MUSICTEACHERSASSOCIATIONOFCALIFORNIA

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CertificateofMerit Policies&Procedures
20112012

TableofContents
Introduction.........................................................................................................................................................1 Section1.CertificateofMeritCouncil(CMCouncil)....................................................................................... 1 Section2.TeacherRequirements .................................................................................................................... 1 Section3.CMEnrollmentRequirements(PathA&PathB)........................................................................... 3 Section4.CMEvaluations(PathA)................................................................................................................. 6 A. CMEvaluationComponents............................................................................................................ 6 B. EvaluationResults;ChangeofTeacher............................................................................................ 9 Section5.CMEvaluationAdministration...................................................................................................... 10 A. FairnessPractices........................................................................................................................... 10 B. Materials&Fees............................................................................................................................ 11 C. AlternativeEvaluations.................................................................................................................. 12 Section6.BranchHonors.............................................................................................................................. 13 Section7.StateCMConventionPrograms................................................................................................... 13 Section8.SeniorAward................................................................................................................................15 Section9.PanelAuditions............................................................................................................................. 15 Section10.YoungArtistGuild(YAG)............................................................................................................. 15 Section11.CommunicationProcedures....................................................................................................... 16 Section12.ConflictResolutionProcedures.................................................................................................. 16 AppendixA......................................................................................................................................................A

Introduction
CertificateofMeritisanevaluationprogramthatwascreatedanddevelopedbytheMusicTeachers AssociationofCalifornia(MTAC,AssociationorState)in1934,andcontinuestoevolveovertime tobestmeettheneedsofteachersandstudents.TheCertificateofMerit(CM)evaluationprogramis basedonasolidfoundationofsystematicprogressionthrougheleven(11)Levels,fromPreparatory throughAdvanced(Level10).TheCMprogramincludesstudentsperformingmusicalrepertoireand techniquebasedonrequirementssetforthinanapplicableinstrumentSyllabus(e.g.Harp,Piano, Winds,Strings,Voice). TheCertificateofMeritPolicies&Procedures(CMPolicies&Procedures)isdesignedtohelp implementtheStatesCMprogramandtoestablishuniformityofitsadministrationandimplementation throughouttheStateofCalifornia.Itspurposeisalsotoclarifyandexpanduponthepoliciesand procedurescontainedintheSyllabusforeachinstrument.However,wheretheapplicableSyllabusand CMPolicies&Proceduresmayconflict,theCMPolicies&Proceduresprevails. TheStateBylawsultimatelygoverntheMTACorganization,itsmembers,andtheadministrationofState ProgramsincludingCM.MembersparticipatinginCMareencouragedtoreviewtheStateBylawsin additiontotheCMPolicies&Procedures.ParticipationintheCMprogramisgrantedthrough membershipintheMusicTeachersAssociationofCalifornia. WheretheCMPolicies&ProceduresconflictwithanySyllabus,theCMPolicies&Proceduresprevails. ImportantinformationanddocumentsareregularlypostedattheMTACwebsite.Teachersmustlogin first(www.mtac.org/login)toaccessCertificateofMeritinformationandmaterials(CMMaterials, CMResources,CMEvaluators.CMResourcesincludeslinkstoCMDocumentsandCM Newsletterswhichareupdatedthroughouttheyear.

Section1.CertificateofMeritCouncil(CMCouncil)
CertificateofMeritisaprogramdevelopedandownedbytheMTACStateAssociation.TheCMCouncil isacommitteeappointedbytheStateBoardofDirectorstooverseetheadministrationandoperationof theCertificateofMeritprogramthroughoutCalifornia.CertificateofMeritislargelyadministered throughtheaffiliateBranchesoftheMTAC,inaccordancewithCertificateofMeritpoliciesand proceduresthatareregularlypostedonlineatwww.mtac.org/login(TeacherHomePage).Allmembers arealsosubjecttotherules,regulations,policiesandproceduressetforthintheStateBylaws.CM CouncilMembersarelistedintheStateDirectoryandatwww.mtac.org.Foranyquestionsorissues regardingCM,CMTeachersshouldcontacttheirCMBranchChairfirst.Ifaquestionorissuecannotbe resolved,theCMBranchChaircanthencontacttheirCMCouncilBranchChairLiaison.Pleasedonot contacttheStateBoardortheStateOfficewithCMquestions.

Section2.TeacherRequirements
1. PermittedMembershipClasses.Membersbelongingtothefollowingmembershipclasses:Active, Life,Provisional,Student,andCalPlan,whoareingoodstandingandwhohavepaidallotherCM Page|1

finesdue,ifapplicable,mayregisterstudentsinCMthroughtheirPrimaryBranch,withinthe teachersMTACapprovedinstrument,aslistedintheStateDirectory. 2. NonMTACMemberTeachers.TeacherswhoarenotmembersoftheMTAC,orwhoarenotinthe permittedclasses,maynotenrollstudentsinCM,andmaynotuseorrelyupontheidentityor membershipofanotherqualifiedCMTeachertodoso. Forexample,inamusicschoolsituation,theremaybethreeteachers.Twoteachersarequalified CMTeacherswhoenrolltheirownstudentsintoCM.Thethirdteacherisanassociateteacher,but doesnothavemembershipinMTAC.ThetwoCMTeachersmaynotenrollthestudentsofthenon MTACmemberteacherintoCM,astheirownstudents,inordertogetaroundthehurdleofthe thirdteachersnonmembership.IfthestudentsofthethirdteacherwishtoparticipateinCM,the thirdteachermustseparatelyandindividuallyapplyfortheappropriateclassofmembershipin MTAC.CMTeacherswhowrongfullyenrollthestudentsofanonMTACmemberaresubjectto disciplinaryactionbytheAssociation. 3. CMTeacherPrimaryTeacher.TeacherswhomeetthecriteriainSection2.1above(CM Teachers)mayonlyregisterstudentswhomtheyteachonaregularbasisforthemajority(75%)of lessons,asthatstudentsPrimaryTeacher. Forexample,aCMTeacheroccasionallycoachesastudentoncepermonth,butthatstudent actuallytakeslessonsregularlyforthemajorityoftheyearwithanotherteacher.TheCMTeacher maynotregisterthatstudentinCMundertheCMTeachersnameorstudio. 4. CMTeacherRegulations.CMTeachersarerequiredtoreadandreviewtheapplicableSyllabusfor theirinstrument.CMTeachersherebyagreetobesubjectto,andabideby,theStateBylaws,the Syllabus,andthecurrentCMPoliciesandProcedures.Anyviolationsagainsttheforegoingmay resultintherestrictionofsuchCMTeachersparticipationintheCMprogram,orotherdisciplinary actions. 5. ChangeofTeacher: (a) BeforeorOnNovember15.ThenewCMTeacherwillinitiatetheChangeofTeacherprocess onlinewhenregisteringthestudentasanewstudent.OntheCMNewStudentRegistration Page,aseriesofpreliminaryquestionswillbeasked.ClickingYEStothefirstquestion regardingChangeofTeacherwilldirecttheteachertotheChangeofTeacherPage.Ifthe ChangeofTeacheriswithinthesameBranch,thewebsitewillautomaticallynotifytheBranch Chair.TheBranchChairwillthencompletethechange.IftheChangeofTeacherisbetween differentBranches,thewebsitewillnotifytheCCSR.TheCCSRwillthencompletethechange. ThenewteachermustwaittoreceiveanemailfromeithertheBranchChairortheCCSR,which willinformthemthattheChangeofTeacherprocessiscompleted.ThenewCMTeachermust thenReEnrollthestudentfromtheReenrollStudentslist(fromtheTeacherHomePage, selectCMStudents,selectReenrollStudents).ThestudentshallbeevaluatedattheBranch ofthenewCMTeacher.ThenewCMTeacherisresponsibleforcheckingandensuringthatthe studentsonlineCMrecordsareappropriatelytransferred,inordertobelistedasthatstudents currentCMTeacherforCMpurposes. Page|2

