Achievement in Music
AIM is a nationally recognized curriculum that focuses on comprehensive musicianship skills for students of piano, organ, voice, and strings. This curriculum is offered by the Illinois State Music Teachers Association (ISMTA), which is affiliated with the oldest professional music organization in the United States: the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). Teachers must be members in order to enroll students in AIM.
AIM has 12 levels that progress from beginning through advanced levels. Students may enter at any level. Each level consists of a theory and a performance exam; both have to be passed in order to proceed to the next level. Exams are offered once a year, and are judged by highly qualified teachers. Teachers are not allowed to judge their own students to ensure fairness and objective evaluations. Preparation for these exams occurs during weekly lesson times and through homework assignments.
The AIM Syllabus ensures consistent progress, while maintaining a high level of quality and excellence. Students enrolled in the AIM Syllabus are more motivated, and are able to celebrate concrete goals at their yearly examinations. Enrollment in AIM encourages students and their teachers to maintain high standards throughout the year.
For more information, please contact the AIM Performance Chairperson or AIM Theory Chairperson.
DAMTA Guidelines for adjudicating the Technique section of the AIM examinations may be found in this document:
AIM Technique Scoring Recommendations