Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Rockschool
Learn to Play Drums
Drumming demands more than just ‘staying in time’. The drummer is the driving force, the backbone and the foundation of the entire band dynamic. Drummers punctuate, embellish and lead changes in the rhythmic figures of each track. They accentuate a horn section, pick up on guitar riffs, mimic vocal lines and command the rhythm section. Drummers do all this and stay in time.
Ability to Specialise
For every drum grade, students can plot their stylistic specialism, helping develop an in-depth understanding of the type of playing they identify with, whether this is pop, rock, metal, blues, country, funk, jazz or reggae.
Exciting Repertoire
Hand-picked tunes from some of the world’s biggest artists across a diverse range of genres, the Rockschool Drums repertoire provide students with an expansive song choice to use in their exams and practice sessions.
Rockschool Rhythm Section
Nothing beats jamming with friends or delivering group lessons. This unique release will see at least six shared pieces of repertoire per electric guitar, bass, and drums grade. All three Rockschool Originals and at least a further three Hit Tunes have been arranged to be played as an ensemble.
Video Mentors
In between lessons, the Rockschool mentors are here to help! Our e-books come stacked with innovative new features that will aid your teaching and learning. We’ve included handy tips and advice on techniques, rudiments, scales, arpeggios, and quick study pieces, all of which will be accessible alongside the interactive score player and instant feedback technology, powered by MatchMySound.
Innovative Technology
The Rockschool e-books, utilising Learning Platform technology, are the ultimate practise tool, allowing candidates to master their instrument and prepare for a graded music exam like never before. The interactive sheet music player gives candidates the ability to jam along with, slow down and loop tricky passages of their favourite Rockschool performance pieces, whilst receiving automated instantaneous feedback so they can achieve their goals with confidence.
UCAS Points
For Grades 6, 7 and 8, you can supersize your university application, with up to 30 UCAS points awarded at Grade 8.
Learn the Drums with Rockschool
Your journey to becoming a better drummer starts here. Learn the Drums with the Rockschool Drums Syllabus. Check out the video below to find out how this syllabus has come to life and what makes Rockschool the best option for you.
How it works
Whether you’re learning the Drums independently or with a music teacher, it’s easy to get started learning with Rockschool.
01
Download the syllabus and buy your grade book
Our publications provide you with everything you need: professionally arranged and produced repertoire alongside innovative technical exercises and supporting tests.
02
Start practicing with our innovative resources
From our physical publications to our interactive e-books and Learning Platform app, our teaching and learning resources are here to support you become a better musician.
03
Sit the exam and reap your rewards
If you’re ready and want to take a Graded Music Exam, achieve your very own Rockschool qualification after putting in the hours of dedication towards mastering your instrument.
Drums
Premiere
Rockschool Drums Premiere is the ideal starting point if you’ve just picked up the sticks for the first time. Learn the fundamentals of drumming in our easy-to-use Rockschool Drums Method books, then perform five of them in a quick 10 minute exam.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Performance Certificate: 10 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Rockschool Drums Method book has everything you need to know to get started playing the drums like a pro. With over 100 audio tracks, quick-start videos and 12 lessons in six different styles, you’ll start learning key skills straight away.
Drums Method
The Rockschool Drum Method (formerly titled as Let’s Rock) has everything you need to know to get...
Graded Music Exam: Premiere
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
The Premiere exam lasts 10 minutes, during which you will play five Performance Pieces. There is a choice of six pieces in the Rockschool Drums Method book and an additional three ensemble pieces at the back of the book. Candidates should choose five out of these nine pieces to play in the examination.
Exam Structure
There is one type of exam available at Premiere, a Performance Certificate.
Performance Certificate
| 5 performance pieces only. | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Drums
Debut
The Debut Drums exam is for candidates who have been learning for a short time and have learnt the basic skills. There are two types of exams available at Debut, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 15 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 12 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Drums Debut Grade book is packed with all the technique and theory you’ll need to pass your first exam. You’ll learn the techniques and theory that all rock and pop drummers rely on.
Drums Debut
The Drums Debut Grade book is packed with all the technique and theory you'll need to pass your f...
