Performance Pieces

The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate and are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Andean Folk Song, arr. Yvon Rivoal – Ojos Azules
• Laura Snowden – The Secret City
• Mauro Giuliani (arr. Debbie Cracknell) – Andante in C
• Beyoncé – If I Were a Boy
• The Lumineers – Ho Hey
• Bill Withers – Lean on Me
• Fernando Sor – Study in C, No. 1
• Ludwig van Beethoven – Ode To Joy
• From Disney’s ‘Frozen 2’ – All Is Found
• Gustav Holst – ‘Jupiter’ from The Planets

Technical Exercises

There are two groups of technical exercises at this grade: Scales and Technical Studies. All are to be played unaccompanied. The tempo given for the scales is the recommended minimum tempo for this grade.

GROUP A – Scales

Scale: C major
Range: Perfect 5th
Tempo: Crotchet = 70
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (candidate choice), fingers only

Scale: A minor
Range: Perfect 5th
Tempo: Crotchet = 70
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (candidate choice), fingers only

Scale: G Major Pentatonic
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 70
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (candidate choice), fingers only

GROUP B – Technical Studies

Candidates are to perform one of the three technical studies given in the grade book. The examiner will ask which study the candidate has prepared.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation

In the exam, candidates have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or a Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask the candidate which they wish to choose before commencing. Once candidates have decided they cannot change their mind.

Sight Reading

Requirements
Candidates will be given one of the following:

Either:

• A four-bar melody on the 1st string (high E), on the notes E, F and G, played in minims;

Or:

• A four-bar single-note rhythm on the 6th string (low E), containing semibreves (whole notes), minims (half notes) and crotchets (quarter notes).

Process
All Sight Reading tests at Debut should be played at a recommended minimum tempo of crotchet = 60 bpm.

While the test is not played to a metronome click, candidates may ask to hear the minimum tempo on a metronome at the start of, or throughout their practice time. Additionally, candidates may ask to hear a few seconds of the tempo on a metronome before the assessed part of the test begins.

Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation

Requirements
Candidates will be given a five-bar chord progression in the key of C major. The tempo is crotchet=65. At Debut, candidates only need to improvise single-note melodies in the key of C major. The chord symbols show the chord progression of the backing track only. The test will start and end on the tonic chord, and will only contain chords I, IV and V.

Process
Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise, and will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one-bar count-in at the beginning of the practise time. Following the initial practice time, the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for candidates 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.

The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Melodic Recall

The examiner will play two minims (half notes) one after the other. Candidates are required to tell the examiner whether the second note is higher or lower in pitch than the first note. The test will be played twice.

Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one-bar vocal count-in. The tempo is crotchet = 85.

Rhythmic Recall

The examiner will play a two-bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the lowest-sounding E string. The test will be played twice. Candidates will be asked to play the rhythm back, and will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two examples shown to them.

Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one-bar count-in. There will be a short gap to practise. Next, there will be a vocal count-in after which candidates must play the rhythm to the drum backing. The tempo is crotchet = 85.

General Musicianship Questions

In this part of the exam, candidates will be asked five questions, divided between two topics as detailed below.

Music Knowledge

The examiner will ask the candidate four questions based on a piece of music that they have played in the exam. The candidate will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

At Debut the candidate may be asked to identify:

• the music stave
• the treble clef
• semibreve (whole notes), minims (half notes) and crotchets (quarter notes).

Instrument Knowledge

The examiner will also ask the candidate one question regarding the candidate’s instrument.

In Debut, the candidate will be asked to identify:

• one of the following parts of their guitar: neck, body, tuning-pegs or bridge

Performance Pieces

The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate and are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Laura Snowden – In My Heart
• David Guetta feat. Sia – Titanium
• Helen Sanderson – Lotus Flower
• Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna – We Found Love
• Nick Powlesland – It’s Just a Matter of Time
• Gary Ryan – Snake in a Basket
• John Dowland – What If I Never Speed
• Peter Nutall – Seville
• Ed Sheeran – Perfect
• Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah

Technical Exercises

There are three groups of technical exercises at this grade: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies. All are to be played unaccompanied. The tempos given for the scales and arpeggios are the recommended minimum tempos for this grade.

GROUP A – Scales

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. Candidates can choose to perform the scales in even notes (quavers) or with long tonic rhythms.

Major Scales
Scale: G, C, F major
Range: 1 octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 75
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (candidate choice), fingers only

Minor Scales
Scale: A, E Minor (Natural or harmonic minor – candidate’s choice)
Range: 1 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 75
Requirements: Tirando, thumb only

Double-Stopped Exercise
G Major Double-Stopped Exercise
Tempo: Crotchet = 75

GROUP B – Arpeggios

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed. Over-ringing of notes in arpeggios is acceptable at Grade 1.

Arpeggio: G Major
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 75
Requirements: Tirando, fingers only

Arpeggio: E Minor
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 75
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Arpeggio: F Major
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 75
Requirements: Tirando, thumb only

GROUP C – Technical Studies

Candidates are to perform one of the three technical studies given in the grade book. The examiner will ask which study the candidate has prepared.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation

In the exam, candidates have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or a Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask the candidate which one they wish to choose before commencing. Once the candidate has decided they cannot change their mind.

Sight Reading

Requirements
Candidates will be given one of the following:

Either:

• A four-bar melody on the 1st string (high E) on the notes E, F and G in open/first position, and 2nd string (B) on the notes B, C and D in open/first position, played in minims (half notes);

Or:

• A four-bar single-note rhythm on the open 6th string (low E), open 5th string (A), and open 4th string (D), containing minims (half notes) and crotchets (quarter notes).

