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Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
RSL Classical Piano has been designed with industry relevance, student engagement, and academic rigour in mind. Every practical, theoretical and aural test has been written and developed by industry professionals to give students an unrivalled level of academic assurance.
Carefully graded to foster and support progression, RSL Classical Piano includes an exceptional selection of pieces from a diverse roster of composers including some of the most cherished and admired pieces from the Classical repertoire, alongside minimalism, impressionism, jazz, and film scores.
We’re proud to have developed such a representative classical syllabus, featuring the likes of; Debussy, Clara Schumann, Alexis Ffrench, JS Bach, Elfrida Andrée, Isaac Albéniz, Mozart, Florence Price, John Williams, Zenobia Powell-Perry, Germaine Tailleferre, Chopin and Beethoven.. to name just a few!
Upon completion of an RSL Graded Music Exam, every candidate will have earned a globally recognised qualification, which has been designed to support progression routes towards higher education and the creative industries.
Grades 6 to 8 are UCAS recognised aiding Higher Education applications. Candidates can gain up to 30 UCAS points for completion of these Level 3 qualifications.
The digital books contain all the repertoire and supporting tests, together with exclusive exemplar audio recordings of each track and Fact Files and Performance Notes. Students and teachers can instantly access their favourite graded music materials from their desktop, tablet or smartphone and, with Replay, have access to an interactive sheet music player with a range of playback and practice functions.
Ready to dive into the world of RSL Classical Piano? We highly recommend checking out the video below, which offers valuable insights into how this amazing syllabus has been brought to life.
Whether you’re learning the piano independently or with a music teacher, it’s easy to get started learning with RSL Classical.
Our publications provide you with everything you need: professionally arranged and produced repertoire alongside innovative technical exercises and supporting tests.
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.
If you’re ready and want to take a Graded Music Exam, achieve your very own RSL Classical qualification after putting in the hours of dedication towards mastering your instrument.
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 are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical Piano Debut will provide you with everything you need for your Debut exam, including a diverse range of repertoire, a truly innovative range of supporting tests and a vast array of professionally arranged and recorded backing tracks.
The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate, and designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.
At Debut, there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios/Broken Chords and Technical Studies.
GROUP A – Scales
Minimum tempo: 53bpm
Range: One octave
Rhythms: Quavers (eighth) notes, finishing on a crotchet (quarter note)
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
Minimum tempo: 92bpm
Time signatures: 3/4
Rhythms: Crotchets (quarter notes), finishing on a dotted minim (dotted half note)
C major broken chord (right hand)
C major broken chord (left hand)
A minor broken chord (right hand)
A minor broken chord (left hand)
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Minimum tempo: 80bpm
Candidates perform their choice of one of the technical studies from the grade book.
At Debut, candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give the candidate a 4–6 bar melody in the key of C major, to be played unaccompanied. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. After the practise time, the examiner will ask the candidate to commence the test.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Key: C major
Tempo: 60bpm
Time signature: 4/4
The Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test is in the form of a 4–6 bar chord progression, with all chord symbols indicated.
Candidates may improvise either a melodic line or a chordal part to complement the backing track. Candidates will have 90 seconds to prepare 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.
At Debut there is one ear test, assessing melodic recall skills. An example is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Tempo: 95bpm
Rhythms: Minims (half notes)
The examiner will play two minims 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 four clicks. 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.
At Debut candidates will be asked five questions on topics relating to their choice of piece performed in the examination, and general musical and instrumental knowledge.
Music Knowledge
At Debut candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
In Debut candidates will be asked to identify:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
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 |
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 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
The Grade 1 Piano exam is for candidates who 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.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical 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 arranged and recorded backing tracks.
The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate, and designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.
At Grade 1 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies.
All scales and arpeggios need to be played hands separately, in straight feel, ascending and descending. Pentatonic scales are right hand only.
GROUP A – Scales
Range: Two octaves
Rhythms: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a crotchet (quarter note) Minimum tempo: 66bpm
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Minimum Tempo: 100bpm
Time signature: 3/4
Rhythms: Crotchets (quarter notes), finishing on a dotted minim (dotted half note)
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Minimum tempo: 80bpm
Candidates perform their choice of one of the technical studies from the grade book.
At Grade 1, candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: F major or G major
Minimum tempo: 70bpm
Time signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Minims (half notes), crotchets (quarter notes), associated rests
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give candidates a 4–6 bar melody in the key of either G major or F major. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. After the practise time, the examiner will ask candidates to commence the test.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Key: F major or G major
Tempo: 70bpm
Time signature: 4/4
In the Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give candidates a 4–6 bar chord progression in the key of either G major or F major. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to prepare, 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. Tempo = 70bpm.
