top of page
About Graduations

The Graduation Program is an inspiring and non-competitive opportunity for students of SMAC-BAPB teachers to advance through progressive levels and be honored and celebrated in a formal concert and awards ceremony. Graduation Concerts at SMAC-BAPB are held twice a year in the fall and spring.

​

This tradition started in Japan where Dr. Suzuki would listen to recordings from students all over the country and provide constructive comments about their playing. 

​

​​​​

Upcoming Graduation Concerts
 

Fall: November 10, 2024 at 3pm, Berkeley Piano Club

Spring: May 3, 2025 Time TBA, Berkeley Piano Club

​

 

​

Graduation Process

Step 1: Prepare video recordings

Teacher will pre-qualify students who are ready for graduation from their respective level(s).

​

Work with teacher to prepare graduation pieces for video recordings to be viewed by the Graduation Committee.

 

When ready to record, please follow the recording guidelines below. 

Step 2: Register and upload videos

Fill out the registration form and pay graduation fee by deadline.

​

Upload recordings to either Google Drive or Youtube and provide links to your teacher to be shared with the Graduation Committee for evaluation.
 

Deadline for Fall Graduation on 11/10/24: October 4, 2024
 

Step 3: Receive evaluations

After recordings are submitted, the Graduation Committee will listen and provide constructive written feedback to each student.

​

Students will review the comments with their teachers and are expected to continue polishing the chosen piece by the committee for the upcoming performance.

​

Step 4: Perform in concert

Students will perform in the Graduation Concert and will receive a certificate and unique pin to commemorate their achievements in the awards ceremony following the concert.


Please arrive in appropriate concert attire 45 minutes before the concert start time so that each student can get a chance to try the piano and is seated with the appropriate bench and foot rest height.

Graduation Levels

* Music Teachers' Association of California Certificate of Merit
 

**Guest Pianist: Student who has completed SMAC-BAPB Graduation Levels 7 through 10.

Recording Guidelines

Prepare to Record

 

  • Students ready to graduate from a level are to video record two polished and memorized pieces: the required graduation piece and a selection after the graduation piece in the Suzuki repertoire (either in the same book or the next). From Level 4 and above, students can record an optional third piece outside of the Suzuki repertoire in addition to the required graduation and performance pieces. The third piece should be at a comparable level to the graduation piece. No method books or arrangements are allowed. See Graduation Levels for more information.
    ​

  • Pieces can be recorded in one continuous take or as separate videos. 
     

  • Regarding repeats: Do repeats if there are first and second endings AND/OR D.C. al fine. Examples are Minuet 1 from Partita in B-Flat, BWV 825 by Bach in Book 4 and Fur Elise by Beethoven in Book 5. For Baroque pieces, repeats can be played only if they are played differently from the first time (embellishments, ornamentation, and/or articulation). 
     

  • Record student's performance on a piano that is in tune and free of clutter. The book or music score should not be on the piano while recording.
     

  • In order to ensure student's success, the recorded performance must be fluent and without stops.​

​

Ready to record?
 

  1. Take a bow and introduce yourself by announcing name, age, teacher, and piece(s) with the composer's name:

    • ​"Hello, my name is ___. I am __ years old and my teacher is ___. I will be playing ___by ___. Thank you for listening!"​​
       

  2. Play through piece(s)
     

  3. Upload video(s) to either Google Drive or YouTube (make sure video is set to "public" or "unlisted")
     

  4. Share uploaded video links with teacher

​

​

​

Concert Attire

The Graduation Concert is a formal event designed for a family audience. Choose outfits that provide comfort and confidence while performing at the piano. Parents should select conservative styles that are age-appropriate. 

​

Clothing

  • Longer dresses, dress shirts with long pants or skirts, dark suits, and tuxedos are appropriate

  • Dress shirts should be tucked into pants with a belt, if needed

  • Ties, bow ties, and coordinated jackets/vests are welcome, but optional

  • Dresses and skirts should be knee-length or longer

  • No shorts or denim jeans

  • Use discretion with spaghetti straps, clinging fabric, necklines, etc.

​

Shoes

  • Dress shoes with dress socks are the most appropriate

  • Keep high heels to a moderate height

  • Be able to walk naturally and pedal appropriately

  • No sneakers or flip flops


General

  • Keep fingers and wrists free of accessories (no watches, bracelets, rings)

  • Hair may needed to be secured away from face

  • ​No hats                                             

bottom of page