Class Piano Level II

EWU- MUSIC DEPARTMENT

PIANO PROFICIENCY EXAM -

Please read carefully…you are responsible to know and understand what is required.

1.REPERTOIRE - 1 solo piece from the standard repertoire - memorization is optional. i.e. Contemporary short piece; Baroque prelude or dance; Bartok short pieces, etc. (There are numerous selections in your class piano text.) To be performed in your class prior to taking the remainder of this exam.

2.**SCALES - ALL major scales, and white-key minor scales (harmonic form only) 2 octaves, may be hands separately. (Check sheet on back of this form)

**THESE WILL BE TESTED AND CHECKED OFF BY YOUR TEACHER AND MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE TAKING ANY OTHER PORTION OF THE EXAM!

3.HARMONIZATION AND TRANSPOSITION (2 components!)

A. - You will demonstrate the ability to harmonize a simple melody at sightwithout the chord symbols given. You will use the I IV V7 primary chords only. Play the melody in the RH and the chords in the LH. Then you will transpose the melody only to another key.

B. - You will prepare a harmonization of a popular/familiar melody, i.e. a Broadway tune, hymn, children’s song, or an old standard as you might find in a fake book. (16 bars minimum) This must be fluent with an appropriate LH accompaniment. Melody in RH and chords in LH. This should include secondary chords. Resources are in the text…consult with your teacher.

4.SIGHT READING

You will be given a 2-voice textured piece to sight read at the exam.

5.SATB SCORE READING

You will be given an SATB open vocal score two weeks ahead of the exam. You should be prepared to play any vocal line with accurate pitches and rhythm.

6.PLAY AND SING (Accompaniment-2 components)

A. - Prepare the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ included in the study packet. You will sing the melody, while playing a 2-handed accompaniment. Do NOT play the melody! Single bass notes in LH, and chords in the RH.

B. - Prepare a simple tune by earin a singable key, and provide a simple 2-hand chordal accompaniment for, and SING the tune at the same time. (i.e. Twinkle; Happy B-Day; Amazing Grace, etc.) I IV V7 chords are all you need! Single bass notes in LH, and chords in the RH.

7.2-HANDED VAMPING ACCOMPANIMENT WITH CHORD SYMBOLS

Vamping - You will demonstrate at sight the ability to provide a suitable accompaniment for a melody where the chord symbols are given. Use root in the LH, and chords in the RH. Progression will include I, IV, V7 chords only. (*For Honors Keyboard students this will include secondary chords.) The piece will be given to you at sight at the exam. (Keys: up through 3 sharps and flats.)

*Exams are administered at the end of each term. Date/time for exam will be posted outside of Room 231. You should not plan to take the exam unless you are prepared with all components at a fluent level.