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. 

​

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. 

​

Graduation Concerts at SMAC-BAPB are held twice a year with the Fall Graduations typically held in the East Bay and the Spring Graduations in the South Bay. 

​

Upcoming Graduation Concerts
 

Spring: April 28, 2024 2:30 PM at Santa Clara University
 

Fall: November 10, 2024 at Berkeley Piano Club

​

 

​

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

  • Students ready to graduate from a level are to record two polished and memorized pieces: the required graduation piece and a selection after the graduation piece in the Suzuki book.

  • 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.

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

  • Regarding repeats: Do repeats if there are no. 1, no. 2 repeats AND/OR D.C. al fine. Examples are Minuet 1 from Partita in B-Flat, BWV 825 in Book 4 and Fur Elise by Beethoven. 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. In order to ensure student's success, participant's recorded performance must be fluent and without stops.​ The book or music score should not be on the piano while recording. Take note of performance time for each piece.

​

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

  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

  • Dresses must fall below the knee 

  • Tuxedos and dark suits are appropriate

  • Dress pants and belt, with solid dress shirt (tucked) and tie, and coordinated jacket or vest (optional)

  • No sheer or clingy fabric or plunging necklines

  • No backless dresses

  • Use discretion with spaghetti straps

  • No shorts

  • No corduroy or denim pants 

​

Shoes

  • Dress shoes are the most appropriate

  • Keep high heels to a moderate height

  • No sneakers

  • Wear dress socks when appropriate  


General

  • Keep fingers and wrists free of accessories

  • Secure hair away from the face

  • Be able to walk naturally in shoes   

  • ​No hats                                             

Graduation Process

Step 1: Prepare video recordings

Teacher will pre-qualify students who are ready for graduation.

​

Work with teacher to prepare graduation pieces for recording.

 

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 Spring Graduation on 4/28/24: March 1, 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 at least 30 minutes before the concert start time to ensure that each student gets a chance to try the piano and is seated at the appropriate bench and footstool 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

  • Students ready to graduate from a level are to record two polished and memorized pieces: the required graduation piece and a selection after the graduation piece in the Suzuki book.

  • 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.

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

  • Regarding repeats: Do repeats if there are no. 1, no. 2 repeats AND/OR D.C. al fine. Examples are Minuet 1 from Partita in B-Flat, BWV 825 in Book 4 and Fur Elise by Beethoven. 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. In order to ensure student's success, participant's recorded performance must be fluent and without stops.​ The book or music score should not be on the piano while recording. Take note of performance time for each piece.

​

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

  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

  • Dresses must fall below the knee 

  • Tuxedos and dark suits are appropriate

  • Dress pants and belt, with solid dress shirt (tucked) and tie, and coordinated jacket or vest (optional)

  • No sheer or clingy fabric or plunging necklines

  • No backless dresses

  • Use discretion with spaghetti straps

  • No shorts

  • No corduroy or denim pants 

​

Shoes

  • Dress shoes are the most appropriate

  • Keep high heels to a moderate height

  • No sneakers

  • Wear dress socks when appropriate  


General

  • Keep fingers and wrists free of accessories

  • Secure hair away from the face

  • Be able to walk naturally in shoes   

  • ​No hats                                             

Graduation Levels

* Music Teachers' Association of California Certificate of Merit

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

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

  • Students ready to graduate from a level are to record two polished and memorized pieces: the required graduation piece and a selection after the graduation piece in the Suzuki book.

  • 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.

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

  • Regarding repeats: Do repeats if there are no. 1, no. 2 repeats AND/OR D.C. al fine. Examples are Minuet 1 from Partita in B-Flat, BWV 825 in Book 4 and Fur Elise by Beethoven. 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. In order to ensure student's success, participant's recorded performance must be fluent and without stops.​ The book or music score should not be on the piano while recording. Take note of performance time for each piece.

