What is Path B?

Students may play their Certificate of Merit audition in Path A or Path B. The Path A auditions are organized by the state office of MTAC, and the Path B auditions are organized by the individual teachers. Path B students do all parts of the audition - playing their pieces, technique exercises, and sight reading, as well as the ear training and theory tests. The main difference in Path B is that the auditions can be given at any time and place, and the parts of the audition can be separated so that the students play their pieces one day, take the theory test another day, and so on. The teacher is responsible for arranging for an evaluator to hear the auditions. Many teachers send their Path B students to another local teacher's studio to play the audition, and they send the theory test home with the students. Path B is very flexible, the teacher decides how and when to do the auditions.

Why Would I Put a Student in Path B?

There are many reasons it might be best for a student to enroll in Path B. Here are some examples:

· If it is the student's first year participating in Certificate of Merit, Path B might be less intimidating. It can be scary for some students to go to an audition center with hundreds of other students. Some teachers have students play in the same studio where they have their lessons, so it is more familiar and comfortable for the student.

· If it is the teacher's first year participating in Certificate of Merit, Path B might be a better way to learn how to prepare students well. The evaluator will probably be able to coach the teacher on how to prepare students better the next year.

· If a parent insists that a child participate, and the teacher feels the student isn't quite ready, Path B is a good choice. If a parent insists on pushing the student to a higher level than the teacher might choose, Path B can be a good choice.

· If a student needs two years to advance a whole level, the teacher could enter them in Path B one year, and Path A at the same level the following year. The student can can still get the sense that they are progressing.

· Path B auditions are often later in the year than Path A, giving the student extra time to prepare.

Why Not Put a Student in Path B?

There are programs that are restricted to Path A students. You must enter a student in Path A to be eligible for:

· Branch Honors Recitals

· Convention Recitals

· Senior Medalion

· Panel Convention programs, including Master Classes and Young Artist Guild

How Do I Enroll a Student in Path B?

Register students on-line at www.mtac.org, following the same procedure as registering for Path A. There is a check box on the registration form for whether the student is Path A or Path B.

The fee for Path B with the state is listed on the state web page. Generally, the fees for Path A are about the same as the Path B fee plus what it costs to hire an evaluator. If you plan on hiring an evaluator you can use the Path A fees as a good figure to charge the student for the audition.

Whom Do I Contact for Help?

Michael Eldridge has agreed to assist teachers with the Path B program. He can be reached by email at meldridge@mtacsantaclara.org.