Process
All Sight Reading tests at Grade 1 should be played at a recommended minimum tempo of crotchet = 61 bpm.

While the test is not played to a metronome click, candidates may ask to hear the minimum tempo on a metronome at the start of, or throughout their practice time. Additionally, candidates may ask to hear a few seconds of the tempo on a metronome before the assessed part of the test begins.

Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation

Requirements
Candidates will be given a five-bar chord progression in the key of C major or A minor. The tempo is crotchet = 75.

At Grade 1, candidates only need to improvise single-note melodies in the key of C major or A minor. Both tests will start and end on the tonic chord in their respective key.

The chord symbols show the chord progression of the backing track only.

• The C major test will contain the chords I, IV and V
• The A minor test will contain the chords Im, IVm and Vm

Process
Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise, before which candidates will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one-bar count-in at the beginning. Following the initial practice time, the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for the candidate to practise and the second time is for the candidate to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one-bar count-in. The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Melodic Recall

The examiner will play three notes in sequence. The candidate will need to identify whether the notes are higher or lower (up or down) in sequence. Candidates will hear the test twice.

Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in. The tempo is crotchet = 85.

Rhythmic Recall

The examiner will play a two-bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the lowest-sounding E string. Candidates will hear the test twice. The candidate will be asked to play the rhythm back and then be asked to identify the rhythm from the two printed examples shown.

Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for candidates to practise. Candidates will then hear a vocal count-in and will then need to play the rhythm to the drum backing. The tempo is crotchet = 90.

General Musicianship Questions

In this part of the exam, the candidate will be asked five questions, divided between two topics as detailed below.

Music Knowledge

At Grade 1 the candidate will be asked three questions based on their choice of a piece of music that the candidate has played in the exam.

The questions will be drawn from the following:

• identify the treble clef
• identify the time signature
• identify rhythm values from the following: semibreve (whole note), minim (half note), crotchet (quarter note) and quaver (eighth note) values.

Candidates will also be asked one question on chord construction:
– explain the difference between a major and minor chord

Instrument Knowledge

The examiner will also ask the candidate one question regarding their instrument, drawn from the following:

• identify two of the following parts of the guitar: neck, fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, nut or bridge, sound hole
• identify the pitches of open strings (in standard tuning)

Performance Pieces

The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate and are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Edvard Grieg – In the Hall of the Mountain King
• Laura Snowden – Song for a Friend
• Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
• From ‘A Star is Born’ – Shallow
• Ignatius Sancho – Le Douze Décembre
• Lee Sollory – Magnetic South
• Antonio Vivaldi – Spring
• G.F. Handel – The Harmonious Blacksmith
• Nathanael Diesel – Menuet
• Nina Simone – Feeling Good

Technical Exercises

There are three groups of technical exercises at this grade: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies. All are to be played unaccompanied. The tempos given for the scales and arpeggios are the recommended minimum tempos for this grade.

GROUP A – Scales

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. Candidates can choose to perform the scales in even notes (quavers) or with long tonic rhythms.

Major Scales

Scale: D Major
Range: Perfect 12th
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (candidate choice), fingers only

Scale: C Major
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando, thumb only

Minor Scales

Scale: D Harmonic Minor
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (candidate choice), fingers only

Scale: B Minor (Natural or harmonic minor – candidate’s choice)
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando, thumb only

Chromatic Scales

Scale: Chromatic, starting on A
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando, thumb only

Double-Stopped Exercise

G Minor Double-Stopped Exercise
Tempo: Crotchet = 80

GROUP B – Arpeggios

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed. Over-ringing of notes in arpeggios is acceptable at Grade 2.

Arpeggio: D Major, D Minor, C Major
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

GROUP C – Technical Studies

Candidates are to perform one of the three technical studies given in the grade book. The examiner will ask which study the candidate has prepared.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation

In the exam, candidates have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or a Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask the candidate which one they wish to choose before commencing. Once the candidate has decided they cannot change their mind.

Sight Reading

Requirements

The sight reading test will be up to eight bars long, in one of the following keys:

• C major
• A minor
• G major

Process
The examiner will give the candidate a previously unseen test to be performed unaccompanied. You will have 90 seconds to prepare, after which the examiner will ask the candidate to commence the test.

While the test is not played to a metronome click, candidates may ask to hear the minimum tempo on a metronome at the start of, or throughout their practice time. Additionally, candidates may ask to hear a few seconds of the tempo on a metronome before the assessed part of the test begins.

Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation

Requirements
Candidates will be given a five-bar chord progression in the key of D major or B minor. The tempo is crotchet = 85.

At Grade 1, candidates only need to improvise single-note melodies in the key of D major or B minor. The chord symbols show the chord progression of the backing track only.

• The D major test will contain the chords I, IV, V7, VIm
• The B minor test will contain the chords Im, III, IVm, VIm and VII7

Process
Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise, before which candidates will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one-bar count-in at the beginning. Following the initial practice time, the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for the candidate to practise and the second time is for the candidate to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one-bar count-in. The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Melodic Recall

The examiner will play a two-bar melody using the C major scale. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be ascending. Candidates will need to play the melody back on their instrument. Candidates will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap to practise. Next, candidates will hear a vocal count-in and then play the melody to the metronome click.

The tempo is crotchet = 85.

