Guidelines
There are four sections of class piano: MUS 201M, MUS 201N, MUS 210J, MUS 210K.
You may test out of one, two, three, or all four semesters of class piano. You may test out of only one course each semester. For example: if you are a BA student and have to take two semesters of class piano, you may test out of MUS201M in the Fall semester and MUS201N in the spring semester. Usually, the exam is held one week before the beginning of the semester.
Please note that class piano content is completely different than that of individual applied lessons. Students may have played for ten or more years but are unable to harmonize a melody or play from a lead sheet. Taking one exam at a time ensures that students continue to be on track for their discipline and are not left behind or have gaps in their education. In case a student is not ready to test out from one of the more advanced class piano courses they may still register for it and not miss any classes.
In FALL there are two available placement exams: 201M (first semester of class piano) and 210J (3rd semester of class piano). Please note that you can not test out of the third semester of class piano unless you have successfully passed both 201M and 201N test out exams. If a student was enrolled in 201M and 201N they must have an A for both semesters in order to attempt the test out exam of 210J (3rd semester). Exceptions to take the tests out of sequence may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Students will automatically pass their piano proficiency exam if they successfully pass the test out exam correlating to the appropriate semester.
- 201N - Piano proficiency 1
- 210K - Piano Proficiency 2.
Exam Details
- Register for your exam via the below link.
- The exam is held in person in MRH 4.182.
- You will be assigned a specific time slot.
- The requirement packet will be emailed to you directly or may be found outside of Dr. Denenburg’s office door at MRH 4.182.
IMPORTANT: On the day of the exam
- Your packet consists of two sections: materials that you should learn prior to the exam day and a list of materials that will be provided during the exam. The goal is to test your understanding and proficiency of the materials for each class level.
- Reading Prima Vista: materials that are provided during the exam. You will be given 15 minutes to practice prior to the exam. That preparation will occur in the Class Piano lab, MRH 4.184, across from Dr. Denenburg’s office. It is your responsibility to arrive early for the exam. For example: if the exam is at 9am, check in at the Class Piano lab at 8:40 and begin your practice at 8:45. You may not have your phone/ text book/ computer/ or any assisting documents open during the exam.
- You are encouraged to play through your prepared materials at least once prior to arriving at the Class Piano lab. Warming up makes a huge difference. Practice rooms are available on the fifth and sixth floors.
- Have all of the materials with you and ready to play. Only a portion of each section will be asked during the exam.
Exam registration
Exam Packets
MUS 201M | 1st Semester Exam Packet
MUS 201N | 2nd Semester Exam Packet
MUS 210J | 3rd Semester Exam Packet
MUS 210k | 4th Semester Exam Packet