Graded Music Exam: Debut
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
At Debut, the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 minute. This is to enable the candidate to remain focused and concentrate on the basic requirements of notation and control, simple groove work and coordination and sync.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2024 Syllabus
- Creedence Clearwater Revival – Fortunate Son
- Pink Floyd – Another Brick In The Wall, Pt. 2
- Audioslave – Like a Stone
- H.E.R. – Fate
- Bobby Hebb – Sunny
- Lewis Capaldi – Forget Me
Rockschool Originals 2024 Syllabus
- Midnight Song
- Short Fuse
- Route 66
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2018 Syllabus
- Coldplay – Yellow
- Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
- Eminem – My Name Is
- Untitled (How Does It Feel)
- The Impressions – People Get Ready
- Public Enemy – Rebel Without A Pose
Rockschool Originals 2018 / 2012 Syllabus
- Full Rudder
- Z
- Rattlesnake
- Big Ideas
- Hazee Daze
- Hoedown
Technical Exercises
At Debut, there are four groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test. Groups A–C should be played at Tempo = 70 bpm.
GROUP A – Single Strokes
(in eighth notes)
GROUP B – Double strokes
(in eighth notes)
GROUP C – Paradiddles
(in eighth notes)
GROUP D – Fill
In the exam, you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Debut Grade book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars 1–3 and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4.
Supporting Tests
Sight Reading
Tempo: 80 bpm
At Debut you will be offered a previously unseen sight reading test that is in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the snare drum. An example is shown in the Debut grade book.
The test is four bars long and made up of half and quarter notes and quarter note rests. The examiner will allow 90 seconds of preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
Ear Tests
There are two tests: Fill Playback & Recognition, and Groove Recall.
Fill Playback & Recognition
Tempo: 70bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test is made up of quarter and eighth notes. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from two printed examples.
Groove Recall
Tempo: 80 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the hi hat, snare and bass drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing.
General Musicianship Questions
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music that you have played in the exam. You will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
Music Knowledge
In Debut candidates will be asked to identify:
- Drum voices on the stave
- Quarter-note and eighth-note values
Instrument Knowledge
In Debut candidates will be asked to identify:
- The following parts of the drum kit; snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat, ride cymbal and crash cymbal
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Drums
Grade 1
The Grade 1 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning for a relatively short period and have mastered the key basic skills. There are two types of exams available at Grade 1, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 20 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 15 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Drums Grade 1 book is the essential companion to your Grade 1 exam. It covers fundamental techniques and introduces you to the core music theory behind six styles of rock and pop.
Drums Grade 1
The Drums Grade 1 book is the essential companion to your Grade 1 exam. It covers fundamental tec...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 1
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
At Grade 1 the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 minute 15 seconds. Pieces are over two pages and the length of the piece is designed to enable the candidate to remain focused on the requirements of notation, technical control, coordination, balance and sync.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2024 Syllabus
- Pixies – Where Is My Mind?
- Nirvana – Come As You Are
- Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – The Tracks Of My Tears
- Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits
- The Specials – A Message to You Rudy
- WILLOW – Wait a Minute!
Rockschool Originals 2024 Syllabus
- Ignite
- Downtown Detroit
- As Night Falls
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2018 Syllabus
- Queen – I Want To Break Free
- Wilson Pickett – In The Midnight Hour
- Sam & Dave – Soul Man
- Wretch 32 – Liberation
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
- Usher – Yeah!
Rockschool Originals 2018 / 2012 Syllabus
- Kaiser Roll
- Bend And Snap
- Jangle Road
- West Coast Rollin’
- Deep Trouble
- Munky Fusic
Technical Exercises
At Grade 1 there are four groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test. Groups A–C should be played at tempo = 70bpm
GROUP A – Single and Double strokes
(in eighth notes alternate bars)
GROUP B – Single and Double strokes
(in 16th notes alternate bars)
GROUP C – Paradiddles
(single paradiddle in 16th notes)
GROUP D – Fill
In the exam, you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Grade 1 book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars 1–3 and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 1 you will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is a previously unseen test. An example is shown in the Grade 1 book.
