THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP (AURAL SKILLS) PROFICIENCY EXAMS - Exams are not mandatory but may only be taken once. Music Theory and Musicianship Exams are primarily for new and transfer students. Please see the "Theory & Musicianship Proficiency Exam Info" link below for detailed information.
Fall 2026
Tuesday, August 25: Music Theory Core (MUS 101, 102, 201, 202)
Fishbowl, Room 0359 **note location change** from 7:00 to 10:00 pm
Fall 2026 Theory Proficiency Exam Sign-Up Sheet
Wednesday, August 26: Musicianship I and II (Aural Skills) (MUS 107 and 108)
Music Building Auditorium, Room 1030, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm
Fall 2026 Musicianship Proficiency Exam Sign-Up Sheet
Click here for the Theory & Musicianship Proficiency Exam Info
PIANO PROFICIENCY/PLACEMENT EXAMS - Music Students Only
Fall 2026
Exam requirements can be found in the links at the bottom of this page. Ensure that you have the updated version of the textbook: Keyboard Musicianship: Piano for Adults (Book One or Two, 11th edition) by Lyke, Caramia, Haydon, and Chioldi.
It is strongly encouraged to carefully look through the proficiency exam information materials posted below. The exam is based on all of the skills listed on the proficiency exam materials, and it is necessary to prepare the specific items listed on those documents. Students are expected to bring their own copy of the piano proficiency text or a tablet/laptop for accessing the exam materials. These resources will not be provided during the exam.
Proficiency credit in MUS 173 does not automatically give credit for MUS 172. Separate exams must be completed for credit in both courses.
Exam Days/Times
- Friday, August 28, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 3, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Location: Prof. Christos Tsitsaros’s office, Smith 104.
Piano Proficiency Exam Sign Up
If you cannot make the exam days/times, or no times are available, email Prof. Tsitsaros at ctsitsar@illinois.edu.
MUS 172 Proficiency Exam Materials
MUS 172 Proficiency Exam Materials (Uses Book One, 11th edition)
MUS 172 Test Content – For Piano Proficiency Exam Use Only
MUS 173 Proficiency Exam Materials
MUS 173 Proficiency Exam Materials (Uses Book One, 11th edition)
MUS 173 Test Content – For Piano Proficiency Exam Use Only
MUS 174 Proficiency Exam Materials
MUS 174 Proficiency Exam Materials (Uses Book Two, 11th edition)
MUS 174 Test Content – For Piano Proficiency Exam Use Only
MUS 175 Proficiency Exam Materials
MUS 175 Proficiency Exam Materials (Uses Book Two, 11th edition)
MUS 175 Test Content – For Piano Proficiency Exam Use Only