CM Test or Not Test? A Piano Teacher’s Honest Perspective on the Certificate of Merit Program

When I first started preparing my piano students for the Certificate of Merit evaluation, I wasn’t sure if it was the right path.

I have always believed piano lessons should be about creativity, expression, and personal growth—not just scores and testing. Students already face enough pressure at school and in other activities. Did they really need another exam?

But after guiding my students through the process, I discovered something surprising.

Before sharing my experience, let me briefly explain what the Certificate of Merit program is and who conducts it.

Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC). The organization itself was incorporated in 1897 and is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in music education. Today, it provides structured musical programs, evaluations, and performance opportunities for thousands of students.

Each year, approximately 27,000–30,000 students across California participate in CM evaluations in instruments such as piano, violin, voice, woodwinds, and more. Oclef students proudly participate in this program every year as well.

What Students Must Demonstrate in the CM Evaluation

The CM evaluation assesses multiple aspects of musical development. Students must prepare and submit four main components.

1. Repertoire Performance
Students memorize and record prepared pieces.
Lower levels typically require two pieces, while higher levels require three or more.

2. Skills and Technique
Students demonstrate the technical foundation of piano playing through scales, chords, and arpeggios appropriate to their level.

3. Music Theory Examination
Students complete a written test covering rhythm, notation, musical symbols, ear training, and other essential theory concepts.

4. Sight-Reading Test
Students demonstrate the ability to read unfamiliar music at sight.

Together, these components ensure students develop not only performance ability but also music literacy, technique, and overall musicianship.

What is especially remarkable about the Certificate of Merit program is that it functions similarly to several international music examination systems used around the world, such as:

ABRSM – Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (United Kingdom)
RCM – Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada)
Trinity College London

All of these programs provide structured musical pathways that guide students step-by-step through increasingly advanced levels of study. I am sure you've heard about them.

My Initial Resistance to Testing

When I first began preparing students for CM, I had reservations.

My teaching philosophy has always focused on helping students experience and feel music deeply, not simply prepare for exams. I worried that formal evaluations might place unnecessary pressure on students who already have demanding academic schedules.

I never wanted piano lessons to feel like just another test.

However, after guiding students through their first CM cycle, my perspective began to change.

What the Results Revealed

Once students completed their first CM evaluations, the results were incredibly encouraging. Many received Excellent ratings, but the most impressive part was the transformation I saw during the preparation process.

Students became stronger in several important areas:

Technical precision
Music reading fluency
Understanding of theory concepts
Discipline and consistency in practice

Although the preparation required dedication from both students and parents, the growth in musicianship was undeniable.

This experience helped me realize that when approached thoughtfully, the CM program can become a powerful educational milestone, not simply a test.

Building a Strong Preparation System

By the second year of preparing students for CM, I had already learned many lessons about how to guide them more effectively.

One of the biggest advantages of working within the Oclef system is the structured support available to students.

Students prepare through several important tools:

Music Theory Training

Students complete theory quizzes appropriate to their level, covering rhythm, notation, musical symbols, ear training, and fundamental music concepts.

Sight-Reading Development

Students practice sight-reading in two ways:

Digital sight-reading quizzes within the Oclef platform
Physical sight-reading books designed for each level

This combination helps students strengthen their reading skills both digitally and through traditional practice.

Because preparation started earlier this year, many students were ready well ahead of the submission deadline.

Preparing students for the Certificate of Merit program is never a one-person effort. It requires a strong and supportive educational and technical team.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to:

Dr. Julian, Dr. Phong, Dr. Bell, Dr. I-Lin, the entire Oclef team who continuously support students through Kaizen sessions, practice guidance, and the development of a structured system that helps students succeed and my assisting teachers team who helped prepare students for the test.

Their dedication to building an environment where students can practice effectively and grow confidently makes an enormous difference in the success of this program.

I am also incredibly proud of every student who has been working so hard during this testing period.

We are now in the final stretch, with all submissions due by March 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.

Preparing for CM requires:

Consistent practice, courage to record and re-record performances until they reach their best result and commitment to improving week after week.

I also want to thank the parents who support their children throughout this journey. By encouraging practice, recording, managing schedules, and providing opportunities for musical growth, families play an essential role in their child’s success.

Your support truly makes this journey possible.

What Students Receive After the Evaluation?

After completing the CM evaluation, students receive more than just a test result.

They receive:

An official MTAC Certificate of Merit certificate for their level
Written feedback from a professional evaluator describing strengths and areas for improvement. Having an additional professional opinion from a state-recognized evaluator can be extremely valuable. It offers families and teachers an outside perspective that helps confirm that the student is developing in a balanced and comprehensive way.
Eligibility to advance to the next level, special recognition opportunities for outstanding performances.

Students who perform exceptionally well may also be invited to perform at MTAC State Convention Recitals, a prestigious performance opportunity.

High school seniors completing advanced levels may also receive special recognition awards and medallions.

For many students, receiving their CM certificate becomes a meaningful milestone reflecting years of dedication and musical growth.

At Oclef, students who complete all ten levels may also have opportunities to teach, mentor younger students, and perform at advanced levels.

Here is a Student Perspective by one of my assistants, Emma Ouyang, who is both an apprentice teacher and a long-time Oclef student who has completed all 10 levels of the Certificate of Merit program.

Her experience beautifully reflects what many students gain through this journey.

"My name is Emma Ouyang, and I’m a high school sophomore and student at Oclef. I’ve finished all levels of CM up to Level 10. The biggest challenge was staying on top of my CM progress while balancing piano practice, theory, schoolwork, and other responsibilities.

This became especially challenging during high school when I was completing Level 10. However, the process taught me a lot. Completing CM helped me become a more responsible student and develop stronger time-management skills.

I would recommend CM for piano beginners because it provides a clear pathway for progress and helps students stay accountable. It also builds responsibility and discipline, which makes students stronger learners overall."

Emma’s journey shows how the CM program develops not only musicianship, but also important life skills such as organization, responsibility, and perseverance.

After seeing the growth, discipline, and confidence it builds in students, my answer is yes—it is truly worth the journey.

Best regards,
Yuliya Borshchova

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