Proficiency Test for PCL 102

This proficiency test covers all material from the syllabus for PCL 102, and includes, but is not limited to, Chapters 4—8 (pp.165-356) of Keyboard Musicianship, Book 1, 8th Edition, by Lyke, Caramia, Alexander, and Haydon; (Stipes Publishing Co.). Students who elect to take the proficiency must have a copy of this text—no duplicated material will be allowed.

Note: all playing—from scales to fundamental skills to repertoire—must be at a high musical level, with attention to proper pedaling, steady rhythm, and a sensitivity to tonal color.

When you are ready to take this test, contact Professor Caramia (room 410; tcaramia@esm.rochester.edu)

NOTE:  Everything listed below must be performed in order to pass this proficiency test.

1) Technique:

• C, D, E, G, and A harmonic minor scales, hands together, 2 octaves (fingerings on p. 161, bottom)
• all major and minor white key triad arpeggios, hands together, 2 octaves (major fingerings found on pp. 363-364)
• play any mode (p. 318), 1 octave, hands together, starting on any key, white or black

2) Repertoire:

• perform the pieces found on pp.226-227 (pentatonic scales); p.228 (chromatic scale); p.229 (whole tone scale); and p.230 (blues scale)
• 4 pieces from Keyboard Musicianship, Book 1:
• select 1 solo piece from pp.200-208
• select 1 solo piece from pp.250-257
• select 1 solo piece from pp.292-301
• select 1 solo piece from pp.344-353
• select 1 other solo or duet piece not included in Keyboard Musicianship, Book 1
• play a piano accompaniment to a piece from your major instrument

3) Fundamental Skills:

• chord progressions (must be done with sustaining pedal):
1. p.214 (middle of page:    I-vi-IV-ii-I6/4-V7-I); in 2 major keys other than C
2. p.263 (bottom of page:    I-IV-V7/V7-V7-I); in 2 major keys other than C (3 positions)
3. p.306 (middle of page:    ii-V7-I); memorized
• harmonizations (must be done with sustaining pedal):
1. p.172: prepare both melodies, using keyboard texture (3 notes in RH, single note in LH)
2. pp .218-220: prepare 2 melodies, using keyboard texture (3 notes in RH, single note in LH)
3. prepare chordal style accompaniment, p.283

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