Divisions at BAAM
Division placement is determined through BAAM’s Skill Mastery and BAAM Years tracking systems, aligning each student’s achievement level with the appropriate division.
Private lesson students are placed in one of three divisions: Amateur, Associate, or Elite. Each division has distinct expectations for study goals, skill level, repertoire, practice, and participation, ranging from weekly lessons to festivals, RCM examinations, and competitions. Scholarship and grant eligibility, including any academic requirements, also varies by division.
Students who do not meet their division’s progress or participation expectations may be guided to a more suitable placement. With instructor approval, students who demonstrate readiness may advance to a higher division at any time.
Please review the division table below to compare the requirements and determine which division best aligns with your goals.
| DIVISION 1 | DIVISION 2 | DIVISION 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strive to become | -Amateur | -Associate | -Professional |
| Purpose of Study | -Personal Enjoyment | -Advanced Placement in Music | -Professional Development |
| Completion Level | -Intermediate to Advanced | -Advanced | -Advanced |
| Expected Skill Achievement | -General Sight Reading -Basic Scales & Chords -Early Musicianship | -Advanced Sight Reading -Complete Technique -Advanced Musicianship | -Advanced Sight Reading -Complete Technique -Advanced Musicianship |
| Repertoires | -Method Books -Grade Books -Popular Songs | -Method Books -Grade Books -Master Works | -Method Books -Grade Books -Master Works |
| Practice Requirements | -Daily Minimum | -Daily Intensive | -Daily Intensive |
| Merits | -None | -School References -Examination Credits | -School References -Examination Credits -Biography & Resumes -College Admissions |
| Mandatory Participation | -Weekly Lessons | -Weekly Lessons -Studio Recitals -Assessment -Masterclasses | -Weekly Lessons -Studio Recitals -Assessment -Masterclasses -Related Music Classes -Festivals -RCM Examinations |
| Optional Participation | -Studio Recitals -Assessment -Related Music Classes | -Related Music Classes -Festivals/Competition -RCM Examinations -Outside Recitals & Events -Master Music Camps | -Outside Recitals & Events -Master Music Camps -International Competitions -International Masterclasses -Auditions |
| Non-Participation | -Masterclasses -Festivals -RCM Examinations -Outside Recitals & Events -Master Music Camps -International Competitions -International Masterclasses -Auditions | -International Competitions -International Masterclasses -Auditions | -None |
| Limitations on Activities | -None | -1 other Music Instruments -2 other Activities | -1 other Music Instrument -1 other School Activity |
| Scholarship | -None | -Available | -Available |
| Grants | -None | -Available | -Available |
| Grants Requirements | -None | -70% Minimum Grade to Continue -Fulfillment of Participation | -80% Minimum Grade to Continue -Fulfillment of Participation |