Students Activities
Zara-V Studio, with the cooperation of NWSMTA, IMA, and performing arts organizations, sponsors a number of activities each year that provide students with performance opportunities. All student activities require an entrance fee. Many of the events award ribbons or medals.
Winter Students Recital
December 6, 2025 at 12 PM
Every year, Zara-V Music Studio happily hosts two Student Recitals. We're excited to share that the Winter Student Recital will be held on Saturday, December 6, at 12 pm at Krug Community Circle. We look forward to seeing you there!
Achievement in Music (AIM)
Achievement in Music (AIM), sponsored by the National Music Teacher Association and found in many states, can increase student’s chances at college scholarships and give them a significant advantage when applying to top universities. AIM exams are known for their demanding and extensive requirements and are highly regarded by college admissions advisers. In addition, these exams significantly develop students’ confidence and ability to speak in public.
Typically, AIM is divided into two testing dates:
-
Theory, Aural Skills, Sightreading and Harmonization
-
Performance and Technique
For performance, students prepare pieces from the syllabus list of repertoire and approved collections.
Students perform:
-
2 pieces for Levels 1-3. Both must be memorized.
-
3 pieces for Levels 4-9. Two must be memorized.
-
4 pieces for Levels 10-12. Two must be memorized.
RCM Exams - The Royal Conservatory
Certificate Program
RCM Exams - The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program is a comprehensive and effectively sequenced program of music study and assessment, beginning with the Preparatory level(s), followed by levels 1 to 10, and concluding with the Associate Diploma of The Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT). A Licentiate Diploma of the Royal Conservatory of Music (LRCM) is available for piano. At each level, a Certificate of Achievement can be earned by successfully completing a Royal Conservatory practical examination.
Sonata-Sonatina Festival
The Sonata-Sonatina Festival takes place at Harper College on November 2nd, 2025. Students perform one or two movements of a sonata or sonatina, depending on the piece's level. All students receive a ribbon, and high scores also receive a bronze, silver, or gold medal. Students who receive a gold medal are eligible to participate in a Gold Medal Recital the following weekend.
MIDWEST KEYBOARD PERFORMERS CHALLENGE
Spring 2026
Replacing the Awards Competition, the Midwest Keyboard Performers Challenge is a new way of looking at ways to motivate and encourage budding pianists in the art of piano performance. Taking a decidedly different pathway to “judging”, students are grouped in small recitals, 15-25 minutes long. Each recital has a theme or category. The students will present themselves and interact with their peers and the judge. The performances will be awarded points according to the piece level and the quality of the playing. Students can enter as many categories as they wish, and the accumulated points can be exchanged for a trophy.
Annual State Olympic Music Competition
Spring 2026
The Illinois Music Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the value of music study, supporting the professionalism of music teachers, and providing an equitable competition for music students of all ages and skill levels.
_edited.jpg)