A message from Tony Caramia,
Coordinator of the Class Piano Program and Professor of Piano
Congratulations to TAs: Xinyi Zeng (DMA 2) and Xinyue Scarlett Zheng (DMA 1) who will participate in the MTNA National Conference in Chicago, IL. Their presentation will be held on Monday, March 23, 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM in the Indiana/Iowa/Michigan/Michigan State Room at the MTNA , and is entitled “How We Utilize Technology at Eastman to Improve the Class Piano Experience” It will demonstrates innovative teaching strategies and technology-assisted approaches that promote efficient learning and effective skill development in group piano classes., through the use of Piano Marvel©, an app installed at the beginning of the Fall 2025 school year in our Piano Lab.
Our piano lab uses the system–Yamaha MLC-200 Music Lab Controller to coordinate instruction. The piano lab (room 443) has 14 keyboards, a large touch-screen monitor, with overhead and side cameras.
We are using the online program called Piano Marvel to improve the sight reading skills of all PCL students.
NOTE: Students bring a laptop or iPad to class.
If you wish to test out of your current PCL level, you can take a proficiency test. If you successfully pass this in-person playing exam, you will be given credit on your transcript (but of course, no grade).
This link: Proficiency Tests has the proficiency tests for all levels. When you are ready, contact me. There is no time limit other than if you wish to enroll in the next higher level of PCL, you don’t want to have missed too many classes.
As always, if you have any questions, please contact me: tcaramia@esm.rochester.edu
For a view of the two labs used at Eastman, as well as short clips from previous piano classes, click on Piano Fun at Eastman
site updated 3/13/26