recommendations

Is this for me?

Evaluations:

The following programs all require students to prepare an array of material for an evaluation. They all provide a certificate that the student passed the enrolled level, along with written comments from a professional musician. All include an honors component. Each program has 11 to 15 different levels, to match the ability level of every student. It’s common for students to enter multiple evaluations and play in multiple festivals and recitals because we overlap the pieces. I highly recommend this approach because students gain confidence and polish as they repeat the same repertoire in various programs. Participating in evaluations helps students progress more quickly because more is demanded of them. A main motivation for many students is also to build achievements to share on their future college applications. Colleges like to see dedication to a chosen direction (music, art, sports, etc.) over the course of years, and participating in music evaluation programs helps demonstrate that. I appreciate having my students receive feedback from other experienced musicians to help guide them in their progress. My recommendations for the evaluations I offer my students are listed below.

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT EVAULATION, “CM”

Through The Music Teachers’ Association of California—MTAC

Requirements:  Students record separate videos for two different pieces (both with piano accompaniment, with the exception of unaccompanied works), as well as an exercise or “etude,” some scales and arpeggios, and sightreading. A theory test is completed online, which involves an ear training component. 

Location:  Video submission only

Recommendation:  I have for decades been a vocal advocate of this program. However, it has transitioned to a video-submission format, and I now find it difficult to see any remaining value. Preparing videos does not help students build skills needed for musical performance. I have found that some students tend to put in the minimum amount of effort because they do not have to play for an audience, or the opposite: in striving for perfection, students frustratingly will make many, many recordings in order to get a “good take." This program is run by a California music teachers organization, unlike the other two I offer which are run by national organizations. Yes, it looks good on college applications, but there are other evaluation programs that I find to be more valuable for students due to the in-person format (see Federation and ASTACAP). I offer this program to all students. However, at this time I only recommend that students participate if they are nearing the end of high school and have already devoted many years to CM, to see it through to completion.

ASTA CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCEMENT EVALUATION, “ASTACAP”

Through The American String Teachers’ Association—ASTA

Requirements:  Students prepare two memorized pieces (with piano accompaniment), an exercise or “etude,” several scales and arpeggios, and sightreading. There is no written theory test. 

Location:  Woodland Hills

This in-person evaluation The evaluators tend to be very experienced and capable, professional cellists themselves, and they have always been kind to the students as they provide valuable written feedback. I highly recommend that all of my students (in high school and younger) participate.