Studio Calendar
EVENTS
FALL STUDIO RECITAL
Saturday, 10/11/25, 9-11am
Aasta Assisted Living, Camarillo
WINTER CELLO FESTIVAL
Saturday, 12/6/25, 9-11am
Aasta Assisted Living, Camarillo
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT (CM)
[DATES HAVE NOT YET BEEN ANNOUNCED]
10/__/25: Student Payment Deadline
3/__/26: Video Submission Due Date
4/__/26: CM Results Announced
All Online
SPRING STUDIO RECITAL
Saturday, 3/14/26, 9-11am
Aasta Assisted Living, Camarillo
(ASTACAP preparation opportunity)
ASTACAP
Saturday, 3/21/26, All day*
Home of Joyce Osborne, Woodland Hills
ENSEMBLE RECITAL
Saturday, 4/25/26, 9-11am
Aasta Assisted Living, Camarillo
(KoolFest preparation opportunity)
KOOLFEST
Saturday, 5/2/26, All day*
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Thousand Oaks
* For “All day” events, you will be scheduled for a specific time. Allow 1 1/2 hours.
STUDIO HOLIDAYS
2025 FALL BREAK
Saturday 8/30/25 to Friday 9/5/25
2025-26 WINTER BREAK
Saturday 12/20/25 to Friday 1/2/26
2026 SPRING BREAK
Saturday 4/4/26 to Friday 4/10/26
2026 SUMMER BREAK
Saturday 6/6/26 to Friday 6/12/26
2026 FALL BREAK
Saturday 9/5/26 to Friday 9/11/26
recommendations
Why Participate in Evaluations?
Evaluation programs offer a clear path for musical growth. Each program includes 11 levels to match any student’s skill, and participation provides:
* Written feedback from professional musicians
* Motivation to polish repertoire
* Confidence gained from performing
* Honors distinctions for high achievement
* Certificates of completion
* Meaningful additions to college applications
In addition to evaluations, many students participate in other performance opportunities throughout the year, often using the same pieces in different settings. I strongly recommend this approach—it promotes consistency, deepens learning, and fosters pride as students refine their repertoire through repeated performance. This repetition not only increases confidence but also equips students for more advanced musical challenges by strengthening core skills and reducing performance anxiety.
Description of Programs
Studio Recital Cello students perform a solo with piano accompaniment.
Location: In person, Camarillo
Fees: $10 Recital Fee; $25 Accompanist Fee*.
Ensemble Recital Cello students perform in an ensemble with other students or a solo with cello accompaniment.
Location: In person, Camarillo
Fees: $10 Recital Fee; $25 Accompanist Fee*.
Cello Festival An adjudicator provides written feedback and awards gold, silver, and bronze medals for excellent, very good, and good performances.
Location: In person, Camarillo
Fees: $35 Festival Fee; $25 Accompanist Fee*.
MTAC Certificate of Merit(TM) Program This state-wide program includes video submissions of two memorized pieces, an etude or technical exercise, scales, arpeggios, and sightreading. Students also complete an online theory and ear-training test.
Students who meet the requirements earn a Certificate of Merit. High-achieving students may receive a State Honors seal or be invited to perform at a local honors recital and/or the MTAC Convention.
Location: Video submission only
Fees: $75 to $100 CM Fee (varies by level); $40 Accompanist Fee* (includes rehearsal and recording); $45 Convention Fee (includes accompanist).
Teacher's Note: I have been a long-time supporter of this program, but since its transition to video format, I find it less effective for building real performance skills. Some students do the bare minimum without an audience to motivate them, while others obsessively re-record. Though it may look good on college applications, I now recommend it only for students nearing the end of high school who have already committed many years to CM and want to complete the program.
ASTACAP (ASTA Certificate of Advancement Program) Sponsored by the American String Teachers’ Association, this in-person evaluation program provides national recognition. Students perform two memorized pieces with piano, an etude, scales, arpeggios, and sightreading. There is no theory test.
Location: In person, Woodland Hills
Fees: $50–$95 (varies by level); $35 Accompanist Fee*
Teacher's Note: This is my top recommendation for evaluations. Students receive thoughtful, encouraging feedback from highly qualified professional cellists in a supportive setting. The in-person format helps develop essential performance skills and builds confidence. I encourage all students—especially those in elementary through high school—to participate. Adult students are also welcome if they find the experience motivating.
MTAC Koolfest Students perform solos or collaborate in small ensembles with other students, friends, or family. This festival has no formal repertoire or memorization requirements. The theme is: “If it’s cool, play it!”
Location: In person, Thousand Oaks
Fee: $35
*About Accompanist Fees
Accompanist fees are estimates. The pianist is paid $75/hour, and student fees reflect their share of that cost.
