This research draws a comparison between the School of Music at the University of Illinois, USA and the Faculty of Music Education at Helwan University in Cairo, Egypt (the researcher's academic appointment is at Menofia University, but she teaches on the faculty of Helwan University). The research answers two important questions: (1) What weaknesses in Egyptian piano curricula lead to students' poor performance in exams? (2) What steps can be proposed to address these weaknesses and to help improve students' performances in piano exams? The research comprises three parts: Part 1 presents an overview of music education in Egypt and a detailed description of the Faculty of Music Education, its origin and development over the years. This part addresses music education in general and piano curricula in particular, while focusing on the relevant shortcomings that lead to students' poor levels of piano performance. Part 2 sheds light on the piano curricula in the School of Music at the University of Illinois. Part 3 compares undergraduate piano curricula in both situations, highlighting relevant strengths and weaknesses. Finally, recommendations are proposed and conclusions stated to address weaknesses in the piano curricula of the Faculty of Music Education at Helwan University. (Contains 1 table and 20 notes.)