(b) AfterNovember15.InordertoinitiatetheChangeofTeacherprocessafterthecloseofCM Registration,thenewCMTeachermustcompletetheChangeofTeacherFormAfterNovember 15Form,whichisavailablefromwww.mtac.org,TeacherHomePage(selectResources, selectDocuments).Uponcompletion,theFormmustbesubmittedtotheCMBranchChair. OncetheChangeofTeacheriscompleted,thenewCMTeacherwillberesponsiblefor continuingthepreparationforthenewstudentsCMEvaluationandforenteringandeditingall onlineEvaluationinformationasneededontheMTACwebsite. 6. FormerCMStudents. (a) IntheeventthatapreviousCMstudentmovesawayorstopsstudyingmusicforseveralyears, butthenreturnstothesameCMTeacher,theCMTeacherwillneedtoRecallthestudents informationandhistoryintheCMDatabasebyclickingNewStudentRegistrationlocatedat www.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage),underCMStudents.TheCMTeacherwillbeaskeda seriesofquestionsonthatpage.ThesecondquestionasksifthestudenthaseverbeenaCM studentwiththeregisteringteacherbefore;clickingYestothisquestionwilldirecttheteacher totheRecallaStudentForm. (b) IntheeventthatastudentmovesawayorstopsstudyingmusicwithaCMTeacher,anddoes notreturn,thosestudentswillcontinuetoappearontheStudentList.TheCMDatabasemust retainallstudentsCMrecordsforvariouseligibilityrequirements,justincaseastudentreturns totheCMsystem,evenaftermanyyearsofnotparticipatinginCM,andwhetherornotthey returntothesameteacheroradifferentone.Therefore,thestudentmustremainlinkedtothe mostrecentCMTeacheronrecord,untilaRecallaStudentorChangeofTeacherrequestre activatestheprocess. 7. SecondaryInstrument.CMTeacherswhowishtobeapprovedformorethanoneinstrumentmust applydirectlytotheStateOffice,usingtheSecondaryInstrumentForm,availableat www.mtac.org/membership. 8. CMTeacherTraining.CMTeachersarerequiredtoreadallguidelines,instructions,policies, procedures,applicableSyllabiandanySyllabiAddenda,andformsrelatedtoCertificateofMerit, whicharelocatedatwww.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage,loginrequired).Inordertoregister online,CMTeachersmustattendaninitialmandatoryCMInformationMeetingattheirBranch.Ifa Teachercannotattend,thenheorshemustcontacttheirBranchChairforalternativesapprovedby theBranchChair.OntheTeacherHomePage,CMTeachersarealsoexpectedtoreviewtheCM TeacherEducationpowerpointslides(CMTeacherPowerPointPresentation).Additionallive educationsessionsregardingCertificateofMeritmayalsoberequiredbytheBranch.CMCouncil membersalsoprovideliveCMinformationandeducationsessionsatseveralBranchesduringthe year.

Section3.CMEnrollmentRequirements(PathA&PathB)
1. PathAandPathB.TherearetwotypesofenrollmentintheCertificateofMeritprogram:PathA andPathB.InPathA,studentstakeaperformanceevaluationandwrittentheoryexaminationon anassigneddateordates,atasitedeterminedbytheBranchandareevaluatedbyanMTACState appointedorcontractedEvaluator.InPathB,studentsareevaluatedbytheirownteacher,orby Page|3

anotherteacherarrangedbythestudentsteacher,intheteachersstudioorlocationofthe teacherschoosing.PathBEvaluationstakeplaceanytimeafterPathAEvaluationsarecompleted throughoutthestateofCalifornia.BothPathAandPathBincludeallcomponentsoftheCM program:performance,technique,sightreading,writtentheory,andeartrainingtests,andoptional improvisation.BothPathAandPathBstudentsmaybeenrolledinPreparatorythroughAdvanced (Level10)Levels. 2. StudentQualifications.Studentswhoare(i)agefiveorolderasofNovember15(theCM RegistrationDeadline),and(ii)arestudyingwithaCMTeacherastheirPrimaryTeacheringood standing,mayparticipateinCM. 3. EnrollmentDeadlines.EnrollmentforCMopensonSeptember15eachyear.Enrollmentisamulti stepprocedure:(i)completingtheonlineregistrationprocess,(ii)submittingregistrationmaterials andpaymentstotheBranch,and(iii)submittingtheEvaluationReportForm,whichincludes studentsRepertoire,BranchHonors,Convention,andotherBranchadministrationinformation. (i) MandatoryBranchMeeting(orApprovedAlternative).TeachersmustattendtheCM InformationMeetingattheirBranch,ifrequiredbytheBranch.IfaCMTeachercannotattend theirBranchsMandatoryInformationMeeting,thenheorshemustcontacttheBranchChairto receivealternativetrainingoptionsapprovedbytheBranchChair.CMTeachersmaynotbe abletoaccesstheOnlineRegistrationunlesstheyhaveattendedthemandatorymeeting,or havereceivedalternativetraining. (ii) OnlineRegistration.CMTeachersmustcompleteallstudentregistrationsonlineat www.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage)(OnlineRegistration)nolaterthanNovember15(CM RegistrationDeadline).ThisinformationgoesintoaCMdatabase(theCMDatabase),exactly asinputbytheCMTeacher.CMTeachersmustapplyforPanelAuditionsandSeniorAwardin theOnlineRegistration;CMTeachersareresponsibleforcheckingtheeligibilityrequirements. TheStateBoardofDirectors,CMCouncil,EvaluatorsandtheBrancharenotresponsiblefor errorsoromissionsmadebytheCMTeacherintheOnlineRegistration. (iii) BranchRegistrationMaterials.RegistrationisnotcompleteuntilCMTeachershavealso submittedthefollowingmaterials(BranchRegistrationMaterials): (a) (b) (c) (d) CMTeachersmustdelivertheirBranchRegistrationMaterialstotheirBranchsCMChair,or otherBranchdesignee,nolaterthanNovember16,withnoexceptions.IfCMTeachersdonot makedeliveryoftheBranchRegistrationMaterialsbyNovember16,theRegistrationisvoid. (iv) CMEvaluationReportForm.AfterRegistrationiscompletedinNovember,CMTeachersmust returntowww.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage)afterJanuary2inordertosubmitaCM EvaluationReportFormforeachstudentregisteredinCMforthatyear.TheCMEvaluation Page|4 Allapplicable,nonrefundableFees;and StudentList(printedoutfromtheStudentListpage);and StudentFeesList(printedoutfromtheStudentFeesListpage);and IfrequiredbytheBranch,signedTeacherWorkAgreementalongwithanyapplicableNon WorkFees.

