PAMTA is the local affiliate of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association. The objective of this group is to Encourage and exchange of ideas in the field; to Enrich the love and understanding of music; and to Elevate the standards of teaching music by recognizing the experience, training, and challenge necessary for professional growth.

AIM (Achievement in Music)

 

Coordinator – Pam Eyerly

ISMTA has developed a non-competitive audition program for students of piano and theory.  As the students progress year by year from beginning through advanced levels, they receive a rich training in performance and theory.  Recognized nationally as a superior program for the development of comprehensive musicianship, the yearly evaluation provides your students with the opportunity for goal setting and the rewards of musical accomplishment. Even if you choose not to enroll your students in the audition, AIM materials may prove valuable – the repertoire manual lists multiple sources when available and categorizes music according to grade level and musical period.

What? An examination system covering twelve levels for piano.  Theory exams include sight reading, ear training, harmonization, and written exams.  Performance exams include demonstration of technique skills and performance of pieces.

Why? This provides teachers with guidelines in establishing curriculum. In addition to setting standards by which student achievement may be recognized and evaluated, it develops disciplined practice habits.  Provides accountability for both teacher and student.

When? Theory exams for Levels III – XII are administered in the fall.  Performance exams, which include theory for level I and II, are administered in the spring.

Where? Your choice of sites: Saturday a.m. at Bradley University or Sunday p.m. at  Illinois Central College Campus Map

How?

  1. Contact the AIM Coordinator with initial questions. Pam Eyerly
  2. Purchase an AIM Syllabus and read it thoroughly and list any questions regarding anything that is unclear.
  3. Meet privately with an experienced AIM teacher who will answer your questions, or attend an AIM workshop if there is one.
  4. Volunteer to help as a hostess/timer or with scheduling, etc. to familiarize yourself with the process.
  5. Come to the judges meetings to observe and become familiar with the examination forms and procedures.
  6. Choose 2 or 3 motivated students to begin with and get started!

Information Sheet 24-25

                   2024 – Theory Exams – November 16 & 17                         

Register before October 19, 2024

It is PAMTA’s policy that teachers collect fees from their students and make one single payment to PAMTA .

AIM Teacher Sign Up 2024 Theory

Theory Exam Enrollment Saturday 11_16_24

Theory Exam Enrollment Sunday 11_17_24

Forms:

Score Sheets

Maps

Other

Sample Written Test

Technique Examples