Keyfest Exams
Exams
Keyfest exams are Merriam’s own certification exams. They give students a goal to work toward, marked feedback from an examiner, and diplomas, prizes and scholarships to celebrate the work.
About Keyfest exams
Show what
you can do.
A Keyfest exam is a chance to perform your pieces, technique and theory for a Merriam examiner, and to see clearly how far you’ve come. Students receive marked feedback, a standing, and can work toward a Keyfest diploma. Exam prizes and Keyfest examination scholarships are awarded each October.
Not sure if your child is ready for a Keyfest exam? Talk to their teacher at your next lesson.
For 2026–27, new exam registrations are open to Piano and Voice students. Group Piano and Enriched students follow their own program assessments.
Exam sessions and application deadlines, 2026–27
Feb
February session
Apply by November 25.
Jun
June/July session
Apply by March 10.
Aug
August session
Apply by May 19.
Sep 30
Exam Stream
Sign up or opt out by September 30. See the school calendar for exact exam days.
How to register
Three steps
01
Check with your teacher
Make sure your child is ready for the level and the session you have in mind.
02
Sign in
Use your primary email address and the one-time code we send you. You’ll only see the students in your household.
03
Choose the open session
Only the session that’s currently open is offered. Add your instrument, level, location and scheduling preferences.
After you register
- You’ll get a confirmation of your registration.
- Your review package arrives by email. Download it.
- The date and time of your exam are emailed to the student.
- Two weeks before the exam, submit your repertoire list, composition and tracks using the forms below.
- Complete the theory test and history assignment online before the exam.
Exam Stream · 2026–27
Commit early.
Exam Stream is the exam fee, paid early. Families commit to one exam for the year at the start of the school year, get first priority for exam scheduling and early access to exam resources, then register for their chosen session later at no extra cost.
Junior 1–4
$110
per year
Intermediate 1 to Advanced 2
$121
per year
Senior 1–2
$132
per year
Artist
$143
per year
Who can join
Students with an active private Piano or Voice lesson this school year. Group Piano doesn’t qualify. Exam Stream covers one sitting per student, instrument and year. Sign up or opt out by September 30. Pay in full in September, or in equal monthly payments on the 1st of each month from September to July.
If plans change
If your child won’t be sitting the exam, email exams@merriammusic.com as early as you can. The exams coordinator reviews each case and decides whether the amount is carried forward, refunded or forfeited.
Before your exam
Submit your music.
Every exam student sends their repertoire list and tracks two weeks before the exam date. Think of it as bringing your books: it’s required, and late or missing submissions lose marks. Use the form that matches the exam you registered for.
In-person exams
Music submission for in-person exams
Pick your instrument and level, then send your repertoire list and any tracks. Forms cover Piano, Voice, Guitar, Percussion, Violin and Woodwind.
Open in-person forms →Online exams
Online Keyfest exam submissions
Record a video of each performance piece and submit it with the form for your instrument and level. Some pieces also need a scan or photo of the music.
Open online forms →History assignments
Most levels include a short online history quiz. Find your instrument and level and complete it before your exam.
Quick links · Piano and Voice
Filming tips for online exams
- Film in landscape (horizontal) orientation, with hands clearly visible. Singers: frame from the waist up.
- Choose a quiet room with no background noise.
- Make your dynamics a little bigger than usual so they come through on the recording.
- If you play with a track, make sure it’s clearly audible.
- Missing requirements lose marks, so check every piece is there before you submit.
Results and diplomas
Your standing
Results are emailed to families once the exams coordinator releases them. Every exam earns a standing, and a set of exams in one level family earns a Keyfest diploma.
85+
Gold
An outstanding result.
75–84
Silver
A strong, confident result.
60–74
Bronze
A solid pass.
0–59
Not yet
Insufficient to pass this time. Your teacher will help you plan the next try.
Keyfest diplomas
The diploma mark is the average of the exams in a level family:- Junior diploma: Junior 3 and 4
- Intermediate diploma: Intermediate 1 and 2
- Advanced diploma: Advanced 1 and 2
- Senior diploma: Senior 1 and 2
- Artist diploma: Artist 1, 2 and 3
Examiners and scheduling
Piano students are always examined by a teacher other than their own. For other instruments, your child’s own teacher may be their examiner. Exam days are set by date, location and instrument, and the exams coordinator reviews every schedule before it goes out.
Questions about exams?
Ask the
exams team
The exams team can help with registration, Exam Stream, submissions and results. Your teacher is also a great first stop.