All music majors must demonstrate proficiency in piano; however, the proficiency requirement differs for instrumental and vocal students. (NB: Keyboard majors must pass the applied proficiency exam.)

Instrumental majors must pass Class Piano, level C (MUS 236) with a grade of C or higher. By default all incoming students are automatically enrolled in Class Piano A (MUS 136). Any incoming student with prior piano experience may attempt to test into Class Piano B (MUS 140) or into Class Piano C (MUS 236) by contacting the Class Piano course instructor prior to or during the first week of classes. It is possible that the MUS 236 requirement itself may be waived if a student displays sufficient skill. (NB: It is extremely rare for a student to demonstrate sufficient skill to merit the recommendation that any, or all, of the piano class levels be waived.)

Vocal majors working towards the BM with All-Level Certification degree must declare piano as their applied minor. Accordingly, they must enroll in Class Piano (MUS 136 or MUS 140, depending on their prior experience at the keyboard). All vocal majors must pass Class Piano Level C (MUS 236) with a grade of C or higher, before they may enroll in upper-division Applied Piano (MUS 351). Then, they must enroll in upper-division Applied Piano (MUS 351) until they pass the upper-division proficiency exam.

Vocal majors in the Bachelor of Music program must complete 4 hours of lower division applied piano (MUS 236) and MUS 151, pass the proficiency exam, complete 4 additional semester hours of study at the upper division level (MUS 351), and pass the upper division proficiency exam.

Regardless of the level, a vocal music student may not enroll for more than 1 semester hour of piano (half-hour lesson) in a given semester.