Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Rockschool
Learn Popular Piano
Ready to take your piano skills to the next level? Look no further than the Rockschool Piano syllabus – the ultimate resource for piano players of all levels. With ten grades to work your way through, you’ll be covered no matter what stage you are on your learning journey. Designed for the modern musician, this syllabus equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently perform in the dynamic world of popular music. So what are you waiting for? Let’s unleash your next superstar performance!
Ability to Specialise
For every piano grade you can plot your stylistic specialism, helping you to develop an in-depth understanding of the type of music that appeals to you most, whether this is pop, rock, metal, blues, country, funk, latin, jazz, reggae or film & musical theatre – the choice is yours.
Exciting Repertoire
The Rockschool Piano repertoire provides students with an expansive song choice, from a diverse range of artists and genres, including tracks from Beyonce, Adele, Ray Charles, Coldplay and many more. With ten levels of piano grades, all abilities are covered.
Understanding Harmony
In order to both create and accompany within contemporary styles, a fundamental knowledge of chord voicings is crucial. The Rockschool Piano syllabus will ensure you develop a vast, working vocabulary of chord voicings in a logical, structured way.
Downloadable Audio
Download all of your backing tracks for your piano practice: examples, performances and practice materials directly from our online store. On our stores you’ll find all you need to pass your piano exam.
Learn the Piano with Rockschool
Whether you’re learning to play the Piano or teaching the Piano, Rockschool is here to support your journey.
How it works
Whether you’re learning the Piano independently or with a music teacher, it’s easy to get started learning with Rockschool.
01
Download the syllabus and buy your grade book
Our publications provide you with everything you need: professionally arranged and produced repertoire alongside innovative technical exercises and supporting tests.
02
Start practicing with our innovative resources
From our physical publications to our interactive e-books and Learning Platform app, our teaching and learning resources are here to support you become a better musician.
03
Sit the exam and reap your rewards
If you’re ready and want to take a Graded Music Exam, achieve your very own Rockschool qualification after putting in the hours of dedication towards mastering your instrument.
Piano
Premiere
Start on the right note with Rockschool! The brand-new Rockschool Piano Method books have been designed for beginners as a fun and interactive introduction to the piano.
Complete with newly composed exercises, games and pieces, the Piano Method books are the perfect entry point for young players to use with their piano teachers.
The Rockschool Piano Method Book 1 takes students from the beginnings of learning to play the instrument, through to being able to perform songs for a Rockschool Premiere grade exam.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Performance Certificate: 10 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
Rockschool Piano Method Book 1 has everything you need to start learning to play the piano, through to being able to perform songs for a Rockschool Premiere grade exam.
- 10 progressive topics
- Newly composed exercises, games & pieces
- Five specially composed songs arranged for Premiere level piano students
- Accompanying piano parts for group learning/duets/teachers
- Downloadable audio
Piano Method Book 1
The Rockschool Piano Method books are the ideal introduction to piano playing, designed with usef...
Graded Music Exam: Premiere
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
In Rockschool Piano Method Book 1, there are five specially composed songs arranged for Premiere level piano students.
Rockschool Originals
- Two at a Time
- Piano Star
- Skip Together
- Rockin’ Three
- Minor Matter
Candidates are NOT permitted to submit Free Choice Pieces for the Premiere exam.
Exam Structure
There is one type of exam available at Premiere, a Performance Certificate.
Performance Certificate
| 5 performance pieces only. | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Piano
Debut
The Debut Piano exam is for candidates who have been learning a short time and have developed elementary skills, techniques, co-ordination and musical understanding. There is also an opportunity for basic improvisation.
At Piano Debut you will be examined on your choice of three performance pieces from artists such as Emeli Sandé, Elton John and Justin Bieber.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 15 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 12 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Debut Piano exam is for candidates who have been learning a short time and have developed elementary skills, techniques, co-ordination and musical understanding. There is also an opportunity for basic improvisation.
At Piano Debut you will be examined on your choice of three performance pieces from artists such as Emeli Sandé, Elton John and Justin Bieber.
Piano Debut
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Debut will provide you with ...
Graded Music Exam: Debut
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can concentrate on the requirements of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/ consistency, technical control and sync at a beginner level.
Featured Repertoire:
- La Valse d’Amélie – Yan Tiersen
- Love Yourself – Justin Bieber
- Lean on Me – Bill Withers
- The Lumineers – Ho Hey
- Beauty and the Beast – Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson
- Next to Me – Emeli Sandé
Technical Exercises
At Debut there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios/Broken Chords and Chord Voicings.
All scales and arpeggios need to be played hands separately, in straight feel, ascending and descending. Pentatonic scales are right hand only.
The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice.
The book can be used in the exam for Groups A and B. Group C needs to be played from memory. For Group C, candidates will be required to close their grade books.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 52bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note
Range: One octave
- C major (right hand)
- C major (left hand)
- A natural minor (right hand)
- A natural minor (left hand)
- C major pentatonic (right hand)
- A minor pentatonic (right hand)
GROUP B – Arpeggios/Broken Chords
Tempo: 92bpm
Time signatures: 3/4
Rhythms: Quarter notes, finishing on a dotted half note
- C major broken chord (right hand)
- C major broken chord (left hand)
- A natural minor broken chord (right hand)
- A natural minor broken chord (left hand)
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
- C major
- C minor
Candidates need to play either the C major voicings or the C minor voicings from memory. The examiner will state the exercise. This test is performed in free time (without backing track or click), but the examiner will be looking for the speed of your response.
Supporting Tests
At Debut, candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: C major
Tempo: 60bpm
Time signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Whole, half, quarter notes, associated rests
The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 4–6 bar melody.
Candidates are required to play hands separately and only single notes will be required to be played with both left and right hands.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For the first play through, there will be four clicks. For the test, there will be a one bar count in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation and Interpretation
Key: C major
Tempo: 60bpm
Time signature: 4/4
The Improvisation test is in the form of a 4–6 bar chord progression, with all chord symbols indicated.
