Educational Programs

The purpose of the piano examinations is to evaluate a student’s interpretation and memorization of piano pieces and their ability to critically discuss terms, ideas and concepts. Keyboard skills and sightplaying are also evaluated. Each of the 12 levels offers a wide range of repertoire choices. Two pieces are required for the preparatory level, three pieces for Levels 1 and 2, and four for Levels 3-10. At Level 11, the highest level of achievement, students must perform five pieces.

The Keyboard Skills Exam which consists of playing pentascales or scales, chords, and arpeggios may be taken as a separate exam at all levels except Level 11. The Sightplaying Exam may be taken as a separate exam at Levels 1-6. The Sightplaying Exam consists of note, interval and rhythm reading along with performance at sight of two or three short pieces.

Members:  Please log on to the Teacher Resources - Educational Programs page to view program dates and download registration forms.

Parents/Students:  View dates and locations:  MMTA Comprehensive Piano Exams 2012-2013

 

A means to develop keyboard proficiency through ten levels of scales, chords and arpeggios from elementary to advanced levels. Keyboard Skills Exams may be taken as one part of the Comprehensive Piano Syllabus Exam, or as a separate exam.

Members:  Please log on to the Teacher Resources - Educational Programs page to view program dates and download registration forms.

Parents/Students:  View dates and locations: MMTA Keyboard Skills Exams 2012-2013

 

Designed to develop proficiency in playing keyboard music at sight. The program consists of six levels and provides both method books and sample tests to aid preparation for these exams. Sightplaying testing has been incorporated into all levels of the Piano Exams and is a part of all other syllabus exam programs as well. Sightplaying Exams may be taken as one part of the Comprehensive Piano Exam; or as a separate exam.

Members:  Please log on to the Teacher Resources - Educational Programs page to view program dates and download registration forms.

Parents/Students:  View dates and locations:  MMTA Sightplaying Exams 2012-2013

 

These exams evaluate the development of analytical, written, aural and functional keyboard skills, including the ability to transpose, harmonize, and sight-read. In Levels 1-4 students are tested on their ability to write and play major and minor pentatonic scales, major and minor scales and modes, notate rhythmic patterns, sight-read, transpose and accompany a melody. These levels also include rhythmic, interval, chordal and melodic dictation.

At the highest levels, Levels 5 and 6, students must be able to write and transpose a tone row and analyze a short 12-tone piece. They must notate and harmonize a figured bass and four part harmony , provide the analysis of a movement in sonata form and sight-read and transpose a four part score. Finally, this exam includes melodic, rhythmic and two-voice harmonic dictation

Members:  Please log on to the Teacher Resources - Educational Programs page to view program dates and download registration forms.

Parents/Students:  View dates and locations:  MMTA Theory Exams 2012-2013

 

Level XI is the highest level of the MMTA Piano Exams. It is a culmination of a student's studies in the MMTA Piano Program, and an affirmation of accomplishment. Unlike Levels I-X of the Comprehensive Piano Exam, Level XI students must take all three components on the same day, as the exam is only offered once per year in the Spring.

Members:  Please log on to the Teacher Resources - Educational Programs page to view program dates and download registration forms.

Parents/Students:  View dates and locations:  MMTA Comprehensive Piano Exam Level 11    

 

A comprehensive syllabus progressing from elementary to advanced levels is available for voice, woodwind, guitar, organ, cello, viola, and violin, with emphasis on technical skills, theory, sightplaying, and repertoire. Outstanding professionals in these areas continually work to revise and update syllabi, thus providing teachers and students with materials for a comprehensive musical education.

Members:  Please log on to the Teacher Resources - Educational Programs page to view program dates and download registration forms.

Parents/Students:  View dates and locations:

 

Early Childhood Music