Sight Reading
Key: A minor
Tempo: 80 bpm
At Grade 1 you will be offered a Sight Reading test thatis in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the snaredrum. The test is made up of eighth and quarter notes, and quarter note rests. The examiner will allow 90 seconds of preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Tempo: 70–80 bpm
At Grade 1 the test is four bars long and the candidate will have 30 seconds of preparation time. The test is in the form of a notated one bar groove that should be developed and a one bar fill. The examiner will offer the metronome as a guide throughout this time. The candidate will then have a complete practice run through with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test will be examined.
Ear Tests
There are two tests: Fill Playback & Recognition and Groove recall.
Fill Playback & Recognition
Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test is made up of quarter and eighth notes and quarter note rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from two printed examples.
Groove Recall
Tempo: 80 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the hi hat, snare and bass drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing.
General Musicianship Questions
In this part of the exam, you will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about your instrument. For this section of the exam, the candidate chooses the piece to answer 5 questions on. The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions and one instrument knowledge question.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 1, candidates will be asked to identify:
- Drum voices on the stave
- Quarter note and eighth note values
- A rest in the piece
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 1, candidates will be asked to identify:
- The following parts of the drum kit – bass drum, snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat, ride cymbal and crash cymbal
- Two main drum kit makes
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Drums
Grade 2
The Grade 2 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning for approximately one year to eighteen months and have established the key basic skills along with solid basic techniques. There are two types of exams available at Grade 2, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 20 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 15 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
Your Drums Grade 2 book will help you master the new techniques introduced in the grade, including paradiddles, flams, triplets and more.
Drums Grade 2
Your Drums Grade 2 book will help you master the new techniques introduced in the grade, includin...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 2
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Repub...
Performance Pieces
At Grade 2 the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds. Pieces are over two pages and the length of the piece is designed for the candidate to remain focused on the requirements of notation accuracy, technical control, coordination, balance and sync.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2024 Syllabus
- Miley Cyrus – Flowers
- The Spencer Davis Group – Keep On Running
- Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone
- Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way
- Phoebe Bridgers – Kyoto
- Gorillaz – Feel Good Inc.
Rockschool Originals 2024 Syllabus
- Headline Act
- Elevator Shoes
- Surfer Ticket
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2018 Syllabus
- R.E.M. – Losing My Religion
- Marvin Gaye – I Heard It Through The Grapevine
- Drake – Passionfruit
- Rod Stewart – Maggie May
- Ray Charles – Georgia On My Mind
- Bugzy Malone – Relegation Riddim
Rockschool Originals 2018 / 2012 Syllabus
- Bleach
- Dora And Bootsy
- Cuba Mama
- For You
- Slipstream
- Y’All
Technical Exercises
At Grade 2 there are five groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test. Groups A–D should be played at tempo = 70.
GROUP A – Single and Double strokes
(in eighth and 16th notes alternate bars)
GROUP B – Paradiddles
(single paradiddles in 16th notes using the whole kit)
GROUP C – Flams
(In quarter notes)
GROUP D – Triplets
(in eight notes with alternate sticking)
GROUP E – Fill
In the exam, you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Grade 2 book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars 1–3 and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 2 you will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is a previously unseen test. An example is shown in the Grade 2 book.
Sight Reading
Tempo: 70 bpm
At Grade 2 you will be offered a Sight Reading test that is in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the snare drum. The test is made up of quarter, eighth and 16th notes and quarter and eighth note rests. The examiner will allow 90 seconds of preparation and practise time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Tempo: 70–80 bpm
At Grade 2 the test is four bars long and the candidate will have 30 seconds of preparation time. The test is in the form of a notated one bar groove that should be developed and a one bar fill. The examiner will offer the metronome as a guide throughout this time.
The candidate will then have a complete practice run through with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test will be examined.
Ear Tests
There are two tests: Fill Playback & Recognition and Groove Recall.
Fill Playback & Recognition
Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test is made up of quarter, eighth and 16th notes and quarter note rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from two printed examples.
Groove Recall
Tempo: 80 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the hi hat (open and closed), snare and bass drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing.