At Grade 1 there is one ear test, assessing melodic recall skills. An example is shown in the grade book.
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 metronome click. 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.
At Grade 1 candidates will be asked five questions on topics relating to their choice of piece performed in the examination and on general musical and instrumental knowledge.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 1 candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 1 candidates will be asked to identify:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
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 |
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 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
The Grade 2 Piano exam is for candidates who 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.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical 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 arranged and recorded backing tracks.
The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate, and designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.
At Grade 2 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies.
GROUP A – Scales
Minimum Tempo: 66bpm
Range: Two octaves
Rhythms: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a crotchet (quarter note)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Minimum Tempo: 63bpm
Time signature: 3/4, 4/4
Rhythms: 3/4: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a dotted minim (dotted half note) | 4/4: Quavers, finishing on a semibreve (whole note)
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Minimum tempo: 60bpm
Candidates perform their choice of one of the technical studies from the grade book.
At Grade 2 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: B b major or D major
Tempo: 60–95 bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Semibreve (whole note), dotted minim (dotted half), minim (half), crotchets (quarter) notes, associated rests.
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give candidates a 4–6 bar piece in D major or Bb major, to be played unaccompanied. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. After the practise time, the examiner will ask candidates to commence the test.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Key: Bb major or D major
Tempo: 60–95 bpm Time
Signature: 4/4
In the Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give candidates a 4–6 bar chord progression in the key of either Dmajor or Bb major. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to prepare, after which 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. Tempo = 60–95.
At Grade 2 there is one ear test, assessing melodic recall skills. An example is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Minims (half notes)
The examiner will play a two-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, each preceded by four clicks. After this, there will be a one-bar count-in and then candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. 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.
At Grade 2 candidates will be asked five questions on topics relating to their choice of piece performed in the examination and on general musical and instrumental knowledge.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 2 candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 2 candidates will be asked to identify:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
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 |
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 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
The Grade 3 Piano exam is for candidates ready to consolidate their final stage as beginner players. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 2 and 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.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical 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 arranged and recorded backing tracks.
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.
At Grade 3 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies.
Major scales, minor scales and arpeggios need to be played hands together, ascending and descending, in the keys and octaves shown.
Candidates must choose to play either natural minor or harmonic minor or melodic minor scales in the exam. The examiner will ask the candidate to state which set of minor scales they have prepared.
Pentatonic scales are right hand only.
Groups A and B (scales & arpeggios) must be played from memory. Candidates may use their book for Group C
(Technical Studies).
All groups are played unaccompanied (without metronome or click).
Any fingerings shown are suggestions only.
Candidates will be marked on tone quality and consistency, maintenance of pulse, and accuracy. Performances slower than the stated minimum tempo may be subject to qualitative judgement by the examiner, according to extent and commensurate with the grade.
GROUP A – Scales
Minimum Tempo: 80 bpm
Range: Two octaves
Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note
A major
Eb major
F# natural/harmonic/melodic minor
C natural/harmonic/melodic minor
Eb major pentatonic (right hand)
A major pentatonic (right hand)
C minor pentatonic (right hand)
F# minor pentatonic (right hand)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Minimum Tempo: 69bpm
Time signature: 3/4, 4/4
Rhythms: 3/4: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a dotted minim (dotted half note) | 4/4: Quavers, finishing on a semibreve (whole note)
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Candidates perform their choice of one of the technical studies from the grade book.
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: Semibreve (whole), dotted minim (dotted half), minim (half), dotted crotchet (dotted quarter), crotchet (quarter), quaver (eighth) notes, quaver ties, associated rests.
Dynamic Markings: mf, mp
Articulation: staccato, legato
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give candidates a 4– 6 bar piece in A major or Eb major, to be played unaccompanied. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. After the practise time, the examiner will ask candidates to commence the test. While the assessed part of 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 the 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.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Key: Eb major or A major
Tempo: 60–95 bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
In the Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give candidates a 4–6 bar chord progression in the key of either A major or Eb major. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to prepare, 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. Tempo = 60–95bpm.
At Grade 3 there is one ear test, assessing melodic recall skills. An example is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Minims (half notes), crotchets (quarter notes)
The examiner will play a two-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, each preceded by four clicks. After this, there will be a one-bar count-in and then candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. 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.
Grade 3 candidates will be asked five questions on topics relating to their choice of the piece performed in the examination and on general musical and instrumental knowledge.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 3 candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 3 candidates will be asked to identify:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
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 |
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 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
The Grade 4 Piano exam is for candidates 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.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical 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 arranged and recorded backing tracks.
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.
At Grade 4 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies.
