Student Achievement Test (SAT)
Overview of the SAT
The Student Achievement Test (SAT) is a voluntary project of the Michigan Music Teachers Association through its various Local Associations throughout the state to encourage and solidify the foundation of musical aptitude for students ranging from elementary through high school levels. Testing is done in the areas of Piano, Strings, Woodwinds, and Voice. Each division is tested in 5 areas Performance, Written Theory, Sight Reading, Technique, and Aural Awareness. Testing is held at the First Baptist Church in Midland in March every year. To participate or for more information, contact Jim Hohmeyer at jim.hohmeyer@gmail.com.
The SAT consists of five major parts
- Performance
- Written Theory- (Completed at home)
- Sight Reading
- Technique
- Aural Awareness (Done Online- see dates below)
The five testing elements are divided into thirteen skill levels enabling students from elementary through high school to find a goal that is appropriate for their age and length of study. Because the testing is a non-competitive event, students and teachers may choose the entry level based on each student’s skill level.
The performance element requires either three memorized pieces or 1 memorized piece depending on the student/teacher goal for the test. Students wishing to qualify for semi-finals competition must perform all pieces from memory. The performance is numerically evaluated by an judge. Testing in the remaining four categories is administered by volunteer teachers from the local chapter. Aural Awareness testing is done online in February on the 21st and 22nd, 2025.
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SAT Guidelines
- Repertoire:
- Jane Magrath’s book: “Piano Literature for Teaching and Performance”. will be a resource for performance options.
- At all levels, arrangements or transcriptions will be permitted, except for students planning to proceed to the Semi-finals. Those going to the Semi-finals may only play transcriptions that are listed in Maurice Hinson’s “Guide to the Pianist’s Repertoire”.
- Sight Reading preparation timesare as follows:
- Sight reading: Levels 8-12: 3 minutes. Levels 1-7: 2 minutes.
- Transposition: 2 minutes.
- Chord Harmonization/Harmonizing a Bass Line: 1 minute.
- Rhythms: 30 seconds.
- Aural Awareness:
- Melodic Dictation: students will be given 30 seconds to study the example before hearing it. For levels 5-7, the example will be played three times, with a two-measure pause before each repetition. Another 30 seconds will be given after the third repetition to complete the answer. For levels 8-12, the examiner will play the example two times, play the first measure two times, and then play the first and second measures two times. There will be a minimum of a two-measure pause between each repetition.
Important reminder:
- Trophy: The M3TA awards students at all levels a trophy every year.
- Certificates: Students will receive a certificate of accomplishment every year.
2025 MMMTA SAT Information
The 2026 test date is February 28, Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Midland, Mi. $40.00 per student registration fee.
Deadlines are:
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- February 9- SAT registration (click to register beginning January 12, 2026)
- February 20- Repertoire change deadline
- SAT-Aural Awareness – Statewide ONLINE testing via ZOOM – CLICK TO REGISTER BY 2/9/26
- February 21- 1-4:30 pm,
- February 22 – 5-8 pm
- M3TA – SAT testing- February 28 – First Baptist Church – 8 am to 4 pm.
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