General Musicianship Questions
In this part of the exam, you will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about your instrument.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 2, candidates will be asked to identify:
- Drum voices on the stave
- The meaning of the time signature marking
- Quarter, dotted eighth note, eighth note and 16th note values
- Rest values
- Repeat markings including first and second time bars
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 2, candidates will be asked to identify:
- The following parts of the drum kit – bass drum, snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat, ride cymbal and crash cymbal
- The following parts of the drumstick – tip, neck, shaft and butt
- Two main drum kit makes
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Drums
Grade 3
The Grade 3 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning for approximately eighteen months to two years and have established the basic skills and the beginnings of stylistic awareness through controlled balance, technique and coordination of the kit and the introduction of solo and development work. There are two types of exams available at Grade 3, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 25 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 18 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Drums Grade 3 book will help you get to grips with improvisation and solo passages, as well as style-specific techniques such as the reggae one drop, in preparation for your grade exam.
Drums Grade 3
The Drums Grade 3 book will help you get to grips with improvisation and solo passages, as well a...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 3
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
At Grade 3 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 minutes. Pieces are over two pages and the length of piece is designed to enable the candidate to remain focused on the requirements of notation, technical control, balance of kit, coordination, solo and improvisation work and sync.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2024 Syllabus
- George Benson – On Broadway
- Olivia Rodrigo – good 4 u
- Bob Marley & The Wailers – Is This Love
- Foo Fighters – Best of You
- Arlo Parks – Bluish
- Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll
Rockschool Originals 2024 Syllabus
- Camden Square
- Restless
- Longbeach Skyline
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2018 Syllabus
- Wild Cherry – Play That Funky Music
- Stormzy – Standard
- The Kinks – You Really Got Me
- Santana – Smooth (feat. Rob Thomas)
- Cameo – Word Up
- The Sugarhill Gang – Rapper’s Delight
Rockschool Originals 2018 / 2012 Syllabus
- Overrated
- Old Bones Blues
- Indecisive
- Maiden Voyage
- Reggae Island
- Fallout
Technical Exercises
At Grade 3 there are six groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and before you start the section you will be asked whether you would like to play the exercises along with the click or hear a single bar of click before you commence the test. Groups A–E should be played at tempo = 75bpm
GROUP A – Single strokes
(in eighth, eighth-note triplets and 16th notes)
GROUP B – Double strokes
(in eighth and 16th notes using snare and toms)
GROUP C – Paradiddles
(single paradiddles in 16th notes using the whole kit)
GROUP D – Flams & Drags
(in quarter notes)
GROUP E – Triplets
(in eighth notes with accents on snare and toms)
GROUP F – Fill
Tempo: 80 bpm
In the exam, you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Grade 3 book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars 1–3 and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 3 you will be offered a choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is a previously unseen test. An example is shown in the Grade 3 book.
Sight Reading
Tempo: 70-80 bpm
At Grade 3 you will be offered a Sight Reading test that is in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the snare drum and is made up of quarter, eighth and 16th notes and quarter and eighth note rests. The examiner will allow 90 seconds of preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Tempo: 80–100 bpm
At Grade 3 the test is four bars long and the candidate will have 30 seconds of preparation time. The test is in the form of a notated one bar groove that should be developed and a one bar fill. The examiner will offer the metronome as a guide throughout this time. The candidate will then have a complete practice run through with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test will be examined.
Ear Tests
There are two tests: Fill Playback & Recognition and Groove Recall.
Fill Playback & Recognition
Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test is made up of quarter, eighth, eighth note triplets and 16th notes and quarter note rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from two printed examples.
Groove Recall
Tempo: 80 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the crash, hi hat (open and closed), snare and bass drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing.