Rhythmic Recall

The examiner will play a two-bar rhythm played to a metronome click on the lowest-sounding E string. Candidates will hear the test twice and will be asked to play the rhythm back. Candidates will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed examples shown. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap to practise. Next, candidates will hear a vocal count-in and will then play the rhythm to the metronome click.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

General Musicianship Questions

In this part of the exam, the candidate will be asked five questions, divided between two topics as detailed below.

Music Knowledge

At Grade 2 the candidate will be asked three questions based on their choice of a piece of music that the candidate has played in the exam.

The questions will be drawn from the following:

• identify the pitch name of notes
• explain the meaning of the time signature marking
• identify rhythm values from the following: semibreve (whole), minim (half), crotchet (quarter), quaver (eighth) and semiquaver (16th note) values, and their associated rests

Candidates will also be asked one question on chord construction:

• explain the difference between a major or minor chord

Instrument Knowledge

The examiner will also ask the candidate one question regarding their instrument, drawn from the following:

• three of the following parts of their guitar: neck, fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, nut, soundhole, or bridge
• identify the pitches of all open strings (in standard tuning)

Performance Pieces

The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate and are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Yvon Rivoal – Cueca
• Laura Snowden – Walking With Grandma
• Ferdinando Carulli – Waltz, Op. 241, no. 21
• Francisco Tárrega – Estudio
• Henry Mancini – The Pink Panther
• Nick Powlesland – Ecstatic Chromatic
• Ignatius Sancho – La Jour de May
• Coldplay – In My Place
• Pharrell – Happy
• Leo Brouwer – Étude No.  1

Technical Exercises

There are three groups of technical exercises at this grade: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies. All are to be played unaccompanied. The tempos given for the scales and arpeggios are the recommended minimum tempos for this grade.

GROUP A – Scales

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. Candidates can choose to perform the scales in even notes (quavers) or with long tonic rhythms.

Major Scales and Minor Scales

Scale: C Major
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 65
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (candidate choice), fingers only

Scale: G Major, E Harmonic Minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 65
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Scale: B Harmonic Minor, B Natural Minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 65
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (candidate choice), fingers only

Chromatic Scales

Scale: Chromatic, starting on D
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 65
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (candidate choice), fingers only

Double-Stopped Exercise

A Minor in 3rds Double-Stopped Exercise
Tempo: Crotchet = 65

C Major in 6ths Double-Stopped Exercise
Tempo: Crotchet = 65

GROUP B – Arpeggios

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed without over-ringing.

Arpeggio: G Major, E Minor, B Minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 65
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Broken Chords
Candidates are to prepare all of the following to be performed with over-ringing.

Broken Chords: D Major (IIm, V7, I)
Tempo: Quaver = 130
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers.

GROUP C – Technical Studies

Candidates are to perform one of the three technical studies given in the grade book. The examiner will ask which study the candidate has prepared.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation

In the exam, candidates have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or a Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask the candidate which one they wish to choose before commencing. Once the candidate has decided they cannot change their mind.

Sight Reading

Requirements

The sight reading test will be up to eight bars long, in one of the following keys:

• C major
• G major
• A minor

Process
The examiner will give the candidate a previously unseen test to be performed unaccompanied. Candidates will have 90 seconds to prepare, after which the examiner will ask the candidate to commence the test.

While the test is not played to a metronome click, candidates may ask to hear the minimum tempo on a metronome at the start of, or throughout their practice time. Additionally, candidates may ask to hear a few seconds of the tempo on a metronome before the assessed part of the test begins.

Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation

Requirements
In the Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give the candidate a chord progression of up to nine bars duration, in the key of G major or E minor, to be performed to backing track. The tempo is crotchet = 95.

At Grade 3, candidates only need to improvise single-note melodies in the key of G major or E minor. The chord symbols show the chord progression of the backing track only. At this grade, all chords will be diatonic to the key of the test.

Process
Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise, before which candidates will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one-bar count-in at the beginning. Following the initial practice time, the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for the candidate to practise and the second time is for the candidate to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one-bar count-in. The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Melodic Recall

The examiner will play a two-bar melody using the G major scale. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be ascending. Candidates will need to play the melody back on their instrument. The test will be heard twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap to practise. Next candidates will hear a vocal count-in and will then play the melody to the metronome click.

The tempo is crotchet = 85.

Rhythmic Recall

The examiner will play a two-bar rhythm played to metronome click on the lowest-sounding E string. Candidates will hear the test twice, and will be asked to play the rhythm back. Candidates will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed examples shown. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap to practise. Next candidates will hear a vocal count-in and will then play the rhythm to the metronome click.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

General Musicianship Questions

In this part of the exam, the candidate will be asked five questions, divided between two topics as detailed below.

Music Knowledge

At Grade 3 candidates will be asked three questions based on their choice of a piece of music that they have played in the exam. The questions will be drawn from the following:

• identify the names of pitches
• explain the meaning of the time signature marking
• identify rhythm values from the following: semibreve (whole note), minim (half note), crotchet (quarter note), quaver (eighth note), triplet quaver (triplet eighth-notes) and semiquaver (16th note) values, and their associated rests

Candidates will also be asked one question on chord construction:

• explain the construction of a dominant 7 chord

Instrument Knowledge

The examiner will also ask one question from the following. At Grade 3 candidates may be asked to:

• identify three of the following parts of their guitar: neck, fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, nut, soundhole, or bridge
• explain the difference between apoyando and tirando technique
  identify the pitches of all open strings (in standard tuning)

(Note: Demonstrations are acceptable to support an explanation, but must have the spoken understanding).

