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

About the AIM Program

AIM is a 12-level curriculum designed to support students as they develop comprehensive musicianship skills. Exam requirements and scheduling vary by level. Select a level below to learn more.

AIM Levels 1–2 Exams

AIM Levels 1A, 1B, 1C and 2 exams are administered on the first or second Sunday of March. Students take the entire exam (Theory and Performance) on this day.

Students are evaluated on the following components:

  • Keyboard Skills: Sight-reading, keyboard geography, aural skills and harmonization.
  • Technique: Major and minor five-finger patterns, 2-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.

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

For full procedural information, see the 2025–26 AIM Packet.

AIM Theory & Performance Exams (Levels 3–11)

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

1. Theory Exam

Administered in winter, typically on the last two Sundays of January (or the last Sunday of January and the first Sunday of February, depending on the calendar).

  • 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 Exam: Identification of intervals, chord qualities, chord progressions, and melodic dictation.

2. Performance Exam

Administered in spring, typically on the last two Sundays of April (or the last Sunday of April and the first Sunday of May, depending on the calendar).

  • Technique: Five-finger patterns, scales, chord progressions, triads and inversions, four-note chords, and arpeggios.
  • Repertoire: Performance of pieces representing the major musical periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th/21st Century). At least two pieces must be performed from memory at each level.

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

For full procedural information, see the 2025–26 AIM Packet.

AIM Level 12 Exam

The Level 12 Exam follows the same general format and evaluation criteria as Levels 3–11, but is divided into three parts:

1. Theory Exam

Administered in January or February, along with Levels 3–11, on one of the designated AIM Theory Exam dates.

2. Technique Exam

Completed in the same calendar year as the Theory Exam. Students are required to perform the Technique Exam in person, along with Levels 3–11, on one of the designated AIM Performance Exam dates.

3. Repertoire Exam

Teachers/students may request evaluation in one of the following formats:

  1. In-Person Private Exam: One-on-one exam with a judge
  2. In-Person Recital: A public recital attended by the judge
  3. Remote Option: Pre-recorded videos of the repertoire performances

The Repertoire Exam may be performed or submitted any time before December 31 of the same year the Theory and Technique exams were completed.

Students have the option of a one-year extension (January–December of the following year) to complete the Repertoire Exam.

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

For full procedural information, see the 2025–26 AIM Packet.

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