General Musicianship Questions
In this part of the exam, you will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about your instrument.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 3, candidates will be asked to identify:
- Drum voices on the stave
- The meaning of the time signature marking
- Quarter, dotted eighth note, eighth note, triplet eighth notes and 16th note values
- Rest values
- Repeat markings including first and second time bars
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 3, candidates will be asked to identify:
- The following parts of the drum kit – bass drum, snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat, ride cymbal and crash cymbal
- The following parts of the drumstick – tip, neck, shaft and butt
- Two main drum kit makes
- Two main cymbal makes
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Drums
Grade 4
The Grade 4 Drum exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately two – two and half years and have mastered the basic skills, preliminary techniques and have acquired the beginnings of stylistic awareness. Grade 4 develops further stylistic conviction and understanding through developed solo and improvisation work and more complex groove patterns. There are two types of exams available at Grade 4, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 25 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 20 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
Rockschool’s Drums Grade 4 book is an in-depth guide to the expressive techniques that you’ll be performing in your Grade 4 exam, such as Ghost snare, flams and ruffs and hand and feet patterns.
Drums Grade 4
Rockschool's Drums Grade 4 book is an in-depth guide to the expressive techniques that you'll be ...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 4
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
At Grade 4 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 minutes 15 seconds. The pieces are over two pages and are designed so the candidate can retain focus and concentration. Emphasis is on notation accuracy, stylistic sense of groove, technical control including the execution of stylistic drum techniques, developing solo and improvisation elements and sync.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2024 Syllabus:
- Skunk Anansie – Weak
- Pearl Jam – Alive
- James Taylor – Your Smiling Face
- Paul Weller – The Changingman
- Sam Fender – Getting Started
- The Supremes – You Can’t Hurry Love
Rockschool Originals 2024 Syllabus
- Conjunction
- The Jump
- Promise
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2018 Syllabus:
- Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
- Aretha Franklin – Respect
- Coldplay – In My Place
- David Bowie – Let’s Dance
- The Fugees – Ready Or Not
- Stormzy – Scary
Rockschool Originals 2018 / 2012 Syllabus:
- Noisy Neighbour
- Cold Pants
- Attitude
- The Nod
- Hammerblow
- Jahmake Ska
Technical Exercises
At Grade 4 level there are five groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group. All technical exercises are to be played to a click. Groups A–D should be played at tempo = 75.
GROUP A – Single and Double Strokes
Eighth, eighth note triplets and 16th notes. To be played first time with singles and with doubles on the repeat.
GROUP B – Paradiddles
Single paradiddle in 16th notes using the whole kit
Triple paradiddle in 16th notes using the whole kit
GROUP C – Flams and Ruffs
Flam tap and ruffs in quarter notes.
GROUP D – Hands and Feet Patterns
Four patterns.
GROUP E – Fill
Tempo: 80 bpm
In the exam, you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Grade 4 book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars 1–3 and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4. The candidate is to play the repeat.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 4 you will be offered a choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is a previously unseen test and an example is shown in the Grade 4 book.
Sight Reading
Tempo: 80–90 bpm
At Grade 4 there is an element of improvisation. This is in the form of a two bar development. At Grade 4 the notation consists of quarter, dotted quarter, eighth, dotted eighth and 16th notes and quarter note and eighth note rests in 4/4. The test is 8 bars long and is on the whole kit. The examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Tempo: 80–120 bpm
In Grade 4, the improvisation and interpretation test contains a small amount of sight reading. This consists of a two bar groove at the beginning of the test. You will be asked to play the notation as indicated and complete the test developing the groove and ending with a two bar drum solo. This is played to a backing track of eight bars.
Ear Tests
There are two tests which are: Fill Playback & Recognition and Groove Recall.
Fill Playback & Recognition
Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test is made up of quarter, eighth, eighth note triplets and dotted eighth and 16th notes. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from three printed examples.
Harmonic Recall
Tempo: 80-120 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the crash, hi hat (open and closed), ride, bell of ride, snare and bass drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing. You will then be required to identify the style of the groove from asset of three listed by the examiner.
