Piano Proficiency FAQ's

---

Frequently Asked Questions about the Piano Proficiency Exam:

When is the Proficiency Exam given?

For secondary piano, the proficiency exam will be given on Friday, of Exam Week beginning at 9:00 a.m. Location is 2nd floor, Wilson Bldg., piano faculty studios (look for signs).

What about restrictions regarding signing up for Senior Recital?

You have to pass the Proficiency Exam before you can sign up for your Senior Recital. There are no such restrictions for the Junior Recital.

If you plan to take the Piano Proficiency Exam the same semester you want sign up for your Senior Recital and you then FAIL the Proficiency Exam, you will have to cancel your reserved recital date and wait until the next semester to reserve a new date.

Isn't there a PACKET of material associated with the Proficiency Exam?

Yes, you have to download a packet of material the day before the Proficiency Exam which contains required examples for you to prepare. It's in a PDF file format and you can print it out with any computer. It will contain:

-- instructions
-- examples of chord voicings
-- a melody for harmonization
-- a chord progression for improvisation
-- an example for transposition

You will be able to find the download link here: Download the Packet

Are we required to do the ESTABLISH A KEY requirement in all major and minor keys?

Yes. ALL MAJOR AND MINOR KEYS will be required.

How many parts of the Proficiency Exam can I fail?

You can only fail a total of TWO (2) parts. If you fail 1 or 2 parts of the Exam then you will have to come back later in the day and retake those parts again. If you fail any of those parts again then you will have failed the entire exam. See details below.

What happens if I fail more than 2 parts?

This depends on whether you're enrolled in Level 3 or Level 4 piano:

If you're enrolled in Level 3 piano, then you just go on and take Level 4 piano next semester. And, of course you have to repeat the entire Proficiency Exam the next time it is offered (including the part of the exam you took with your instructor in class).

If you're enrolled in Level 4 piano, then this is what happens:

- You get an F for the section of piano in which you were enrolled.

- You get an F for Piano Proficiency MUG 2010.

- You have to retake Level 4 piano next semester and then retake the entire Proficiency Exam the next time it's offered (including the part of the exam you took with your instructor in class).