CSMTA Achievement Day Guidelines
NOTE: ACHIEVEMENT DAY is a CSMTA ACTIVITY, offered by local associations, such as AMTA. Although guidelines are established by CSMTA, each local association is responsible for overseeing the event details, such as location/date/application deadline and more.
For general guidelines, see CSMTA’s printed guidelines as found in the CSMTA
Student Activity Handbook (SAH) or click here
Click here for info & forms specific to AMTA’s Achievement Day
AMTA Achievement Day Guidelines
PURPOSE
1. To recognize and encourage achievement in music study in a non-competitive performance event.
2. To encourage students to prepare and display individual music related talents by selecting from several categories of OPTIONS listed below.
3. To support and guide teachers by providing a quality music education experience for each student.
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Achievement Day is open to music students of all ages and abilities on any instrument including voice. Levels of entry are Preparatory through Level 12.
Each student performs privately for an evaluator/teacher-listener and may enter as solo players (either Big or Super Achiever) or as part of an ensemble. Upon completion of Achievement Day activities, students receive a certificate, written comments from the evaluator, and graded tests. In addition, Super Achievers receive a medal by passing their requirements satisfactorily.
Each student (or ensemble group) performs 2 required pieces of contrasting style, names the scale of the piece and completes specific OPTIONS, with written comments provided by teacher listeners.
REQUIREMENTS
- Additional Requirements depend on student’s Registration Entry Type.
* Big Achievers
* Super Achievers will perform two solo pieces of contrasting style, with both memorized.
* Ensemble Achievers will perform two pieces. Memorization is not required.
Students will complete Options according to their Registration Entry Type as listed below
- Additional Requirements depend on student’s Registration Entry Type.
LEVELING
Levels include beginning through Level 12. To ascertain student’s performance entry level see the LEVELING GUIDELINES PER INSTRUMENT in the CSMTA Student Activity Handbook on CSMTA’s website, or, visit their website: https://www.comusicteachers.net/AchievementDay
REGISTRATION ENTRY TYPE
AMTA offers 3 types of Achievement Day entry: Big, Super Achiever, Ensemble
Big Achiever: Awarded Certificate
1. Performs two required pieces of contrasting style, with at least one being memorized.
2. Names home key of each selection and plays the appropriate scale/pentascales for beginners.
3. Passes at least 2 OPTIONS of their choice from listed OPTIONS. OPTION level may differ from performance level.
4. May participate in other activities, such as Recitals, Master Class, Games, Jazz EXP.
Super Achiever: Awarded Certificate and Medal.
1. Performing at higher levels of performance expectations.
2. Performs 2 required pieces of contrasting style, receiving a “PASS” grade in the pass/fail grading system. Both pieces must be memorized.
3. Names home key of each selection and plays appropriate scale. 4. Complete 4 OPTIONS at their performance level (or higher)
~ Must receive a ‘PASS’ in a pass/fail grading system for Technique and Related OPTIONS.
~ Must score 80% or higher on their Musical Knowledge Options.
5. Must perform in one student recital at Achievement Day
6. May participate in other activities, such as Recital, Master Class, Games, Jazz EXP. 7. SEE AMTA SUPER ACHIEVER GUIDELINES for important details.
Ensemble Achievers: Each student awarded an ENSEMBLE certificate
1. An ensemble is defined as two or more student performers. All students must be Achievement Day participants. Teachers or other adults (unless they are students entering Achievement Day) may not accompany or participate in an ensemble.
2. Each student in the ensemble enters in their individual level and completes options accordingly.
3. Ensembles are evaluated as a group and receive one evaluation, but each student receives a certificate.
4. Ensembles perform 2 selections.
5. There is no memorization requirement.
6. Students may earn both ensemble and individual certificates. Local Associations will determine if there is a separate entry fee for each category.
7. Certificates will reflect the level of the individual but will read “Ensemble” on the instrument line.
OPTIONS
Options do not have to be at the same level as student’s performance level for Big Achievers. Super Achievers must enter their OPTIONS at the same level.
See AMTA’s Super Achiever Guidelines.
General Options as listed in CSMTA’s SAH document are listed at www.comusicteachers.net/AchievementDay.
Refer to the specified pages from the CSMTA Student Achievement Plan for leveling and performance details @: https://www.comusicteachers.net/sites/default/files/ADay/GeneralGuidelines.pdf
The 3 categories of OPTIONS include: Option A. Technique,
Option B. Musical Knowledge (Testing) Option C. Related
A. Technique: CSMTA Student Achievement Plan pgs. 15-16. A.1 Scales
A.2 Arpeggios A.3 Chords
B. Musical Knowledge: CSMTA Achievement Day General Guidelines Syllabi: pgs. 17-29 NOTE: Practice Tests and Answers available online CSMTA website
B.1 Theory Tests
B.2 Terms & Signs Tests
* B.3 Ear Training Test * B.4 Music History Test
* These tests are not currently offered during AMTA’s Achievement Day Event. C. Related Options: CSMTA Achievement Day General Guidelines pgs. 29-35
C.1 Additional Piece
C.2 Sight Reading
C.3 Improvisation
C.4 Play from Lead Sheet
C.5 Collaborative Performance
C.6 Performance on 2nd instr.
C.7 Transposition
C.8 Original Composition
C.9 Written Project
C.10 Art or Constructed Project C.11 Dance
* C.12 Other * C.13 Other
Student performs additional piece. Memorization optional for Big Achiever
Perform a piece with another instrumentalist or vocalist. Perform on instrument other than one used for required pieces
Prepare and perform a dance at recital. Student provides music Master Class
Ensemble Jazz Experience.
Hands on keyboard Improvisations instructed by AMTA Teachers.
* These options may not be offered every year.
FORMS
Teachers are responsible for printing and completing their students’ forms.
Students will bring their printed listening form and certificate with them TO the event.
Teachers: Now required to register online.
Student Registration: Now available online along with payment.
Listening Form: Teacher prints and completes listening form for each student.
Students bring these with them to the Achievement Day Event. Certificates: Teacher will be given hardcopy certificates to complete for each student.
Students bring their completed certificate with them to Achievement Day Event.