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For Members > Achievement in Music (AIM) Achievement in Music (AIM)
ISMTA ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC (AIM) EXAMS General Information for Parents and Students Each year piano as well as voice students from all over Illinois participate in the Achievement in Music (AIM) exams which are sponsored by the Illinois State Music Teachers Association (ISMTA). In the piano exams, there are fourteen levels of difficulty which begin with the five finger patterns and elementary pieces in Level IA and culminate, for the dedicated student, with advanced technic and repertoire in Level XII. At each level, requirements in theory and performance have been carefully planned. Students in Levels IA, IB and IC take an exam which includes technic, sight reading and transposition, aural skills, and the performance of two memorized pieces. A written exam and the harmonization of melodies are added to the exams in Levels II through XII. The performance exam concentrates on technic (scales, chord progressions and inversions, and arpeggios) and the performance of pieces from a flexible repertoire list. At least two pieces must be memorized. If the particular level requires more than two pieces, bonus points are awarded for any additional memory work. The non-competitive nature of this exam makes it a valuable performance experience. There is no first place rating and scores are not published. Friendly judges offer constructive criticism and encouragement in the rating sheets. Often students are more relaxed during the AIM exam than during a large recital because there are only two people in the room during the exam-the student and the judge. Being involved in the AIM program of study is important because it gives the student attainable goals to work toward each year. The material gets progressively more difficult with each new level which gives the student a concrete tool with which to measure progress. These exams also equip the student who decides to make a career in music by providing a strong foundation for further study. Regardless of the career choice, performing and understanding music is a gift for a lifetime that benefits the individual and society. Students who pass the exams receive a certificate, award pin and the written feedback from the judge. After successful participation the first time, the student also receives a medal with a ribbon on which to display the award pin from different exam levels when completed. As an incentive to continue participating in the exams, students passing Levels VIII and above (with an average score of 80 or above between the theory and performance exams) will be awarded additional merit prizes. The AIM exams in our area are held on Sundays at Harper College. Level I-II exams (fee of $15) are given in November. For Levels III-XII (fee of $17), the theory exam takes place in February followed by the performance exam in March. Requests before the registration deadline for morning or afternoon times can usually be accommodated. Of course, the material to be judged is introduced to students long before that, usually as a part of their regular lessons. As a long-range program of study, the ISMTA AIM program is an excellent guide. Participants come away each year with a feeling of accomplishment and with their sights set on the goal of returning next year! Revised 2008
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