Achievement Day
A celebration of student progress and musical growth! Participants perform for evaluators and complete fun, music-related activities that build knowledge, technique, and creativity. Students receive feedback, a ribbon, and a certificate—plus a Super Achiever Medal for outstanding work.
What is Achievement day?
Achievement Day recognizes students’ dedication and growth in music. This fun and rewarding non-competitive event gives students the chance to perform for evaluators—either as soloists or in ensembles—and showcase their progress through two prepared pieces.
But the experience goes far beyond performance.
Students also complete hands-on musical activities, called “options,” that encourage them to explore music theory, creativity, technique, listening skills, and more. Each participant completes at least two options, with the chance to explore up to five.
Every student receives positive feedback, a participation ribbon, and a certificate. Those who go above and beyond may earn a Super Achiever Medal—a special recognition for excellence in multiple areas.
Achievement Day is a celebration of hard work, musical growth, and the joy of learning!
Important Dates
- Registration Deadline – April 4, 2026
- Event – May 9, 2026
- Location – CU Boulder
Student Options
We offer evaluations on these functional skills:
- Scales
- Arpeggios
- Chords
We offer testing in these areas:
- Theory (grand staff, treble staff and bass staff testing are available)
- Terms and Signs (grand staff, treble staff and bass staff testing are available)
- Ear Training
- Music History
Other options your student can pursue:
- Play an additional piece to be evaluated by the judge
- Sight-reading (piano)
- Improvisation
- Play from a lead sheet
- Collaborative performance
- Performance on a second instrument
- Transposition (piano)
- Original composition
- Written project
- Art or constructed project
- Dance
- Other (submit an idea to the chairs)
Super Achiever Medal
The Super Achiever Medal is awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in both their performances and music-related activities. To qualify for the Super Achiever Medal, students must:
- Pass their solo or ensemble performance.
- Score 80 or above in at least one Musical Knowledge option (Theory, Terms & Signs, Music History, or Ear Training)
- Pass at least one Technique option (Scales, Arpeggios, or Chords)
- Pass any two additional options from any category (four options total must be passed in addition to the performance)
How To Register
- Download Registration Documents
- Registration Information
FAQs
Who can enter students in Achievement Day?
Anyone! MTNA members enter students at a discounted rate. Non-MTNA teachers can still enter students at a higher fee.
What instruments are allowed to participate in Achievement Day?
All instruments and voice are welcome to participate. There is testing available for grand staff, treble clef and bass clef.
What are the fees to participate in Achievement Day?
Depending on the level the student enters and whether or not they register as a Super Achiever candidate, the cost ranges from $19-29 for MTNA members, $38-53 for non-MTNA members. MusicLink students receive a 50% discount on the fees.
How do I prepare my students to participate in Achievement Day?
Download the Comprehensive Guidelines on the CSMTA website first. This document contains a detailed description of the event and all the options. This document will help you choose the right options for your students and determine their level.
After choosing options and determining levels, if you want your students to do the theory, signs & terms or history options, you need to download one of the practice test sets and the answer sheets, also available on the CSMTA website. You are free to use those practice tests however you want and to photocopy them for your students.
Be sure to also download and reference the Complete Information document from the BAMTA website. This provides information that is specific to our Achievement Day event.
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