The Piano Proficiency is a graduation requirement for all music majors with the
exception of Piano and Organ Majors. It must be completed in order for students to enter
Junior-Level Theory courses. It is recommended that students complete the Piano
Proficiency at the end of their Sophomore Year. It is also recommended that students
enroll in Class Piano until they have successfully completed the Piano Proficiency.

I. Repertoire: One piece selected from the attached list performed with or without
the music. This selection will also serve as the piece to be transposed.

II. Transposition: Transpose the selected repertoire piece up or down a half-step, or
up or down a fifth.

III. Scales: All major and parallel harmonic minor scales, two octaves, hands
together. See attached scale fingering chart.

IV. Chord Progression: I-IV-I 6/4-V7-I in all keys, major and minor. See attached
chord progression chart.

V. Melody Harmonization: Harmonization of a melody using primary chord
functions (I, IV, and V or V7). Melodies to be harmonized will be made
available two weeks prior to the Piano Proficiency Exam. During the exam the
faculty panel will choose one of the provided melodies for the student to perform.

VI. Sight-Reading: Sight-reading of a selected work at the intermediate level. Pieces
for this portion of the Piano Proficiency will be made available 30 minutes prior
to the exam.

VII. Improvisation: An improvisation over one of the following chord progressions.
The student will play the chord progression twice in a key of their choosing: