What is The Achievement Program?

Launched in March 2011 by New York’s Carnegie Hall and Canada’s Royal Conservatory, The Achievement Program provides a national standard for musical achievement for people of all ages studying music in the US, offering a sequential course of study from beginner through advanced levels. Modeled on the acclaimed examination system of The Conservatory in Canada, the program was created in response to feedback from parents and teachers throughout the US, requesting a top-quality nationally-recognized system to track students’ musical progress, celebrating their accomplishments.

The Achievement Program centers on periodic assessments for students—one-on-one adjudicator-to-student performance evaluations that also function as valuable teaching and learning opportunities. In each practical assessment, a certified professional adjudicator evaluates a student’s performance of repertoire, studies (etudes), and musical proficiency skills. Assessments are offered for keyboard, string, woodwind, and brass instruments; voice; and the academic subjects of music theory, music history, and pedagogy. Assessments are held several times a year at locations across the US with upcoming dates and registration information listed on www.TheAchievementProgram.com.

Why Choose The Achievement Program?

A Comprehensive Program of Musical Development

The Achievement Program encompasses four main areas:

• Each level includes a broad selection of pieces representing a variety of styles and periods.
• Repertoire selections are leveled progressively in difficulty.
• Periodic reviews of the repertoire keep the selections fresh and innovative.
• Teachers and students can add favorite pieces through the Teacher’s Choice and Own Choice selections.

• Each level of technique is designed to support the demands of the repertoire for that level.
• Technique includes scales, chords, arpeggios, patterns, and études.

• A thoughtful and consistent approach to the development of reading and aural skills.
• Musicianship skills are developed in conjunction with repertoire goals and requirements.
• Musicianship skills give students a solid foundation for independent creative musical explorations.

• The Achievement Program’s academic subjects support students in acquiring the theoretical and historical knowledge necessary for music literacy.
• Theoretical levels are tied to practical (performance) levels, reinforcing concepts encountered in repertoire, technique, and musicianship studies.
• At-the-keyboard assessments of keyboard harmony and musicianship present students with an opportunity to develop skills in improvisation and composition.