Every spring, the Music Teachers' Association of California holds Certificate of Merit evaluations for piano students at El Camino College. Piano students take a theory, ear-training, sight-reading, technique, and repertory evaluation before an adjudicator. Students who pass all of the sections of the test are awarded the MTAC Certificate of Merit for their level (primer through advanced levels). All students must be registered for this program by November, however, only those students who are fully prepared by the end of February will be sent to be adjudicated in March 2012 at El Camino College.

The goals of CM are as follows: •To provide a systematic and comprehensive plan to develop performance skill, technique, ear-training and sight reading skills, and understanding of music theory •To provide practical goals to help students maintain a steady and focused appreciation of their musical studies •To encourage students to strive for musical excellence •To create opportunities in which students may share their music. For more information on Certificate of Merit go to www.mtac.org