Achievement in Music (AIM) Examinations
About AIM
The Achievement in Music Examinations (AIM) is a program of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association based on a syllabus revised in 2014.
For those getting started with AIM, check out the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
AIM COMMITTEE
Margaret Hoover, Coordinator aim@camta.org
Alessandra Odazaki, Theory Chair aimtheory@camta.org
Junichi Sato and Erica Tam-Wang, Theory Co-Chairs
Margaret Hoover, Performance Chair and Certificates aim@camta.org
AIM COMMITTEE: Janel Dennen, Kristine Konrad, Julia Siciliano, Elaine Smith, and Hannah Voigt
2024-25 AIM DATES
AIM EXAMS TAKE PLACE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION:
Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University
430 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
THEORY EXAMS LEVELS 3-12 ONLY
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
PERFORMANCE EXAMS LEVELS 1-12 & THEORY EXAMS LEVELS 1A, 1B, 1C, AND 2
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
MANDATORY MEETINGS
AIM Informational Meeting: Friday, September 13, 2024 from 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Volunteer and Judges’ Meetings:
Theory: Friday, November 8, 2024 from 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Performance: Friday, February 14, 2025 from 9:00-9:50 a.m.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
REGISTRATION FOR THEORY Levels 3–12:
Opens September 6, 2024
Closes Friday, October 4, 2024
REGISTRATION FOR PERFORMANCE Levels 1–12 and THEORY Levels 1a, 1b, 1c, and 2
Opens January 1, 2025
Closes Thursday, February 1, 2025
FEES:
$45 for Levels 1a through 2
$65 for Levels 3 through 8
$70 for Levels 9 through 12
These fees include both Theory and Performance exams.
TEACHER REQUIREMENTS
Attendance at the annual AIM informational meeting on September 13, 2024 from 9:00 to 9:50 a.m.—a requirement for new teachers and important for all AIM teachers to learn more about exam administration for 2024–25.
Attendance at the two volunteer and judges’ meetings on November 8, 2024 and February 14, 2025 from 9:00 to 9:50 a.m.—a requirement for ALL teachers entering students in AIM.
AIM is staffed entirely by volunteer teachers. Therefore, we mandate teachers either judge/volunteer 4 hours OR 30 minutes per enrolled student, whichever is longer. No exceptions.
If a teacher cannot fulfill his/her volunteer obligations, they will incur a fine of $45 per student entered per exam.
For 2024–25, NO formal makeup exams will be offered.
Registration, payment, information, and further updates will be available in Fall 2024.
More AIM INFORMATION
Materials
The 2014 Syllabus and the Karen Rogers Theory Workbooks. To purchase these, go to ismta.org.
Repertoire and Substitutions
Level 12 repertoire (from the 2014 Syllabus) must be submitted to Stephanie Myers at hisamimyers@gmail.com, 5 months prior to the date of your choice of recital or exam.
Level 2–12 repertoire substitution requests must be submitted to Stephanie Myers by January 15, 2025.
Level 12 Information and Requirements
The Level 12 approval form and procedures are found on ismta.org/aim. All Level 12 program requests must use this form.
Click here to read Guidelines for program notes, written by member Hannah Voigt.
Grading
Levels 1a, 1b, 1c, and 2: Students must receive a final score of 70 or higher to pass and receive a certificate.
Levels 3–12: Students must
1) receive a final score of 70 or higher to pass the theory exam
2) pass the theory exam before taking the performance exam
3) receive a final score of 70 or higher to pass the performance exam, and
4) pass both theory and performance exams to receive a certificate.
Score recommendations:
70–74 Passing
75–79 Fair
80–89 Good
90–94 Excellent
95–100+ With Distinction
Awards
Levels 9–12: A plaque personalized with the student’s name is awarded at each level passed with a final score of 80 or higher on both the theory and performance exams.
Sam Licata Award: $100 to recognize those who complete Level 11 with a minimum score of 85 in both Theory and Performance.
Sister Marjorie Delaplane Award: $150 to recognize those who complete Level 12 with a minimum score of 85 in both Theory and Performance.
ONLINE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please note that we have a system in place called Online Piano Exam Registration Access (OPERA) that allows you to register as well as view schedules and repertoire. Please refer to the e-mail from the coordinators about how to log in and access the system. The system itself is not run by CAMTA and any questions about its usage or issues should be directed to them through their Feedback Form.
STEP 1: TEACHER AND STUDENT REGISTRATION
Teachers must first register themselves and their students by going to CAMTA OPERA. Make note of the amount due so you will know how much to pay in Step 2! Teachers who have not registered previously using CAMTA OPERA will have to first create an account.
STEP 2: PAY ONLINE
Teachers should pay for all of their students with one payment. Applications will be considered incomplete unless payment is made in full. Fees are not refundable! Pay in one of the following ways (click here to view specific instructions for each payment method):
a) ONLINE BANKING, which is the preferred payment method for CAMTA since there is no fee for the transaction. Initiate this through your bank’s online system and send the amount due from Step 1. IMPORTANT: Use treasurer@camta.org as the pay-to address. Please put AIM and the teacher name in the message field.
or
b) PAYPAL (CAMTA incurs a fee for using this service), which you initiate by clicking on the Donate button below. Once you’re in, please “donate” the amount due from Step 1. Please look for “add special instructions to the seller” and specify AIM and the teacher name.