PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Progress: The student must make satisfactory progress in the chosen private study, and elected musicology class over the course of each term. Each student may proceed at his or her own pace, but in general a student should complete each level within one year. Students who repeatedly fail classes or take too long to complete the material at the assigned level may be asked to withdraw from the institute.

Advancement: The student’s advancement to the next level is determined by successful completion of all the required materials at the current level. In addition to the technique, repertoire and performance requirements specified by department for each instrument, the student must complete the following musicology courses at each level prior to advancement. If a student fails a required musicology course, it must be retaken. Optional musicology courses do not have to be retaken, provided that the student has completed enough courses as required by the level.

Performances: Each student must perform at least once each year at a recital or competition, after completion of two terms or 6 months of lessons. The student must perform a different repertoire piece at each recital appearance, but may perform a repeat piece if it is the second piece and has not been performed previously by the student at the same venue (PPTA or KMI). Students are encouraged to perform at each KMI sponsored recital as well as any outside recitals available. Participation in a competition counts as a performance, but juried evaluations do not. Students beyond Level 8 are encouraged to perform at least twice each year. (See Performance for more information on recitals, ensembles, competitions and other performance opportunities).

Juried Evaluations: Many professional organizations provide programmed evaluations for young musicians. They are conducted by outside teachers, and they grade the students against a syllabus or standards guideline. All KMI piano students are required to participate in the Pittsburgh Piano Teachers Assocation (PPTA) Evaluations (in May each year). Students of other instruments will be required to participate in similar evaluations programs as the KMI faculty become aware of them, and take the necessary steps to make our students eligible for participation.

Required Musicology Courses: For each level of the Music Appreciation Program only two courses in musicology are required. Since there are three terms in the year, the student is free to take one additional elective course. The student may choose to take the second semester of one of the required first semester courses, or may take a special elective as is offered by the department.

Ensemble: All non-piano students are required to participate in at least one large ensemble each year. This may be the school chorus, band or orchestra, or a city-wide ensemble such as the Pittsburgh Sinfonietta. Each student must consult with her or his teacher about selecting the appropriate ensemble. Piano students who are not studying a secondary instrument are strongly encouraged to participate in the school chorus.

Studio Class: All students in the Music Appreciation and Young Artist Programs share in a monthly studio class. Groups of students are organized by level, with a limit of 10 per class. Students are required to attend 4 studio classes each term, and are required to perform at studio class at least once per term. If a student cannot attend a scheduled studio class, they can make it up by attending one of the classes at the next level, but they must perform at the studio class of their current level.

Instrument: All students must have a working instrument in their home on which they can practice. String students must have a working instrument that is the appropriate size, and it must be replaced as the student grows. Piano students must have a real acoustic piano (upright or grand), or a digital piano with full size keys, all 88 keys, touch sensitivity, weighted keys, and a working “damper” style pedal. Any student who wishes to participate in competitions at the Junior or Senior levels, must have an acoustic piano. Acoustic pianos must be maintained, and tuned at least once each year.

Other Equipment: The student must have a a music caring case, a metronome, and if applicable a music stand and mirror. The faculty will advise parents of other important items to have according to the instrument.