The Piano Proficiency is an examination of the minimal keyboard requirements for any music major. It must be passed by all Bachelor of Music Education degree candidates no later than two semesters prior to their student teaching assignments.
Failure to pass this examination means that the student must repeat the examination in succeeding semesters. Students must have successfully passed all levels of class piano or be recommended by their private keyboard instructor before taking the exam.
The examination is administered by the Piano Proficiency Committee at the end of each semester. This committee consists of members of the Keyboard faculty. It should include a member of the music education faculty when deemed prudent.
TECHNICAL/THEORETICAL
SCALES – Demonstrate the ability to play all major and harmonic minor scales, two octaves, hands together. Keyboard majors will play the scales as recommended by their major professor.
CADENCES – Demonstrate the ability to play the following cadences in all major and minor keys with a single note in the left hand:
I – IV – I 6/4 – V7 – I or i – iv 6/4 – V7 – i
I – ii6 – I 6/4 – V7 – I or i – ii6 – i 6/4 – i
I – ii 6/5 – V7 – I or i – iiø6/5 – V7 – i
HARMONIZATION
TRADITIONAL – Create a harmonization with an appropriate accompaniment pattern for a traditional folk tune.
LEAD SHEET – Create an appropriate accompaniment for a melody with “pop” chord symbols.
TRANSPOSITION
Transpose the traditional harmonization prepared above (II.A) to keys within a major third up or down from the original.
Transpose a two-voice linear piece to keys within a major third up or down from the original (with not more than four sharps or flats).
READING
SIMPLE ACCOMPANIMENTS/LITERATURE – Vocal and instrumental majors read a simple vocal or instrumental accompaniment. Keyboard majors read a solo from the keyboard repertoire.
PART READING – Keyboard and voice majors read a four-part vocal score. Instrumental majors read a three-voice example from their major area with one line needing to be transposed for performance.
KEYBOARD KNOWLEDGE
PERFORMANCE
• Repertoire – Play one piece by memory from standard piano repertoire.
(Commensurate with the student’s ability.)
• Practical – Be able to play all of the three patriotic songs:
The National Anthem (“The Star Spangled Banner”)
America (“My Country, ’Tis of Thee”)
America the Beautiful (“O Beautiful, for Spacious Skies”)
The faculty will choose one of the three at the exam.
International students may choose to play songs of their countries, with scores provided for the faculty
• KEYBOARD NOMENCLATURE
Answer questions showing a practical knowledge of the piano and electronic keyboards. An outline of questions and suggested reading are available for preparation. Students may also attend a lecture on this material during the final piano class meetings of each semester.
(Revised Fall 1996 by Music Department Faculty Approval)