The Program | NYSMTA District 12

Student Achievement Program Testing Areas

1) Technique

Students must be able to play scales, chords and inversions, cadences, and arpeggios.
A technique piece (study, etude) is required. The choice should demonstrate the students command of the required keyboard skills. It need not be memorized.
Keep in mind that technique levels and theory levels correspond with each other and each level builds on previous knowledge.
Technique Requirements

2) Sight-Reading
Each student will be asked to sight-read a short piece which will be 2 levels lower than their technique level. They should be able to observe the notation, rhythm, dynamics, and mood of the piece.

3) Music Appreciation

A short talk or report must be presented.
The topic can be a piece, opera, ballet, concert, composer, instrument, or historical period. An original composition, theory game, or computer program may be substituted for the talk. An original composition must be accompanied by some form of written notation. The three areas listed above are all part of the technique exam.

4) Theory

The written theory test is given by each teacher in their own studio. Keep in mind that technique levels and theory levels correspond with each other and each level builds on previous knowledge.
Theory Requirements

5) Performance of Repertoire
Two or three pieces must be played by memory

A) In the Elementary level, the three pieces must be from three different composers, showing three different styles.
B) In the Intermediate and Advanced level, the two or three pieces must be from two or three different historical periods:

Baroque 1600-1749; Classical 1750-1819;
Romantic/Impressionistic 1820-1920; Twentieth Century 1900-present

No photocopies will be allowed unless special circumstances require it. No simplifications or transcriptions will be allowed.
Repertoire Guidelines

LEADING TONES

Leading Tones is a special honors division of the Student Achievement program for students in school grades 10-12. Leading Tones students perform at a level significantly above the average student. Even though Leading Tones is non-competitive, there will be some students participating who are competition level. All students will be adjudicated against a higher standard than non-Leading Tones.

There are two levels of Leading Tones: Early Advanced and Advanced. Any level high school student may be either Advanced or Early Advanced
There will be two judges from outside the district. If unusual circumstances warrant; local judges may be used.
Only those students who received a cumulative score of 94 will be eligible for a plaque. Their composite score (theory, technique, and performance) will determine their final score. Special Leading Tones certificates will be granted to all participants.
Technique level for Early Advanced must be at least Piano 8 and for Advanced at least Piano 10.
Theory level for Early Advanced must be at least Level 4 and at least level 6 for Advanced.
Repertoire requirements: Students must play three memorized pieces at the early advanced or advanced levels selected from three of the five periods or styles: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic or Twentieth/Twenty-first Centuries. Repertoire levels will be guided by levels 7-8 for Early Advanced and levels 9-10 for Advanced as listed in The Pianist's Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature by Jane Magrath (Alfred Publishing Company). This book may be ordered through any music store or mail order music company.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

For Teachers:

To provide a teaching agenda/guideline to follow.
To provide reinforcement of teacher’s comments and guidance on areas needing attention.
To encourage a continually expanding knowledge of music and music teaching.

For Students:

To provide an overall evaluation of performance, technique, theory, and music appreciation.
To provide a focus or goal for the year’s study.
To encourage their growth in music appreciation, and a deepening awareness of the culture and background of different styles and composers.

AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES

The Student Achievement Program is NOT a competitive event, but rather an evaluation of the student’s progress. Nevertheless, students do like to receive tangible recognition for their efforts. Therefore the committee presents each student who participates with a certificate. Those students who do the entire program receive a gold medallion adhered to their certificate.

The Leading Tones receive a different color certificate with a gold medallion adhered and different color ribbons to denote Early Advanced or Advanced. Those students who do the full program will have an extra gold medallion adhered to their certificate, and may be eligible for a plaque depending on their final composite score.

Each year a student’s score will be recorded. For performance only students, their repertoire grade will be recorded. For students completing the full program, the average of their repertoire exam, theory exam and technique exam will be recorded. When a student accumulates 280 points they will receive a composer statuette. Any points over 280 will be carried over to the next year.