Piano Proficiency

1. MAJOR SCALES: 40 POINTS:

The student must know and be able to perform all twelve (12) major scales accurately, two (2) octaves ascending and descending, hands together, with the following fingering:

****C Major and all keys with sharps [D Maj., E Maj., G Maj., A Maj., B Maj.]

Right hand =	1 – 2 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 - 1
Left hand =	1 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1

****All keys with flats [D-fl, E-fl, G-fl, A-fl, B-fl]
Thumb falls on “C” and “F” and use other fingers in groups of 2s and 3s. . .(the same finger plays the same note in each scale.)

ex. F-Maj =	F	G	A	B-fl	C	D	E	F
R.H.	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	1
L.H.	1	4	3	2	1	3	2	1

EXAMINATION METHOD:

The student will perform eight (8) scales chosen by the examiner @ 5 points each for a total of 40 points. The student will receive “0” points for a scale after three (3) unsuccessful starts (failure to complete the attempted scale). Two (2) points will be deducted for incorrect fingering; two (2) points will be deducted for any incorrect notes; and one (1) point will be deducted for failure to perform the scale to at least quarter note @ 120mm. Failure to score at least 30 points on this section of the exam will result in failure for the whole exam!! You must know your scales!

2. TRIADS: 24 POINTS:

The student must be able to perform all root position major, minor, augmented and diminished triads with both hands.

EXAMINATION METHOD:

The student will perform six (6) sets [i.e., G Maj., Min., Dim., Aug.] @ 4 points for each set [one (1) point for each chord played correctly, no more than two (2) tries per chord] for a total of 24 points.

3. SEVENTH CHORDS: 24 POINTS:

The student must be able to perform all root position seventh (7^th) chords M7, Dom 7, Min 7, Dim 7 with both hands.

EXAMINATION METHOD:

The student will perform six (6) sets [i.e., CM7, C7, Cm7, Co7] @ 4 points for each set [one (1) point for each chord played correctly, no more than two (2) tries per chord] for a total of 24 points.

4. CHORD PROGRESSIONS: 31 POINTS:

The student must be able to perform the following chord progressions in the keys indicated. Hold the common tone where possible in the chords.

a.	I – IV - V7 – I—chord in right hand, root in octaves in left hand—all keys
b.	I – IV6 – V6 – I –in the left hand. 4 5
c.	I IV ii V iii vi V7/V V I—chord in the right hand, root in octaves inthe L. H. Learn this progression in these keys: C, D, E, A, Dfl, B-fl, E-fl.

EXAMINATION METHOD:

The student will perform each of the progressions in letters “a” and “b” in eight (8) keys selected by the examiner @ 2 pts = 16 pts.

The student will perform the progression in letter “c” in three (3) keys selected by the examiner @ 5 pts = 15 pts.

Two (2) attempts will be allowed with not points being given it both are unsuccessful.

5. MINOR SCALES: 36 POINTS

The student will perform each natural and harmonic minor scales, hands together, one octave ascending and descending.

EXAMINATION METHOD:

The student will play the natural and harmonic minor scales in each of six (6) keys @ 6 pts. per minor key selected by the examiner.

6. MINOR CHORD PROGRESSION: 12 POINTS

The student will play i iv V7 i progression in all minor keys.

EXAMINATION METHOD:

The student will play i iv V7 i progression in six (2) keys (@2pts) selected by the examiner.

7. REPERTOIRE: 35 POINTS

Prepare one selection (you can use the music) from a composition at the intermediate level (select one composition from the accompanying music, or see instructor). The composition must be approved by the examiner prior to the examination.

EXAMINATION METHOD:

The student will perform one prepared selection at the examination. The student will be judged on: accuracy, expression, fingering.

7. STAR SPANGLED BANNER: 25 POINTS

EXAMINATION METHOD:

Play an arrangement of the “Star Spangled Banner” @ at least quarter note = 82-92.