Certificate of Merit

The Certificate of Merit (CM) is a prestigious music evaluation program administered each spring by the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC). The program assesses students in music theory, sight-reading, technique, and performance, and is widely recognized for its high standards and rigorous curriculum. Participation in CM is valued by many colleges and universities, regardless of whether students plan to pursue music professionally.

Congratulations to our students who successfully completed this year’s CM evaluations. We are especially proud of those who earned State Honors in recognition of their outstanding performances and exceptional theory scores.

Students Recognized

  • Belle Stewart — Level 1, State Honors

  • Arianna Mosch — Level 2, State Honors

  • Noah Mitsuhashi — Level 3

  • Jaxon Diapo — Level 4, State Honors

  • Isabel Eldred — Level 5

  • Devven Mosch — Level 7, State Honors

  • Chloe Fu — Level 8, State Honors

  • Ava Rosenthal — Level 8, State Honors

  • Lily Rosenthal — Level 8, State Honors

  • Jacob Rodgers — Level 9, State Honors

  • Logan Tan — Advanced, Senior Award

 
 

Young Pianists Competition

The Young Pianists Competition encourages elementary through high school students to pursue excellence, artistry, and confidence in piano performance. This event provides young musicians with the opportunity to demonstrate their talent, discipline, and passion for music in a competitive setting.

Students Recognized

  • Nathan Kaller — 2nd Place, 2022

  • Jonathan Rodgers — Honorable Mention, 2024

  • Logan Tan — Honorable Mention, 2026

 
 

Inland Empire Piano Festival

The Inland Empire Piano Festival is hosted by the MTAC branches of Redlands, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Temecula. Every year there is a new theme: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary. Students are required to perform compositions by a composer from the specific theme for a panel of professionals who judge technical and interpretive ability and artistic presentation for students that participate. 

Winners:

  • Logan Tan, 3rd place, 2024

  • Ava Rosenthal, 3rd place, 2020 and 2021

  • Lily Rosenthal, 3rd place, 2020 and 2021

  • Lily Rosenthal, Honorable mention, 2020

 
 

Southern California Junior Bach Festival

The Southern California Junior Bach Festival is a vibrant celebration of Baroque music, showcasing the timeless brilliance of J.S. Bach. This prestigious competition invites young musicians to bring Bach’s masterpieces to life with skill and artistry. To earn a spot in the regional festival, performers must captivate audiences with a carefully prepared composition by the legendary composer himself.

Winners:

  • Chloe Fu, 2024