Home Blog Congratulations to Our 2025 MTAC Certificate of Merit® State Honor Students!

Introduction to Music Awards

Music awards are prestigious recognitions that celebrate excellence across the music industry, acknowledging outstanding achievements in various genres such as electronic music, pop, rock, and classical. These awards provide a platform for musicians to showcase their talents, production skills, and diverse styles, often judged by a panel of expert industry professionals. They help bring your most creative ideas to life, enhancing artistic output.

The music awards ceremony is a grand event that brings together musicians, producers, and music enthusiasts to celebrate the best in contemporary music. It emphasizes hands-on experience and the skills needed to succeed in the industry. Many music awards programs offer courses and training in music theory, piano playing, and film scoring, giving students the opportunity to develop their skills and repertoire. Accessing full details within the syllabus is crucial for candidates preparing for Performance Grades exams.

In addition to recognizing musical talent, these awards highlight the importance of the music business, providing support for emerging artists through expert guidance and feedback from industry professionals. The ceremony features live performances, recordings, and songs from nominated artists, showcasing their skills and talents in front of a live audience.

Music awards are an excellent way for students and interested individuals to explore the music industry, learn about different genres, and gain hands-on experience with digital tools and technologies such as Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic. They also foster a sense of community and belonging, bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for music and its various aspects. The exploration of innovative tools and creative projects in music production and composition is a key component of these programs.

By recognizing and rewarding excellence in music, these awards contribute to the development and growth of the music industry, providing a merit-based path for musicians to advance their careers. The music awards ceremony is a celebration of music, sound, and performance, and is an essential event for anyone interested in the music industry. It offers a range of activities, workshops, and seminars that cater to different interests and levels of expertise, making it a valuable experience for all participants.

Celebrating Excellence at Pleasanton Academy of Music

Meet the talented students who achieved State Honor distinction in this year’s MTAC Certificate of Merit® exams.

At Pleasanton Academy of Music, we take great pride in celebrating the outstanding achievements of our students. Each year, students across California prepare for the Certificate of Merit® (CM) exams, a prestigious program developed by the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC).

Founded in 1897, MTAC is a professional organization of over 4,700 music teachers statewide, dedicated to advancing excellence in music education. Through its Certificate of Merit® program, MTAC provides a comprehensive evaluation system for young musicians, assessing their skills in performance, technique, music theory, sight reading, and ear training. The program also helps students develop skills needed to compose and produce music across various contemporary styles.

Earning State Honor is one of the highest distinctions in the CM program, recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional skill and musicianship across all evaluation areas. Different cultures and practices have contributed significantly to the field of music theory and composition, enriching the learning experience and enhancing students’ musical creations. The evolving landscape of the music industry requires innovative techniques and up-to-date knowledge, essential for thriving in the future.

We are proud to share the names of our 2025 CM State Honor recipients. Their dedication, discipline, and passion for music shine through in their success—and we congratulate both the students and their incredible teachers!

How to Prepare for the MTAC Certificate of Merit® Exam: A Guide to Success

Preparing for the Certificate of Merit® (CM) exam, offered by the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), is a rewarding journey that helps young musicians grow in technique, knowledge, and performance confidence. Whether you’re a first-time participant or moving up a grade, success comes from a balanced approach to preparation, expert guidance, and consistent practice. Experimenting with different musical styles and improvisation can significantly enhance your skills and creativity.

Understanding the different grades and their requirements is crucial for effective preparation.

At Pleasanton Academy of Music, we’ve guided hundreds of students through this program with outstanding results, including many earning State Honors. If you’re planning to take the test, here’s everything you need to know to prepare effectively and perform your best.

 What Is the MTAC Certificate of Merit®?

The CM program is a structured, leveled assessment that evaluates students in five core areas:

• Performance – Students perform a selected number of pieces from the appropriate level.
• Technique – Includes scales, arpeggios, and technique elements specific to your level.
• Sight Reading – Reading and playing a short piece at first sight.
• Ear Training – Includes tasks like interval recognition, rhythm clapping, and melodic dictation.
• Written Music Theory – Covers music notation, key signatures, intervals, terms, symbols, and more.

Each area contributes to a well-rounded musical education and ensures that students develop both artistic and technical skills needed.

 What You’ll Need to Learn

• Performance Pieces: Memorized repertoire from various periods, including baroque, romantic, and contemporary styles.
• Technique Requirements: Consistent training in scales, arpeggios, and strengthening exercises.
• Ear Training: Rhythm recognition, melodic dictation, and interval training.
• Sight Reading: Fluency in reading unfamiliar material.
• Written Theory: Understanding of symbols, analysis, compose structure, and repertoire breakdown. Also, how to integrate styles from genres like rock or pop.

Music Foundations: Building Your Skills

Building a strong foundation in music theory is essential for any musician, whether you’re interested in electronic music, piano playing, or any other genre. Understanding music theory concepts, such as scales, intervals, and chord progressions, will help you develop your skills and improve your overall musicianship. In the competitive music industry, having a solid grasp of music theory will give you an edge and help you succeed in the music business.

