School of Music

Secondary Piano Program

Secondary Piano Overview

This is a required sequence for music majors whose primary instrument is not the piano or organ to acquire the requisite keyboard skills deemed necessary by NASM and school of music degree requirements.

For B.S. in Music Business & Entrepreneurship students, you are only required to take Secondary Piano 1 and 2 of this sequence.  

Fall: Secondary Piano 1 (MVK 1111) and 3 (MVK 2221)

Spring: Secondary Piano 2 (MVK 1112) and 4 (MVK 2222), plus one section of Secondary Piano 1 (MVK 1111)

Summer B: TBA

Placement Test for New Students

If you have little or no previous piano experience, you do not need to take the test and will be placed automatically in Secondary Piano 1 (MVK 1111). 

WHY: If you have studied piano seriously for more than three to four years, or your instructor has spotted your potential for being placed at a higher level after the first class*.

*Please do not miss the first class.  

WHEN: Before the add/drop deadline and during the specifically assigned time listed on the right. 

HOW: Sign up for a time on the bulletin board next to MUB350 and prepare the required materials:

Piano 1

Piano 2

Piano 3

Piano 4 

*Piano 4 must prepare all technical components (scales, arpeggios, chord progressions, etc.) of Piano 1-3, unless you have tested or passed Piano 3. 

Testing Out for Current Students (only one attempt)

WHY: After enrolling in a Secondary Piano course(s), you may make one attempt to skip a level or test out of the entire Secondary Piano sequence. This must be done after the instructor's approval. 

WHEN: Before add/drop or during the last week of classes but before the first day of final exam week in both semesters. 

EXCEPTION (for Fall 2024 only): Students who have enrolled in at least one Secondary Piano course in the 2023-2024 school year or students who have taken a testing out exam before Fall 2024 may take one more test before the add/drop deadline of the Fall 2024 semester. This will be your last attempt. 

HOW: Contact Dr. Tu after obtaining the instructor's approval to schedule a time. Prepare the materials according to the overview and materials above.  Note: this is separate from any tests/exams in the class you are currently enrolled in. You must still pass your current class. 

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