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 takes place from September 15 through November 15.

3.  Students must be age 5 or older as of November 15 (the CM Registration Deadline) to participate in the CM Program.

4.  Students 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 through April.

6.  From the evaluation, students receive a written assessment. Students will also complete a written theory exam, which includes an ear training component.

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. Students who demonstrate exceptional skill at his/her evaluation may be selected to perform at annual MTAC State Convention Recitals.

Your child(ren) can benefit tremendously from this wonderful educational opportunity and experience.  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 CM program.

1.  Weekly lesson lengths are as follows:

            Levels Prep – 4:            45 minutes

            Levels 5 – Advanced:    60 minutes

Extra lessons will be necessary for those instruments needing piano accompaniments and additional theory review sessions.

2.  A minimum, mandatory total of 45 classes, from March 2018 – March 2019 must be completed to take the exam.

3.  Those students who plan to take prolonged music breaks for more than six consecutive weeks may not be considered for CM. 

4.  All instruments, excluding piano, require a piano accompanist.  Extra rehearsals with the piano accompanist will be scheduled for additional fees.

5.  No photocopies of music are ever allowed for the exam.  All the required repertoire books must be bought online, or at the local music store by the student/parents, upon assignment from the teacher. 

6.  A written theory, practice exam is provided by the instructor.  

7.  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. 

8.  For piano students, a grand piano or upright piano must be provided by the parents for optimum daily practice.  A keyboard is not acceptable.

9.  If accepted to perform in any recitals, students and families must stay for the whole duration of the recital.

10.  All SJAM instructors reserve the right to withdraw the student from the exam if the instructor has assessed that the student is not ready.

11.  All main repertoire must be memorized.

12.  All music books and music materials, music lessons, and examination fees are to be settled by the parents prior to the examination.

13. Those students who need more practice in Theory must attend at least one, 1 hour, theory group or private class to solidify understanding of the Written Theory portion of the exam. Group theory class is $25 per student. Private theory class is $50 per student.

14. Level placement is determined by the teacher.