K-12 Music Education (Vocal) - Piano Proficiency Requirements

After completing the functional piano course sequence, students are encouraged to take two semesters of secondary applied piano lessons to further their piano studies.  

The piano proficiency exam is typically taken after the second semester of secondary lessons but can be taken earlier.  

Students typically perform the exam during the final semester jury of their second semester of piano study. Still, it can also be scheduled at a separate time by request of the piano faculty.  

Requirements must include the following and be chosen by an applied piano faculty member along with the student:

1. One memorized solo piano literature work played fluidly and musically.  
2. One prepared SATB open score (Bach chorale or other choral work) played fluidly (Suggested Repertoire)
3. One prepared SATB choral work playing a continuous bass voice with the left hand and entrances only of other voices in the right hand (Suggested Repertoire I, Suggested Repertoire II, Suggested Repertoire III)
4. One prepared choral work accompaniment or one song accompaniment (Suggested Repertoire I: 24 Italian Art Songs, Suggested Repertoire II: Folk Songs for Solo Singers)
5. Warm-up sequence that includes:
   • Five-note descending pattern from C major up one octave with I-V-I  in the left hand (Rehearsal start warm-up)
   • Two warm-ups, chosen from “Building Beautiful Voices” by Paul Nesheim, “Sing Legato” by Kenneth Jennings, “Choral Warm-Ups” by James Jordan, or others approved by the BME Advisor or the piano faculty.