Certificate of Merit

The Music Teachers’ Association of California® (MTAC) sponsors the music study program Certificate of Merit® (CM). The program provides a standard of curriculum that requires students to strive for focused musical excellence in performance, technique, ear training, sight reading/singing, and music theory.

Initiated in 1933, the annual statewide program involves approximately 30,000 students in piano, violin, cello, viola, flute, French horn, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, baritone/euphonium horn, voice, and harp. Students benefit tremendously from this educational opportunity. Please consult with your child’s teacher for more information regarding registration and preparation. Visit CM website for more information.

Teachers offering CM preparation:

Piano: Natalia Chul, Satoko Fogarty, Shulamite Chung

Violin: Victoria Yakubovich

Flute: Yukiko Matsumoto

ABRSM

ABRSM is one of the world's leading providers of music exams, holding over 650,000 assessments in more than 90 countries every year. As a registered charity, they also make significant donations towards music education initiatives around the world.

Founded in 1889, they have a long and storied history. But their mission has stayed the same: to nurture a love for music, and to inspire achievement in it. At ABRSM, they believe that everyone, wherever they're from, should have access to high-quality music-learning. Visit ABRSM website for more information.

Teachers offering ABRSM preparation:

Piano: Ludmila Lemberg, Natalia Chul, Satoko Fogarty, Shulamite Chung

Violin: Victoria Yakubovich, Rodney Garcia

Flute: Yukiko Matsumoto

National Guild

Offered by American College of Musicians/National Guild of Piano Teachers, their primary function is to establish definite goals and awards in noncompetitive auditions for students of all levels, from the earliest beginner to the gifted prodigy. With the exception of their "special" programs, teachers have the flexibility to choose all repertoire for student auditions. Students are judged on individual merit, by a well-qualified music professional, in the areas of accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style, and technique. Their purpose is to encourage growth and enjoyment through the study of piano. Visit National Guild website for more information.

Teachers offering National Guild preparation:

Piano: Satoko Fogarty

Competitions

Many of our teachers prepare their students for various competitions such as Sonata Piano Contest, Baroque Festival, US Open Competition, Elite Music Competition, and North California Young Talents Music Competition. 

For more instruments and teachers please contact customerservice@harmonymusicschools.com