ReportFormmustbesubmittedbythedeadlinesetbytheBranch,anditscontentsmaynotbe changedbytheCMTeacheraftertheBranchdeadline.Studentsmustperformthesamepieces listedontheirCMEvaluationReportForm,orshallbedisqualifiedfromBranchHonorsand Conventionperformance. CMTeachersmustinputontheEvaluationReportForm: accurateandcompleteRepertoireinformation; applicationsforBranchHonorsorConventionprograms; accompanistsandensemblepartners;and anyotherBranchadministrationoptions,asapplicable. CMTeachersmustcompletetheCMEvaluationReportcorrectly,payingcloseattentiontothe piecechosenfromtheapplicableSyllabussothatcompliancewithLevelrequirementsmaybe verified.However,BranchChairsshallchecktheEvaluationReportFormsforSyllabus compliance(e.g.,listedSyllabuspagenumbersandcorrectstudentLevel),andcontacttheCM Teacherifanyadjustmentsarerequired.CMTeachersareresponsibleforcarefullychecking theirstudentseligibilityrequirementsforBranchHonorsandConventionRecitals. 4. CMEvaluationResults;CMDatabase.TheBranchisresponsibleforensuringthatallstudentsCM PerformanceEvaluationandTheoryExaminationResultsareenteredintotheCMDatabase.After theCMEvaluationResultshavebeenreleased,CMTeachersareresponsibleforcheckingthatthe ResultsmatchthoseenteredintheCMDatabaseonline(www.mtac.orgTeacherHomePage). CorrectionsmustbesubmittedtotheBranchChairbyMay31.AnycorrectionssubmittedafterMay 31cannotbechangedintheCMDatabase. 5. TeacherWorkRequirements.BranchesmayrequireparticipatingCMTeacherstowork,inorderto assisttheBranchintheadministrationandoperationofCMEvaluations.Participationrequirements (e.g.numberofworkhours)aredeterminedbythenumberofstudentsaCMTeacherhasregistered asofNovember16.TheBranchesmayuseandcollectaTeacherWorkAgreementfromeach participatingCMTeacher,andimposeamonetaryfine(NonWorkFee)forCMTeacherswhodo notfulfillanymandatoryCMworkrequirementestablishedbyCMCounciland/ortheBranch.CM TeacherswhodonotpaytheNonWorkFeebythedeadlinesetbytheBranchshallbedisqualified fromparticipatinginsubsequentCMEvaluationprograms,bothPathAandPathB,untiltheNon WorkFeehasbeenfullypaid. Important:EvenifaCMTeachersstudentslaterdropfromPathAanddonotactuallytakethePath AEvaluation,suchCMTeachershallstillberequiredtoworkthedesignatednumberofhoursbased ontheNovember16registerednumberofstudents,and/orshallberequiredtopaytheNonWork FeebasedontheNovember16registerednumberofstudents. 6. ChangetoPathB.CMTeachersmaychangeastudentoriginallyregisteredforPathA,andmove suchstudenttoPathB,bythedeadlinesetbytheBranch.InordertochangeastudentfromPathA toPathB,CMTeachersmustgotowww.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage),andchangethestudents statusfromPathAtoPathBandnotifytheBranchChairbyemail.

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7. ChangefromPanelAuditionstoNonPanelAuditionsStatus.CMTeachersmaychangeastudent whooriginallyappliedforPaneltoNonPanel(PathA)statusbynotifyingboththeBranchChairand thePanelChairnolaterthanJanuary15. 8. NoLateRegistrations.LateRegistrationsarenotacceptedunderanycircumstances.The RegistrationdeadlineisNovember15,withnoexceptions.Thispolicyisstrictlyenforcedinorderto preservefairnessandequaltreatmentforallparticipants.

Section4.CMEvaluations(PathA)
A. CMEvaluationComponents
CMEvaluationsarecomposedofthefollowingcomponents:(1)aPerformanceEvaluationinwhich studentsshallperformappropriateRepertoireselections(assetforthintheapplicableSyllabus), Techniquerequirements,andaSightReadingTest;and(2)awrittenTheoryExamination,which includesanEarTrainingTest. 1. Syllabus.GuidelinesandrequirementsforeachofthecomponentsoftheCertificateofMerit programarecontainedintheSyllabipublishedbytheMTAC,whichareavailableforpurchaseonline atwww.mtac.org.Syllabiareprovidedforeachinstrument(e.g.Piano,Strings,Voice,etc.).Syllabi Addendaarepublishedasnecessary,andarelocatedatwww.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage). 2. PerformanceEvaluation.Studentsareassignedaspecificperformancescheduleatanallottedtime basedonthestudentsregistrationlevel.StudentsperformtherepertoirewhileanEvaluatorlistens andprovideswrittencommentsandratingsforthebenefitofthestudentandteacher.Venuesfor thePerformanceEvaluationarearrangedbytheBranch,andtypicallyheldatlocalcolleges,studios, churchesorschools.StudentsreceiveratingsofExcellent,Good,Average,Weak,and/orIncomplete intheareasofTechniqueandSightReading;ratingsofExcellent,Good,Average,Weakfor Repertoire;andratingsofPass,IneligibleforCertificate,NoShow,orRemainatLevelfortheoverall Performance.NumericalratingsareassignedforBranchHonorsandConventionRecitalevaluation components,ifapplicable.Ratingsarealsoprovidedforthosestudentswhohaveregisteredfor PanelAuditionsorYoungArtistGuild. 3. RepertoireRequirements.StudentsmustperformonlyPermittedRepertoireinaCMPerformance Evaluation. (a) PermittedRepertoire.PermittedRepertoireisdefinedasoriginalcompositionswritten specificallyfortheinstrumentbeingevaluated,andanyrepertoirelistedintheapplicable instrumentSyllabus. (b) NotAcceptableRepertoire.PleaserefertotheapplicableinstrumentSyllabusandthe CertificateofMeritTeacherTrainingPowerPointslidesatwww.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage), forrepertoirethatisnotpermittedforCMEvaluations(NotAcceptableRepertoire).Students performinganyNotAcceptableRepertoireshallreceiveanautomaticIneligibleforCertificate ratingbytheEvaluator,andarealsodisqualifiedfromBranchHonorsandConventionPrograms. StudentsmustperformtheRepertoireaslistedontheirEvaluationReportForm.IfaCM TeacherwishestochangeastudentsRepertoireselection,theTeachermustcontacttheBranch Page|6