Performance Pieces

The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate and are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Helen Sanderson – West Coast
• Andrew York – Garden Steps
• Robert Johnson – Alman
• Metallica – Nothing Else Matters
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Road Trippin’
• Madame Sidney Pratten – A Lament
• Fauré – Siciliene
• John Williams – Theme From ‘Star Wars’
• David Cottam – Amontillado
• Tatiana Stachak – Tango

Technical Exercises

There are three groups of technical exercises at this grade: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies. All are to be played unaccompanied. The tempos given for the scales and arpeggios are the recommended minimum tempos for this grade.

GROUP A – Scales

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. Candidates can choose to perform the scales in even notes (quavers) or with long tonic rhythms.

Major Scales and Minor Scales

Scale: D Major, A Major, C melodic minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (candidate choice), fingers only

Scale: F# Harmonic Minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Chromatic Scales

Scale: Chromatic, starting on E
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Harmonised Scales

F Major in 6ths
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando

GROUP B – Arpeggios & Broken Chords

Arpeggios

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed without over-ringing.

Arpeggio: D major, F# Minor, B Minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Arpeggio: D dominant 7
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 80
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Broken Chords

Candidates are to prepare all of the following to be performed with over-ringing.

Broken Chords: C Major (I, V7, I)
Tempo: Quaver = 160
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers.

GROUP C – Technical Studies

Candidates are to perform one of the three technical studies given in the grade book. The examiner will ask which study the candidate has prepared.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation

In the exam, candidates have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or a Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask the candidate which one they wish to choose before commencing. Once the candidate has decided they cannot change their mind.

Sight Reading

Requirements

The sight reading test will be up to eight bars long, in one of the following keys:

• D major or B minor
• F major or D minor
• G major or E minor

Process
The examiner will give the candidate a previously unseen test to be performed unaccompanied. Candidates will have 90 seconds to prepare, after which the examiner will ask the candidate to commence the test.

While the test is not played to a metronome click, candidates may ask to hear the minimum tempo on a metronome at the start of, or throughout their practice time. Additionally, candidates may ask to hear a few seconds of the tempo on a metronome before the assessed part of the test begins.

Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation

Requirements
In the Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give the candidate a chord progression of up to nine bars duration, in the key of G major or E minor, to be performed to backing track. The tempo is crotchet = 95.

At Grade 4, the candidate may improvise either single-note melodies or a chordal accompaniment (candidate choice). The backing track will meet the following criteria:

• A 12-bar blues in the key of G or C, containing the chords I7, IV7 and V7.
• A 12-bar piece based on a contemporary style (e.g., pop, rock, soul, R&B) in the key of A major or F# minor, containing diatonic chords (including 7ths). The test may begin and end in either A major or its relative minor (F# minor)

Process
Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise, before which candidates will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one-bar count-in at the beginning. Following the initial practice time, the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for the candidate to practise and the second time is for the candidate to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one-bar count-in. The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Melodic Recall

The examiner will play a two-bar melody with a metronome click, using the A major scale. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be descending. Candidates will need to play the melody back on their instrument. Candidates will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played the sequence is: four clicks, root note, four clicks, melody. There will be a short gap to practise after the test is heard for the second time. Candidates will then hear the four clicks and root note for the third time, followed by a vocal count-in and will then play the melody to the metronome click.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

Harmonic Recall

The examiner will play a tonic chord followed by a two-bar chord sequence in the key of C major played to a metronome click. The sequence will be drawn from the I, IV and V chords and may occur in any combination. Candidates will be asked to identify the chord sequence, stating the progression either with the chord names (C, F, G) or numerals (I, IV, V). Each time the test is played the sequence is: four clicks, tonic, four clicks, chords. There will be a short gap for to practise after the candidate has heard the test for the second time. Candidates will then be asked to state the chord progression.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

General Musicianship Questions

In this part of the exam, the candidate will be asked five questions, divided between two topics as detailed below.

Music Knowledge

At Grade 4 the candidate will be asked three questions based on their choice of a piece of music that they have played in the exam. The questions will be drawn from the following:

• identify the names of pitches
• explain the meaning of the time signature and key signature markings
• explain the meaning of repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C., D.S., al Coda and al Fine markings
• identify rhythm values from the following: semibreve (whole note), minim (half note), crotchet (quarter note), quaver (eighth note), quaver triplet (eighth-notes triplet) and semiquaver (16th note) values, and their associated rests

Candidates will also be asked one question on chord construction:

• explain the construction of major7, minor7 or dominant7 chords

Instrument Knowledge

The examiner will also ask one question regarding a technical consideration of the chosen piece, in relation to:

• Picking hand: Strumming or picking technique for a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable
• Fretting hand: Fretting position and fingering used to play a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable. The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask the candidate to give a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.

(Note: Demonstrations are acceptable to support an explanation, but must have the spoken understanding).

Performance Pieces

The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate and are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Laura Snowden – The Fairground
• Norah Jones – Don’t Know Why
• Leo Brouwer – Étude No. 6
• Francisco Tárrega – Lagrima
• Eva Cassidy – Songbird
• Matteo Carcassi – Étude No. 3
• Tatania Stachak – Country Étude
• Sting – Shape of My Heart
• Eduardo Sainz de la Maza – Paseo
• Giorgio Serci – African Sunset

Technical Exercises

There are three groups of technical exercises at this grade: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies. All are to be played unaccompanied. The tempos given for the scales and arpeggios are the recommended minimum tempos for this grade.

