My teaching is informed by the particular curriculum described below. There is an optional annual yearly testing process that many students participate in, but whether or not a student chooses to take the test, much of what the student studies will resemble this course of study.

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Illinois State Music Teachers' Association's Achievement in Music program (AIM) is a nationally recognized curriculum that focuses on comprehensive musicianship skills. As students progress from beginning through advanced levels, they receive a rich training in piano performance , technique, and music theory, including aural skills.

 

Students at all levels learn to identify, to hear, and to understand the uses of chords and keys (harmony), to recognize commonly used musical forms (analysis), to sight read, and to improvise from a lead sheet. 

 

REQUIREMENTS 

AIM is an exciting and motivating program that helps develop students who perform musically and understand music theory. Technique, repertoire and theory are essential components of AIM. There are twelve levels in the program with Level I subdivided into three parts. Students generally prepare one level each year and demonstrate their competency at yearly exams. At Levels IA, IB, IC, and II, theory technique and repertoire requirements are evaluated at one exam, usually held in March.

 

At Levels III and above, theory skills are evaluated at a separate exam usually held in February. The theory exam must be passed before the performance exam is taken.

 

Students benefit by having specific goals at every level and teachers and parents appreciate an independent evaluation of the student's progress. Students are not in competition against other students, but are judged individually on their own performances.

 

Upon passing each level, students receive a certificate and pin. Special recognition is granted after level IX. 

 

HISTORY

The AIM program was originally influenced by the syllabus used by the Minnesota Music Teachers' Association. The Illinois State Music Teachers' Association adopted the Minnesota Piano and Theory Syllabus in 1974. In 1978 a new Illinois syllabus was written using that syllabus as a guide.

 

The piano repertoire was reorganized in 1982, and the entire program rewritten in the year 2000. The revised AIM curriculum is recognized by several universities and is gaining recognition nationwide.