Chairinadvanceforconsent,whichconsentshallbeprovidedatthesolediscretionofthe BranchChair.AstudentperformingRepertoirethatisnotlistedontheEvaluationFormand/or hasnotreceivedtherequiredBranchChairconsentorauthorizationtochangeaRepertoire piece,shallbedisqualifiedfromBranchHonorsandConventionprograms. (c) ForeignLanguage(NonRomanizedLanguages)PublishedMusic.Teachersmustincludean EnglishtranslationfortheTitleandComposerofanypiecethatisbroughttotheEvaluationthat ispublishedorprintedinanonRomanizedforeignlanguage(e.g.Russian,Japanese),sothatthe Evaluatorcanidentifythepiece.TheEnglishtranslationoftheTitleandComposercanbe notatedbytheteacheronthescore,orattachedonaseparatesheetofpapertothescore. StudentsmaynotparticipateinBranchHonorsorConventionifatranslationisnotprovided. 4. MemoryRequirements.PleaserefertotheapplicableinstrumentSyllabusformemory requirementsfortechniqueandrepertoire. 5. Improvisations.Studentsmayincludeanimprovisationlastingfrom5to60seconds,duringthe PerformanceEvaluation.ImprovisationsareoptionalandwillnotberatedbytheEvaluator.Any improvisationisacceptable;pleaserefertotheMTACwebsite(www.mtac.orgTeacherHome Page)underImprovisationformoreinformation.Important:Theallowedtimefortheentire PerformanceEvaluationshallnotbelengthenedduetotheadditionofanimprovisation. 6. TechniqueRequirements.Studentsperformthetechniquerequirementssetforthintheapplicable Syllabusthatcorrespondtotheirregisteredinstrumentandlevel.Techniqueisperformedand evaluatedaspartofthePerformanceEvaluation.Techniquemustbememorizedandplayedwithout notation,butstudentsmaylookataTechniqueChartthatisincludedintheSightReadingBooklet. EachLevelhasaspecifiedtimelimitinwhichtoperformthetechniquerequirements,whichare comprisedofvariouselementssuchasscales,arpeggios,andchordsindesignatedkeys.Ifthe studentexceedstheallowedtimelimit,thestudentsratingshallbeaffected.ForPiano,Advanced (Level10)EtudemustbefromtheEtudelistprovidedintheSyllabus.Stringrequirementsvary; pleaserefertotheStringsSyllabusformoreinformation. 7. SightReading/SingingTest.TheSightReading/SingingTestshallbeadministeredintheEvaluation RoomasaportionofthePerformanceEvaluation.Studentsarestrictlyprohibitedfromseeingthe SightReading/SingingTestmaterialsinadvanceoftheEvaluation.Studentsshallbeshownthe SightReading/SingingTestmaterialsforthefirsttimeatthePerformanceEvaluation.Studentswill begivenacertainamountoftimetostudytheSightReading/Singingexcerpt,inaccordancewith thetimesspecifiedintheapplicableSyllabus.Studentsmayputtheirhandsontheirinstrumentand shadowplayduringthattime.Countingaloudorsayingnotenamesaloudisacceptableboth beforeandduringtheSightReading/SingingEvaluation.Exception:PanelAuditionsforPiano, StringsandWindsarenotrequiredtotaketheSightReadingTest. 8. TheoryExamination.TheTheoryExaminationisawrittenexaminationtotestastudents knowledgeandskillregardingmusictheory.TheTheoryExaminationshalltakeplaceinaseparate TheoryTestRoom,whichismonitoredandproctoredbytrainedteachers.CMTeachersshallbe providedtheopeningandclosinghoursoftheTheoryTestRoom.Studentsmayspendasmuch timeontheTheoryExaminationastheywishtocompletetheTheoryExaminationduringtesting hoursbutmustsubmittheTheoryExaminationbytheendoftheexaminationcenterday(whether Page|7

completeorincompletewithinthetimeallotted).Insomeinstances,astudentmayhavea PerformanceEvaluationscheduledinanotherroomduringthetimeinwhichthestudentisalso takingtheTheoryExamination.SuchstudentswhohavenotcompletedtheTheoryExamination maybeescortedtoandfromtheirPerformanceEvaluationbydesignatedCMpersonnel,andreturn tocompletetheTheoryExaminationaftertheyhavefinishedtheirPerformanceEvaluation. However,allTheoryExaminationpapersmustremainintheTheoryTestRoom,andthestudentmay nottakethemoutoftheTheoryTestRoomforanyreason.Allparticipatingteachersandstudents mustadheretotheTheoryTestRoomGuidelines,whichincludesfurtherpoliciesandprocedures. PleaserefertotheapplicableinstrumentSyllabusforalistofTheoryExaminationandEarTraining TestrequirementsperLevel.IfastudentistakingaCMEvaluationformorethanoneinstrument, thestudentmusttakeboththePerformanceEvaluationandTheoryExaminationforeach instrumentbeingevaluated.Nopersonalelectronicdevices(cellphones,iPods,iPads,etc.)are allowedintheTheoryTestRoom.ParentsandunauthorizedteachersarenotallowedintheTheory TestRoom. 9. EarTrainingTest.TheEarTrainingTestisbasedonthespecificrequirementslistedintheSyllabus byinstrumentandlevel.TheEarTrainingTestoccursduringtheTheoryExamination.Students listentoaCDrecording,providedintheTheoryTestRoom,ofvariousmelodic,harmonic,and rhythmicexamples,whicharesetforthonthelastpageoftheTheoryExamination.Studentsmay rewindtheeartrainingCDtolistentothequestionsandexcerptsasmanytimesastheywish.(Path BTeacherswillnotbeprovidedthePathACD;PathBTeachersshalladministertheEarTraining Testonaninstrument.)IftheCDisplayedforagroupofstudents,theexamplesmayberepeated multipletimes.PleaserefertotheapplicableinstrumentSyllabusforalistofTheoryExamination andEarTrainingTestrequirementsperLevel. 10. Advanced(Level10)TheoryExemption.AttheAdvanced(Level10),astudentinschoolgrade9or abovewhopassesAdvanced(Level10)Theorywithascoreof90%orhigherisexemptfromtaking onlytheAdvanced(Level10)TheoryexaminationinsubsequentCMyears.Advanced(Level10) studentswhofailPerformance,butscore90%orhigherontheTheory,shallretaintheirAdvanced (Level10)TheoryExemption.ThereisnoexemptionforVoicestudents.Iftakingevaluationsfor morethanoneinstrument,studentsmustearnaseparateAdvanced(Level10)TheoryExemption foreachinstrument. 11. Ensembles.StudentsenrolledinPathAmaychoosetoperformoneensemblepiece(e.g.duet) duringtheirCMPerformanceEvaluation.However,ensemblesmustbecomposedonlyofstudents whoareindividuallyenrolledinCMPathA.Parents,teachers,nonMTACmembers,andnonCM students,maynotbepartofanyensembleforCMEvaluation,includingservingassubstitutesinthe eventanensemblememberisunabletoperformorattend.Ifanensemblememberisunableto performorattendataCMEvaluation,theremainingensemblemembersshallperformthe ensemblepiece,andshallbeevaluatedonanindividualbasisbutwillbeineligibleforConvention. Formoreinformation,pleaserefertotheapplicableinstrumentSyllabus. 12. PianoEnsembles.ThePianoEnsemblemayincludeamaximumoffivepianos.TheCMTeacher representinganymultiplepianoensemblemustcontactboththeBranchCMChairandBranch BoardtoreceiveapprovalbyNovember1.TheCMTeacherisresponsibleforsetupofadditional pianosorkeyboards,includingcartageandanysetup/removalexpenses,beforeEvaluationsbegin Page|8

fortheday,andareresponsibleforremovalattheendoftheday.TheCMTeachershouldnot contactthefacilitydirectly;anyfacilitiesquestionsshouldbedirectedthroughtheBranchCMChair. 13. LiveAccompanimentRequired;Exceptions.Strings,WindsandVoicestudentsinLevels8through Advanced(Level10)mustuseliveaccompanimentforallpiecesusingaccompaniment.Recorded accompanimentsarepermittedforLevel7andbelow,butonlyforpiecesnotbeingconsideredfor BranchHonorsorStateConventionRecitals.AnypiecebeingconsideredforBranchHonorsorState ConventionRecitalsrequiresliveaccompaniment.