Candidates are required to improvise single note melodies with either left or right hand. It is permissible to play chord voicings, or use both hands, but marks will only be awarded for melodic content.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Ear Tests
At Debut there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Chord Recognition. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.
Test 1: Melodic Recall
Tempo: 95bpm
Rhythms: Half notes
The examiner will play two half notes one after the other. Candidates are to state whether the second note is higher or lower in pitch than the first note. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in. There will also be a C root note at the beginning of the test for reference. For this exercise, candidates are to use the words ‘higher’ or ‘lower’. Credit will be given for speed of response
Test 2: Chord Recognition
Tempo: 95bpm
Rhythms: Whole notes
The examiner will play two chords, each with a C root note. Candidates are to state which chord played was major and which chord played was minor. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in. Credit will be given for speed of response.
General Musicianship Questions
At debut candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:
- One question relating to harmony
- One question relating to melody
- One question relating to rhythms
- One question relating to technical requirements
- One question relating to genre
Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner.
The questions will cover the following topics:
Group 1: Harmony
Identification of major / minor triad chord symbols.
Group 2:Melody
A pitch in the treble clef within the stave.
Group 3:Rhythm
Whole / half / quarter notes.
Group 4:Technical
Fingering used in a crotchet length phrase. (Either hand.)
Group 5:Genre
Genre of the piece
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Piano
Grade 1
The Grade 1 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for six months to one year. They have mastered the key basic debut level skills and have since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding. There is also an opportunity to build on basic improvisation.
Your exam will involve performance pieces from artists such as Ariana Grande, The Beatles and Sam Smith.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 20 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 15 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 1 will provide you with everything you need for your Grade 1 exam, including a diverse range of repertoire, a truly innovative range of supporting tests and a vast array of professionally recorded backing tracks and audio examples.
Piano Grade 1
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 1 will provide you wit...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 1
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can concentrate on the requirements of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/ consistency, technical control and sync at a beginner level.
Featured Repertoire:
- Let it Be – The Beatles
- Tattooed Heart – Ariana Grande
- Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
- Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Elton John
- I’m Not the Only One – Sam Smith
- Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
Technical Exercises
At Grade 1 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Voicings.
All scales and arpeggios need to be played hands separately, in straight feel, ascending and descending. Pentatonic scales are right hand only.
The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice.
The book can be used in the exam for Groups A and B. Group C needs to be played from memory. For Group C, candidates will be required to close their grade books.
Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book when performing Group C will result in a deduction of marks for this element. (See Assessment Criteria).
Any fingerings shown in the grade book are for suggestions only.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 60bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note
Range: Two octave
- F major (right hand)
- F major (left hand)
- G major (right hand)
- G major (left hand)
- D natural minor (right hand)
- D natural minor (left hand)
- E natural minor (right hand)
- E natural minor (left hand)
- F major pentatonic (right hand)
- G major pentatonic (right hand)
- D minor pentatonic (right hand)
- E minor pentatonic (right hand)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: 100bpm
Time signature: 3/4
Rhythms: Quarter notes, finishing on a dotted half note
- F major broken chord (right hand)
- F major broken chord (left hand)
- G major broken chord (right hand)
- G major broken chord (left hand)
- D natural minor broken chord (right hand)
- D natural minor broken chord (left hand)
- E natural minor broken chord (right hand)
- E natural minor broken chord (left hand)
- C augmented arpeggio (right hand)
- C augmented arpeggio (left hand)
- C diminished arpeggio (right hand)
- C diminished arpeggio (left hand)
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
- C diminished
- C augmented
Candidates will be asked to play either the C diminished or the C augmented triads from memory.
The examiner will state the exercise. This test is performed in free time (without backing track or click), but the examiner will be looking for the speed of your response.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 1, candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: F major or G major
Tempo: 70bpm
Time signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Whole, half, quarter notes, associated rests
The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 4–6 bar melody.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For the first play through, there will be four clicks. For the test, there will be a one bar count in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation and Interpretation
Key: F major or G major
Tempo: 70bpm
Time signature: 4/4
The Improvisation test is in the form of a 4–6 bar chord progression, with all chord symbols indicated.
Candidates are required to improvise single note melodies with either left or right hand. It is permissible to play chord voicings, or use both hands, but marks will only be awarded for melodic content.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Ear Tests
At Grade 1 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Chord Recognition. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.
Test 1: Melodic Recall
Tempo: 95bpm
Rhythms: Whole, half notes
The examiner will play three notes one after the other. Candidates are to state whether the second note is higher or lower in pitch than the first and whether the third note is higher or lower in pitch than the second. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in. There will also be a C root note at the beginning of the test for reference. For this exercise, candidates are to use the words ‘higher’ or ‘lower’.
Credit will be given for speed of response.
Test 2: Chord Recognition
Tempo: 95bpm
Rhythms: Whole notes
The examiner will play a sequence of chords each with a C root note, then ask the candidate to state the chord quality of each chord from a choice of major, minor, diminished or augmented. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in.
Credit will be given for speed of response.
General Musicianship Questions
At Grade 1 candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:
- One question relating to harmony
- One question relating to melody
- One question relating to rhythms
- One question relating to technical requirements
- One question relating to genre
Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam.
The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner.
The questions will cover the following topics:
Group 1: Harmony
Interval construction of major / minor / augmented / diminished triad chords
Group 2: Melody
Pitches in the bass clef within the stave.
Group 3: Rhythm
Whole, half, quarter, eighth notes, associated rests. Eighth note triplets.
Group 4: Technical
Fingering used in a minim length phrase. (Either hand).
Group 5: Genre
Different artists from the same genre as the piece chosen.
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Piano
Grade 2
The Grade 2 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for one year to eighteen months. They have mastered the key basic skills up to Grade 1 and since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding. There is also the continuing opportunity to develop improvisation skills.
