Performance Exams: 10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Performance Exam?

For the Performance Exam, students prepare 3 pieces from their level, selecting one piece from Repertoire List 1, one piece from List 2, and one piece from List 3.

2. Are the Performance Exams online? What repertoire is used?

The Performance Exams are online and support the colorful repertoire and expressive artistry of the Piano Adventures curriculum.

• Repertoire is drawn from the Piano Adventures Method Books:

Lesson
Performance
Technique & Artistry
Gold Star Performance

• Various PreTime to BigTime Books are included.
• Classical original form music is supported with The Developing Artist Library: Preparatory Piano Literature leading to Piano Literature Books 1, 2, 3, and 4. Also Sonatina Books 1, 2, 3, and 4, among other offerings.

3. Is it possible to play a duet for a List 3 piece?

Yes. Students and teachers have the option to submit a four-hand duet for the List 3 piece.

Duets are fun, with a rich piano tradition!

• Coach comments are written only for the student’s part.
• When preparing a Video duet, aim for the student to be in full camera view.
• Generally, the teacher plays the duet. However, if a sibling, parent or another student can play the Duet with confidence, this is welcome!

4. How many pieces are in Lists 1, 2, and 3 for the core books?

There is a vast array of pieces from the Piano Adventures Library for the List 3 Student Choice! Each level includes over 100 different pieces of various styles and genres for students to select just the right piece for them. Choose from the:

Piano Adventures Method Books
PreTime to BigTime Series
Once Upon a Rainbow Books 1, 2, 3
Developing Artist Literature Books
Developing Artist Sonatina Books, plus more!

Please visit the Exam Repertoire Lists to learn more.

5. Do Performance Exam pieces need to be memorized?

There is no requirement to memorize pieces. Students are welcome to play using their music or play from memory. The focus is on a musical performance!

6. How are the Performance Exams graded?

Each Performance piece will be evaluated on these 5 categories by a Piano Adventures Exam Coach. Coaching is gentle, helpful, and positive.

Each category has 3 ratings:

• Excellent
• Very good
• Developing

Students receive Exam Comments that offer positive reinforcement for each piece, written by a Piano Adventures Exam Coach.

7. When are the results of the Performance Exam available?

Results of the Performance Exam will be posted in the dashboards of the Student, Parent/Guardian, and Teacher within 28 days of the successful submission of all 3 Performance pieces.

8. What is the fee for the Performance Exam?

The fee for the Performance Exam is $50.
The fee for the Theory Exam is $20.

When both Exams are taken, a discounted fee of $60 is offered.
This fee structure applies to all Primer, Level 1, Level 2A, and Level 2B Exams.

9. What is THE BRAVO BOARD for Performance students?

• Any student’s performance of a List 1, 2, or 3 piece that displays particularly noteworthy artistic expression, splendid technique, rhythmic confidence, and more may be nominated to The Bravo Board. This is the area of the Piano Adventures Exam website that celebrates the “bravo moments” in student performances.
• Performance Champs are featured on The Bravo Board for one year. At the end of one year, the posting is removed. Students may be recognized again at each higher level!

Note: Parent/Guardian permission is required for any students to be featured on
The Bravo Board. Permission is granted via the dashboard on the Exam Account.

10. Can a student be on The Bravo Board for both Theory and Performance?

Yes! A student can be on The Bravo Board for both Theory and Performance Exams.