Students & Parents

Teachers who are members of MTAC commit to high standards for providing a musical education to students. Our members offer lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, voice, organ, composition, conducting, and ensemble coaching.

A flutist in a blue dress plays her instrument.
A flutist in a blue dress plays her instrument.
MTAC Certificate of Merit

Initiated in 1933, Certificate of Merit® provides a standardized music curriculum for musical excellence in performance, technique, ear training, sight reading/singing and music theory.

Senior Awards
Senior Awards
Recognition Recitals

These recitals honor students who achieve outstanding results in the annual Certificate Merit Exams, qualify to perform at the State Convention, and graduating high-school seniors.

Medals
Medals
Bach/Baroque Festival

This annual festival celebrates the study and performance of Baroque composers and the keyboard works of J.S. Bach. Students perform in front of a panel of judges, and winners in the Bach Festival go on to compete in regional festivals.

7 students dressed formally in black slacks, button shirts and jackets pose in front of a grand piano. All of them are wearing medals around their necks.
7 students dressed formally in black slacks, button shirts and jackets pose in front of a grand piano. All of them are wearing medals around their necks.
Piano Solo Competition

This annual event requires a performance of two works—from the 20th or 21st Century, and from the Classical or Romantic. Students compete in age categories and receive feedback from judges. Winners receive cash prizes and perform in the Winners' Recital.

A young boy in a suit plays a grand piano.
A young boy in a suit plays a grand piano.
Theme Festival

Featuring a different theme each year, this annual festival is for all ages and levels. Students perform pieces that reflect the theme in front of a panel of three judges. All performers receive feedback, and the winners are awarded medals or ribbons.

MSSL christmas recital
MSSL christmas recital
Music Students' Service League (MSSL)

This student-run program shares the gift of music with the community by giving recitals in retirement facilities. Performers receive community service hours, and middle and high-school students are encouraged to serve on the board. For more information, contact msslonline@gmail.com

A student flutist performs in front of her piano accompianist at a recital.
A student flutist performs in front of her piano accompianist at a recital.
Student Recitals

Recitals are scheduled throughout the year to provide performance opportunities for students of all levels. 

Master Teacher coaching student
Master Teacher coaching student
Masterclasses

Masterclasses taught by renowned faculty/performers are scheduled to provide learning and performance opportunities for students of Intermediate and Advanced levels. These are held during Branch meetings. 

A violinist plays outdoors.

Find a Teacher Today!

Go to MTAC.org to find music teachers near you.

Go to MTAC.org

Mission Statement

In accordance with the mission of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), the mission of the Orange County West Branch of the MTAC is to establish excellence in the music teaching profession through high standards for membership, exemplary ethical values, and the furtherance of musical education by its members to promote artistic growth through our branch activities and programs.

Our mission is to facilitate, support, and encourage good teaching practices—to the purpose that our students will appreciate and enjoy quality music.  We are dedicated to providing a broad cultural music education to inspire and help our students reach their potential as a musician and a compassionate person.