<p>My middle-school kid is academically talented and like many other parents, we hope he will be admitted to an Ivy or other very good school. His major would probably be science- or engineering-related. He also plays the piano very well, but currently does not participate in the Music Teachers Association of California (mtac.org) Certificate of Merit program.</p>
<p>My question: do admissions officers care about the Certificate of Merit program/competition? Is it worth me finding another piano teacher who does participate in this? Or would similar experiences be just as valuable in the officers' eyes?</p>
<p>Musical talent alone is but one datapoint on an Ivy League application. Conservatory/competition level talent, ability and acceptances to top tier conservatory programs is not uncommon among Ivy league applicants.</p>
<p>I’d urge you to consider his continuing music education within the context of his overall development, not as a potential resume builder.</p>
<p>There are so many other accomplishments that look good on a music resume that it doesn’t seem worthwhile to switch teachers just for this particular certificate. Switching teachers because he needs additional challenge or a more structured program (like a conservatory prep) would be a different story.</p>
<p>The nice thing about Certificate of Merit is that it requires knowledge of theory, playing music from different eras, sight reading, and some ear training…so it’s somewhat more than just playing the piano, as you may know. I have no idea whether people outside of California have heard of this system, but it does indicate the student has a broader knowledge of music. If your student is getting all that anyway then it may not be a big deal. Knowing some music theory definitely helps the student understand their pieces, according to my pianist daughter!</p>