Piano Proficiency Exam Details

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The Piano Proficiency Exam is traditionally given on Friday of Exam Week beginning about 9:00 a.m. (this is the "jury" portion of the Exam administered by the piano faculty -- see below).

A sign-up sheet will be posted on the Piano Bulletin Board (WMB 2nd floor) approx. 2 weeks before the Exam.

The Proficiency Exam will be in two parts:

PART 1 will be administered by your instructor in a final exam opportunity. Here are the parts which you will play for your instructor:

1. Establish a key (play Cadence #1)
2. Play "Happy Birthday" by ear
3. Sight read a simple piece
4. Scales
5. Root position triads

PART 2 will be a scheduled exam (much like a jury) -- you sign up for a time and play parts of the exam for several faculty. Here are the parts which you will play for this part of the Exam:

1. Repertory piece
2. Patriotic song/hymn
3. Transposition
4. Improvisation
5. Harmonize a melody

The material which is to be prepared ahead of time for Part 2 will be posted ONLINE at this WEBSITE the day before the Exam. This will include:

- the melody for harmonization
- the chord progression for the Improvisation
- the example for transposition

Part 1 of the Exam is given in class at a time announced by your Instructor.

Part 2 of the Exam is traditionally given on FRIDAY of Exam Week beginning about 9:00 a.m.

Students enrolled in MFB 2120 or MSA 2184 (Level 4 piano) are REQUIRED to take the exam.

Students enrolled in MFB 2110 or MSA 2183 (Level 3 piano) have the option of taking the exam and may take it on the recommendation of their instructor. Level 3 piano students SHOULD NOT register for MUG 2010 at the beginning of the semester in case they decide not to take the exam. Level 3 students taking the exam will automatically be registered for the course shortly before the exam.

Level 4 students should register for MUG 2010 at the beginning of the semester.

Instructors: When a student passes Part 1 of the exam, you must submit an ONLINE FORM documenting that they have completed Part 1. This form must be submitted before the student will be allowed to take Part 2. See the Class Piano Coordinator for information on how to get access to the Part 1 form.