Achievement in Music (AIM) Piano Exams

The Achievement in Music (AIM) program is a comprehensive, leveled curriculum developed by the Illinois State Music Teachers Association (ISMTA). This non-competitive event is designed to foster success for piano students at every level. Each year, students are evaluated by a judge (a fellow NSMTA teacher) and receive a score, written feedback, and awards in recognition of their achievement.

NSMTA AIM Coordinators:

2026 AIM Dates & Deadlines

Choose your student’s level to see the dates that apply.

Levels 1–2

Theory and performance are completed together in one exam.

Exam date
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Exam periods
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
1:00–4:00 PM
Registration period
TBD
Location
Music Institute of Chicago, Winnetka
300 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093
View Full AIM Dates (PDF)

About the AIM Program

AIM is a 12-level curriculum designed to develop comprehensive musicianship. Exam format and requirements vary by level.

Levels 1–2
One Combined Exam
Theory + Performance

AIM Levels 1A, 1B, 1C and 2 are completed in one exam session. Students take both the theory and performance portions on the same day.

Keyboard Skills

Sight-reading, keyboard geography, aural skills and harmonization.

Technique

Major and minor five-finger patterns, two-note slurs, B Major scale and cross-hand arpeggios.

Performance

Two memorized repertoire pieces.

Written Exam

One-page written exam for Level 2 students only.

Levels 3–11
Two-Part Exam
Theory + Performance

The AIM exam for Levels 3–11 is divided into two parts completed at different times of the year: the Theory Exam and the Performance Exam.

1. Theory Exam

The Theory Exam includes keyboard skills, written theory and aural skills.

  • Keyboard Skills: Sight-reading, sight rhythm, harmonization, transposition and melody playback.
  • Written Exam: Terms, symbols, key signatures, figured bass, score analysis, composers and music history.
  • Aural Skills: Identification of intervals, chord qualities, chord progressions and melodic dictation.

2. Performance Exam

The Performance Exam evaluates technique and prepared repertoire.

  • Technique: Five-finger patterns, scales, chord progressions, triads and inversions, four-note chords and arpeggios.
  • Repertoire: Pieces representing the major musical periods. At least two pieces must be performed from memory at each level.
Level 12
Three-Part Exam
Theory + Technique + Repertoire

Level 12 follows the same general curriculum as the upper AIM levels, but the evaluation is divided into three parts.

1. Theory Exam

Completed on one of the designated AIM Theory Exam dates along with students in Levels 3–11.

2. Technique Exam

Completed in person on one of the designated AIM Performance Exam dates.

3. Repertoire Exam

Students may request evaluation in one of three formats:

  • In-Person Private Exam — one-on-one with a judge
  • In-Person Recital — public recital attended by a judge
  • Remote Option — pre-recorded repertoire performances

The Repertoire Exam may be performed or submitted by December 31 of the same year the Theory and Technique exams were completed. Students may also use a one-year extension to complete the repertoire portion.

Refer to the 2014 AIM Piano Syllabus for specific curriculum requirements and repertoire lists.

Participating teachers should also review the AIM Packet for complete procedures, policies and registration information.

AIM Packet & Teacher Information

The AIM Packet contains all information about how AIM Exams are conducted at NSMTA, including:

  • Dates, fees, locations

  • Volunteer expectations and judging/scoring standards

  • Registration procedures & scheduling details

  • AIM Award information

  • Detailed Level 12 Exam information

Click the buttons to view the full packet or explore by level section.

View Full Packet (PDF)
AIM Overview
Levels 1-2 Exams
Levels 3-11 Theory & Performance Exams
Level 12 Exam

AIM Exam Registration Instructions

Register for AIM Exams via the NSMTA Member Portal.

  • First: check that your Account Settings and Student Roster are up-to-date.

  • When registration opens, log in to the Member Portal and click on the Active Event name.

  • Complete the registration form for each student.

  • Check out of your payment cart before the registration deadline.

The Member Portal is where you can view students schedules and scores as they are released.

Join or renew membership to NSMTA by October 31st to be eligible for participation in AIM Exams.

AIM Resources

  • Online Aural Skills Player

    Practice using the online Aural Skills Player to take the Sample Aural Skills Test from the 2014 AIM Piano Syllabus.
    Use Access Code 123-456-789 and enter the level. Test pages from the syllabus may be provided by the teacher.

    Take the Practice Test

  • AIM Registration Guides

    Use the guide to familiarize yourself with the AIM registration process. Includes a preview of the registration form for each exam.

    To help you collect and organize student information ahead of time, go directly to the AIM Exam Student Information Template.

    View AIM Registration Guide

  • AIM Level 12 Repertoire Approval Form

    Use this form to request approval of your student’s Level 12 Repertoire program from the ISMTA State AIM Repertoire Coordinator.

    Level 12 Repertoire Approval Form (PDF)

  • AIM Video Recording & Submission Guidelines

    Written instructions for recording and submitting Levels 10, 11 and 12 Repertoire Exam videos.

    AIM Video Guidelines