Results of evaluations of submitted audition recordings will be posted upon evaluation.

In-person auditions will occur in room 443, 4th floor main building, in late August 2025.

If you have had NO prior piano experience, you were automatically placed in PCL 101 (this is the 1st semester of piano instruction: there is no need to submit a recording).

If you have had some experience and believe you should not be placed in the introductory-level PCL 101 course, you should prepare a recorded audition.  Before doing that, read the Course Objectives below to see what level you might be qualified for.

Your recorded audition should consist of:

• ONE major and/or one minor scale and arpeggio, hands together, 2 octaves (student’s choice of key)
• ONE harmonization of a short melody that uses keyboard style:  3 note chord in RH, single note in LH, with pedal; (see examples for 102/103/104); then select a melody from attached folders.
• a performance of TWO SOLOS in contrasting styles, selected from folders in 102/103/104)

If you have access to a piano or electronic keyboard, please prepare a recording of the above material and upload it within your orientation portal at the bottom of the page under Piano Video Upload, click “Edit Portfolio”

You can make a simple recording with your phone, as there’s no need for a high-quality recording.  You also do not need to worry about the quality of your instrument, as we understand that not everyone will have access to a concert grand piano over the summer – an upright piano, or even an electric keyboard, will suffice.

If you do not have access to a piano, and If you cannot submit a recording in advance we cannot guarantee placement in the appropriate PCL course for the Fall semester, but rest assured you will have plenty of opportunities to take the required courses during your time at Eastman.

Course objectives: PCL 101-104

PCL 101:  students with NO prior training in piano will be placed in PCL 101. Major technical focus: all white key major scales and corresponding arpeggios, 2 octaves, HT Text:  KEYBOARD MUSICIANSHIP, Book 1 (Lyke/Caramia; Stipes Publishing Co.) 11^th edition, 2019

PCL 102:  students with some prior training in piano (see 102 Audition information) Major technical focus: all white key minor scales (all 3 forms) and corresponding arpeggios, 2 octaves, HT; review all white key major scales Text:  KEYBOARD MUSICIANSHIP, Book 1 (Lyke/Caramia; Stipes Publishing Co.) 11^th edition, 2019

PCL 103:  students with 1-2 years of study (see 103 Audition information) Major technical focus: all black key major scales, and corresponding arpeggios 2 octaves, HT; review all white key major and minor scales and arpeggios Text:  KEYBOARD MUSICIANSHIP, Book 2 (Lyke/Caramia; Stipes Publishing Co.) 11^th edition, 2020

PCL 104:  Students with 2 or more years of study (see 104 Audition information) Major technical focus: all black key minor scales (harmonic form) and corresponding arpeggios, 4 octaves, HT; review all black key major scales and arpeggios Text:  KEYBOARD MUSICIANSHIP, Book 2 (Lyke/Caramia; Stipes Publishing Co.) 11^th edition, 2020

If a student feels he or she desires to test out of PCL requirements (through 104 level), the easiest way to proceed is to perform this test for me in person at the beginning of the Fall semester.

Please study the PCL 104 Proficiency.

When ready to take it, contact me to arrange a time (at the beginning of the Fall semester.  If successful, the student will be exempted fro PCL 101-104 and can elect to take PCL 105.

Course objectives:  PCL 105/106

Students with 3 or more years of study should consult 105-106 Course descriptions

PCL 105:  Major technical focus: all major and minor scales and arpeggios up to 3#s, 3bs, 4 octaves, HT; Private lessons focus on 3 pieces: from Baroque, Classic, and Romantic Text:  a scale/arpeggio fingering guide will be provided

PCL 106:  Major technical focus: ALL major and minor scales and arpeggios completed, 4 octaves, HT; Private lessons focus on 3 pieces: from Impressionistic and Contemporary Text:  a scale/arpeggio fingering guide will be provided.

Students with 4 or more years of study—or are at a level above PCL 106—will most likely be exempted from class piano requirements.

Piano Class Placement Results

Results will be e-mailed to you before registration and posted on ESM/Registrar’s home page: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/registrar/ 

During registration for new students, you will then be able to add the appropriate piano class section.

If you are placed in a level you believe is not correct, the option of a Proficiency Test is available

Students with 4 or more years of study—or are at a level above PCL 106—will most likely be exempted from class piano requirements.  If you are in this category and would like to elect further piano study, please  contact Professor Tamari Gurevich Hill regarding Secondary Piano Auditions.

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