Piano Proficiency

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 (7th) 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.
 
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