You will be examined on your choice of Performance Pieces from artists such as Ed Sheeran, Dionne Warwick and Katy Perry.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 20 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 15 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 2 will provide you with everything you need for your Grade 2 exam, including a diverse range of repertoire, a truly innovative range of supporting tests and a vast array of professionally recorded backing tracks and audio examples.
Piano Grade 2
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 2 will provide you wit...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 2
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Repub...
Performance Pieces
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can increase their understanding and execution of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, articulation, expression and sync at a beginner level.
Featured Repertoire:
- Roar – Katy Perry
- Feeling Good – Nina Simone
- The Pink Panther Theme – Henry Mancini
- Walk on By – Dionne Warwick
- Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
- This is Me – The Greatest Showman
Technical Exercises
At Grade 2 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Voicings.
Major scales, minor scales and arpeggios need to be played hands together, in straight feel, ascending and descending. Candidates can choose to play either natural minor or harmonic minor scales in
the exam. Pentatonic scales are right hand only, and the C blues scale needs to be performed hands separately.
The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice.
The book can be used in the exam for Groups A and B. Group C needs to be played from memory. For Group C, candidates will be required to close their grade books or ensure the information on the KR player is out of view.
Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book when performing Group C will result in a deduction of marks for this element. (See Assessment Criteria).
Any fingerings shown in the grade book are for suggestions only.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 66bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note
Range: Two octave (chromatic one octave)
- B-flat major
- D major
- G natural minor
- B natural minor
- G harmonic minor
- B harmonic minor
- B-flat major pentatonic
- D major pentatonic
- G minor pentatonic
- B minor pentatonic
- C blues (right hand)
- C blues (left hand)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: 63bpm
Time signature: 3/4, 4/4
Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.
- B-flat major
- D major
- G minor
- B minor
- C major seventh
- C minor seventh
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
Candidates will be asked to play one of the following chord exercises:
- Major 7th
- Minor 7th
- Dominant 7th
Candidates will be asked to play one of the 7th chord exercises below, from memory. This test is performed in free time (without backing track or click), but the examiner will be looking for the speed of your response.
Supporting Tests
Sight Reading
Key: Bb major or D major
Tempo: 60-95 bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, quarter, eighth notes, associated rests.
The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 4–6 bar melody.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For the first play through, there will be four clicks. For the test, there will be a one bar count in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation and Interpretation
Key: Bb major or D major
Tempo: 60-95 bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
The Improvisation test is in the form of a 4–6 bar chord progression, with all chord symbols indicated.
Candidates are required to improvise single note melodies with either left or right hand. It is permissible to play chord voicings, or use both hands, but marks will only be awarded for melodic content.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Ear Tests
At Grade 2 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Chord Recognition. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Whole, half, quarter notes
The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of C major, with a range up to a fourth.
There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
The first note of the melody will be the root.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Chord Recognition
Tempo: 95bpm
Rhythms: Whole notes
The examiner will play a sequence of chords each with a C root note, then ask the candidate to state the chord quality of each chord from a choice of major, minor, diminished, augmented or dominant 7. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in.
The same chord quality may appear more than once within the sequence. Credit will be given for speed of response.
General Musicianship Questions
At Grade 2 candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:
- One question relating to harmony
- One question relating to melody
- One question relating to rhythms
- One question relating to technical requirements
- One question relating to genre
Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner.
The questions will cover the following topics:
Group 1: Harmony
Interval construction of major / minor triad, augmented / diminished triad, dom7 / sus4 chords.
Group 2: Melody
Pitches in the treble clef within the stave.
Group 3: Rhythm
Whole, half, quarter, eighth notes, dotted quarters and eighth notes, associated rests. Eighth note triplets and associated rests
Group 4: Technical
Fingering used in a bar length phrase. (Either hand)
Group 5: Genre
Different song titles from the same genre as the piece chosen.
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Piano
Grade 3
The Grade 3 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for eighteen months to two years and who are ready to consolidate their final stage as a beginner player. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 2and since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding. Improvisation phrasing is now confident and articulate and candidates have started to develop the beginnings of stylistic awareness.
You will be examined on your choice of Performance Pieces from artists such as Adele, Coldplay and Nora Jones.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 25 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 18 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 3 will provide you with everything you need for your Grade 3 exam, including a diverse range of repertoire, a truly innovative range of supporting tests and a vast array of professionally recorded backing tracks and audio examples.
Piano Grade 3
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 3 will provide you wit...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 3
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can continue their understanding and execution of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, expression, articulation and sync at a high beginner level.
Featured Repertoire:
- Paradise – Coldplay
- Don’t Know Why – Nora Jones
- A Whole New World – Brad Kane & Lea Salonga
- Unfaithful – Rihanna
- Skyfall – Adele
- Somewhere Only We Know – Keane
Technical Exercises
At Grade 3 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Voicings.
Major, natural and harmonic minor scales and arpeggios need to be played hands together, in straight or swung feel, ascending and descending. Pentatonic scales are right hand only. The melodic minor scale needs to be played hands separately, and the chromatic scale on A needs to be played hands together.
The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and A, B and C need to be played to a compulsory metronome click.
The book can be used in the exam for Groups A and B. Group C needs to be played from memory. For Group C, candidates will be required to close their grade books.
Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book when performing Group C will result in a deduction of marks for this element. (See Assessment Criteria).
Any fingerings shown in the grade book are for suggestions only.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 80 bpm
Range: Two octaves
Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note.
- E-flat major
- A major
- C natural minor
- F-sharp natural minor
- C harmonic minor
- F-sharp harmonic minor
- E-flat major pentatonic (right hand)
- A major pentatonic (right hand)
- C minor pentatonic (right hand)
- F-sharp pentatonic (right hand)
- C melodic minor (right hand)
- C melodic minor (left hand)
- Chromatic scale on A (right hand)
- Chromatic scale on A (left hand)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: 69 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.