Production skills are also crucial for musicians. Learning how to use digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Ableton, or Logic will enable you to create high-quality recordings and develop your unique sound. Expert guidance from experienced instructors or mentors is invaluable, helping you refine your skills and achieve your goals.

Hands-on experience is vital for musicians. Participating in workshops, masterclasses, or online courses provides opportunities to practice and hone your skills. Music students should focus on developing their abilities in various areas, including performance, recording, and composition, to become well-rounded musicians.

Exploring diverse styles and genres, such as pop, rock, and classical, will help you develop your unique sound and style. Contemporary styles, like electronic music and hip-hop, require a strong understanding of music production and technology. Staying up-to-date with these topics will keep you current with the latest trends and techniques.

Film scoring is another exciting area of the music industry that demands a solid foundation in music theory and composition. Learning about this field will help you develop your skills and pursue a career in creating music for film and TV.

Performance and Technique: Mastering Your Craft

Mastering your craft as a musician requires a strong focus on performance and technique. Regular practice is key to developing your skills and improving your overall musicianship. Learning to play the piano or other instruments will enhance your technical abilities and deepen your understanding of music theory.

Developing a strong sense of rhythm and timing is essential. Practicing with a metronome or drum machine can significantly improve your skills in this area. Experimenting with different techniques, such as sampling and synthesis, will help you create your unique sound and style.

Learning how to compose and arrange music is crucial for songwriters and producers. Understanding how to create a narrative through sound will enable you to craft compelling songs and recordings. Collaborating with other musicians on projects and participating in workshops and masterclasses will help you learn from others and expand your network.

Developing a strong online presence and learning how to market yourself as a musician is vital for success in the music industry. Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends will keep you ahead of the curve. Learning about music production, recording, and distribution will help you develop your skills and achieve your goals.

Focusing on your career development and setting goals will keep you motivated and driven. Working with a mentor or career coach can provide valuable guidance as you navigate the music industry. Building a strong support network of fellow musicians, instructors, and industry professionals will keep you connected and inspired. Participating in online communities and forums will give you the opportunity to connect with other musicians and learn from their experiences.

Timeline for Success

• 6–9 Months Before: Learn material, prepare repertoire, and start courses. Explore technologies and tools. Watch film and tv scores for inspiration.
• 3–6 Months Before: Focus on detail, use mock tests, and seek regular feedback. Continue with piano and theory training.
• 1–2 Months Before: Record full performances, fine-tune dynamics, refine piano and sound control. Review your path.
  • Practice how to effectively translate studio work onto the stage, emphasizing skills such as composing and songwriting for live performances.
• 1 Week Before: Reduce practice, focus on mental readiness, plan for your exam day.

Tips for a Successful CM Experience

• Use digital tools like Logic and Pro Tools to record and critique your performance.
• Try online courses in music theory and style development. Learn how the music business connects with your creative goals.
• Maintain a balanced focus on all exams and categories.
• Rehearse your full performance with an audience.
• Stay organized with a timeline and contact your teacher regularly.

Bonus: Preparing Mentally

• Visualize success—play your pieces in your mind.
• Embrace calm—meditation or breathing exercises can help.
• Reflect on your path and how far you’ve come.

Online Music Resources: Tools for Your Journey

Online music resources, such as tutorials, courses, and software, provide musicians with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the music industry. Websites like MyMusicTheory.com offer a range of music theory tests, quizzes, and online courses to help musicians develop their skills and improve their understanding of music theory.

Online communities and forums, such as Reddit’s WeAreTheMusicMakers, offer spaces for musicians to connect, share their work, and learn from others. Digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic provide a range of tools for music production, recording, and editing. Learning to use these software programs will help you develop your skills and create high-quality recordings.

Online marketplaces like SoundCloud and Bandcamp offer platforms for musicians to share their music, connect with fans, and sell their work. Music production and recording software, such as FL Studio and Cubase, provide features and tools for creating and editing music. Learning to use these programs will help you produce high-quality recordings.

Online courses and tutorials from platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer a range of learning opportunities for musicians, from music theory and production to marketing and career development. Music industry websites like Music Business Worldwide and Billboard provide news, insights, and analysis on the latest trends and developments in the music industry, helping you stay informed and ahead of the curve.

Online collaboration tools like Soundfly and Kompoz offer platforms for musicians to work together on projects, share ideas, and collaborate on music. Music education websites like Berkeley College of Music Online and Musician’s Institute offer courses, tutorials, and degree programs for musicians. Learning from experienced instructors and industry professionals will help you develop your skills and achieve your goals.

Ready to Begin Your MTAC Journey?

If you’re a parent or student interested in preparing for CM 2026, now is the time to begin. With expert support, tailored programs, and high-quality courses, our academy helps students thrive from first test to final certificate.

Contact us 925-200-6508 to schedule a trial lesson or get personalized advice on your MTAC preparation.

Let’s make this your most musical, successful, and confident year yet in the music world!