B. EvaluationResults;ChangeofTeacher
1. ChangeofTeacher;EvaluationResults.CMTeachersarerequiredtoreviewandprovidetheir studentswiththeresultsoftheirCMEvaluationsassoonaspossibleaftersuchEvaluationsResults arereleasedbytheBranchChair.IfastudentterminateslessonswithhisorherCMTeacherafter theCMEvaluations,theformerCMTeachermuststillprovidethestudentwiththeCMEvaluation Results,orleavetheEvaluationResultswiththeBranchChairandinformtheformerstudentto contacttheBranchChairtoretrievetheEvaluationResults. 2. RemainatLevelRating,PathA.TheRemainatLevelrating(RAL)meansthatastudentmaynot progresstoahigherCMLevelathisorhernextCMEvaluation.ACMStudentwhoreceivesanRAL ratingataPathACMPerformanceEvaluationorTheoryExamination,mustpassPathAofthesame CMLevelinPerformanceandTheory,inordertoprogresstoahigherCMLevelontheirnextCM Evaluation.StudentswhoreceiveanRALratingmaynotrepeattheEvaluationinthesameCM Evaluationyear. (a) PerformanceRemainatLevel(Fail).TheRemainatLevelratingisforthestudentwho clearlyisnotpreparedforthePerformanceEvaluationorreceivesanAutomaticRemainat Level.StudentswillreceiveanRALratingfor(i)aweak,unpreparedperformance,or(ii) AutomaticRALsituations. StudentsshallreceiveanAutomaticRALratingforthefollowing: 1. Repertoire:Advanced(Level10)requiredEtudeisnotmemorized. 2. SightReading:Studentrefusestoattempttoperformthesightreadingexcerpt.(Legally blindstudentsexempt.) 3. Technique:Techniqueisnotpreparedorstudentcannotperformwithoutthenotation. 4. Memory:MemoryrequirementsfortheapplicableSyllabusarenotmet. 5. NumberofPieces:ThenumberofpiecesrequiredintheSyllabusisnotcorrect. 6. CopyrightRestrictions:Astudentwhobringsaphotocopiedscoreorbringsmusic reproducedfromaCDordownloadedfromtheInternetwithoutanauthorizedlogoor sourceshallnotbeheardbytheEvaluatorandshallreceiveanautomaticRALrating. Theonlyexceptionsarecopiestofacilitatepageturns(anoriginalscoremustbe Page|9

present)andcopiesforconfirmedoutofprintmaterial.Confirmedoutofprintmaterial mustbeaccompaniedbywrittenpermissionfromthepublisher. (b) TheoryRemainatLevel(Fail).StudentswhoreceiveaFailgrade(lessthan70%)onthe writtenTheoryExaminationwillreceiveaRemainatLevelrating.StudentsreceivinganRAL ratingforeitherthePerformanceEvaluationortheTheoryExaminationmustpassPathAof thesameCMLevelinPerformanceandTheory,inordertoprogresstoahigherCMLevelon theirnextCMEvaluation.AnyyearinwhichastudentreceivesanRALratingwillnotbe includedasaparticipationyearfortheSeniorMedallionorPanelAuditionEligibility. 3. IneligibleforCertificate(IC).TheIneligibleforCertificateratingshallbeusedforstudentswho performaproficientCMPerformanceEvaluation,butwhohaveviolatedrulesandregulationsnot relatedtoperformancequality.StudentswhoreceiveanICratingwillnotreceiveaCMCertificate fortheCMyearinwhichtheICwasgiven.However,theyarepermittedtomovetoahigherCM LevelattheirnextPerformanceEvaluation.AnICratingwilldisqualifyastudentfromBranch Honors,CMConventionRecitals,andPanelConventionperformances.ICratingswillnotaffect futureSeniorAwardorPaneleligibility.StudentsshallreceiveanICratingforthefollowing: 1. performingincorrectrepertoirecategories,Syllabuspiece,ornothavingarequiredSyllabus piece; 2. performingtechniquefromanincorrectSyllabusorlevel; 3. Advanced(Level10)EtudeisnotfromrequiredEtudelistasprovidedinthePianoSyllabus; 4. failingtoprovideoriginalmusicscoresfortheEvaluator,includingasecondoriginalscoreif thepieceisnotmemorized(andathirdoriginalscoreforaliveaccompanist,ifapplicable); 5. performinganyNotAcceptableRepertoire. 4. CertificateAchievement,PathA.StudentsmustpassboththePerformanceEvaluationandTheory ExaminationfortheirregisteredCMLevelinordertoreceiveaCertificateshowingthattheyhave passedthatCMLevelandmayprogresstoahigherCMLevel.

Section5.CMEvaluationAdministration
A. FairnessPractices
1. NoCheatingPolicy;ConfidentialityandSecurityofCMMaterials.CMTeachersandstudentsare strictlyprohibitedfromreviewing,receiving,ordistributingCMTheoryExaminations,EarTraining, andSightReadingExaminationmaterialsbeforetheCMEvaluationtestingdates.Studentsare strictlyprohibitedfromtakinganywrittenexaminationsoutsidethetestingarea,withoutprior authorizationandsupervision.StudentsmustleaveanyunfinishedorincompletewrittenTheory ExaminationsintheTheoryRoomwhiletheytakethePerformanceEvaluationintheEvaluation Room.Anyviolationsofthispolicy,asdeterminedbyCMCouncilortheStateBoardofDirectors pursuanttotheMTACStateBylawsandtheMTACConflictResolutionandDisciplinaryGuidelines, shallresultinsignificantrestrictionordisqualificationfromparticipationinCMinfutureyears and/orotherappropriatedisciplinaryactionagainsttheinvolvedCMTeacher(s). 2. CMEvaluators.CMEvaluatorsarestrictlyprohibitedfromdiscussingstudentsCMEvaluationswith otherparties,includingteachers,parents,students,ordoormonitorsorotherEvaluators. Page|10

Therefore,CMTeachers,members,orBranchCMChairswhohavequestionsregardingan EvaluatorsdecisionmustfollowtheCommunicationandConflictResolutionproceduressetforth below(seeSections11and12). 3. EvaluationVenues.EveryattemptmustbemadebytheBranchestoschedulestudentsat appropriateEvaluationVenues,otherthantheirownCMTeachersstudiosorhomes,toreducethe possibilityofunfairnessorcheating. 4. SecurityofTheoryExaminations.TheoryExaminationsmaterialsmustbekeptandsecuredbythe BranchCMChairuntilallCMEvaluationsarecompletestatewide(usuallyinearlyApril,butBranch CMChairmustconfirmdateswithCMCouncil). 5. BranchCMEarTrainingMaterials.BranchesmustpurchaseCMEarTrainingmaterialsforall instrumentsandretainthemsecurelywiththeBranchCMChair,orotherappropriateBranchBoard members.CMEvaluationEarTrainingCDsarenotavailabletoindividualteachers. 6. EvaluationArea.OnlyregisteredPathAstudentsandEvaluatorsarepermittedintheEvaluation Room.ExceptforTeacherswhoareworkingatEvaluations,TeachersandParentsarenotallowedin theEvaluationroomortestingarea.Thisincludeshallways,studentrestrooms,Evaluationrooms, TheoryTestroom,TheoryGradingroom,andthesurroundingarea.TeachersandParentsarenot permittedtoviewtheEvaluationthroughwindowsordoorwindows.Thesoleexceptionis accompanistsfornonkeyboardinstrumentswhoareallowedintheEvaluationRoomonlyduring thetimerequiredforaccompanyingastudentspieces. IntheeventthatanEvaluator,workingTeacher,orDoorMonitornoticesaparentornonworking TeacherintheEvaluationRoomorotherprohibitedareas,theEvaluatororworkingTeachershould kindlyinformtheparentsornonworkingTeacherthattheirpresenceisnotallowedtoensurethe integrityoftheevaluationstakingplace,andfindoutthereasonstheparentsornonworking Teacherispresent.Ifaproblemarises,thentheEvaluatororworkingTeachershouldinformthe parentornonworkingTeacherthattheCMBranchChairneedstobecontacted,andasktheparent ornonworkingTeachertokindlywaitinanotherareauntiltheCMBranchChairarrives,sothatthe studentsEvaluationmaycontinuewithoutfurtherdisruption. 7. Accompanists.Anyindividual(e.g.parent,teacher,nonMTACmember,nonCMstudent)may serveasanaccompanistforStrings,Winds,andVoiceCMEvaluations.Accompanistsmaybe presentintheEvaluationRoomonlyduringthepiecesforwhichaccompanimentisrequired.Piano ensembleperformersarenotconsideredaccompanists,andsuchensembleperformersmustbe individuallyenrolledinCMPathA.

