Recognition Students Can Be Proud Of

Students who pass receive an official MTAC certificate for their level, and top-performing students can earn additional honors. Students who complete the advanced level as high school seniors can earn a medallion, a meaningful milestone after years of work. Those achievements are a big confidence boost, and they make a strong addition to college and scholarship applications.

Skills That Transfer Beyond Music

Preparing for an evaluation teaches students to plan ahead, practice consistently, handle nerves, and perform under pressure. Those are the same skills they'll use for tests, auditions, interviews, and presentations for years to come.

Is CM Right for Your Child?

CM tends to be a great fit for students who are practicing consistently, enjoy having goals, and are ready for a little extra challenge. It isn't required to be a successful musician, and every student's path is different. Your child's teacher can help you decide whether CM is a good next step and which level makes sense.

When Does CM Happen?

CM runs on a yearly cycle. Teachers enroll students in the fall, and evaluations take place between January and March, either at a regional testing facility or online. If your child isn't enrolled this season, now is a great time to start building skills so they're ready for the next one.

Certificate of Merit Preparation at Aslanyan School of Music

Our MTAC-certified teachers prepare selected students for the Certificate of Merit, building performance, theory, ear training, and sight-reading into regular lessons so evaluation day feels like the next natural step, not a cram session. Aslanyan School of Music is a family-owned piano and guitar school serving Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and the High Desert since 1998.

Visit us at 15407 Anacapa Rd, Unit 102, Victorville, CA 92392, contact us, or call (760) 843-3221 to ask about CM preparation or book a free trial lesson.

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