GROUP A – Scales

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. Candidates can choose to perform the scales in even notes (quavers) or with long tonic rhythms.

Major Scales and Minor Scales

Scale: E Major, Bb Major, C Harmonic Minor, G Melodic Minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 96
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Chromatic Scales

Scale: Chromatic, starting on A
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 96
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Harmonised Scales

Scale: C Major in 6ths
Range: Perfect 12th
Tempo: Crotchet = 96
Requirements: Tirando, fingers only

Scale: A Harmonic Minor in 6ths, G Major in 10ths
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 96
Requirements: Tirando, fingers only

GROUP B – Arpeggios & Broken Chords

Arpeggios

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed without over-ringing.

Arpeggio: E Major, Bb Major, C Minor, G Minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 96
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Broken Chords

Candidates are to prepare all of the following to be performed with over-ringing.

Broken Chords: A Major, G Major
Tempo: Crotchet = 96
Requirements: Thumb and fingers.

GROUP C – Technical Studies

Candidates are to perform one of the three technical studies given in the grade book. The examiner will ask which study the candidate has prepared.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation

In the exam, candidates have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or a Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask the candidate which one they wish to choose before commencing. Once the candidate has decided they cannot change their mind.

Sight Reading

Requirements

The sight reading test will be up to eight bars long, in one of the following keys:

• C major or A minor
• F major or D minor
• D major or B minor

Process
The examiner will give the candidate a previously unseen test to be performed unaccompanied. Candidates will have 90 seconds to prepare, after which the examiner will ask the candidate to commence the test.

While the test is not played to a metronome click, candidates may ask to hear the minimum tempo on a metronome at the start of, or throughout their practice time. Additionally, candidates may ask to hear a few seconds of the tempo on a metronome before the assessed part of the test begins.

Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation

Requirements
n the Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give the candidate one of the following to be performed to a backing track. The tempo is crotchet = 105.

At Grade 5, candidates may improvise either single-note melodies or a chordal accompaniment (candidate choice). The backing track will meet the following criteria:

• A 12-bar blues in the key of D or A, containing the chords I7, IIm7, IV7, #IVdim7 and V7
• A piece up to 16 bars long based on a contemporary style (e.g., pop, rock, soul, R&B) in the key of Bb major or G minor, which may include any diatonic triads, ‘add’ and ‘sus’ chords, 7th chords and occasional secondary dominant chords

Process
Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise, before which candidates will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one-bar count-in at the beginning. Following the initial practice time, the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for the candidate to practise and the second time is for the candidate to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one-bar count-in. The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Melodic Recall

The examiner will play a two-bar melody with a metronome click, using the Bb major scale. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be descending. Candidates will need to play the melody back on their instrument. Candidates will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played the sequence is: four clicks, root note, four clicks, melody. There will be a short gap for candidates to practise after they have heard the test for the second time. Candidates will then hear the four clicks and root note for the third time, followed by a vocal count-in and will then play the melody to the metronome click.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

Harmonic Recall

The examiner will play a tonic chord followed by a two-bar chord sequence in the key of G major played to a metronome click. The sequence will be drawn from the I, IV and V chords and may occur in any combination. Candidates will be asked to identify the chord sequence, stating the progression either with the chord names (G, C, D, Em) or numerals (I, IV, V, VIm).Each time the test is played the sequence is: four clicks, tonic, four clicks, chords. There will be a short gap to practise after the test is heard for the second time. Candidates will then be asked to state the chord progression.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

General Musicianship Questions

In this part of the exam, the candidate will be asked five questions, divided between two topics as detailed below.

Music Knowledge

At Grade 5 candidates will be asked three questions based on their choice of a piece of music that the candidate has played in the exam. The questions will be drawn from the following:

• identify the names of pitches
• explain the meaning of the time signature and the key signature markings
• explain the meaning of repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C., D.S., al Coda and al Fine markings
• identify rhythm values from the following: semibreve (whole note), minim (half note), crotchet (quarter note), quaver (eighth note), triplet quaver (triplet eighth-note) and semiquaver (16th note) values, and their associated rests

Candidates will also be asked one question on chord construction, drawn from the following:

• explain the construction of major7, minor7 or dominant7 chords
• explain the meaning of a sus2 or sus4 chord

Instrument Knowledge

The examiner will also ask the candidate one question regarding a technical consideration of their piece, in relation to:

• Picking hand: Strumming or picking technique for a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable
• Fretting hand: Fretting position and fingering used to play a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable
• The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask the candidate to give a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.

(Note: Demonstrations are acceptable to support an explanation, but must have the spoken understanding).

Performance Pieces

The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate and are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Celso Machado – Xaranga do Vôvô
• José González – Heartbeats
• Seal – Kiss From a Rose
• From Toy Story – You’ve Got a Friend In Me
• Naoko Ikeda – Moonlight Rose
• Agustín Barrios – El Sueño de la Muñequita
• Yvonne Bloor – Promise
• Julio Salvador Sagreras – Maria-Luisa (Mazurka)
• Florence Price – The Deserted Garden
• Frantz Casseus – Romance (1978)

Technical Exercises

There are three groups of technical exercises at this grade: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies. All are to be played unaccompanied. The tempos given for the scales and arpeggios are the recommended minimum tempos for this grade.

GROUP A – Scales

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. Candidates can choose to perform the scales in even notes (quavers) or with long tonic rhythms.

Major Scales and Minor Scales

Scale: Ab and Eb major
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 112
Requirements: Tirando or Apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only.

