Music is a performing art.  Performances are important learning opportunities for students, for they develop poise and confidence presenting in public and can learn by hearing other students play.  Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the many performing opportunities offered in my studio.  

Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) 

Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Certificate Program- Year Round    

Open to all students

The Royal Conservatory is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world, providing the definitive standard of excellence in curriculum design, assessment, performance training, teacher certification and arts-based social programs for over 130 years.  The mission of The Royal Conservatory – to develop human potential through leadership in music and the arts – is based on the conviction that the arts are humanity's greatest means to achieve personal growth and social cohesion.

The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program (RCM) is a comprehensive system of music study and assessment from Elementary through to Advanced levels.  In many countries, it is considered the gold standard for developing high-caliber musical literacy. The RCM Certificate Program is used by over 30,000 teachers to support 500,000 students across North America. 

 

RCM is a fantastic challenge for the most dedicated, organized, and ambitious musicians who excel in a structured environment.  We can discuss if RCM is the right curriculum for your child.

 

Registration for winter examinations is in September; registration for spring examinations is in December.    The RCM Practical Exam is held either via Zoom or in person.

 

Cost: $60-$100 RCM Registration fee (depending on the level); approx. $40-60 annually for all music books; Accompanist fee applies (usually $50-100)

MTAC (Music Teacher’s Association of California) Events

MTAC Women Composers Festival- September

    Open to all students

Women composers are celebrated in this unadjudicated recital.  Performers are asked to introduce the piece and composer before performing.  Solo and ensemble repertoire are welcome.  Registration is late August, recital is usually late September.  Held at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks.

Cost: $12 festival entry fee; Accompanist may apply

MTAC Early Level Contemporary Festival- October

    Open to students level CM 1-4 

The Early Level Contemporary Festival (ELCF) provides a performance experience for students at the Preparatory through Fourth Levels of study and promotes the appreciation music of the 20th and 21st century. Students play under pressure before a live audience and qualified judge, helping to prepare them for the Advanced Contemporary Festival (ACF).

 

Cost: $12 festival entry fee; Unaccompanied repertoire only; a collaborative pianist is not usually available

MTAC Advanced Contemporary Festival- October/November

    Open to students level CM 5 and higher

This program is a two-part event. During this preliminary competition, close to 200 applicants of all disciplines play in front of a panel of adjudicators for a performance spot on the Gold Medal Honors Recitals (second part) at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza stage. Repertoire is chosen from the contemporary period (from a list of approved composers), and 4-minute time limit is applied during the preliminary event. 

Registration is early September, recitals are in October/November.  Preliminary round held at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks; Gold Medal Honors Recital held at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks.

 

Cost: $35 festival entry fee; Unaccompanied repertoire only; a collaborative pianist is not usually available

 

 

MTAC Certificate of Merit™ Program- February or March

    Open to all students

The Music Teachers’ Association of California® (MTAC) sponsors the music study program Certificate of Merit® (CM). This level-based program provides a standard of curriculum that requires students to strive for focused musical excellence in performance, technique, ear training, sight reading/singing, and music theory.

Students take a written theory and ear-training exam in addition to performing technique, sight-reading, and 2-3 pieces via recordings. 

 

All students who pass the minimum requirements will receive a Certificate of Merit™.

If the student performs above average on both written tests and performances, the student may earn a special gold seal on their certificate indicating Branch Honors. Highest achieving students are invited to perform at the MTAC Branch Honors Recital (see below).

Certificate of Merit is a fantastic challenge for bright and motivated musicians who wish to both learn and accomplish new goals in repertoire and theory. We will discuss whether Certificate of Merit is an appropriate addition to your child’s lessons.

 

Registration is in October; theory tests and performance evaluations are both due in February or early March.  Performance evaluations are completed via video recordings uploaded onto MTAC’s website and theory exams are taken online.

Cost: $55.00 to $75.00 CM Registration fee (depending on the level); $15.00-$40.00 music theory worksheets; approx. $30.00-$60.00 sheet music; Accompanist fee applies (usually $40-80)

 

 

 

CM Branch Honors Recital- April

    Students selected by invitation based on CM scores

The local MTAC branch celebrates its students with the highest scores earned in Certificate of Merit with a series of CM Branch Honors Recitals. Works to be performed will be five minutes or less, making cuts where appropriate, and will be selected by the CM performance evaluation judge.  Students will be notified of eligibility and invited to perform shortly after the CM Performance Evaluation. Location TBA.

 

Cost:  No participation fee; Accompanist fee may apply

 

 

MTAC Bach Festival- April

Open to students level CM 6 and higher
An original piece by Johann Sebastian Bach is performed.  Memorization for some works may be required. Three adjudicators provide written feedback on the performance.  Location TBA.
Registration is due in March; Festival is in April.

 

Cost: $35.00 festival entry fee; Accompanist fee may apply

Studio-Sponsored Events

Studio Recitals- Usually November, February, and late May/early June

    Open to all students

These are low-pressure studio recitals in area venues.  Sometimes a theme is planned or a collaborative joint recital with another music teacher’s studio for program variety.  A potluck reception usually follows the recital. 

Cost: Participation fees range from $0-$20; Accompanist fee may apply

Busking for Charity- December 

    Open to all students

Busk: verb: To play music or otherwise perform for voluntary donations in the street or other public place.

During the holiday season, and on occasion during the summer, we perform throughout Ventura county in an endeavor to further use our musical talent and skills for positive change in our world.  In December 2017, we performed solo repertoire, chamber works, and, of course, holiday songs at the Oaks Mall. In two hours, we raised $450 for United Way of Ventura County’s Thomas Fire Fund! Location TBA. 

 

Cost: No Fee. 

Annual Music Theory Workshop- Early January

Open to all students

How does one become jazzed to take a practice CM Music Theory Exam? Cupcakes.  Lots and lots of cupcakes.

All students are welcome, but students participating in Certificate of Merit are strongly invited to my annual Music Theory Party.  Held at my home, this is a chance to see how we’re progressing towards our goal of acing the Certificate of Merit Theory Exam.  Held at Caitlin’s house.  

Cost: No Fee.

Guest Artist Masterclass- Schedule Varies

    Open to advanced high school students by invitation

This is a masterclass with an area master teacher/ college professor.   Location TBA.  

Cost: $65 performer fee; Accompanist fee may apply