- E-flat major
- A major
- C minor
- F-sharp minor
- C dominant seventh
- C minor sixth
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
Tempo: 80 bpm
Rhythm: Half notes
- C major harmonised scale in 7ths (root in bass)
- C major harmonised scale in 7ths (3rd in bass)
Candidates will be asked to play one of harmonised scale exercises from memory. The examiner will state the exercise. This exercise is performed to a metronome click.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 3 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: Eb major or A major
Tempo: 60-95 bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, dotted quarter, quarter, eighth notes, eighth note ties, associated rests.
The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 4–8 bar melody.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For the first play through, there will be four clicks. For the test, there will be a one bar count in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation and Interpretation
Key: Eb major or A major
Tempo: 60-95 bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
The Improvisation test is in the form of a 4–8 bar chord progression, with all chord symbols indicated.
Candidates are required to improvise single note melodies with either left or right hand. It is permissible to play chord voicings, or use both hands, but marks will only be awarded for melodic content.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Ear Tests
At Grade 3 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Chord Recognition. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Whole, half, quarter notes
The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of C major, with a range up to a fifth.
The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of C major, with a range up to a fifth.
There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
The first note of the melody will be the root.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.
Chord Recognition
Tempo: 95bpm
Rhythms: Whole notes
The examiner will play a sequence of chords each with a C root note, then ask the candidate to state the chord quality of two of the chords from a choice of major, minor, diminished, augmented, dominant 7 and major 7th. The examiner will select which two chords.
The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in. Credit will be given for speed of response.
General Musicianship Questions
At Grade 3 candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:
- One question relating to harmony
- One question relating to melody
- One question relating to rhythms
- One question relating to technical requirements
- One question relating to genre
Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner.
The questions will cover the following topics:
Group 1: Harmony
Chord degrees of the scale.
Group 2: Melody
Identification of pitches in the bass clef within the stave.
Group 3: Rhythm
Whole, half, quarter, eighth and associated dotted notes/rests, quarter/eighth note triplets and associated rests within one crotchet length.
Group 4: Technical
Fingering used in a bar length phrase. (Both hands.)
Group 5: Genre
Different artists and song titles from the same genre as the piece chosen.
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Piano
Grade 4
The Grade 4 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for two to three years and who are ready for intermediate level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 3 and since acquired greater use of technique, more complex rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding. Candidates will be developing a sense of expression and continuing to broaden their stylistic awareness, and there is also the opportunity to improvise which will be growing in assurance and articulation.
The Grade 4 exams will introduce you to a range of repertoire from Elton John, Aretha Franklin and John Legend..
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 25 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 22 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 4 will provide you with everything you need for your Grade 4 exam, including a diverse range of repertoire, a truly innovative range of supporting tests and a vast array of professionally recorded backing tracks and audio examples.
Piano Grade 4
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 4 will provide you wit...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 4
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can acquire a solid understanding and execution of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, articulation, expression, style awareness and sync at an early intermediate level.
Featured Repertoire:
- All of Me – John Legend
- Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John
- I See Fire – Ed Sheeran
- Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
- Respect – Aretha Franklin
- Let it Go – Frozen
Technical Exercises
At Grade 4 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chord Voicings and Technical Studies.
- Candidates can choose to play either natural minor or harmonic minor scales
- Major and contrary motion scales, minor scales, chromatic scales and arpeggios need to be< played hands together, in straight or swung feel, ascending and descending
- Pentatonic scales are right hand only
- Dorian and mixolydian modes need to be played hands separately
- Groups A, B and C (scales, arpeggios and chords) need to be played from memory, and candidates will be required to close their grade books. Candidates may use the book for Group D (technical studies)
The examiner will ask for a selection from groups A, B and C. Candidates can prepare the technical study of their choice from group D.
Groups A and B need to be performed to a metronome click. Group C can be performed at a tempo of the candidate’s choice, but the examiner will be looking for the speed of response. The chosen technical study from Group D needs to be performed to a backing track.
Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book during the technical exercises will result in a deduction of overall marks for this section. (See Assessment Criteria).
Any fingerings shown in the grade book are for suggestions only.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 104 bpm
Range: Two octaves
Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note.
- A-flat minor
- A-flat minor (contrary motion)
- E major
- E major (contrary motion)
- C-sharp natural minor
- F natural minor
- C-sharp harmonic minor
- F harmonic minor
- A-flat major pentatonic (right hand)
- E major pentatonic (right hand)
- F minor pentatonic (right hand)
- C-sharp minor (right hand)
- C dorian (right hand)
- C dorian (left hand)
- C mixolydian (right hand)
- C mixolydian (left hand)
- Chromatic scale (starting on any black key stated by examiner)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: 76 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.
- E major arpeggio
- Ab major arpeggio
- C# minor arpeggio
- F minor arpeggio
- C minor 7 b5 or C half-diminished
- C diminished 7
- C minor 9 (right hand)
- C minor 9 (left hand)
- C dominant 9 (right hand)
- C dominant 9 (left hand)
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
Candidates will be asked to play one of the following chord exercises:
- Major 9
- Dominant 9
- Minor 9
Candidates will be asked to play one of the chord exercises from memory. The examiner will state the chord type. This test is performed in free time (without backing track or click), but the examiner will be looking for the speed of your response.
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Candidates will be required to perform one technical study of their choice to the backing track.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 4 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: Ab major or E major
Tempo: 60-130 bpm
Time Signature: simple (3/4, 4/4) or compound (6/8)
Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, dotted quarter, quarter, eighth notes, associated rests.
The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 8–12 bar melody.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation and Interpretation
Key: Ab major or E major
Tempo: 60-130 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
The Improvisation test is in the form of a 8–12 bar chord progression with all chord symbols indicated. Candidates are required to improvise diatonic single note melodies with right hand and chords in left hand.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Ear Tests
At Grade 4 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Half, quarter, eighth notes
The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of C major, with a range up to a sixth.
There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
The first note of the melody will be the root.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.
Harmonic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Whole notes
The examiner will play a chord progression containing chords I, IV, V in any order or combination in the key of C major. Candidates will hear the test twice, then play the chords back to a metronome click. Both playings of the initial test and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
Note: there is no requirement for the chords to be voicing specific but the diatonic progression needs to be correct.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.