Scale: C# and G# Melodic Minor; C# and G# Harmonic Minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 112
Requirements: Tirando or Apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only.

Chromatic Scales

Scale: Chromatic Scale starting on C
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 112
Requirements: Tirando or Apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Harmonised Scales

Scale: D major in 3rds, F major in octaves, E harmonic minor in 6ths
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 112
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

GROUP B – Arpeggios & Broken Chords

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed in even quavers, without over-ringing.

Major and Minor Arpeggios

Arpeggio: Ab and Eb major
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 112
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers.

Arpeggio: C# and G# minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 112
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers.

Dominant 7th Arpeggio

Arpeggio: Bb Dominant Seventh
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 112
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers.

Broken Chords

Candidates are to prepare all of the following to be performed as shown in the grade book with over-ringing.

Broken Chord: Exercise 1 (E minor) and Exercise 2 (A Major)
To be performed as shown in the grade book
Tempo: Crotchet = 112
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

GROUP C – Technical Studies

Candidates are to perform one of the three technical studies given in the grade book. The examiner will ask which study the candidate has prepared.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation

In the exam, candidates have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or a Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask the candidate which one they wish to choose before commencing. Once the candidate has decided they cannot change their mind.

Sight Reading

Requirements

The sight reading test will be up to eight bars long, in one of the following keys:

• G major or E minor
• F major or D minor
• D major or B minor

Process
The examiner will give the candidate a previously unseen test to be performed unaccompanied. Candidates will have 90 seconds to prepare, after which the examiner will ask the candidate to commence the test.

While the test is not played to a metronome click, candidates may ask to hear the minimum tempo on a metronome at the start of, or throughout their practice time. Additionally, candidates may ask to hear a few seconds of the tempo on a metronome before the assessed part of the test begins.

Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation

Requirements
Candidates will be given a previously unseen chord progression to improvise either single-note melodies or a chordal accompaniment (candidate choice) to complement the backing track. The chord progression will meet the following criteria:

• A repeated 8-bar blues in C minor or C# minor, containing occasional non-diatonic chords.
• A 16-bar test in a contemporary genre (pop, soul, rock etc.) in Eb major or E major, including II–V–I progressions and occasional secondary dominant chords.

Process
Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise, before which candidates will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one-bar count-in at the beginning. Following the initial practice time, the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is for the candidate to practise and the second time is for the candidate to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one-bar count-in. The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Melodic Recall

The examiner will play a two-bar melody using the Eb major scale or the C# harmonic minor scale. The examiner will state the key before the first playthrough of the test. The first note of the melody will be the root note or the fifth, and the first interval will be either ascending or descending. Candidates will play the melody back on their instrument.

The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one-bar count-in. There will be a short gap to practise. Next will be a vocal count-in and candidates will then play the melody to the metronome click.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

Harmonic Recall

The examiner will play a tonic chord followed by a four-bar chord sequence in the key of D major played to a metronome click. The sequence will be drawn from the I, IIm, IIIm, IV, V and VIm chords and may occur in any combination. Chord V may be a major chord or a dominant 7th chord. Candidates will be asked to identify the chord sequence, stating the progression either with the chord names (e.g. D, Em) or numerals (e.g. I, IIm).

Each time the test is played the sequence is: four clicks, tonic, four clicks, chords. There will be a short gap to prepare after the second playthrough of the test. Candidates will then be asked to state the chord progression.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

General Musicianship Questions

In this part of the exam, the candidate will be asked five questions, divided between two topics as detailed below.

Music Knowledge

At Grade 6 candidates will be asked four questions based on their choice of a piece of music they have played in the exam. The questions will be drawn from the following:

• explain the meaning of any tempo marking on the page
• identify the key signature and give the relative major or minor key of the piece
• identify any pitches found on the score, as selected by the examiner
• identify rhythmic values (notes and/or rests) from any rhythmic values found on the score, as chosen by the examiner
• identify and explain any expressive markings found on your score, as chosen by the examiner
• give a brief explanation and demonstration of either the stylistic or technical considerations in preparation of the chosen piece

Instrument Knowledge

At Grade 6 you will be asked to do one of the following:

• state the chord progression of a perfect cadence in the key of C major or F major, as chosen by the examiner
• state the chord progression of an imperfect cadence in the key of C or F major, as chosen by the examiner
• explain how to execute a natural harmonic

(Note: Demonstrations are acceptable to support an explanation, but must have the spoken understanding).

Performance Pieces

The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate and are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Leo Brouwer – Un Dia de Novembre
• Heitor Villa-Lobos – Prelude 3
• J.S. Bach – Allemande BWV 996
• Madame Sidney Pratten – Forgotten
• Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny – Our Spanish Love Song
• João Gilberto – Desafinado
• Florence Price – Ticklin’ Toes
• Fernando Sor – Estudio No. 18 in Eb Major
• Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You
• PinkPantheress – Reason

Technical Exercises

There are three groups of technical exercises at this grade: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies. All are to be played unaccompanied. The tempos given for the scales and arpeggios are the recommended minimum tempos for this grade.

GROUP A – Scales

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. Candidates can choose to perform the scales in even notes (quavers) or with long tonic rhythms.

