<p>They will give you a piano placement exam. If you have only studied for a year, chances are you will go into class piano, which will be very helpful in co-ordination with your music theory classes. The look of dismay you were given was possibly because they know how hard it is to please piano faculty and do well in that area…especially with a minimal background. Probably you can make arrangements to continue piano study throughout your undergraduate work, but you might be put with a graduate student once you have made your way through the piano class curriculum. You will be glad not to be in any deeper than that…many, many hours in the practice room are required for serious piano study. Good luck.</p>