Music Progressions

Music Progressions Chairs

Music Progressions: A Comprehensive Musicianship Program for Piano

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Music Progressions 2008

The following locations will be hosting Music Progressions events in the spring of 2008. Unless otherwise noted, entry forms are due one month before the testing date. If you have any questions, contact the chair of your local event or email Nancy Blockcolsky.

District 1
Kansas City MTA
April 4-6
Deadline: February 22nd
Locations: Schmitt Music and Park University
Chair: Kellie Harvey

Northeast Kansas MTA
January 26
Location: Washburn University, Topeka
Chairs: Theresa Lindemann and LeRoy DuBois

District 3
Manhattan Area MTA
April 19
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan
Chair: Nancy Blockcolsky

District 4
Northwest Piano Teachers League
April 19
Location: Colby Community College
Chair: Sharon Kriss

District 4
North Central Kansas Music Teachers League
May 3
Location: Decatur Community High School
Chair: Cheryl Metcalf

District 6
Newton MTA
April 19
Location: Bethel College
Chairs: Carol Klingenberg and Lillian Harms

South Central MTA
April 18-19
Location: Mulvane Christian Church
Chair: Azure Henwood

Wichita Metropolitan MTA
May 3-4
Location: Wichita State University
Chair: Julie Brown

Update for 2008

Last spring, we launched the new version of Music Progressions. We received many positive comments about the revisions, and this year, we will use Set 2 materials for the first time. If you are not familiar with Music Progressions, please check out the Music Progressions portion of the KMTA website. The curriculum guide is available for free download, as well as the Music Progressions Resource Handbook, compiled by Sally Buxton.

Based on the comments by teachers and event chairs, we have made corrections to the Set 1 tests and will use the corrected tests next year for the 2009 events.
If you or your local association are hosting an event this year, please contact Nancy Blockcolsky to receive a complete set of papers. When you make the request, you will receive the following:
* A complete set of Set 2 papers (Set 1 will be used in odd-numbered years; Set 2 will be for even-numbered years)
* The number of copies of the listening CDs you request. For example, if your event has two listening rooms, you may request two sets of the CDs.
* The number of certificates you need for your event.

Please note that the fees for the event changed last year! The fees for Music Progressions are as follows: Levels 1-2: $18.00, Levels 3-10: $20.00. You may use this Music Progressions enrollment form, or you may download it from the KMTA website. Not all districts use this form. Please contact your event chair to find out which form to use.
The overview of the 2006 edition contains important information regarding the new curriculum that is not available elsewhere. If you skipped the overview and went right to the level requirements, you may have missed some key elements. Please read the overview carefully if you haven't already. There are many small details you may need clarified as you prepare students for Music Progressions. Please contact your event chair with questions or contact Nancy Blockcolsky directly. One item which seemed to cause a bit of confusion was the preparation of two forms of the minor scales early on. Please note that if a student prepares D natural minor and D harmonic minor, this counts as one key, not as two. The student should also prepare both forms of the minor scales in another key in order to meet the requirement for two different keys. The facilitator may not necessarily ask for both forms of the minor scale; if time is running short, this is an easy way to save a minute or two.
Also, we have had teachers ask if students can play scales, etc. before their pieces in order to have a chance to get fingers warmed up and play the instrument before having to try the nuances of dynamics, etc. on an unfamiliar piano. Facilitators should be able to accommodate this, provided the student requests it.

Finally, some of the rhythm examples may be extremely difficult (especially at the upper levels) at a metronome marking of quarter equals 72. The goal is for the student to demonstrate an ability to tap a rhythm pattern accurately. 72 should be considered a guideline, but facilitators should be prepared to allow the student to use a slower tempo in complex rhythm patterns.
KMTA Music Progressions received broader recognition in 2007 when Washington State Music Teachers Association requested to purchase the curriculum and tests. After discussion, the KMTA Board decided that we would sell them the curriculum and Set 1 tests, with the option to purchase Set 2 when it is completed. It is exciting that teachers in other states are acknowledging the value of this program that so many teachers have worked so hard to develop. Our organization should be proud to have produced such a quality program which brings such benefit to the students of our state.

New Curriculum Guide 2006 Edition is now available online!

Whether you are new to Music Progressions or have been using it for years, we want to encourage you to take some time to look at the overview for the new Music Progressions Curriculum Guide. It has some very important information about the new edition, including specifics about the changes from the 2006 edition and information about some of the requirements of the different levels.

There is no fee for downloading the curriculum guide. You may download and print any portion(s) of the curriculum guide you wish for use with your students. You will need to use a high quality printer for best results. If you prefer, you may still order a paper copy from Pat Ziegelmeier (see Resources below).

Download Music Progressions Curriculum Overview & Guide (556 KB PDF)

Download Music Progressions Handbook (4.63 MB PDF)

We are working to develop a curriculum for strings as well. When the curriculum is available, we will post a notice on the website.

About Music Progressions

Music Progressions is designed to be a suggested curriculum of independent music study. This curriculum is coupled with an annual evaluation sponsored by KMTA local associations and/or groups of KMTA teachers.

This noncompetitive program consists of ten progressive levels. Each level requires proficiency in performance, music terminology, rhythm and pulse development, sight-playing, scales, written theory, and ear-training. Students may enter any level. Participation is not based on year in school or years of music study. The test provides a music event evaluating the progressive growth of ALL students - those studying music as a hobby as well as those aspiring to enter the music world professionally.

Many teachers find that they are already teaching the concepts contained in the curriculum. Music Progressions simply keeps the teacher and student accountable for learning the concepts in a progressive and timely manner. Music Progressions provides valuable feedback for teachers, students, and parents through a written evaluation and individual scores in each area. Students also receive a certificate of participation.

Resources

The requirements for each of the levels are outlined in the Music Progressions Curriculum Guide, which can be obtained for $10 (or, download for free). Also available is the Music Progressions Resource Handbook. This book helps teachers prepare their students for the event and can be purchased for $12. To order, make checks payable to KMTA and mail to:

Pat Ziegelmeier
2154 County Rd. 27
Gem, KS 67734

Download Music Progressions Enrollment Form (35 KB PDF)

Download Music Progressions Curriculum Overview & Guide (529 KB PDF)

Download Music Progressions Handbook (4.63 MB PDF)