General Musicianship Questions
At Grade 4 candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:
- One question relating to harmony.
- One question relating to melody
- One question relating to rhythms
- One question relating to technical requirements
- One question relating to genre
Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner.
Group 1: Harmony
Identification of note intervals relative to a chord symbol. (Root/3rd/5th/7th)
Group 2: Melody
Identification of pitches within the stave. (Treble or bass clef)
Group 3: Rhythm
Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth and associated dotted notes/rests and quarter/eighth note triplets and associated rests, up to one crotchet length.
Group 4: Technical
Fingering used to play the 3rd//5th/7th note of a chord.
Group 5: Genre
Melodic / harmonic / rhythmic devices indicative of the genre chosen
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Piano
Grade 5
The Grade 5 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for three years or more and who have fully consolidated their intermediate level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 4 and since acquired a greater use of appropriate technique, more complex rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding. Candidates will have developed a good sense of expression, have a strong grasp of stylistic awareness, and there is also the opportunity to improvise which is now individual, assured, accurate and expressive.
This grade features repertoire from David Bowie, Vanessa Carlton, and David Guetta.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 25 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 22 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 5 will provide you with everything you need for your Grade 5 exam, including a diverse range of repertoire, a truly innovative range of supporting tests and a vast array of professionally recorded backing tracks and audio examples.
Piano Grade 5
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 5 will provide you wit...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 5
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can acquire a growing security and execution of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, articulation, expression, style awareness and sync at intermediate level.
Featured Repertoire:
- Every Little Thing She Does is Magic – The Police
- Dangerous – David Guetta feat. Sam Martin
- You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Lyle Lovett & Randy Newman
- Life on Mars – David Bowie
- A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton
- Teardrop – Massive Attack
Technical Exercises
At Grade 5 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chord Voicings and Technical Studies.
- Candidates can choose to play either natural minor or harmonic minor scales
- Major scales, minor scales, chromatic scales and arpeggios need to be played hands together, in straight or swung feel, ascending and descending, across three octaves (except contrary motion scales, pentatonics, lydian and phrygian modes, which must be played over two octaves and extended arpeggios which are one octave only)
- Pentatonic scales are right hand only
- Lydian and Phrygian modes need to be played hands separately
- Groups A, B and C (scales, arpeggios and chords) need to be played from memory and candidate will be required to close their grade books. Candidates may use the book for Group D (technical studies).
The examiner will ask for a selection from groups A, B and C. Candidates can prepare the technical study of their choice from group D.
Groups A and B need to be performed to a metronome click. Group C can be performed at a tempo of the candidate’s choice, but the examiner will be looking for the speed of response. The chosen technical study from Group D needs to be performed to a backing track.
Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book during the technical exercises will result in a deduction of overall marks for this section. (See Assessment Criteria).
Any fingerings shown in the grade book are for suggestions only.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 126 bpm
Octave range: 3 octaves (except contrary motion scales, pentatonics, lydian and phrygian modes – 2 octaves)
Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note.
- B major
- B major (contrary motion)
- D-flat major
- D-flat major (contrary motion)
- G-sharp natural minor
- B-flat natural minor
- G-sharp harmonic minor
- B-flat harmonic minor
- B major pentatonic (right hand)
- D-flat major pentatonic (right hand)
- G-sharp minor pentatonic (right hand)
- B-flat minor pentatonic (right hand)
- C lydian (right hand)
- C lydian (left hand)
- C phrygian (right hand)
- C phrygian (left hand)
- Chromatic scale (starting on any black key stated by examiner)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: 86 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
Octave range: 3 octaves
Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.
- B major arpeggio
- D-flat major arpeggio
- G-sharp minor arpeggio
- B-flat minor arpeggio
- C minor maj7
- C7 add4
- Cmaj9 #11 (right hand)
- Cmaj9 #11 (left hand)
- Cm11 (right hand)
- Cm11 (left hand)
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
Candidates will be asked to play one of the following chord exercises:
- C min 11
- C maj9# 11
Candidates will be asked to play one of the chord exercises from memory. The examiner will state the chord type/exercise. This test is performed in free time (without backing track or click), but the examiner will be looking for the speed of your response.
Group D: Technical Studies
Candidates will be required to perform one technical study of their choice to the backing track.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 5 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: Db major or B major
Tempo: 60-130 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, dotted quarter, quarter, eighth, sixteenth notes, associated rests. Eighth, quarter, sixteenth note ties.
Dynamic Markings: p– f, < (crescendo) and > (decrescendo).
The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 8–16 bar melody, with possible geographical instruction.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation and Interpretation
Key: Db major or B major
Tempo: 60-130 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
The Improvisation test is in the form of a 8–16 bar chord progression with all chord symbols indicated. Candidates are required to improvise diatonic single note melodies with right hand and chords in left hand.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Ear Tests
At Grade 5 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Half, quarter, eighth notes. (Notes may be tied)
The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of C major, with a range up to an octave.
There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
The first note of the melody will be either the root or fifth.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.
Harmonic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Half notes.
TThe examiner will play a chord progression containing chords I, II, IV, V, VI in any order or combination in the key of C major. At this grade, seventh chords are introduced. Candidates will hear the test twice, then play the chords back to a metronome click. Both playings of the initial test and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
Note: there is no requirement for the chords to be voicing specific but the diatonic progression needs to be correct.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.
General Musicianship Questions
At Grade 5 candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:
- One question relating to harmony
- One question relating to melody
- One question relating to rhythms
- One question relating to technical requirements
- One question relating to genre
Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner.
The questions will cover the following topics:
Group 1: Harmony
Identification of intervals relative to a chord symbol. (Root/3rd/5th/7th/9th/11th/13th).
Group 2: Melody
Identification of pitches in the within the stave. (Treble or bass clef)
Group 3: Rhythm
Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth and associated dotted notes/rests and quarter/eighth note triplets and associated rests, up to one crotchet length.