General Musicianship Questions
For this section of the exam, the candidate chooses the piece to answer 5 questions on. The examiner will ask you four music knowledge questions and one instrument knowledge question.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 4 you will be asked to identify/explain:
- Drum voices on the stave
- The meaning of the time signature marking
- The meaning of bpm markings
- Repeat marks, first and second time bars, DC, DS al Coda, and al fine markings
- All note values in the chosen piece
- Equivalent rests
- One type of rudiment that can be used stylistically in the solo or development section of the piece
- Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques in drum solo sections
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 4, candidates will be asked to identify:
- Any part of the drumkit and drumstick
- How to tune the drum kit
- Cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride and accent
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Drums
Grade 5
The Grade 5 Drum exam is for candidates who have the intermediate skills and techniques and have developed an increasing sense of stylistic conviction. This is demonstrated through instrumental techniques, rhythmic complexity, coordination and balance of the kit and maturing solo and improvisation work. There are two types of exams available at Grade 5, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 25 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 20 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
As you prepare for your grade exam, you’ll need the supporting info in the Drums Grade 5 book for the lowdown on four-way coordination, Texas shuffle rhythm, and cross-stick technique.
Drums Grade 5
As you prepare for your grade exam, you'll need the supporting info in the Drums Grade 5 book for...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 5
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
At Grade 5 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 minutes 30 seconds. The pieces are over two pages and are designed so the candidate can retain focus and concentrate on notation accuracy, stylistic sense of groove, technical control including the execution of stylistic drum techniques, developing solo and improvisation elements, sync and the communication of the music through performance.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2024 Syllabus
- Stevie Wonder – For Once In My Life
- Greta Van Fleet – Black Smoke Rising
- Queen – Keep Yourself Alive
- Jamiroquai – Canned Heat
- Wolf Alice – Bros
- The Police – Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
Rockschool Originals 2024 Syllabus
- 7th and 42nd
- Flight Check
- Down at The Abbey
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2018 Syllabus:
- Jay-Z – 4:44
- En Vogue – Don’t Let Go (Love)
- Erykah Badu – Window Seat
- Otis Redding – Hard To Handle
- Rickie Lee Jones – Chuck E’s In Love
- Toto – Hold The Line
Rockschool Originals 2018 / 2012 Syllabus:
- Geek
- Rollin’
- Do Balanço
- Tiberius
- Smack Talk
- Slam Dunk Funk
Technical Exercises
At Grade 5 level, there are six groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group. All technical exercises are to be played to a click.
GROUP A – Single and Double strokes
Tempo: 80 bpm
Eighth, eighth note triplets and 16th notes. To be played first time with singles and with doubles on the repeat.
GROUP B – Paradiddles
Tempo: 80 bpm
Single paradiddle in 16th notes using the whole kit (bass drum follows the right hand)
Triple Paradiddle 16th notes using the whole kit (bass drum follows the right hand)
GROUP C – Flams and Ruffs
Tempo: 80 bpm
Flam accent and single drag tap.
GROUP D – Rolls
Tempo: 75 bpm
Five stroke roll phrase.
GROUP E – Hands and Feet Patters
Tempo: 90 bpm
Four patters.
GROUP F – Fill
Tempo: 80 bpm
In the exam, you will be asked to play the Fill exercise from the Grade 5 book to a backing track. The groove is shown in bars 1–3 and the examiner will choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4. The candidate is to perform the repeat.
Supporting Tests
At Grade 5 you will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is a previously unseen test. An example is shown in the Grade 5 book.
Sight Reading
Tempo: 80-120 bpm
At Grade 5 there is an element of improvisation. This is in the form of a two bar development. At Grade 5 the notation consists of quarter, dotted quarter, eighth, dotted eighth and sixteenth notes and quarter note and eighth note rests in 4/4. The test is 8 bars long and is on the whole kit. The examiner will allow 90 seconds of preparation and practice time and will offer the option of practising with or without a metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Tempo: 80–120 bpm
In Grade 5, the improvisation and interpretation test contains a small amount of sight reading. This consists of a two bar groove at the beginning of the test. You will be asked to play the notation as indicated and complete the test developing the groove and ending with a two bar drum solo. This is played to a backing track of eight bars.
Ear Tests
There are two tests which are: Fill Playback & Recognition and Groove Recall.
Fill Playback & Recognition
Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test is made up of quarter, eighth, eighth note triplets, dotted eighth and 16th notes. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from three printed examples.
Groove Recall
Tempo: 80-120 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the crash, hi hat (open and closed), ride, bell of ride, cross stick, snare and bass drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next, you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing. You will then be required to identify the style of the groove from a set of three listed by the examiner.
