Department of Music

Piano Proficiency

Class Piano Proficiency Test

Students who have a piano background and who have not earned a grade in the particular class piano course may test out of that sequence. Students are allowed to take the proficiency test for each course only once. A grade of A, B or C earned on a proficiency test will be entered onto the student’s transcript. No credit is awarded for a grade of D or F.

The requirements of each sequence are as follows:

Mus 121A

1.     Play all white-key major scales and arpeggios (two octaves, hands separately, memorized).
2.     Play root position triads of any quality.
3.     Play I  IV  I  V7 I progression in major keys with correct fingering.
4.     Harmonize a melody using primary chords.
5.     Sight-read and transpose a melody duplicated at an octave.
6.     Perform an elementary solo repertoire.

Mus 121B

1.     Play all white-key harmonic minor scales and arpeggios (two octaves, hands separately, memorized).
2.     Play inverted triads of any quality with correct fingering.
3.     Harmonize and accompany a melody with Alberti Bass and Waltz Bass.
4.     Sight-read and transpose a melody built primarily on scale patterns and chord outlines.
5.     Perform a late elementary to early intermediate solo repertoire.

Mus 221A

1.     Play all black-key major scales and arpeggios (two octaves, hands separately, memorized).
2.     Play all five types of seventh chords and their inversions.
3.     Harmonize a melody using secondary dominants.
4.     Transpose to concert pitch a melody written for a transposing instrument.
5.     Play a three-part choral and instrumental score.
6.     Play an exercise written in alto and tenor clef.
7.     Perform a mid-intermediate solo repertoire.

Mus 221B

1.     Play all black-key harmonic minor scales and arpeggios (two octaves, hands separately, memorized).
2.     Play V7 and viio7 arpeggios.
3.     Play a progression that uses German, French, and Italian Sixth.
4.     Harmonize a melody in keyboard style.
5.     Play an open score with transposing and non-transposing instruments.
6.     Play a four-part choral and instrumental score.
7.     Play a late intermediate solo repertoire.

The class piano proficiency test is administered on the first three days of the fall and spring semesters.  Please contact Dr. Chin (hchin@siue.edu) to schedule an appointment.