At the local level, CAPMT sponsors competitions and auditions in both solo and ensemble performance. In the competitive events, students receiving the highest ratings are invited to perform and/or compete at the State Conference. The competitive events are the Bartók and Contemporary Music Festival, the Concerto Competition, and Honors Auditions. Students entering the Piano Auditions or the Ensemble Auditions receive a numerical rating.
At the local level, CAPMT sponsors evaluations which are non-competitive. Held yearly in the spring, students are comprehensively evaluated in the areas of performance, technique, theory and aural skills.
District-wide recitals are held twice a year, usually in February and May.
Masterclasses provide a means for students to perform and gain instruction from a master teacher. Everyone in attendance, whether performing or listening, gains great advice and helpful suggestions to improve their own playing.
Meetings are held throughout the school year. There is usually a short business meeting followed by a program such as speakers, clinicians, performances, master classes, etc.
Workshops are occasionally organized as part of community education and outreach.
CAPMT holds a yearly conference in California, alternating northern California with southern California. The conference features outstanding collaborative performances. Concerto finals, contemporary festivals, and honors finals take place during this conference. Teacher sessions include ways to encourage teachers to grow, composition, leadership skills, and various other workshops.
MTNA holds a yearly conference in different cities throughout the United States. Conference attendees have the opportunity to network with colleagues from around the globe, experience sessions by internationally known pedagogues, and performances by accomplished artists.