Graduate Piano Proficiency

Dr. Michelle Conda, Coordinator

Sign up on bulletin board across from MEH 5221. Sign up will be available for 2 weeks before the examination, and will be removed 3 days before the proficiency.

48 hour advanced preparation pieces can be picked up in the Music Education office down the hall from your sign up sheet. Monday's proficiency--pick up on Friday.

Information about the proficiency can be found on the same bulletin board. Proficiency dates can be found in your Orientation Schedule.

The proficiency is offered once a year and only upon entering your graduate program. It is an entrance examination, and only taken once.

You are required to enter the appropriate class after taking the proficiency.

If you completed your undergraduate degree at CCM, you are exempt from the graduate proficiency if you enter the parallel graduate program. See Dr. Conda if this is your situation.

General Information

• The proficiency must be passed in entirety to be exempt from piano secondary.
• If you feel you are incapable of playing the Graduate Piano Proficiency Examination, sign up for the appropriate class or private lesson, starting your first quarter in CCM
• If you choose or are placed in piano lessons/classes, you must take FALL, WINTER, SPRING--and in this order--of the classes. You cannot start in mid-year.
• If you fail to show up for the proficiency, you must sign up for the appropriate class or lesson that takes the place of the proficiency this year.

Course Placement if you do not take proficiency or do not pass it.

MM/DMA voice or instrument: 16-PIAN-820-section 2 and up

MM/DMA/PhD Musicology, Composition, and Theory : 16-PIAN-820-001. Fall=private lessons. Sign up for your lesson time by the teaching room, Mary Emery Hall 5223. Winter=Keyboard Skills class. Spring=private lessons

Conducting: same requirements as Musicology, Composition, and Theory

Music Education: Sign up for 16-PIAN-820-001. Come to the 16-PIAN-220-004 class.

Proficiency Requirements

Your degree program determines your requirements. See the attachment for your particular situation.

Suggested Repertoire

Each department within CCM has different repertoire requirements. Please check your specific requirements style memorization, level and number of pieces.

This list is a guideline only. Use Jane Magrath's "The Pianist's Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature" to see if your repertoire is the proper level. When in doubt, contact Dr. Conda for clarification.

The Jane Magrath "Masterworks Classics" series are properly graded and can be used for your repertoire. They are an Alfred publication, and available at libraries and retail music stores.

Scale Fingerings--helpful hints
Standard scale fingerings are expected.

Transposition--helpful hints

Direct questions and concerns to Dr. Conda.