<p>My friend is considering taking the Certificate of Merit for piano and wants to know if it is worth taking.</p>
<p>Does it have any effect on college admissions? Is it a big deal? Will it help her at all?</p>
<p>If she doesn't take it, does it matter?</p>
<p>bump........</p>
<p>What exactly is the "Certificate of Merit"? Is it a higher level performance training program, a competition, a school award? I am completely unfamiliar with that term.</p>
<p>Now, having said that, you're asking if this will increase her chances for admission. The answer is a resounding "maybe". National or international competition wins or placements, performing professionally in established, recognized venues, maybe a "From the Top" appearance might be a "hook". Depends on the school, the program, the level of talent they are accustomed to.</p>
<p>Used to demonstrate passion for an EC, it would be just as valid as any high intensity pursuit. It's not going to hurt her, it may further demonstrate a talent.</p>
<p>Read these two recent threads here <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/539765-show-them-your-talent.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/539765-show-them-your-talent.html</a></p>
<p>I already passed Level 10 of CM for piano. I doubt it will help that much since I never entered any competitions.</p>
<p>CM, violadad, is like an examination/audition for piano [and other instruments I guess]. Students prepare a repetoire and memorize their pieces in front of a judge. Then they have to take a Music Theory written test based on the level they are testing for. If their points add up and they "pass", they get a Certificate. Theres 10 levels in all.</p>
<p>It'll definitely help her though I wouldn't say by a huge amount. Most people I know who plays the piano has a CM lvl 10.</p>
Hi, my situation is a little different. I have been planning to pursue a Level 10 Certificate of Merit from the MTAC, or Music Teacher’s Association of California. The exam for this constitutes a music theory exam and five memorized pieces, usually more than six pages long. Naturally, this requires at least an hour of practice each day. I am thinking about dropping piano to make room for other extracurriculars. I have played the piano for six years, but I feel that I would rather spend that hour each day working on another extracurricular. How much would this Level 10 certificate help me in terms of applying to colleges (I am not planning to do a music major of any sort.)? By the way, I am very involved with my other activities, so I am not relying on piano to make or break my college app, I just want to know how much weight this test would carry. In addition, I am not lacking in the music department – I also play the clarinet in an orchestra. Thank you so much!
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