YSU Dana School of Music Keyboard Profic iency Exam

Exams will be administered during the first two days of final week in each spring semester. For

incoming/transferred students, exams are available in the first three days of the semester.*

Text: Lancaster, E. L., and Renfrow, Kenon D. Alfred's Group Piano for Adults: Student Book 2, 2nd ed.

California: Alfred Publishing Company, 2004.

Repertoire** (40 points)

1-2. Two prepared solo pieces to be selected from the works designated as Solo Repertoire in the

Alfred's Group Piano for Adults: Student Book 2. These can be viewed on p. 400 of the

appendix. Music Education majors must perform either “Star Spangled Banner” or “My Country

‘Tis of Thee” as one of the solo repertoire. In the case of a simplified 4-voice version, students

must provide a four-bar introduction. Other pieces permitted only with approval of the keyboard

musicianship coordinator.

Memory not required.

Technique and Chord Progression (50 points)

3. Scales and Arpeggios – Major and (harmonic) Minor (MM 76-88= a quarter note) in quarter notes,

two octaves, ascending and descending. Hands together.

The student will be asked to play a selection of major, and harmonic minor scales and arpeggios. All twelve

of the major and all twelve of the minor are possibilities to be tested. Fingerings must be correct and can be

found on pages 390-391 of the appendix.

Chord Progressions - Any key is an option for all chord progressions.

4. Primary Chord progression: I - IVw - I - Ve - I and i - iv w - i - Ve - i. The student will play with both hands together as shown on p. 53.

5. I - IV – V7/V - V7 - I - This progression should be played as shown on the bottom section of p. 105

Harmonizat ion (15 points)

6. The student will harmonize a melody in any key selected from the harmonization examples given 48 hours in advance. The use of jump bass, waltz bass, or alberti bass will be demonstrated to receive a full credit. Chord symbols on your book are acceptable at the exam, but not spelling of chords. (Ex. GM or V is acceptable. Not “G-B-D”)

A Harmonization will be equivalent to those listed in the "Harmonizations" section p. 401 of the appendix.

For practice, it is recommended that one practice the chord progressions in the left hand well, especial ly

the primary tr iads. Demonstration of secondary dominant chords will also be evaluated.

Score Reading** (15 points)

7. The student will prepare one of the following excerpts: “ Dies Irae,” p. 202; "Celestial Music,"

p. 218; " The Carnival of Venice," p. 193; "Agnus Dei,” p. 278, Symphony No. 7," p. 244; or

"Quartet in D Minor," p. 333.

Other excerpts permitted only with approval of the keyboard musicianship coordinator. Be prepared to

perform parts and/or an individual part.

Students may use their own music with minimal notes or a c lean school copy provided at

the profic iency. No transcript ions, reduct ions, or outs ide v isual a ids may be used!

Accompaniment** (15 points)

8. The student will perform with a partner one of the following pieces: “Heidenröslein,” p. 169 (no

repeats); “Take Me out to the Ball Game,” p. 155; “A Touch of Blue,” p. 382; or another selection

comparable in level of difficulty.

Total: 150 points Time limit: 20 minutes

* Incoming/transferred students may also be asked to sight-read 8-16 bar music and/or sight-read an

accompaniment part.

** Musical selections may vary each year. Contact the Keyboard Musicianship Coordinator, Dr. Cicilia Yudha, cyudha@ysu.edu, for more information.

Updated April 2014