Welcome to MSU Department of Music! This information is for all transferred students who have taken piano lessons or piano classes (minimum of four semesters) at your college, you are eligible to attempt the Piano Proficiency Exam prior to the beginning of the semester. For more information about the exam and materials please visit: https://www.music.msstate.edu/files/PPE%204-18%20revised%20form.pdf.

It shouldn’t take but 15 minutes for each person to take the exam. It will be administered on Tuesday, August 16 in my office (in the new music building) from 9:00-11:00 am. Here is a video with more information about how to prepare: https://www.facebook.com/msstatemusic/videos/1420936791738966. The site may ask you to download the video to watch it.

Here is the sign up site: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RA9cwTBVvH6R2FqOviy5xRdoDt3fknjG8-9TSqiQFzI/edit?usp=sharing. Please sign up for one slot - 15 minutes, only.

What to prepare?

1. Prepared work (does not need to be memorized and you should bring the score with you)
2. Major 5-note scales (hands together, chromatically ascending; choral warm-ups)
3. Scales and Arpeggios (major and harmonic minor, 2 octaves, hands together or separate)
4. Primary Major and Minor Chord Progressions: I – IV – V – I (hand together, all keys)
5. Improvisation (a lead sheet will be given in a key, time signature and chord inversions)
6. Sight-Reading (a score will be given)
7. Transposition (a score will be given)

The group piano sequence adopted the Alfred’s Group Piano for Adults Books 1 and 2, but if you are preparing for the Piano Proficiency only, please use the 2nd Edition, Book 2.
https://www.amazon.com/Alfreds-Group-Piano-Adults-Lancaster/dp/B00BUFLRVK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HRXKMJIH9584&keywords=alfred+group+piano+book+2&qid=1657378839&sprefix=alfred+group+piano+book+2%2Caps%2C64&sr=8-1

Please contact Dr. Sebba at rys3@colled.msstate.edu if you have any questions. I will be happy to set up a WebEx meeting to address your specific questions.