Pop Quizzes

The purpose of the pop quizzes is to: (1) ensure that you are maintaining a regular practice schedule and (2) assess your progress toward meeting the requirements of the major assignments. These tests will be based on practice assignments or other work done in class and will occur periodically throughout the semester. Pop quizzes cannot be retaken. A missed pop quiz will result in a grade of zero for that quiz.

Prepared Tests

From time to time throughout the semester, you will also have short written and playing tests. The purpose of these tests is to help you learn concepts and skills presented in class. Unlike the pop quizzes, these tests will be announced in advance. Refer to the syllabus for the policy on rescheduling of these tests.

Sight-Reading

Learning to sight-read well is one of the keys to learning music efficiently and effectively. The purpose of the sight-reading tests is to help you learn this fundamental musicianship skill. Sight-reading piano music requires mental agility and co-ordination. These skills are acquired through sight-reading. In other words, to learn to sight-read you must sight-read! Students who have difficulty with this aspect of the course are encouraged to consult one of the following sight-reading manuals:

• Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests by Berlin & Markow (Frederick Harris Music),
• Complete Series of Sight Reading & Ear Tests by Bennett & Capp (Frederick Harris Music), or
• Sight-Reading by Bastien (Kjos West)

Other Assignments

Other short assignments may be given throughout the semester. These will include, but are not restricted to, Keyboard Skills Self-Evaluation forms which have been designed to teach you how to pinpoint and correct your own errors.