General Musicianship Questions
In this part of the exam, you will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about your instrument.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 5, candidates will be asked to identify/explain:
- Drum voices on the stave
- The meaning of the time signature marking
- The meaning of bpm markings
- Repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C., D.S., al Coda and al fine markings
- Stylistic drum notation
- All note values used in the chosen piece
- Equivalent rests
- One type of rudiment that can be used stylistically in the solo or development section of the piece
- Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques in drum solo sections
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 5, candidates will be asked to identify:
- Any part of the drum kit and drumstick
- How to tune the drum kit
- Cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride and accent
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Drums
Grade 6
The Grade 6 Drum exam is for candidates who have begun to develop advanced technical control and have a competent grasp of stylistic techniques. At Grade 6 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, creative and stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a secure sense of communication and performance. There are two types of exams available at Grade 6, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 30 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 23 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
Drums Grade 6 earns you valuable UCAS points towards your university application; this book is your guide to the increasingly sophisticated theory and performance techniques you’ll face in the grade exam.
Drums Grade 6
Drums Grade 6 earns you valuable UCAS points towards your university application; this book is yo...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 6
All Instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
At Grade 6 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 minutes 45 seconds. The pieces are over four pages. Emphasis is on notation accuracy, execution of stylistic techniques, technical control, maturing solo and improvisation elements and a clear sense of ownership and communication of the music.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2024 Syllabus:
- Jaco Pastorius – The Chicken
- HAIM – If I Could Change Your Mind
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Parallel Universe
- Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
- Tame Impala – Lost In Yesterday
- Phony Ppl – End of The niGht
Rockschool Originals 2024 Syllabus
- Shadow Realm
- Delicate
- Third Quarter
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2018 Syllabus:
- David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust
- James Brown – I Got You (I Feel Good)
- Stevie Wonder – Superstition
- Skream – Dutch Flowerz
- LL Cool J – Rock The Bells
- Herbie Hancock – Chameleon
Rockschool Originals 2018 / 2012 Syllabus:
- Mohair Mountain
- Pop It In The Top
- Mindsweeper
- Favela
- Space Future
- You Can Call Miguel
Technical Exercises
At Grade 6 level, there are five groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group. All technical exercises are to be played to a click. Groups A–D should be played at tempo = 80.
GROUP A – Single and Double strokes
Single and double strokes in triplet eighth notes, 16th notes and 16th note sextuplets played alternately as a continuous exercise. To be played first time with singles and with doubles on the repeat.
GROUP B – Paradiddles
Flam paradiddle in 16th notes and paradiddle-diddle in sextuplets.
GROUP C – Ratamacues
Single ratamacue.
GROUP D – Rols
- Five stroke roll phrase with accents on toms.
- Nine stoke roll phrase.
GROUP E – Stylistic Studies
You will prepare a technical study from one group of styles from the list below. Your choice of style will determine the style of the Quick Study Piece. Each study concentrates on two stylistic techniques.
- Rock/Metal: half open hi-hat, busy 16th-note bass drum pattern
- Funk: snare drum ghost notes, quick open/closed hi-hats
- Jazz/Latin/Blues: polyrhythm, advanced co-ordination
Supporting Tests
Quick Study Piece
At Grade 6 you will be asked to prepare and play a short Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is determined by the stylistic study you selected in the technical exercise section. You will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. You will then have three minutes to study the test. The backing track will be played twice more. You are allowed to practise during the first run through of the backing track, with the notated parts now absent, before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up to you to create your own interpretation of the music in the parts marked for improvisation.
Ear Tests
There are two tests which are: Fill Playback & Recognition and Groove Recall.
Fill Playback & Recognition
Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test will be made up of all values and combinations from quarter note to 16th note sextuplet and quarter and eighth note rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from three printed examples.
Harmonic Recall
Tempo: 80-140 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the whole kit with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing. You will then be required to identify the style of the groove from a set of four listed by the examiner.
General Musicianship Questions
In this part of the exam, you will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about your instrument.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 6, candidates will be asked to identify:
- Any notation used in the chosen piece
- Any dynamic marking found in the piece
- What makes the drum groove stylistically appropriate
- Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques in drum solo sections
Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask candidates one question regarding their instrument.