Group 4: Technical
Fingering used to play the 3rd/5th/7th/9th note of a chord
Group 5: Genre
Melodic / harmonic / rhythmic devices indicative of the genre chosen.
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Piano
Grade 6
The Grade 6 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning in the region of four or more years and who have reached the first stage of advanced level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 5 and have since developed appropriate technique, expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, co-ordination and musical understanding. Candidates will have an increased extent of individuality, enhanced stylistic awareness and will be able to improvise with convincing shape and articulation. There will be good understanding of form and structure with clear musical communication.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 30 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 25 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 6 will provide you with everything you need for your Grade 6 exam, including a diverse range of repertoire, a truly innovative range of supporting tests and a vast array of professionally recorded backing tracks and audio examples.
Piano Grade 6
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 6 will provide you wit...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 6
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can confidently understand and execute notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/ consistency, technical control, articulation, style awareness and sync at an early advanced level. There will be assured presentation of musical structure with clear, convincing expressive communication.
Featured Repertoire:
- Africa – Toto
- Cantaloupe Island – Herbie Hancock
- In the End – Linkin Park
- Defying Gravity – Wicked
- The Way it is – Bruce Hornsby & The Range
- He’s a Pirate – Pirates of the Caribbean
Technical Exercises
At Grade 6 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chord Voicings and technical studies.
- Candidates must prepare both natural minor and harmonic minor scales
- Major scales, minor scales, chromatic scales and arpeggios need to be played hands together, in straight or swung feel, ascending and descending, across four octaves (except contrary motion scales, pentatonics, lydian dominant and locrian modes, which must be played over two octaves, and extended arpeggios which are one octave only)
- Groups A, B and C (scales, arpeggios and chords) need to be played from memory. You may use your book for Group D (technical studies)
The examiner will ask for a selection from groups A, B and C. Candidates can prepare the technical study of their choice from group D.
Groups A and B need to be performed to a metronome click. Group C can be performed at a tempo of the candidate’s choice, but the examiner will be looking for the speed of response. The chosen technical study from Group D needs to be performed to a backing track.
Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book during the technical exercises will result in a deduction of overall marks for this section. (See Assessment Criteria).
Any fingerings shown in the grade book are for suggestions only.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 152 bpm
Octave range: 4 octaves (except contrary motion scales, pentatonics, lydian dominant and locrian modes – 2 octaves)
Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note.
- F # major
- F# major (contrary motion)
- Gb major
- Gb major (contrary motion)
- D# natural minor
- Eb natural minor
- D# harmonic minor
- Eb harmonic minor
- F# major pentatonic
- Gb major pentatonic
- D#minor pentatonic
- Eb minor pentatonic
- C lydian dominant
- C locrian
- Chromatic scale (starting on any black key stated by examiner)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: 100 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
Octave range: 4 octaves (except extended arpeggios – 2 octaves).
Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a half note.
- F# major arpeggio
- Gb major arpeggio
- D# minor arpeggio
- Eb minor arpeggio
- G7 arpeggio
- F7 arpeggio
- C#dim7 arpeggio
- C 13#11 arpeggio
- C7#5#9 arpeggio
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
Candidates will be asked to play one of the following chordal exercises, chosen by the examiner:
- Cmaj13
- C13
- Cminor13
Candidates will be asked to play one of the chord exercises from memory. The examiner will state the chord type/exercise. This test is performed in free time (without backing track or click), but the examiner will be looking for the speed of your response.
Group D: Technical Studies
Candidates will be required to perform one technical study of their choice to the backing track.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 6 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: Gb major or F# major
Tempo: 60–130 bpm
Time Signature: Simple or compound
Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, dotted quarter, quarter, eighth, sixteenth notes, associated rests. Eighth, quarter, sixteenth note ties
The sight reading test is in the form of a 12–16 bar example in the key of either Gb major or F# major.
You will first be given 90 seconds to practise, after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for you to practise and the second time is for you to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. The tempo is 60–130 bpm.
During the practice time, you will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count in of the second playing will start immediately
Improvisation and Interpretation
Key: Gb major or F# major
Tempo: 60–130 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
The Improvisation test is in the form of a 8–16 bar chord progression with all chord symbols indicated.
Candidates are required to improvise melodies and chordal comping between left hand and right hand, in any way they wish, interpreting the chord progression and backing track given in the exam.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in.
During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Ear Tests
At Grade 6 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Half, quarter, eighth notes.
The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of C major, with a range up to an octave.
There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
The first note of the melody will be either the root or fifth.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.
Test 2: Harmonic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Whole, half notes
The examiner will play a chord progression containing chords I, II, III, IV, V, VI in any order or combination in the key of C major, including seventh chords. Candidates will hear the test twice, then play the chords back to a metronome click. Both playings of the initial test and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
Note: there is no requirement for the chords to be voicing specific but the diatonic progression needs to be correct.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.
General Musicianship Questions
At Grade 6 candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:
- One question relating to harmony
- One question relating to melody
- One question relating to rhythms
- One question relating to technical
requirements
- One question relating to genre
Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam.
The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner.
The questions will cover the following topics:
Group 1: Harmony
Appropriate modes which can be played over maj7 / min7 / dom7 / sus4 / 9sus4 / maj9# chords.
Group 2: Melody
Interval of any note relative to the chord symbol.
Group 3: Rhythm
Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, thirty-second notes, any dotted notes, triplets, any associated rests up to one crotchet length.
Group 4: Technical
Fingering used to play the 3rd//5th/7th/9th/11th note of a chord.
Group 5: Genre
Melodic / harmonic / rhythmic devices indicative of the genre chosen.
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Piano
Grade 7
The Grade 7 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for four to five years and have extended their advanced level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 6 and developed notable security of appropriate technique, use of expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, fluency and musical understanding. Candidates will be able to improvise with conviction and personality plus demonstrate strong musical form and structure. There will be mature and authentic stylistic awareness, with developing individuality and communication.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 30 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 25 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 7 will provide you with everything you need for your Grade 7 exam, including a diverse range of repertoire, a truly innovative range of supporting tests and a vast array of professionally recorded backing tracks and audio examples.
