LEVEL 1

This proficiency takes one semester to complete. The following midterm and final tests are to be taken in conjunction with the first semester of Individual Piano Lessons (MUSC 154 or 155).

All test items are taken from Piano for the Developing Musician (Comprehensive Edition). You may purchase a copy at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore. As you work on the materials for this test be certain to consult the book for information on what to do and on how to practice. Please consult your piano teacher or Dr. Norman well in advance of the test date if you have questions. This will give you time to work out any problems. Note that if you do not meet the minimum level of competency for any particular parts of the test, you will be asked to repeat those items during the next testing session.

Piano Proficiency Level 1 Midterm Test Dates and Location: This test will take place in Dr. Norman's office (Rm. 216) during the week of October 22nd - 26th. See Dr. Norman at least one week in advance to book a time for your test.

Harmonization

Choose from I, ii, iii, IV and/or V to harmonize the following melodies in the style indicated:
p. 74c, 75 f, g, h with root position triads
p. 103 e, g, h in closest chord style

See pp. 72-73 and also pp. 99-100 for information on root position triads and closest-chord formats.

Improvisation

In 3/4 time in the key of F major, play the following chord progression. Use blocked closest-chord position triads in your left hand while improvising a chord tone melody in your right hand.

I - IV - I - V - ii - V - V7 - I

You may find it useful to practice this way: (1) with blocked closest chord triads, hands separately, (2) with blocked closest chord triads, hands together, and finally (3) with blocked chords in the left hand while improvising a melody in your right hand (i.e., play a melody based on broken chords). See also exercises on pp. 100-101.

Transposition

Transpose LULLABY, p. 76 to C, D, F, and A majors. Note that you must also supply the appropriate left hand blocked chords as indicated by the chord symbols.

Transpose VIVACE, p. 106 to the key of F major.

All test items are taken from Piano for the Developing Musician (Comprehensive Edition). You may purchase a copy at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore. As you work on the materials for this test be certain to consult the book for information on what to do and on how to practice. Please consult your piano teacher or Dr. Norman well in advance of the test date if you have questions. This will give you time to work out any problems. Note that if you do not meet the minimum level of competency for any particular parts of the test, you will be asked to repeat those items during the next testing session.

Piano Proficiency Level 1 Final Test Dates and Location: This test will take place in Dr. Norman's office (Rm. 216) during the week of December 2nd - 6th or, by special arrangement, during exam week. See Dr. Norman at least one week in advance to book a time for your test.

Harmonization

1. p. 214a using broken chords (as indicated)
2. p. 214b using a two-handed accompaniment style (as indicated)
3. p. 215c using a two-handed strumming style (as indicated)
4. p. 216#2a using a waltz style (as indicated)

A well-played accompaniment conforms to the stipulated chord structure and style. It contains few, if any, irregularites in tempo and is of an appropriate dynamic level (i.e., loud enough to support, but not overwhelm).

Harmonization Practice Guide

Improvisation

Using expanded blues pentascales in the right hand and open 7ths in the left hand, improvise on the following 12-bar blues progression

I ---	IV---	I---	I---
IV--	-IV---	I---	I---
V ---	IV---	I---	I---

The improvisation should be in 4/4 time. You choose the key.

Improvisation Practice Guide

Transposition

Transpose the ETUDE in A MINOR, p. 205 to F minor

LEVEL 2

This proficiency takes one semester to complete. The following midterm and final tests are to be taken in conjunction with the second semester of Individual Piano Lessons (MUSC 154 or 155).

All test items are taken from Piano for the Developing Musician (Comprehensive Edition). You may purchase a copy at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore. As you work on the materials for this test be certain to consult the book for information on what to do and on how to practice. Please consult your piano teacher or Dr. Norman well in advance of the test date if you have questions. This will give you time to work out any problems. Note that if you do not meet the minimum level of competency for any particular parts of the test, you will be asked to repeat those items during the next testing session.

Piano Proficiency Level 2 Midterm Test Dates: This test will take place in Dr. Norman's office (Rm. 216) during the week of February 11th - 15th. See Dr. Norman at least one week in advance to book a time for your test.

Harmonization

1. pp. 314-315 "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" in the style indicated
2. p. 331 "She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain" using a two-handed "root-chord" accompaniment style
3. p. 332 "Caissons Go Rolling Along" using keyboard style and including V7/IV, V7/V, and III.
4. p. 354 "My Wild Irish Rose" using a two-handed accompaniment style

A well-played accompaniment conforms to the stipulated chord structure and style. It contains few, if any, irregularites in tempo and is of an appropriate dynamic level (i.e., loud enough to support, but not overwhelm).