Major Scales

Scale: Major scale, root 6, in the keys of G, Ab, A, Bb, and B major
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Scale: Major scale, root 5, in the keys of C, Db, D, Eb and E major
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Scale: G major scale
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers

Minor Scales

Scale: Harmonic AND melodic minor scales, root 6, in the keys of G, Ab, A, Bb and B minor.
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Scale: Harmonic AND melodic minor scales, root 5, in the keys of C, C#/Db, D#/Eb and E minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Scale: G harmonic minor scale; G melodic minor scale
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Chromatic Scales

Scale: Chromatic scale starting on E
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144

GROUP B – Arpeggios & Broken Chords

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. Broken chords are to be performed as written in the grade book, with over-ringing of notes.

Major and Minor Arpeggios

Arpeggio: root 6, on the starting notes of G, G#/Ab, A, A#/Bb, B
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 126
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers.

Arpeggio: root 5, on the starting notes of C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 126
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers.

Arpeggio: root 6, on the starting notes of G
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 126
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers.

Dominant 7th Arpeggios

Arpeggio: root 6, on the starting notes of G, G#/Ab, A, A#/Bb, B
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 126
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Arpeggio: root 5, on the starting notes of C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 126
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers.

GROUP C – Technical Studies

Candidates are to perform one of the three technical studies given in the grade book. The examiner will ask which study the candidate has prepared.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation

In the exam, candidates have a choice between either a Sight Reading test or a Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask the candidate which one they wish to choose before commencing. Once the candidate has decided they cannot change their mind.

Sight Reading

Requirements

The sight reading test will be up to eight bars long, in one of the following keys:

• Db major or B minor
• B major or G# minor
• A major or F# minor

Process
Candidates will be given 90 seconds to practise, after which they will perform the test. Before the practice time begins, candidates can ask if they would like to hear the tempo on a metronome at the start of, or throughout their practice time. Additionally, candidates may ask to hear the tempo before the assessed part of the test begins.

Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation

Requirements
Candidates will be given a previously unseen chord progression to improvise either single-note melodies or a chordal accompaniment (candidate choice) to complement the backing track. The chord progression will meet the following criteria:

• A funk/blues or jazz/blues test with a tonal centre of A, C or G
• A test in a contemporary style such as pop/soul/motown, using chords derived from a combination of mixolydian and aeolian modes, based on a tonal centre of A, C or G

Process
Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. Before the practice time begins, candidates will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout the practice time or a 1-bar count in at the beginning. After the practice time, the backing track will be played twice. Candidates can rehearse during the first playthrough, before performing their improvisation over the second playthrough. Only the improvisation over the second playthrough will be assessed. Each playthrough will begin with a 1-bar count in. The backing track is continuous throughout, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count in to the second playthrough will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Melodic Recall

The examiner will play a two-bar melody using the Ab major scale or the G# harmonic minor scale. The examiner will state the key before the first playthrough of the test. The first note of the melody will be the root note or the fifth, and the first interval will be either ascending or descending. Candidates will play the melody back on their instrument.

The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one-bar count-in. There will be a short gap to practise. Next will be a vocal count-in and candidates will then play the melody to the metronome click.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

Harmonic Recall

The examiner will play a tonic chord followed by a four-bar chord sequence in the key of A major played to a metronome click. The sequence will be drawn from the I, IIm, IIIm, IV, V and VIm chords, and may occur in any combination. The IIm, IIIm and VIm chords can be either minor or minor 7th chords. Candidates will be asked to identify the chord sequence, stating the progression either with the chord names (e.g. A, Bm7) or numerals (e.g. I, IIm7).

Each time the test is played the sequence is: four clicks, tonic, four clicks, chords. There will be a short gap to prepare after the second playthrough of the test. Candidates will then be asked to state the chord progression.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

General Musicianship Questions

In this part of the exam, the candidate will be asked five questions, divided between two topics as detailed below.

Music Knowledge

There will be four music knowledge questions in relation to one of the pieces performed in the exam. Candidates will be asked which piece they would like to be asked about. If the candidate’s copy of the chosen piece contains extensive handwritten notes the examiner may either use their own version of the score as the basis for the questions or they may request that candidates select a different piece.

Candidates may be asked to:

• explain the meaning of any tempo marking on the page
• identify the key signature and give the relative major or minor key of the piece
• identify any pitches found on the score, as selected by the examiner
• identify rhythmic values (notes and/or rests) found on the score, as chosen by the examiner
• identify and explain any expressive markings found on the score, as chosen by the examiner
• give a brief explanation and demonstration of either the stylistic or technical considerations in preparation of the chosen piece

General Music and Instrument Knowledge

There will be one question about the candidate’s general music and instrument knowledge, chosen by the examiner from the list below.

Candidates may be asked to:

• state the chord progression of two of the following cadences in the key of G or D major, as chosen by the examiner: perfect, imperfect, plagal or deceptive
• explain the difference between sul ponticello and sul tasto technique

Performance Pieces

The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate and are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Hiatus Kaiyote – Breathing Underwater
• Ida Presti – Étude No. 5
• Giorgio Serci – Samba Di Else
• J.S. Bach – Gavotte I and II, BWV 995
• Niccolò Paganini – ‘Romanze’ from Grand Sonata
• João Pernambuco – Reboliço
• Chick Corea – Spain
• Stanley Myers – Cavatina
• Francisco Tárrega – Capricho (Arabe)
• Frantz Casseus – On a Sunday (Dance)

Technical Exercises

There are three groups of technical exercises at this grade: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies. All are to be played unaccompanied. The tempos given for the scales and arpeggios are the recommended minimum tempos for this grade.

GROUP A – Scales

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. All scales are to be performed in even quavers.