B. Materials&Fees
1. PhotocopyPermissionsforMTACPublishedMaterials.MTAChasprovidedpermissionforCM TeacherstoreproducelimitedportionsofallMTACpublishedSyllabiandTechnicalRequirements bookletsforpersonaluse.AlimitednumberofCMtestsfrompreviousyearsarealsoavailablefor purchaseattheStateOfficeorMTACOnlineStore,andmaybephotocopiedforusewithintheCM Teachersstudio.

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2. CopyrightRestrictions.Studentsandaccompanistsareprohibitedfrombringingphotocopiedmusic toCMEvaluations.IndividualswhobringinunauthorizedphotocopiedmusictoCMEvaluations shallnotbeheardbyanEvaluatorandshallautomaticallyreceiveaRemainatLevelrating.The onlyexceptionsarecopiestofacilitatepageturns(anoriginalscoremustbepresent)and photocopiesforconfirmedoutofprintmaterial.Confirmedoutofprintmaterialmustbe accompaniedbywrittenpermissionfromthepublisher. 3. NoMusicScoreProvided.StudentsmustbringtotheCMEvaluationanoriginal,publishedscoreof eachpieceofmusictobeperformed.IfnomusicscoreisprovidedtotheEvaluatorforanyofthe piecestobeperformed,thestudentwillautomaticallyreceiveanIneligibleforCertificaterating.If themusicisnotmemorized,thestudentmustprovideasecondoriginalscorefortheEvaluator. FailuretoprovideasecondscorewillresultinanICrating.Aphotocopymaynotbeusedasa secondscore. 4. BranchRegistrationFees.IfastudentmustbeevaluatedatanotherBranch,oratRegional Evaluationsforanyinstrument,the$6.00BranchRegistrationFee,plustheBranchsurcharge, shouldfollowthestudenttothereceivingBranchorRegionalCenter.Thestudentmustpaythe differenceiftheBranchsurchargeofthereceivingBranchismore.Allfeesmustgothroughthe BranchTreasurer. 5. NonRefundableFees.AllCMFeesarenonrefundable.

C. AlternativeEvaluations
1. MissedorLateArrivalEvaluations.IfastudentarriveslateandmissestheirassignedEvaluation time,theEvaluatororanotherEvaluatormayhearthestudentattheendoftheday,atthe Evaluatorssolediscretion.TheBranchshallberesponsibleforpayingtheEvaluatorfortheextra Evaluationtimeprovided,attheendofthesameEvaluationday.Thisnegotiationmusttakeplace solelybetweentheEvaluatorandCMBranchChair,andneitherthestudentsteachernorparent maybeinvolved.TheBranchshouldcollecttheadditionalEvaluationFeefromthestudent/parents. 2. MakeUpEvaluation(MUP).MakeUpEvaluationsareavailableonlytostudentsinschoolgrades9 through12forlegitimateemergencies,suchasseriousillness,injury,orschoolconflictsthathave beenapprovedbytheCMBranchChair.TheCMBranchChairmayrequiresuchstudenttoprovide writtenevidence,suchasadoctorsnote.ThestudentsCMTeachermustsubmitaMUP ApplicationandtheMUPfeetotheBranchChairnolaterthanApril15.Forfurtherinformation, pleaserefertotheMUPapplicationformandcorrespondingproceduresavailableatwww.mtac.org (TeacherHomePage). 3. InterBranchEvaluations.NonPianostudents(Harp,Strings,Voice,Winds)mayneedtobe evaluatedatanotherneighboringBranch(HostBranch)otherthantheirregisteredBranch (Home/PrimaryBranch).ThismayoccuriftherearenotenoughstudentstoengageanEvaluator forafullEvaluationday,asdeterminedbytheCMCouncilInstrumentChair.Incaseswherethe studentcannottestonacertaindayforreligiousreasons(anyinstrument),andhisorherHome Branchdoesnotofferanalternativetestingday,theCMBranchChairmaycontacttheCMEvaluator SchedulingChairorCMCouncilInstrumentChairtoarrangeforanInterBranchEvaluationataHost Branch. Page|12

Section6.BranchHonors
1. BranchHonorsEligibility.StudentsmustpassboththePerformanceEvaluationandthewritten TheoryExamination,inordertobeeligibleforBranchHonors.StudentswhoreceiveanICarenot eligibleforBranchHonors.StudentswhodonotprovideanoriginalmusicscoreatCMEvaluations, orwhodonotprovideatranslationoftheTitleandComposerformusicpublishedinaforeign languageinaccordancewithCMpolicies,shallnotbeeligibleforBranchHonors. 2. LiveAccompanimentRequired.ForStrings,Winds,andVoiceBranchEvaluations,anypiecesbeing consideredforBranchHonorsorConventionprogramsmustbeaccompaniedbyaliveaccompanist forallCMLevels.

Section7.StateCMConventionPrograms
1. CMConventionRecitals.CMConventionRecitalsaredesignedtohonorstudentswhohave demonstratedexceptionalskillinallareasoftheCMprogram.TheseRecitalsareforPathAstudents only.StudentswhoreceivetopratingsandhavebeenselectedbytheEvaluatorattheCM EvaluationthatyearareinvitedtoparticipateintheConventionRecitals,whichtakeplaceatthe MTACsAnnualConvention.TheRecitalsarecategorizedasfollows: (a) FestivalRecitalsfeaturerepertoirefromtheCertificateofMeritSyllabusatthestudents enrolledlevel. (b) ThemeRecitalsfeaturethemusicalliteratureofaspecialthemetopicchoseninadvancebyCM Council.Therecitalsmayincludestudentsfromvariousinstrumentdisciplines. (c) NewMaterialsRecitalsfeaturenewMusic(publishedwithinthelast10yearsoftheRecital), andaredesignedtoencourageteachersandstudentstoexploreandpresentinthisgenre.New Musicdoesnotincludearrangementsormethods. (d) EnsembleRecitalsaredesignedtopromotetheexplorationandperformanceofensemble repertoire. FormoreinformationonConventionRecitalinstrument/Levelrequirementsandotherrulesand regulations,pleaserefertowww.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage). TheCMPanelAuditionsprogramincludesperformanceopportunitiesatConvention,whichare differentandadditionaltothoselistedabove.PleaseseeCMPanelAuditionsGuidelinesformore information. 2. EligibilityforCMConventionPrograms.TobeeligibletoparticipateinStateConventionPrograms, studentsmusthavefulfilledallCMPathArequirementsinthemannersetforthbytheCMCouncil andStateBoard.StudentsmustalsohaveachievedaTheoryExaminationscoreof80%orhigher, andhavereceivedGoodorExcellentratingsfortherepertoire,technique,andsightreading componentsoftheirCMPerformanceEvaluation.StudentswhoreceiveIneligibleforCertificateor RemainatLevelratingsarenoteligibleforCMConventionRecitalsfortheyearinwhichtheICor

