If your child studies piano in California, you’ll encounter two organizations almost immediately: MTAC and CAPMT. Your teacher likely belongs to one or both. Your child may participate in their programs. But many parents aren’t entirely sure what these organizations do, how they differ, or what they offer.

Here’s a straightforward guide.

MTAC: Music Teachers’ Association of California

MTAC is the larger and older of the two organizations. Founded in 1897, it’s one of the oldest music teacher associations in the country. MTAC operates statewide and is organized into local branches — there are dozens across California, several of which serve the Bay Area.

What MTAC Does

MTAC’s most visible program is the Certificate of Merit (CM), an annual evaluation system that assesses students on repertoire, technique, sight-reading, ear training, and theory. CM provides a structured curriculum from introductory through advanced levels, giving students clear benchmarks and goals throughout their piano study.

CM is not a competition — it’s an evaluation. Students receive ratings based on their individual performance, not in comparison to other students. This makes it a useful developmental tool: it sets standards, creates accountability, and provides external feedback on a student’s progress.

Beyond CM, MTAC branches host:

Branch recitals where students perform for their peers and families in a supportive, non-competitive setting
Honors recitals that recognize outstanding CM performances
Student competitions at the branch and state level, including solo competitions and concerto events
Masterclasses and workshops where students can work with guest artists and clinicians

MTAC Branches Serving Cupertino

Families in Cupertino are primarily served by two MTAC branches:

Los Altos Branch — One of the most active branches in Northern California, with a robust calendar of recitals, competitions, and educational events. Benjamin Choupak is a member of this branch.

Palo Alto Branch — Another highly active branch with strong student participation and regular performance opportunities. Viola Choupak is a member of this branch.

Both branches hold events at local venues throughout the year. Your teacher can advise which branch’s events are most relevant for your student.

CAPMT: California Association of Professional Music Teachers

CAPMT is a smaller organization with a different emphasis. While MTAC focuses on a broad range of programs for students at all levels, CAPMT has historically been associated with more competitive, performance-oriented events.

What CAPMT Does

CAPMT’s flagship event is its annual piano competition, which attracts strong students from across Northern California. The competition is organized by age group and features multiple rounds, with winners performing in a final concert. It’s one of the more prestigious student competitions in the region.

CAPMT also hosts:

Performance festivals that provide evaluation and feedback in a less competitive format than the main competition
Masterclasses with prominent pianists and teachers
Teacher workshops focused on pedagogy and repertoire

How CAPMT Differs from MTAC

The simplest way to think about it: MTAC provides a comprehensive system for year-round musical development (through CM and branch activities), while CAPMT provides high-level performance and competition opportunities.

Many serious students participate in both. They use CM as the backbone of their annual study — ensuring that technique, theory, sight-reading, and ear training are all progressing — and enter CAPMT competitions to push their performance abilities further.

The organizations are complementary, not competing. A student can (and often does) benefit from being active in both.

Other Organizations and Opportunities

While MTAC and CAPMT are the primary organizations, Bay Area families should also be aware of:

ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) — A British examination board that offers graded music exams worldwide. Some families prefer ABRSM’s exam format and repertoire lists, and the exams are available at testing centers in the Bay Area. ABRSM exams are internationally recognized and provide an alternative or supplement to CM.

US Open Music Competition, ENKOR International Competition, and other regional/national competitions — For advanced students, these events provide exposure to a broader competitive field and can be valuable preparation for students considering music at the pre-professional level.

Local concert series and festivals — The Bay Area hosts numerous concert series, many of which include opportunities for young performers. Your teacher can help identify events that match your student’s level and interests.

How to Get Involved

For most families, involvement begins through your teacher. If your teacher is an MTAC member, they can register your student for CM and branch events. If they participate in CAPMT, they can guide your student’s entry into CAPMT competitions and festivals.

Here are a few practical steps:

Ask your teacher which organizations they belong to and which programs they recommend for your child’s current level.
Attend a branch recital or competition as an audience member before your child participates. This helps both you and your child understand the format and expectations.
Start with evaluation-based events (like CM) before entering competitions. Evaluations provide feedback without the pressure of ranking, which is a better first experience for most students.
Build gradually. There’s no need to sign up for everything at once. A typical trajectory might be: CM in the first or second year of study, a branch recital shortly after, and competitions when the student is ready and motivated.

The Value of Participation

Both MTAC and CAPMT provide something that private lessons alone cannot: a broader musical community. Students who participate in these programs hear other students perform, receive feedback from multiple evaluators, and experience the discipline of preparing for formal events. Teachers who are active in these organizations stay connected to current pedagogical practices and standards.

For families in the Bay Area, this infrastructure is a genuine asset. It transforms piano study from a solitary activity into a shared endeavor — one with clear milestones, meaningful challenges, and a community of students and teachers who are all working toward the same goal: genuine musical excellence.

Both of our teachers are active MTAC members, and our students regularly participate in CM, branch events, and CAPMT competitions. Contact us to learn how we can connect your student with these opportunities.