Two-octave major scales

Scale: Major scale, root 6th, in the keys of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Scale: Major scale, root 5th, in the keys of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Three-octave major scale

Scale: E Major
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Two-octave minor scales

Scale: Harmonic minor and melodic minor scales, root 6th, in the keys of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Scale: Harmonic minor and melodic minor scales, root 5th, in the keys
of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Three-octave minor scales

Scale: E harmonic minor scale
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Scale: E melodic minor scale
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only

Chromatic Scales

Scale: Starting on G
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only
GROUP B – Arpeggios & Broken Chords

Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. Candidates are to perform the arpeggios in even quavers.

Two-octave major arpeggios

Arpeggio: Major arpeggio, root 6th, in the keys of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Arpeggio: Major arpeggio, root 5th, in the keys of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Two-octave minor arpeggios

Arpeggio: Minor arpeggio, root 6th, in the keys of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Arpeggio: Minor arpeggio, root 5th, in the keys of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Three-octave arpeggios

Arpeggio: Major arpeggio, root 6th, from the starting notes of E–G (chromatically)
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Arpeggio: Minor arpeggio, root 6th, from the starting notes of E–G (chromatically)
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Dominant 7 arpeggios

Arpeggio: Dominant 7 arpeggio, root 6th, starting notes of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Arpeggio: Dominant 7 arpeggio, root 5th, starting notes of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Diminished 7 arpeggios

Arpeggio: Diminished 7 arpeggio, root 6th, starting notes of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Arpeggio: Diminished 7 arpeggio, root 5th, starting notes of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Broken Chords

Exercise 1: A minor
Range: As shown in grade book.
Tempo: Crotchet = 70
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

Exercise 2: A minor
Range: As shown in grade book.
Tempo: Crotchet = 70
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers

GROUP C – Technical Studies

Candidates are to perform one of the three technical studies given in the grade book. The examiner will ask which study the candidate has prepared.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation

Before seeing the tests, the examiner will ask whether the candidate wishes to perform a piece of sight reading or take a test of improvisation and interpretation. Once the candidate has decided, they cannot change their mind.

Sight Reading

Requirements

Candidates will be given a short piece of previously unseen music to play, unaccompanied. The sight reading test will be up to 26 bars long, in the keys of:

• D major or B minor
• Bb major or G minor
• A major or F# minor

Process
Candidates will be given 90 seconds to practise, after which they will perform the test. Before the practice time begins, candidates can ask if they would like to hear the tempo on a metronome at the start of, or throughout their practice time. Additionally, candidates may ask to hear the tempo before the assessed part of the test begins.

Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation

Requirements
Candidates will be given a previously unseen chord progression to improvise either single-note melodies or a chordal accompaniment (candidate choice) to complement the backing track. The chord progression will meet the following criteria:

Either:

• A repeated 12-bar jazz/blues test in the key of Bb or E

Or:

• A 24-bar jazz/swing test in the key of Eb or Ab

Process
Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. Before the practice time begins, candidates will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout the practice time or a 1-bar count in at the beginning. After the practice time, the backing track will be played twice. Candidates can rehearse during the first playthrough, before performing their improvisation over the second playthrough. Only the improvisation over the second playthrough will be assessed. Each playthrough will begin with a 1-bar count in. The backing track is continuous throughout, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count in to the second playthrough will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Melodic Recall

The examiner will play a two-bar melody using the F# major scale or the F# harmonic minor scale. The examiner will state the key before the first playthrough of the test. The first note of the melody will be the root note, third or fifth and the first interval will be either ascending or descending. Candidates will play the melody back on their instrument.

The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one-bar count-in. There will be a short gap to practise. Next will be a vocal count-in and candidates will then play the melody to the metronome click.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

Harmonic Recall

The examiner will play a tonic chord followed by a four-bar chord sequence in the key of E major played to a metronome click. The sequence will be drawn from the I, IIm, IIIm, IV, V and VIm chords, and may occur in any combination. The I and IV chords can be either major or major 7th chords. You will be asked to identify the chord sequence, stating the progression either with the chord names (e.g. E, Amaj7) or numerals (e.g. I, IVmaj7).

Each time the test is played the sequence is: four clicks, tonic, four clicks, chords. There will be a short gap to prepare after the second playthrough of the test. Candidates will then be asked to state the chord progression.

The tempo is crotchet = 90.

General Musicianship Questions

Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these will be music knowledge questions, based on any one of the pieces performed in the exam, the fifth will be about general music and instrument knowledge. Candidates can use brief demonstrations to support their verbal explanations.

Music Knowledge

There will be four music knowledge questions in relation to one of the pieces performed in the exam. Candidates will be asked which piece they would like to be asked about. If the candidate’s copy of the chosen piece contains extensive handwritten notes the examiner may either use their own version of the score as the basis for the questions or they may request that candidates select a different piece.

Candidates may be asked to:

• explain the meaning of any tempo markings found on your score
• identify the key signature and give the relative major or minor key
• identify any pitches in a melodic sequence found on your score, as chosen by the examiner
• identify rhythmic values (notes and/or rests) from any rhythmic values found on your score, as chosen by the examiner.
• identify and explain any expressive markings in your piece
  briefly explain and demonstrate one stylistic and one technical consideration in preparation and performance of the chosen piece

General Music and Instrument Knowledge

There will be one question about the candidate’s general music and instrument knowledge, chosen by the examiner from the list below.

Candidates may be asked to:

• state the chord progressions of any of the following cadences in the keys of C, D, F or G major, as chosen by the examiner: perfect, imperfect, plagal or deceptive
• explain how to play artificial harmonics