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RALwasreceived.Forfurtherinformationregardingeligibilityrequirements,pleaserefertothe ConventionPerformanceRequirementspageatwww.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage). 3. CMConventionMasterClasses.MasterClasseswithinvitedMasterTeachers/Artistsareheldduring theannualMTACConvention.StudentsareselectedtoworkwiththeMasterTeacher/Artistby invitationonly.Theminimumconsiderationrequirementisthatstudentsmusthavereceivedan ExcellentratingontheRepertoire,Technique,andSightReadingportionsofthePerformance Evaluation,a5+ratingonthedesignatedConventionpiece,andascoreof90%ormoreontheir TheoryExamination,butachievingsuchminimumrequirementsdoesnotguaranteeaninvitation. CMCouncilalsotakesintoconsiderationanequalcombinationofstudentsrepresentingbothNorth andSouthRegions,avarietyofrepertoirefromdifferenthistoricalmusicalperiods,anyspecial requestsfromtheMasterTeacher/Artist,beforeissuinganinvitation. 4. CMPanelAuditions;PanelHonors;PanelMasterClass;YoungArtistGuild.PleaserefertoSections 9and10below.MoredetailedinformationisavailableintheCertificateofMeritPanelAuditions Guidelinesatwww.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage). 5. LiveAccompanimentRequired.ForStrings,Winds,andVoiceBranchEvaluations,anypiecesbeing consideredforBranchHonorsorConventionprogramsmustbeaccompaniedbyaliveaccompanist forallCMLevels. 6. DisqualificationfromCMConventionPrograms;NoShows.Studentswhohavebeenacceptedto participateinaStateConventionProgram,butwhodonotattendorappearattheProgramwithout adequatereasonornotificationofabsencetotheCMCouncilRecitalChair,shallbedisqualified fromparticipatinginanysubsequentConventionprogramforthenexttwo(2)years.Other disciplinarymeasuresmayalsobeimposedforteachersorstudioswhodemonstratearepeated patternofnoshows. 7. CMConventionParticipationRestrictions.Studentsmayapplyforonlyone(1)CMConvention programperyear,perinstrument.PanelAuditionapplicants(seeSection9below)whoarenot ultimatelyselectedforPanelAuditionsmayapplytoparticipateinFestival,Theme,orNewMaterials Recitals,onlyiftheCMTeacherpreviouslycheckedtheappropriateboxforConventionRecitalon theCMEvaluationReportForm. 8. CMConventionProgramApplicationProcess.TheapplicationforCMConventionProgramsisa twosteponlineprocess,carriedoutoveraspanoftime.CMTeachersfirstapplyfortheirstudents participationConventionProgramsontheCMEvaluationReportForminJanuary(seeSection3, Paragraph3(iii)).Forthesecondstep,CMTeachersmustreturntowww.mtac.org(TeacherHome Page),andcompleteaFinalApplicationforConventionRecital(FinalApplication).CMTeachers areresponsibleforcomplyingwithalltherulesprintedontheFinalApplication.TheFinal ApplicationdeadlineisApril15.CMTeachersmustchecktheConventionStudentPerformance ScheduleafterJune1forstudentperformancetimes. 9. CMConventionApplicationFee.AConventionApplicationFeeshallbechargedperstudentatthe timetheCMTeacherapplies.ThisfeeisnonrefundableandpayablebycreditcardorPayPalduring theonlineFinalApplicationprocess.Theonlystudentsaffectedbythisfeearethoseperformingat thefollowing:CMNewMaterialsRecitals,CMThemeRecitals,CMFestivalRecitals,CMEnsemble Page|14

Recitals,andCTSymposiumRecitals.AsidefromthisonetimeApplicationFee,allstudentsand theirfamilymembersareadmittedtotheentireConventionatnoadditionalcharge,andmay attendanyConventionevent,includingallrecitals,masterclasses,lectures,concerts,andthe exhibithall. 10. TeacherConventionRegistrationRequired.CMTeachersmustregisterforConventionandpaythe requisiteConventionRegistrationFee,inordertoattendtheMTACStateConventionandtheirown studentsperformancesatConvention.CMTeacherswhoattendtheirstudentsperformancesat ConventionandfailtoregisterandpayforConvention,shallbesentaninvoicefromMTAC.Ifsuch paymentisnotmadebytheduedateprovided,suchTeachersstudentsshallbeprohibitedfrom performingatConventioninsubsequentyearsuntilpaymentismade,regardlessofthestudents CMEvaluationresultsandqualificationsforConventionperformance.

Section8.SeniorAward
1. SeniorAwardEligibility.Agraduatinghighschoolseniorstudentinanyinstrumentwho(i)passes allsectionsofPathACM,(ii)forthreeconsecutiveornonconsecutiveyearsduringschoolGrades9 through12,(iii)includingintheirfinalyearofhighschool,and(iv)atCMLevel7oraboveis eligiblefortheSeniorAward.ICRatingswillnotaffectSeniorAwardeligibility.However,CM TeachersmustapplyforSeniorAwardintheOnlineRegistrationbyNovember15(seeSection3). YoungArtistGuildstudentsareeligiblefortheSeniorAwardiftheyareacceptedintotheYAG programintheirjunioryearofhighschool.YAGstudentswillreceivetheirSeniorAwardsatthe StateConvention. 2. SeniorAwardSpecialCircumstances.Specialcircumstancesmayexist,suchasastudentsearly graduationfromhighschool,inwhichastudentmaybegrantedanexceptionfromtheabove eligibilityrequirementsinordertoreceiveaSeniorAward.CMTeachersmaysubmitawritten requestforsuchexceptiontotheBranchChair,whoshallsubmittherequesttoCMCouncil.CM Councilshallmakethesoledeterminationastowhethertogranttheexception.

Section9.PanelAuditions
PanelAuditionsareforoutstandingstudentswhomeritStatelevelrecognition.Onlystudentswhohave demonstratedexceptionalperformancequalityshouldbeenrolledforPanelAuditionconsideration,and mustregisterforPanelAuditionintheOnlineRegistrationbyNovember15(SeeSection3).Allthe policiesandproceduresrelatedtoPanelAuditionsaresetforthintheCertificateofMeritPanel AuditionProgramInformationguidelinesatwww.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage).

Section10.YoungArtistGuild(YAG)
TheYoungArtistGuild(YAG)isthehighestachievementthataCertificateofMeritstudentcanattain. Studentsmustbeinschoolgrades11or12andmusthavepassedconsecutive,yearlyPathAevaluations sinceschoolgrade9toapplyforYAG.YAGofferssemiprofessional,paidperformanceopportunities throughBranchsponsoredconcerts.AstudentwhoattainsYAGmembershipbelongstotheGuildfor five(5)years,andmaybeinvitedtoperformatvariousMTACBranchesthroughoutCaliforniaduringhis orhertenureasanactivemember.Insomecases,theGuildalsoprovidesawards,scholarshipsand Page|15

otherfinancialsupportforitsmembers.Formoreinformation,pleaseseetheCertificateofMeritPanel AuditionProgramInformationatwww.mtac.org(TeacherHomePage).