Piano Grade 7
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 7 will provide you wit...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 7
General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republic of Ireland info...
Performance Pieces
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can convincingly understand and execute notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/ consistency, technical control, articulation, style awareness and sync at an advanced level. There will be highly assured presentation of musical structure with fluent, individually shaped and highly expressive communication.
Featured Repertoire:
- Rosanna – Toto
- I Got the News – Steely Dan
- Cornflake Girl – Tori Amos
- A song For You – Ray Charles
- Theme From Schindler’s List – John Williams
- Live and Let Die – Paul McCartney and Wings
Technical Exercises
At Grade 7 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chord Voicings and Technical Studies.
- Candidates must prepare both natural minor and harmonic minor scales
- Major scales, minor scales, chromatic scales and arpeggios need to be played:
- – hands together
ascending and descending
- – either straight or swung feel (as directed by the examiner)
- – either legato or staccato articulation (as directed by the examiner)
- – across four octaves (except contrary motion scales, scale in 3rds, altered scale and phrygian dominant mode, which must be played over two octaves, and extended arpeggios which are one octave only)
- Groups A, B and C (scales, arpeggios and chords) need to be played from memory, and candidates will be required to close the book. Candidates may use the book for Group D (technical studies)
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 160 bpm
Octave range: 4 octaves (except contrary motion scales, scale in 3rds, altered scale and phrygian dominant mode – 2 octaves)
Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter/dotted half note.
- C# major
- C# major (contrary motion) (2 octaves)
- Cb major
- Cb major (contrary motion) (2 octaves)
- A# natural minor
- Ab natural minor
- A# harmonic minor
- Ab harmonic minor
- C whole-tone
- C major in thirds (right hand)
- C major in thirds (left hand)
- C altered
- C phygian dominant
- C chromatic (a minor 3rd apart, starting on any black key stated by examiner)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: 112 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
Octave range: 4 octaves (except extended arpeggio – 1 octave).
Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole/half note.
- C# major arpeggio
- Cb major arpeggio
- A# minor arpeggio
- Ab minor arpeggio
- D Dim7 arpeggio
- D7 arpeggio
- Bb7 arpeggio
- C9#5 arpeggio (1 octave)
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
Candidates will be asked to play one of the following chord exercises, chosen by the examiner.
- C dominant 7b9
- C dominant 7#9#5
- C dominant 13#11
Candidates will be asked to play one of the chord exercises from memory. The examiner will state the chord type/exercise. This test is performed in free time (without backing track or click), but the examiner will be looking for the speed of your response.
GROUP D: Technical Studies
Candidates will be required to perform one technical study of their choice to the backing track.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 7 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: C# major or Cb major
Tempoo: 60–130 bpm
Time Signature: Any simple, compound or odd time signature
Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, dotted quarter, quarter, eighth, sixteenth notes, associated rests. Eighth, quarter, sixteenth note ties
The sight reading test is in the form of a 16–20 bar example in the key of either Cb major or C# major.
You will first be given 90 seconds to practise, after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for you to practise and the second time is for you to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. The tempo is 60–130 bpm.
During the practice time, you will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation and Interpretation
Key: C# major or Cb major
Tempoo: 60–130 bpm
Time Signature: 4/4, swung 4/4
The Improvisation test is in the form of a 16–20 bar chord progression with all chord symbols indicated.
Candidates are required to improvise melodies and chordal comping between left hand and right hand, in any way they wish, interpreting the chord progression and backing track given in the exam.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in.
During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Ear Tests
At Grade 7 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major or C minor
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Half, quarter, eighth notes.
The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of either C major or C minor, with a range up to an octave.
There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
The first note of the melody will be either the root or fifth.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.
Harmonic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Whole, half notes
The examiner will play a chord progression containing any combination of chords from the C major scale, including seventh chords. Candidates will hear the test twice, then play the chords back to a metronome click. Both playings of the initial test and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
Note: there is no requirement for the chords to be voicing specific but the diatonic progression needs to be correct.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.
General Musicianship Questions
At Grade 7 candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:
- One question relating to harmony
- One question relating to melody
- One question relating to rhythms
- One question relating to technical requirements
- One question relating to genre
Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner.
The questions will cover the following topics:
Group 1: Harmony
Scales / modes which are being played.
Group 2: Melody
Intervallic construction of melodic phrases within the piece up to crotchet length.
Group 3: Rhythm
Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, thirty-second notes, any dotted notes, triplets or any associated rests up to one minim length.
Group 4: Technical
Fingering used to play the 3rd//5th/7th/9th/11th/13th note of a chord.
Group 5: Genre
Melodic / harmonic / rhythmic devices indicative of the genre chosen.
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Piano
Grade 8
The Grade 8 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for five years or more and have now consolidated their playing to a high level. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 7 and developed heightened technique, use of expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, fluency, co-ordination and musical understanding. Candidates will be able to improvise to an advanced level with effortless assurance and personality plus demonstrate seamless musical form and structure. There will be an innate stylistic conviction and distinctive musicality with strong individuality. Communication will be commanding.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 30 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 28 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 8 will provide you with everything you need for your Grade 8 exam, including a diverse range of repertoire, a truly innovative range of supporting tests and a vast array of professionally recorded backing tracks and audio examples.
Piano Grade 8
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary pianist. Piano Grade 8 will provide you wit...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 8
All instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate complete ownership of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/ consistency, technical control, articulation, style awareness and sync at an advanced level. There will be instinctive presentation of musical structure with effortlessly fluent, maturely expressive communication.
Featured Repertoire:
- Rather Be – Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne
- Birdland – Weather Report
- These Are The Days – Jamie Cullum
- Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
- Spain – Chick Corea
- End Credits (E.T.) – John Williams
Technical Exercises
At Grade 8 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chord Voicings and Technical Studies.
