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          MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. MIDI is a digital communications language created specifically for transmitting musical information between electronic musical instruments (keyboards, drum modules, synthesisers, etc.) and computers. MIDI is widely used in the music industry by composers and arrangers as a musical sketchpad for new work, creating finished music productions, and preparing scores for musicians. It can also be used to facilitate musical theory and aural skills lessons and drills using computers connected to musical keyboards (just one of the many applications technology has in the instruction of music).

We currently offer several ways to learn about MIDI and  audio media production in the UALR Music Department:

• · Intro to MIDI (MUAP2254 sec01): This is a two-hour class offered both Fall and Spring semesters. This class covers the basic set of MIDI commands and MIDI sequencing.
• · Intro to Digital Audio (MUAP2254 sec02): This two-hour class is also offered both Fall and Spring semesters. Intro to MIDI is a pre-requisite. This class buildings on the skills developed in the MIDI class, adding material on the recording and processing of audio tracks in addition to MIDI.
• · Private MIDI lessons (MUPRXX17): This allows a student to take individual instruction in MIDI like any other musical instrument. It can be taken for one or two credit hours at either the 1000, 2000,  3000 or 5000 level.

• If you have not had any experience with MIDI before, we strongly advise enrolling in the Intro to MIDI class first. If you already have some experience with MIDI or using computers to create or transcribe music, contact the instructor by e-mail (mwheavner@ualr.edu) to find out about taking private lessons in MIDI /digital audio. Include detailed information about your previous work with MIDI, and what you want to accomplish by taking MIDI lessons.

Guidelines

Initially, all 5 portions of the examination must be taken in one jury hearing. Any failed portion(s) may be repeated no sooner than the scheduled examination time the following semester. Functional skills examinations will be scheduled for the last Friday of classes during the Spring and Fall semesters. Anyone who will be unable to take the examination at that time should contact Dr. Pike by the 5 th week of classes during the semester in which they plan on taking the examination for an alternate exam time.

Requirements

1. Scales and Pentascales :

A. All Major Scales (2 octaves, hands together)

B. All Harmonic Minor Scales that begin on white keys 

C. All Major Pentascales (hands together)

D. All Minor Pentascales that begin on white keys (hands together)

Students will be required to play any scales(s), requested by the examiner, from the list above. All scales must be played in eighth notes with a minimum tempo of quarter note = 60. Standard fingering is expected. More than one incorrect note in three attempts will constitute failure in this area. Students must pass parts A, B, C, and D for successful completion of this category.

2. Chords:

A. All major and minor triads (from the keys listed above), in root position, 1 st , and 2 nd inversions. Hands together.

B. Basic I-IV 6/4 -I-V 6/5 -I or i - iv 6/4 -i-V 6/5 -i in the keys listed above. Hands together.

Chord progressions are to be played with a steady tempo at a minimum speed of quarter note = 50 (each chord played as a quarter note). Correct fingering is expected. There should be no more than one incorrect note in three attempts for each chord progression that is requested during the exam.

3. Sight Reading :

Students must play a selection, chosen by the examiner, at sight. Students may take a maximum of one minute to examine silently the score. Then they must play the piece successfully within one additional minute. A maximum of three errors (incorrect notes or rhythm) per example are allowed. Examples showing the approximate level of difficulty may be found on page 3 of this packet.

4. Harmonization:

The student will be expected to harmonize a given melody with two different styles of left hand accompaniment. The student may play the melody once before harmonizing it. No more than three mistakes will be permitted in two attempts per accompaniment style.

Initially, the student will be expected to harmonize a simple, diatonic melody using the appropriate “blocked chord” accompaniment. Then, the student will be asked to harmonize the same melody with a different accompaniment. Students may choose from waltz bass, arpeggiated bass, broken bass, or another appropriate style.

5. Repertoire:

Perform, from memory, a piano composition that has been prepared. The composition should be between a level 5-7 . See Jane Magrath's The Pianist's Guide to the Standard Teaching and Performance Literature (or Dr. Pike) for specific guidelines and suggestions on the appropriate level of repertoire.

Students will be graded Pass or Fail by the examiner on correct notes, rhythmic accuracy, appropriate style, dynamics, tempo, articulation, memory, and other appropriate aspects musicianship during the piano performance.

 Sight Reading Examples

( examples show approximate level of difficulty only)

   Harmonization Example

( an example of a melody to be harmonized by the left hand)

Piano Functional Examination Requirements – Revised January 2002

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UALR Music Department
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
2801 South University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204 Phone: (501) 569-3294
Email: mudept@ualr.edu