​Chair: Dr. Paula Sabin
949-551-5145

Paula.Sabin@csulb.edu

​

CODA Guidelines & Instructions

• The Certification Of Distinguished Achievement is a unique and innovative event designed to evaluate and give recognition to piano students.

• The primary goal of CODA is to set a high standard for performance that will:

  • ​​Encourage long-term commitment to piano studies

  • Allow students to feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments Give parents a means to gauge their child’s progress

• CODA offers piano students an opportunity to:

  • ​Have goals and perform repertoire

  • Receive written evaluations

  • Importantly, experience the evaluation process in a friendly setting

• CODA has two options for student evaluation:

  1. ​​Musicianship Option: Levels Preparatory through 6
     Students play two pieces for Levels Preparatory–3; three pieces for Levels 4–6;
     includes Technique, Sight Reading, Ear Training and Concepts/Theory.

  2. Performance Option: Levels Preparatory through 10
     Student evaluations are based entirely on performance of repertoire.
     All music must be original works for solo piano solo.

• Students who complete a CODA evaluation receive a Certificate of Distinguished Achievement for the level completed.

  • Students demonstrating exceptional mastery are also awarded Honors.

  • A special Advanced Certificate is awarded at Level 10—the completion of the Performance Option.