Major and contrary motion scales, minor scales, chromatic scales and arpeggios need to be played hands together, in legato feel, ascending and descending, in the keys and octaves shown.
GROUP A – Scales
Minimum Tempo: 104 bpm
Range: Two octaves
Rhythms: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a crotchet (quarter note).
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Minimum Tempo: 76bpm
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.
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Candidates perform their choice of one of the technical studies from the grade book.
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.
Dynamic Markings: p, mp, mf, f
Articulation: staccato, legato
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give candidates an 8 bar piece in E major or A b major, to be played unaccompanied. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. After the practise time, the examiner will ask candidates to commence the test. While the assessed part of 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 the 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
Key: Ab major or E major
Tempo: 60–130 bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
In the Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give candidates an 8–12 bar chord progression in the key of either E major or Ab major. Candidates will first be given 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. Tempo = 60–130bpm.
At Grade 4 there is one ear test, assessing melodic recall skills. An example is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Minims (half notes), crotchets (quarter notes)
The examiner will play a two-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, each preceded by four clicks. After this, there will be a one-bar count-in and then candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click.
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.
At Grade 4 candidates will be asked five questions on topics relating to their choice of piece performed in the examination and on general musical and instrumental knowledge.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 4 candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 4 candidates will be asked to identify:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
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 |
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 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
The Grade 5 Piano exam is for candidates 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.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical 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 arranged and recorded backing tracks.
The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate, and designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.
At Grade 5 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies.
GROUP A – Scales
Minimum Tempo: 126 bpm
Octave range: 3 octaves (except contrary motion scales and pentatonics: 2 octaves)
Rhythms: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a crotchet (quarter note)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Minimum Tempo: 86bpm
Time signature: 3/4, 4/4
Octave range: 3 octaves
Rhythms: 3/4: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a dotted minim (dotted half note). 4/4: Quavers, finishing on a semibreve (whole note).
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Candidates perform their choice of one of the technical studies from the grade book.
At Grade 4 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation.
Sight Reading
Key: Db major or B major
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
Rhythms: Semibreve (whole), dotted minim (dotted half), minim (half), dotted crotchet (dotted quarter), crotchet (quarter), quaver (eighth) notes, associated rests. Quaver and crotchet ties.
Dynamic Markings: p – f, < (crescendo) and > (decrescendo).
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give candidates an 8 bar piece in E major or A b major, to be played unaccompanied. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. After the practise time, the examiner will ask candidates to commence the test.
While the assessed part of 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 the 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
Key: Db major or B major
Tempo: 60–130 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
In the Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give candidates an 8–16 bar chord progression in the key of either B major or Db major. Candidates will first be given 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. The tempo = 60–130 bpm.
At Grade 5 there is one ear test, assessing melodic recall skills. An example is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Minims (half notes), crotchets (quarter notes), quavers (eighth notes). Notes may be tied.
The examiner will play a two-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, each preceded by four clicks. After this, there will be a one-bar count-in and then candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. 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
At Grade 5 candidates will be asked five questions on topics relating to their choice of piece performed in the examination and on general musical and instrumental knowledge.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 5 candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 5 candidates will be asked to identify:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
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 |
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 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
The Grade 6 Piano exam is for candidates 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.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical 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 arranged and recorded backing tracks.
The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate, and designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria
At Grade 6 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies.
GROUP A – Scales
Minimum Tempo: 152 bpm
Octave range: 4 octaves (except contrary motion scales and pentatonics: 2 octaves)
Rhythms: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a crotchet (quarter note).
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Minimum Tempo: 100bpm
Time signature: 3/4, 4/4
Octave range: 4 octaves
Rhythms: 3/4: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a dotted minim (dotted half note). 4/4: Quavers, finishing on a minim (half note).
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Candidates perform their choice of one of the technical studies from the grade book.
At Grade 6 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Contemporary Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key Signature: Up to six sharps or flats Time Signature: simple or compound time Dynamics/articulation: any
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give candidates a 12–16 bar piece, to be played unaccompanied. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. After the practise time, the examiner will candidates to commence the test.
Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation
Key: Gb major or F# major
Tempo: 60–130 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
In the Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give candidates a 12–16 bar chord progression in the key of either F# major or Gb major. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to prepare, after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is 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 tempo = 60 –130bpm.
At Grade 6 there is one ear test, assessing melodic recall skills. An example is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Minims (half notes) and quavers (eighth notes)
The examiner will play a two-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, each time preceded by four clicks. After this, candidates will hear a one bar count-in then will need to play the melody back to a metronome click. 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.
The Examiner will ask five questions on topics relating to the candidate’s choice of piece performed in the examination, and on general musical and instrumental knowledge.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 6 candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 6 candidates will be asked to identify:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
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 |
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 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
The Grade 7 Piano exam is for candidates who 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.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical 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 arranged and recorded backing tracks.
