The Certificate Program is a framework for the graded periodic assessment of the string instrument student’s technical progress and musical development.
 

The program provides guidance to the teacher in setting goals and choosing appropriate material.  At the same time it gives new incentives to students to persevere and excel in their instrumental studies.  The program sets expectations and standards of performance on eleven progressive levels: elementary (e.g. Suzuki Book 1) to advanced (e.g. Mendelssohn Violin Concerto).  Each level is defined by a set of goals (e.g. use of vibrato, playing in 3rd position) and a list of appropriate study materials: scales, technique, etudes and solo.  The program is available for violin, viola, and cello levels Foundation (F)-10.

Students earn a Certificate of Achievement as they complete each level.  The program is designed to encourage and motivate students, and to recognize their progress.  It is open to students, preschool through adult.  Students take the exam appropriate to their level of development, regardless of age.  Students may enter the program at any level, may repeat levels, and may skip levels.

Click here for the PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR EVALUATION:

Benefits of the CPS Program:

•  A graded program that assures a systematic, developmentally logical progression for improving technical and musical skills.

By preparing for the examination corresponding to each level, the teacher can plot the student’s progress within a formal structure, creating the setting of a “music school without walls.”

 •  Periodic examinations —milestones on the path to better playing.

Students need goals and enjoy challenges.  The Certificate of Achievement bolsters a sense of accomplishment and serves as tangible evidence of progress.

• Comments of a highly qualified, impartial examiner.

Students get an opportunity to learn from the constructive criticism and suggestions of a knowledgeable, highly experienced teacher/examiner.

 •  Flexibility in choice of repertoire.

While using the syllabus as a guide, teachers may choose any comparable study material or repertoire.

 •  A boost to the prestige and professionalism of the private studio teacher.

Parents see their child’s progress independently validated through the Certificate of Achievement issued by The American String Teachers Association with The National School Orchestra Association.

 Evaluation System

 The requirements for each level have been carefully and clearly defined.  They are specific enough to set meaningful goals yet broad enough to accommodate any teaching style (traditional, Suzuki, etc.).  The requirements are geared for the average student with built-in flexibility for the high achieving student. 

In order to ensure that the Certificate truly reflects progress from level to level, the student’s performance has to meet certain minimum standards.  Each portion of the performance (scale, etude, first and second piece, and sight-reading) is evaluated separately based on the following criteria: tone, intonation, technique, rhythm, musicality, memorization and stage presence.  A rating of V (very good), S (satisfactory), or N (needs improvement) is given.  If there are five or more “Ns” in any category, that portion of the performance exam must be taken again at a future date, to be announced.  No retakes are necessary in sight-reading regardless of rating.  The examiner will make written comments on aspects of the student’s technique and musicianship.  The examiner’s decision is final. The completed examiners’ forms will be sent directly to the teacher.  Teachers are asked to distribute and discuss the comments with their students.
 

Use of Accompanist  

The use of an accompanist is optional, though it is strongly recommended.  There is no extra credit given for the use of an accompanist. 

 Special Categories:   

• Honors - for those players with one or more advanced pieces (from a higher level) in addition to an excellent exam. Teachers are asked to mark advanced pieces on the application form.

•  Optional A and B designations within each Level. The A designation is for those students who have completed only one or two works on a given level.  The B designation is for those students who, by choice, are taking the level the second time, and are very secure at that level.  Students who are taking the B option should mark the application with the level, followed a “B”.

•  Comments Only  This category is for those students who prefer not to be graded. They will not get a certificate but will get the comments of the examiner—positive reinforcement and suggestions for further improvement.  This may be a good way to motivate a student or allow a student who doesn’t have all of the requirements ready, to participate.  The fees are the same as for regular participants.  Students opting for this category should mark “Comments Only” on the application form.

 Examiners and Monitors

 There will be one examiner per room, carefully selected by the ASTA with NSOA Certificate Program Committee.  This person will be a respected teacher experienced and knowledgeable in all the levels to be evaluated and beyond.  The examiner and monitor will provide a positive atmosphere so that participation will be a pleasant experience for all students.  

Dates and Locations:

Please see application form for exam dates and locations. 

Exams are offered for:

Violin levels Foundation, 1-10

Viola levels  Foundation, 1-10

Cello levels  Foundation, 1-10  

Application fees: $35.00 

No etude or piece may be presented for exam more than once, unless the student is taking the same level exam a second time.  Students must have original music.  Photocopies will be permitted when the music is out of print. Publishers are listed as a reference only. Many works are available from several publishing houses.

Students must currently study with a member of ASTA with NSOA.  To join ASTA, go to www.astaweb.com or fill out the membership application in this booklet.

 Teachers entering students may be asked to serve as monitors, or to do some clerical work.  

We will try to accommodate special requests in scheduling, if submitted by the deadline.  Please don’t call; just be sure to write your request on the application.

 Please make checks ($35) payable to WASTA with NSOA.  

 Send checks and forms to:

Dr. Philip Baldwin, CPS Exams

300 W. Hawthorne Road, MS 1701

Department of Music

Whitworth College

Spokane, WA  99251 

For general information e-mail to: lya@asta.net We encourage maximum participation from each studio for the benefit of all students.

To see an example of an evaluation form, see .

To see the list of repertoire for the violin, viola, and cello