Improvisation

Play the A section of BURLESKE, p. 275 as written (with repeat), then substitute an improvised B section with a return to the written A. You may wish to retain Mozart's bass line for the B section and improvise only melodic material.

Transposition

1. Transpose the "ETUDE in D", p. 334 to D Dorian.
2. Your singer has a cold. Transpose the accompaniment part for "Salti de terza", p. 316 down a 4th to the key of D major.

All test items are taken from Piano for the Developing Musician (Comprehensive Edition). You may purchase a copy at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore. As you work on the materials for this test be certain to consult the book for information on what to do and on how to practice. Please consult your piano teacher or Dr. Norman well in advance of the test date if you have questions. This will give you time to work out any problems. Note that if you do not meet the minimum level of competency for any particular parts of the test, you will be asked to repeat those items during the next testing session.

Piano Proficiency Level 2 Final Test Dates: This test will take place in Dr. Norman's office (Rm. 216) during the week of April 22nd - 26th, or by special arrangement, during exam week. See Dr. Norman at least one week in advance to book a time for your test.

Harmonization

• p. 247#5 in the style indicated

A well-played accompaniment conforms to the stipulated chord structure and style. It contains few, if any, irregularites in tempo and is of an appropriate dynamic level (i.e., loud enough to support, but not overwhelm).

Improvisation

• Improvise two-handed keyboard style accompaniments to the harmonic changes given in p. 245#3a AND 3b.
• Develop the three given fragments on p. 358#2 into 16-bar segments to use with basic movement (i.e., walk, sway, jog) by 7-year old children.

Transposition

• Transpose ZUR ERSTEN UBUNG DER TERZEN UND SEXTEN, p. 356 to C major and F sharp major.

Reading Multiple Lines and/or Clefs

• Play the three vocal lines (at the same time) of DIE ZAUBERFLOTE, pp. 306-307.
• For ERLAUBE MIR FEINS MADCHENE, pp. 308-309, play all four parts at once. Use your right hand alone through the word "bre-chen" in measure 10, and from there until the end, use your left hand for the alto voices and the right hand for the soprano voices.
• Play both parts of DUO II, p. 357 in concert pitch.

LEVEL 3

This proficiency normally takes one academic year to complete. The Piano Duet portion is to be taken in conjunction with the third semester of Individual Piano Lessons (MUSC 254 or 255). The Accompanying portion is to be taken in conjunction with the fourth semester of Individual Piano Lessons (MUSC 254 or 255).

Third Semester Midterm Evaluation: For this portion of the Level 3 proficiency, you perform two piano duets. At the beginning of the semester, Dr. Gallo will assign you a partner and two contrasting duets. Consult your piano teacher for assistance in learning the duets. At midterm, you and your partner will be expected submit a recording of your progress to Dr. Norman. This recording may be submitted either on audio tape or computer disk. On your recording, you should demonstrate a good understanding of the style, character and structure of the duets.

Third Semester Final Evaluation: Using the feedback regarding your progress at the midterm, continue to work on refining your duet performance. You and your partner will perform both duets for the piano faculty during final exam week. A competent performance of your duets on a piano department recital may substitute for the duet jury. Please note that the duet jury is separate from your regular piano jury.

Fourth Semester Midterm Evaluation: For this portion of the Level 3 proficiency, you will be introduced to the art of accompanying. First, consult a vocalist and instrumentalist to work with throughout the semester. Then, work together on some mutually agreed upon repertoire. Choose one vocal piece and one instrumental jury piece. Have your piano teacher approve your jury choices fairly early in the semester. Make sure that your soloists are able to attend your jury. Consult your piano teacher for assistance in learning the accompaniments. At midterm, you will be expected submit a recording of your work to Dr. Norman. It may be submitted either on audio tape or computer disk and should include both of the pieces you intend to play for your final accompanying jury.

Fourth Semester Final Evaluation: Using the feedback regarding your progress at the midterm, continue to work on refining your accompaniment skills. At the end of the semester, you will perform one instrumental and one vocal accompaniment with soloists in a jury setting. Please note that you must: (1) have all jury repertoire approved, and (2) submit a midterm tape/disk in order to perform a final accompanying jury. With prior approval of the piano department, a competent performance of your accompaniments on a music department recital may substitute for the accompanying jury. In addition, please note that your accompanying jury is separate from your regular piano jury.