STATE PROGRAMS

Branch Scholarships
High School Schorships as .pdf file
2010 MTAC Anniversary Scholarship Application as .pdf file

Adult Seminar
Adult Seminar gives adult or college age students and MTAC teachers an opportunity for private evaluation and/or master class and to be screened in recital for performance in Adult Seminar Recitals at the annual convention. All vocal and instrumental soloists, chamber groups and duo teams are encouraged to participate. Application deadline is February 1; evaluations are held in early April.

Certificate of Merit
The Certificate of Merit program is the largest State MTAC project. More than 28,000 students are annually evaluated in performance and theory elements at their appropriate level. Students with excellent evaluations may be rewarded with performance opportunities at the Branch and State levels.

The goals of Certificate of Merit are:
• 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.

Composers Today (see also separate listing)
Composers Today is a State project that stimulates teachers and pupils toward greater creative efforts. Compositions are rated by qualified MTAC composers. All entries are awarded a Certificate of Participation. Students may have the opportunity to perform for the Branch, and
State winners are invited to play for the MTAC convention. Contact the chairman for rules.

Piano Concerto and Solo Competition
The preliminary round of the MTAC Piano Solo and Concerto Competition takes place in April of each year, with the finals being held at the MTAC Convention. At the preliminary competition, winners are selected for Northern and Southern California in age divisions. Sponsored by the Piano Technicians’ Guild, monetary prizes are given to winning students in all divisions. For information regarding eligibility contact the State Chairman. Applications are available in November.

VOCE Vocal * Orchestral * Chamber * Ensemble
VOCE is a state competition designed to promote interest and offer incentives for teachers and coaches of voice, orchestra instruments and chamber ensembles. Performances receive written comments from evaluators and could lead to cash awards and performance for very advanced students at the State Convention. Contact the chairman for information.

BRANCH PROGRAMS

Adult Student Workshops
The purpose of Adult Student Workshops is to provide performance opportunities for adult music students in a friendly and enjoyable environment. Most workshops take place at Mission Viejo Library/City Hall or in private homes. All levels of students and teachers are encouraged to participate or to just come and listen. All instruments, voice, and ensembles are welcome.

Junior Chamber Music
Junior Chamber Music is a non-competitive Branch project which encourages beginning and intermediate chamber music ensembles to perform for each other. A printed program is provided.

Members Performance and Pedagogy Group
Members Performance and Pedagogy group is a Branch project to encourage teacher performance and provide an arena for teacher discussion. Those interested in participating or volunteering their home for a performance should contact the chairmen. Music does not have to be memorized, and duets and chamber music are welcome. All teachers are encouraged to attend, whether or not they perform. Limit: 10 minutes or one movement. Members’ performance meetings are announced in the newsletter.

Music Students’ Service League
The Music Students’ Service League was formed so that students of MTAC members may have the opportunity to give service to the community through music. The branch awards students with community service credit for their time, effort, and talents. The awards help students to fulfill the graduation requirements of their schools and other service organizations.

Saddleback College Concerto Competition
Saturday, November 21, 2009

The application deadline is Friday, October 23, 2009.
For more information, contact Pam Worcester, Concerto Competition Chair at
949-581-1467 or pocky@cox.net

The Concerto Competition is sponsored by the Saddleback College
Music Department in cooperation with the Fine Arts Division and the
Saddleback College Orchestra Club. It is open to pianists, instrumentalists, and vocalists. The competition will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at
Saddleback College in FA 101.

Pre-college students must enter the competition through an MTAC,
Orange Coast Cities Branch teacher or American String Teachers’
Association teacher.

Complete details and application forms are available at Application & Repertiore

Senior Recital
The Senior Recital is an opportunity for all graduating high school seniors to be honored in a recital program. Printed programs include a biography of each student.
1. The recital is held in May.
2. Each program is limited to 5 minutes. Supervising teacher has the authority to stop a program that exceeds 5 minutes.
3. Memorization of music is optional and participation in Certificate of Merit is not required. No senior award will be given if music is not memorized.
4. Senior Medals and scholarships are presented at the recital.

Showcase Recitals
Showcase Recitals are non-adjudicated student recitals to encourage and inspire students to share what they have accomplished and for the enjoyment of family, friends, and teachers.
1. Dates and locations are announced in the newsletter.
2. Program applications should be sent to the chairman, no later than ten days before the scheduled recital.
3. Each program is limited to 3 minutes. Supervising teacher has the authority to stop a program that exceeds 3 minutes.
4. No performance certificate will be given if solo music is not memorized.
- Showcase Recital Application

Community Service Recitals (CSR)
Community Service Recitals provide both performance opportunities for students of all levels, and an opportunity to give community service in retirement centers in the area.
- Community Service Recital Instructions
- Community Service Application

Performance Level for Recital Participation
Students who perform in MTAC recitals should have had previous performing experience, and have completed the first year or primer level of study. Repertoire should be at least 16 measures in length and must be memorized with the exception of ensemble literature. Repertoire must be highly polished and performance ready. Performers are requested to dress as nicely as possible to convey respect for the occasion. Casual clothing, jeans and tennis shoes are not appropriate.