Arizona Study Program

Fountain Hills Piano offers participation in the Arizona Study Program (ASP) as an option to students.

ASP is a 12-year graded course of music study developed by the Arizona State Music Teachers Association to provide for the development of repertoire, technique and theory. The program requires continual work throughout the school year, culminating mid-May in a private evaluation of the repertoire and technique requirements by a Master Adjudicator, as well as a written theory test, both administered on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus.


For hardworking students who are motivated by certificates, awards and measured progress, ASP is a great option.


The program is very flexible. It's organized in terms of the 12 years of public school (one level for each grade of school); however, students may progress at their own pace. For example, students in 6th grade do not have to be enrolled in Level 6; they can take any exam appropriate for their level of playing. ASP also allows students to skip levels, jumping from, say, Level 3 one year to Level 5 the next if they make significant strides. Students can also take time off, then come back to the program whenever they are ready.

Students who participate in ASP receive:


  • Certificates and ribbons to indicate their accomplishment.
  • Plaques for successful completion of Elementary Division 4A and Intermediate Division 8A.
  • Trophies for successful completion of Level 12A.
  • The James Anthony Award (a monetary award) if they are high school seniors and successfully complete Level 12A.
  • The Arnold Bullock Scholarship – a $400 award available to anyone who receives the James Anthony Award and then goes on to major in music at a college or university.


Students who choose to participate in this program are required to:


  1. Sign up for a 45- or 60-minute weekly lesson.
  2. Pay an enrollment fee of $35, which goes to the Arizona State Music Teachers Association.
  3. Pay $15 for the music theory workbook associated with their ASP level.


Want to learn more? Talk with Heather or Dr. Veech and we'll be happy to answer your questions and help you decide if the program is a good fit for your child. In addition, you can explore the Arizona State Music Teachers Association web site for more details and information.

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