STATE PROGRAMS
Adult Performance and Teacher’s Recital ProgramAdult Performance is an annual program which provides coaching, master class and performance opportunities in all disciplines. This is a wonderful program for interested teachers and adult students who would like a goal and additional constructive comments. Each solo or ensemble participant prepares three compositions and may select from several options, including private coaching, master class participation and if desired, a recital performance. Recital participants may also be considered for participation in the Adult Performance Recital at the State Convention.
For more information: State website
Certificate of Merit (see also separate listing)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 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.
For more information: Composers Today State website
Piano Concerto and Solo CompetitionThe 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.
For more information: Piano Concerto and Solo Competition State website
VOCE Vocal * Orchestral * Chamber * EnsembleVOCE 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.
For more information: VOCE State Website
BRANCH FESTIVALS
(Members please log in to read the Festival Guideline posted under Forms and Documents)
Adult Workshop: Performance opportunities for adult students.
Bach Festival: Our Branch participates in the Southern California Junior Bach Festival, which is a project to encourage the study of the music of J.S. Bach. Branch Festivals are held annually, from which outstanding students are chosen to perform in the Regional Festivals and possibly the Complete Works Audition. The Bach Festival is held in February. Teachers must register their students online at scjbf.org. The online applications should be available by mid-January. Contributory members must enter the Bach festival in their primary branch, unless that branch does not hold a Bach Festival. Teachers should not enter students in the Bach Festival who are performing the following works:
No music from the Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook, ANH 113-132.
No transcriptions other than those made by J.S. Bach himself from his own works.
No works by other Baroque composers (students who are performing AMB Notebook pieces or pieces by other composers should instead enter the Sounds of Baroque, a branch festival event).
To register for Bach Festival, go to www.scjbf.org
Sounds of Baroque: This festival is open to all students, playing all levels of original music by all Baroque composers, including all music of J.S. Bach and Bach’s sons. However, students may enter either the Baroque or the Bach Festival, but not both. The Baroque Festival is held in February. Applications should be available by mid-January.
Classical and Romantic Showcases: The two festivals are open to all students, playing all levels of original Classical and Romantic literature. Classical will be scheduled for a Saturday and Romantic for Sunday, each will have a separate online sign up. These two festivals are held in November. Applications should be available by October.
Contemporary Flare: The Contemporary Flare Festival is open to all students, playing all levels of original contemporary literature. Repertoire is limited to composers (including Impressionistic/transitional composers) who died in or after 1900.
Contemporary Flare is held in May. Applications should be available by April.
Masquerade Recital (Fundraiser): This is a fun, non-competitive recital with no requirements. It usually attracts the younger students who are invited to come in consume. Participants receive a treat bag. Registration fees contribute to fund branch events.
Music Students’ Service League (MSSL): 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.
Senior Graduation Concert: The Senior Graduation Concert is open to all graduating seniors who have reached at least a CM level 7 playing proficiency. We also offer Senior Award and College Scholarship to qualified senior students. Medallion students are asked to bring their medallions to present them at the concert. The Senior Award of $100.00 is only for those seniors who have received the senior medallion from the state and play at the concert. Applications should be sent to the designated chair by the stipulated date; student biographies briefly covering/enumerating their high school activities (musical and other) along with college plans should be e-mailed to the chair by stipulated date.
The MTAC South Coast COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP: $100 given to selected high school senior after enrolling in college.
Qualifications and conditions:
1. The student must plan to major or minor in music in college.
2. The student’s music teacher must apply for the scholarship.
3. The application must include a letter of recommendation from both the music teacher and a high school teacher.
4. The student must write an essay with musical and scholastic achievements and tell how music will play a primary role in his/her future life.
5. To receive the money, the student must show documentation of having enrolled in a college or university with requisite music courses. A copy of the documentation should be sent to the branch treasurer with the student’s current address.
6. The application deadline is on or by May 1st.
7. There is no fee required.