- Candidates must prepare both natural minor and harmonic minor scales
- Major scales, minor scales, chromatic scales and arpeggios need to be played:
- – hands together
- – ascending and descending
- – either straight or swung feel (as directed by the examiner)
- – either legato or staccato articulation (as directed by the examiner)
- – across four octaves (except half-whole and whole half diminished scales, which must be played over two octaves, and extended arpeggios which are one octave only)
- Groups A, B and C (scales, arpeggios and chords) need to be played from memory, and candidates will be required to close the grade book. Candidates may use the book for Group D (technical studies)
The examiner will ask for a selection from groups A, B and C. Candidates can prepare the technical study of their choice from group D.
Groups A and B need to be performed to a metronome click. Group C can be performed at a tempo of the candidate’s choice, but the examiner will be looking for the speed of response. The chosen technical study from Group D needs to be performed to a backing track.
Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book during the technical exercises will result in a deduction of overall marks for this section. (See Assessment Criteria).
Any fingerings shown in the grade book are for suggestions only.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 176 bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.
Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter/dotted half note.
- C half-whole diminished (two octaves)
- C whole-half diminished (two octaves)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: 132 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
Octave range: 4 octaves (except extended arpeggio shown below, 1 octave)
Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.
- D# dim7 arpeggio
- A7 arpeggio
- Eb7 arpeggio
- C13b9#11 arpeggio (1 octave)
Additional Scale
Candidates will be asked to perform one additional scale from any of the Group A exercises in any of the previous grades, selected by the examiner. The scale will need to be played ascending and descending, in eighth notes and hands together. The examiner will confirm the scale, number of octaves, whether straight or swung, tempo and time signature.
Additional Arpeggio
Candidates will be asked to perform one additional arpeggio from any of the Group B exercises in any of the previous grades, selected by the examiner. The scale will need to be played ascending and descending, in eighth notes and hands together. The examiner will confirm the scale, number of octaves, whether straight or swung, tempo and time signature.
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
Candidates will be asked to play one chordal exercise from below, chosen by the examiner:
- C13b9#11
- C diminished major 7
Candidates will be asked to play one of the chord exercises from memory. The examiner will state the chord type/exercise. This test is performed in free time (without backing track or click), but the examiner will be looking for the speed of your response.
GROUP D – Technical Studies
Candidates will be required to perform one technical study of their choice to the backing track.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 8 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: Any key
Time Signature: Any
Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, dotted quarter, quarter, eighth, sixteenth notes, associated rests. Eighth, quarter, sixteenth note ties
Dynamics: Any
The sight reading test is in the form of a 16–24 bar example in any key.
You will first be given 90 seconds to practise, after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for you to practise and the second time is for you to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. The tempo is 60–200 bpm.
During the practice time, you will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvising & Interpretation
Key: Any
Tempo: 60 – 200 BPM
Time Signature: 4/4, swung 4/4
The Improvisation test is in the form of a 16–24 bar chord progression with all chord symbols indicated.
Candidates are required to improvise melodies and chordal comping between left hand and right hand, in any way they wish, interpreting the chord progression and backing track given in the exam.
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in.
During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Ear Tests
At Grade 8 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major, C natural minor or C harmonic minor
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Half, quarter, eighth notes.
The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of either C major, C natural minor or C harmonic minor, with a range up to an octave.
There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
The first note of the melody will be either the root, third or fifth.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.
Harmonic Recall
Key: C major or C minor
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Whole, half notes
The examiner will play a chord progression containing any combination of chords from either the C major or C minor scale, including seventh chords. Candidates will hear the test twice, then play the chords back to a metronome click. Both playings of the initial test and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.
Note: there is no requirement for the chords to be voicing specific but the diatonic progression needs to be correct.
It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.
Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.
General Musicianship Questions
At Grade 8 candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:
- One question relating to harmony
- One question relating to melody
- One question relating to rhythms
- One question relating to technical requirements
- One question relating to genre
Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner.
The questions will cover the following topics:
Group 1: Harmony
Scales / modes which are being played.
Group 2: Melody
Intervallic construction of melodic phrases within the piece up to crotchet length.
Group 3: Rhythm
Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, thirty-second notes, any dotted notes, triplets or any associated rests up to one minim length.
Group 4: Technical
Fingering required to execute voice leading between two consecutive chord voicing’s.
Group 5: Genre
Melodic / harmonic / rhythmic devices indicative of the genre chosen.
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Downloads
Download the Rockschool Piano syllabus for free! Here you will also find a range of resources to support your journey with Rockschool.
Find a Teacher or Institution
Find your nearest RSL Awards teacher by using the search below. Our exams are also available across the globe. Click here to search international teachers or institutions.
Graded Music Exam Fees
Please find all graded music exam fees below. Simply select your chosen exam format and your location to see the relevant fees.
| Exam grade | Price |
|---|---|
| Entry Level 3 (Debut) | £52.00 |
| Grade 1 | £58.00 |
| Grade 2 | £64.00 |
| Grade 3 | £74.00 |
| Grade 4 | £81.00 |
| Grade 5 | £91.00 |
| Grade 6 | £101.00 |
| Grade 7 | £111.00 |
| Grade 8 | £121.00 |
Graded Music Exam Dates
See the dates below for face-to-face Graded Music Exams for all Rockschool and RSL Classical disciplines in the UK. Music Production and Theory exams are conducted online and are not bound by any set exam periods.
| Term | Exam Dates | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| A 2024 | 19th February - 14th April 2024 | 12th February 2024 |
| B 2024 | 13th May - 31st July 2024 | 7th May 2024 |
| Summer Exams 2024 | 1st - 12th August 2024 | 22nd July 2024 |
| C 2024 | 28th October - 21st December 2024 | 21st October 2024 |
Please note: dates are subject to change. Ensure you check back prior to entry to avoid entering for the incorrect exam period.
If you would like to book a private exam day in the UK, please email business@rslawards.com
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