Music Conservatory of Illinois
AIM – Achievement in Music
The Achievement in Music Program, also known as AIM, is an exciting and motivating program for students of all ages, designed to develop strong performance and technical skills as well as a thorough understanding of musical theory. There are twelve levels in the program, with Level 1 divided into three parts, Levels 1A, 1B, and 1C. Each level has theory, performance, and technical requirements that follow a logical progression from early elementary through advanced.
Students generally prepare one level each year and demonstrate their competency at annual exams, which are conducted by experienced judges in a comfortable setting. Students are not in competition with other students, but are evaluated individually on their accomplishments. Students are recognized with a pin for passing the theory exam and a certificate for passing both the theory and performance exam.
Achievement Level Progression
1. Students who pass both Theory and Performance at one level usually proceed to the next higher level.
2. Students who do not pass both Theory and Performance may retake a level or advance to a higher level at the discretion of their teacher. Students pay a new participation fee when they retake a level.
3. Students may skip a level at teacher discretion, but do not earn awards or certificates for the skipped level. Care should be taken to cover the skipped material because skills and concepts are cumulative.
4. Students may only register for performance exams after passing the corresponding theory level.
5. Students may skip the performance exam and proceed to higher theory levels earning a theory pin but no certificate.
6. Students may take the theory level one year and the corresponding performance exam the next year. Students earn a theory pin the first year and a certificate the second year.
7. New repertoire must be performed at each exam level.
Awards
| First exam taken | Medal with ribbon to display pins. |
| Levels 1 - 12 | Pin (for passing Theory Exam only) and Certificate for completing the exam. |
| Levels 1 - 12 |
Composer Statuettes |
| Levels 9
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Plaque personalized with the student’s name is earned.
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Levels 10-12
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Trophies: personalized with the student’s name is earned at each of these levels. |
| Levels 12
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A check for $100 is awarded to students completing the program and receiving a score of 90 or higher in level 12.
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Theory Exam on January 2022
Performance Exam on April 2022
Location : ONLINE (via Zoom)