​

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

  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

  • Dresses must fall below the knee 

  • Tuxedos and dark suits are appropriate

  • Dress pants and belt, with solid dress shirt (tucked) and tie, and coordinated jacket or vest (optional)

  • No sheer or clingy fabric or plunging necklines

  • No backless dresses

  • Use discretion with spaghetti straps

  • No shorts

  • No corduroy or denim pants 

​

Shoes

  • Dress shoes are the most appropriate

  • Keep high heels to a moderate height

  • No sneakers

  • Wear dress socks when appropriate  


General

  • Keep fingers and wrists free of accessories

  • Secure hair away from the face

  • Be able to walk naturally in shoes   

  • ​No hats                                             

Recording Guidelines

  • Students ready to graduate from a level are to record two polished and memorized pieces: the required graduation piece and a selection after the graduation piece in the Suzuki book.

  • 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.

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

  • Regarding repeats: Do repeats if there are no. 1, no. 2 repeats AND/OR D.C. al fine. Examples are Minuet 1 from Partita in B-Flat, BWV 825 in Book 4 and Fur Elise by Beethoven. 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. In order to ensure student's success, participant's recorded performance must be fluent and without stops.​ The book or music score should not be on the piano while recording. Take note of performance time for each piece.

​

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

  4. Share uploaded video links with teacher

​

​

​

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

  • Students ready to graduate from a level are to record two polished and memorized pieces: the required graduation piece and a selection after the graduation piece in the Suzuki book.

  • 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.

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

  • Regarding repeats: Do repeats if there are no. 1, no. 2 repeats AND/OR D.C. al fine. Examples are Minuet 1 from Partita in B-Flat, BWV 825 in Book 4 and Fur Elise by Beethoven. 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. In order to ensure student's success, participant's recorded performance must be fluent and without stops.​ The book or music score should not be on the piano while recording. Take note of performance time for each piece.

​

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

  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

  • Dresses must fall below the knee 

  • Tuxedos and dark suits are appropriate

  • Dress pants and belt, with solid dress shirt (tucked) and tie, and coordinated jacket or vest (optional)

  • No sheer or clingy fabric or plunging necklines

  • No backless dresses

  • Use discretion with spaghetti straps

  • No shorts

  • No corduroy or denim pants 

​

Shoes

  • Dress shoes are the most appropriate

  • Keep high heels to a moderate height

  • No sneakers

  • Wear dress socks when appropriate  


General

  • Keep fingers and wrists free of accessories

  • Secure hair away from the face

  • Be able to walk naturally in shoes   

  • ​No hats                                             

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

  • Dresses must fall below the knee 

  • Tuxedos and dark suits are appropriate

  • Dress pants and belt, with solid dress shirt (tucked) and tie, and coordinated jacket or vest (optional)

  • No sheer or clingy fabric or plunging necklines

  • No backless dresses

  • Use discretion with spaghetti straps

  • No shorts

  • No corduroy or denim pants 

​

Shoes

  • Dress shoes are the most appropriate

  • Keep high heels to a moderate height

  • No sneakers

  • Wear dress socks when appropriate  


General

  • Keep fingers and wrists free of accessories

  • Secure hair away from the face

  • Be able to walk naturally in shoes   

  • ​No hats                                             

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

  • Students ready to graduate from a level are to record two polished and memorized pieces: the required graduation piece and a selection after the graduation piece in the Suzuki book.

  • 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.

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

  • Regarding repeats: Do repeats if there are no. 1, no. 2 repeats AND/OR D.C. al fine. Examples are Minuet 1 from Partita in B-Flat, BWV 825 in Book 4 and Fur Elise by Beethoven. 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. In order to ensure student's success, participant's recorded performance must be fluent and without stops.​ The book or music score should not be on the piano while recording. Take note of performance time for each piece.

​

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

  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

  • Dresses must fall below the knee 

  • Tuxedos and dark suits are appropriate

  • Dress pants and belt, with solid dress shirt (tucked) and tie, and coordinated jacket or vest (optional)

  • No sheer or clingy fabric or plunging necklines

  • No backless dresses

  • Use discretion with spaghetti straps

  • No shorts

  • No corduroy or denim pants 

​

Shoes

  • Dress shoes are the most appropriate

  • Keep high heels to a moderate height

  • No sneakers

  • Wear dress socks when appropriate  


General

  • Keep fingers and wrists free of accessories

  • Secure hair away from the face

  • Be able to walk naturally in shoes   

  • ​No hats                                             

bottom of page