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.
Major scales, minor scales, chromatic scales and arpeggios need to be played hands together, ascending and descending across four octaves.
GROUP A – Scales
Minimum Tempo: 160 bpm (except C major in thirds: 100 bpm)
Octave range: 4 octaves (except contrary motion scales and scale in thirds: 2 octaves)
Rhythms: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a crotchet (quarter note)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: 112 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
Octave range: 4 octaves
Rhythms: 3/4: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a dotted minim (dotted half note). 4/4: 4/4: Quavers, finishing on a crotchet (quarter note).
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Candidates perform their choice of one of the technical studies from the grade book.
At Grade 7 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Contemporary Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key Signature: Up to seven sharps or flats Time Signature: simple, compound or odd time Dynamics/articulation: any
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give candidates a 16–20 bar piece, to be played unaccompanied. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. After the practise time, the examiner will ask candidates to commence the test.
Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation
Key: C# major or Cb major
Tempo: 60–130 bpm
Time Signature: 4/4, swung 4/4
In the Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give candidates a 16–20 bar chord progression in the key of either C# major or Cb major. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to prepare, after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is for candidates to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. The tempo = 60 –130bpm.
At Grade 7 there is one ear test, assessing melodic recall skills. An example is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Key: C major or C minor
Tempo: 95bpm
Time Signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Crotchets (quarter notes and quavers (eighth notes)
The examiner will play a two-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 (each time preceded by four clicks). After this, candidates will hear a one bar count-in and will then need to play the melody back to a metronome click.
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.
The Examiner will ask five questions on topics relating to the candidate’s choice of piece performed in the examination, and on general musical and instrumental knowledge.
Music Knowledge
At Grade 7 candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 7 candidates will be asked to identify:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
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 |
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 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
The Grade 8 Piano exam is for candidates who 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.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical 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 arranged and recorded backing tracks.
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.
At Grade 8 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies.
GROUP A – Scales
Minimum Tempo: 176 bpm
Rhythms: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a semibreve (whole note).
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Minimum Tempo: 132 bpm
Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4
Octave range: 4 octaves
Rhythms: 3/4: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a dotted minim (dotted half note). 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a semibreve (whole note).
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 quavers (eighth notes) and hands together. The examiner will confirm the scale, number of octaves, whether legato or staccato, 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 quavers (eighth notes) and hands together. The examiner will confirm the scale, number of octaves, whether legato or staccato, tempo and time signature.
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Candidates perform their choice of one of the technical studies from the grade book.
At Grade 8 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: Any
Time signature: Any
Dynamics/articulation: any
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give candidates a piece of music of up to 24 bars in length, to be played unaccompanied. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. After the practise time, the examiner will ask candidates to commence the test.
Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation
Key: Any
Tempo: 60–200 bpm
Time Signature: 4/4, swung 4/4
In the Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give candidates a 16–24 bar chord progression in any key. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to prepare, 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. The tempo = 60 –200bpm.
Candidates have the choice to improvise either a melodic line or a chordal part to complement the backing track. During the preparation time, candidates 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.
At Grade 8 there is one ear test, assessing melodic recall skills. An example 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: Minims (half notes), crotchets (quarter notes), quaver (eighth notes).
The examiner will play a two-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 (each time preceded by four clicks). After this, candidates will hear a one bar count-in and will then need to play the melody back to a metronome click. 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.
The Examiner will ask five questions on topics relating to the candidate’s choice of piece performed in the examination, and on general musical and instrumental knowledge.
Music Knowledge
At Grade 8 candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 8 candidates will be asked to identify:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
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 |
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 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Download the RSL Classical Piano syllabus for free! Here you will also find a range of resources to support your journey with RSL Classical.
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.
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) | £55.00 |
Grade 1 | £61.00 |
Grade 2 | £68.00 |
Grade 3 | £79.00 |
Grade 4 | £87.00 |
Grade 5 | £95.00 |
Grade 6 | £108.00 |
Grade 7 | £117.00 |
Grade 8 | £130.00 |
See the dates below for face-to-face Graded Music Exams for all Rockschool and RSL Classical disciplines in the UK and Ireland. Music Production and Theory exams are conducted online and are not bound by any set exam periods.
Term | Exam Dates | Closing Date |
---|---|---|
A 2025 | 17th February - 13th April 2025 | 10th February 2025 |
B 2025 | 12th May – 12th August 2025 | 6th May 2025 |
C 2025 | 27th October – 20th December 2025 | 20th October 2025 |
Please note: dates are subject to change. Ensure you check back prior to entry to avoid entering for the incorrect exam period.
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