Section11.CommunicationProcedures
Anycommunications,questions,orconcernsreceivedthatdoNOTfollowthebelowprocedureswill NOTbeaccepted,respondedto,orconsideredbytheCMBranchChairorCMCouncil,exceptas otherwiseprovidedbelow. 1. Communications,QuestionsandConcerns.Anycommunications,questions,orconcernsregarding CertificateofMerit(e.g.administration,operations,evaluations,training,policiesandprocedures) fromparentsorstudentsmustfirstbedirectedtothestudentsownteacher.Manyquestionsand potentialissuescanoftenberesolvedatthislevel. 2. LineofCommunication.QuestionsorissuesthatcannotberesolvedbytheCMTeacher,and/or questionsorissuesfromtheCMTeacher,thatrequirearesponsefromtheBranchorState,shallbe directedasfollows,andmustbecommunicatedbyemailonly: (a) CMTeachertoCMBranchChairifneeded,theCMBranchChairwillreferto (b) CMCouncilmember(s)(e.g.appropriateChair,Evaluator,Recital,Databasepersonnel)if needed,theywillreferto (c) CMConflictResolutionCommitteeand/orStateCMCoordinator. Insomecircumstances,asituationmayrisetothelevelofaseriousconflictorcomplaint,assolely determinedbyCMCouncilortheStateCMCoordinator,inwhichcasetheproceduresinSection12shall govern. 3. ExceptionstoLineofCommunication.AfterApril15,ateachermaycommunicatedirectlywitha CMCouncilRecitalChairregardingastudentsConventionPerformance.

Section12.ConflictResolutionProcedures
Aconflictorcomplaintisaserioussituationinwhichthereareopen,opposingpartiesoveraproblem forwhichthereisnoobvioussolution,andthatrequiresfurtherconsiderationorinvestigationinorder toresolve.Allothercommunications,questions,concerns,orcomplaintsofanonseriousnaturemust followtheproceduressetforthinSections11and12. 1. MTACConflictResolutionProcedures.InaccordancewiththeMTACStateBylaws,ArticleIV, Section21,allMTACmembersareencouragedtomakeeveryefforttoresolveconflictsthrough directcommunicationamongtheinvolvedparties,orattheBranchlevel,solongassuchresolution oftheconflictdoesnotaffecttheStateRightsofamember.ForanyconflictsthatinvolveState Rights,suchconflictsmustbesubmitteddirectlytotheStateBoardofDirectors,firstthroughthe appropriateBranchLiaison.StateRightsincludeStatemembershiprights,Statevotingrights, eligibilitytoparticipateinStateprograms,andholdingStateoffice.Thepoliciesandprocedures regardingconflictresolutionfortheorganizationarecontainedintheMTACsConflictResolution Procedures&DisciplinaryGuidelines(forthcoming). Page|16

2. CMConflictResolutionProcedures.AnyconflictsthatspecificallyarisefromtheCertificateofMerit programmustfollowtheprocesssetforthbelow.Anyconflictorcomplaintreportsreceivedthat donotfollowtheseprocedureswillnotbeaccepted,respondedto,orconsideredby,theCM BranchChair,BranchBoardofDirectors,orCMCouncil: (a) Allconflictsorcomplaintsshouldfirstbeaddressedbydirectcommunicationsbetweenall theinvolvedparties.Onlyconflictsorcomplaintswhichareseriousandcannotberesolved directlybytheinvolvedpartiesshouldbesubmittedonaprescribedConflictReportForm (AppendixA)totheCMBranchChair. (b) Iftheconflictorcomplaintcannotberesolvedbytheinvolvedparties,thepersonreporting aconflictorcomplaint(ComplainingParty)mustsubmitacompletedCMConflictReport Form(seeAppendixA)totheCMBranchChair.TheCMConflictReportFormmustbe submittedwithinthree(3)monthsoftheallegedincident,orwillnotbeacceptedor reviewedbytheCMBranchChair,BranchBoardofDirectors,orCMCouncil.Anonymous reportsarenotaccepted. (c) TheCMBranchChairshallevaluatethecontentsoftheConflictReportFormtoensurethat itiscompleteandsignedbytheComplainingParty. (d) TheCMBranchChairshallpresenttheConflictReportFormtotheBranchBoardof Directorsforreview,consideration,andresolution.TheBranchPresidentandCMBranch Chairmustbothsigntheform.IftheBranchBoardrequiresfurtherinvestigationinorderto makeadetermination,theBranchBoardMUSTfollowtheprocedurescontainedinthe MTACsConflictResolutionGuidelines&DisciplinaryProcedures.TheDefendingParty mustbenotifiedofthecomplaintbeforetheBranchBoardproceedstomakeanyevaluation ordetermination. (e) IftheconflictorcomplaintcannotberesolvedattheBranchBoardlevelwithintwo(2) monthsofreceivingtheConflictReportForm,theCMBranchChairshallsubmittheConflict ReportFormandanyotherrelevantdocumentationtotheirCMCouncilBranchLiaison Chair.TheComplainingPartyandDefendingPartymustbenotified. (f) TheCMCouncilBranchLiaisonChairshallworkwiththeCMBranchChairtoresolvethe situation,andifitcannotberesolvedamongthem,themattershallbesubmittedtotheCM ConflictResolutionCommittee.TheComplainingPartyandDefendingPartymustbe notified. (g) TheCMConflictResolutionCommittee(composedofCMCouncilmembers,includingthe CMCoordinatorandCMAssistantCoordinatororInformationChair),shallmakethefinal evaluationanddeterminationforresolvingthecomplaintorconflict.CMCouncilwillnotify theComplainingPartyandDefendingPartyofitsfinaldetermination. (h) MattersthatcannotberesolvedbytheCMCouncil,orwhichtheCMCouncilhas determinedaffecttheStateRightsofamemberormembers,shallbesubmittedtotheState Boardforfinalevaluationanddetermination.TheStateBoardwillnotifytheComplaining PartyandDefendingPartyofitsfinaldetermination. Page|17

ForCMrelatedconflictsorcomplaintsonlywherethedeadlinesforsubmissionorreviewmayconflict intheMTACsConflictResolutionGuidelines&DisciplinaryProcedures,theCMsConflictResolution Proceduresshallgovern.Inallotherrespects,theMTACsConflictResolutionGuidelines&Disciplinary Proceduresshallgovern. IfamemberisuncertainastowhethertheirconflictorcomplaintisCMrelatedorisamatterthat mayaffectStateRights,pleasecontacttheCMBranchChair.

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AppendixA
CMConflictReportForm
DateofConflictorComplaint: NameofComplainingParty: NameofBranch: TimeofConflictorComplaint: NameofCMBranchChair:

NameofCMCouncilBranchLiaison: Email:

ComplainingPartysContactInformation: Phone: Mobile:

ComplainingPartysRelationshipto/RoleinBranch: ComplainingPartysRelationshipto/RoleinMTACState:

NameofDefendingParty: DefendingPartysRelationshipto/RoleinBranch: DefendingPartysRelationshipto/RoleinMTACState:

IncidentDescription(usebacksideofpageorstaplepagestothisForm):

CiteStateorBranchBylaws,PolicesorProceduresthatwereallegedlyviolatedbyDefending Party: SignatureofComplainingParty Date

Bysigningbelow,theBranchBoardverifiesthatithasacceptedandreviewedthesubmissionofthisConflictReport Form.ThisFormmustbesignediftheConflictissubmittedtoCMCouncil.

Signature: BranchPresident(PrintName:)Date Signature: CMBranchChair(PrintName:) Date

AppendixACMConflictReportForm