In Grade 6, candidates will be asked to identify:
- Care and maintenance of drums
- How to tune the drum kit according to the style of one of the pieces played
- How to convincingly produce: cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride, rim-shots, ghost notes, half open hi-hat, accents
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Drums
Grade 7
The Grade 7 Drum exam is for candidates who have developed advanced technical control and have a thorough grasp of extended stylistic techniques. At Grade 7 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a commanding sense of communication and performance. There are two types of exams available at Grade 7, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 30 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 23 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Drums Grade 7 book will be essential if you’re to pass the pro-level challenges in the Grade 6 exam, which include: broken 16th-note rolls, Pataflafla, single and double ratamacues.
Drums Grade 7
The Drums Grade 7 book will be essential if you're to pass the pro-level challenges in the Grade ...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 7
General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republic of Ireland info...
Performance Pieces
At Grade 7 the pieces last up to a maximum of 3 minutes 10 seconds. The pieces are over four pages. Emphasis is on notation accuracy, commanding execution of stylistic techniques and technical control, mature and creative solo and improvisation elements and a clear sense of ownership and communication of the music through performance.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2024 Syllabus
- TOTO – Falling in Between
- Pat Metheny Group – (It’s Just) Talk
- Tower Of Power – Soul With A Capital ‘S’
- Esperanza Spalding – Precious
- Skunk Anansie – Charlie Big Potato
- Rise Against – Help Is On The Way
Rockschool Originals 2024 Syllabus
- La Puerta Abierta
- Just For The Record
- Byte-Size
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2018 Syllabus
- Mary J. Blige – Family Affair
- Tower of Power – What Is Hip?
- Richard Spaven – Law
- Chase & Status (feat. Slaves) – Control
- Justin Timberlake – Cry Me A River
- John Schofield – Techno
Rockschool Originals 2018 / 2012 Syllabus
- Razorhead
- Buena Havana
- The Bean
- Eastern Adventure
- Full English Breckerfest
- Kita’s Five
Technical Exercises
At Grade 7 level there are six groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group. All technical exercises are to be played to a click.
GROUP A – Singles and Double strokes
Tempo: 65bpm
Single strokes in quarter notes, eighth notes, eighth-note triplets, 16th notes, quintuplet 16th notes, sextuplet 16th notes, septuplet 16th notes and 32nd notes.
GROUP B – Paradiddles
Tempo: 80bpm
Flam paradiddle in 16th notes and paradiddle-diddle in sextuplets with accents on toms.
GROUP C – Flams
Tempo: 80bpm
Pataflafa.
GROUP D – Ratamacues
Tempo: 80bpm
Single and double ratamacue.
GROUP E – Rolls
Tempo: 85bpm
Seven stroke roll phrase. Nine stoke roll phrase with accents on toms.
GROUP D – Stylistic Study
You will prepare a technical study from one group of styles from the list below. Your choice of style will determine the style of the Quick Study Piece.
- Rock/Metal: bell of ride 7/8 pattern, five stroke roll
- Funk: linear funk, nine stroke roll
- Jazz/Latin/Blues: bell of ride 6/8 pattern, splashed hi-hats
Supporting Tests
Quick Study Piece
At Grade 7 you will be asked to prepare and play a Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is determined by the stylistic study you selected in the technical exercise section. You will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. You will then have three minutes to study the test. The backing track will be played twice more. You are allowed to practise during the first run through of the backing track, with the notated parts now absent, before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up to you to create your own interpretation of the music in the parts marked for improvisation.
Ear Tests
There are two tests which are: Fill Playback & Recognition and Groove Recall.
Fill Playback & Recognition
Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test will be made up of all values and combinations from quarter note to 16th note sextuplet and quarter, eighth and 16th note rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from three printed examples.
Groove Recall
Tempo: 80-140 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the whole kit with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing. You will then be required to identify the style of the groove from a set of four listed by the examiner.
General Musicianship Questions
In this part of the exam you will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about your instrument.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 7, candidates will be asked to explain:
- Any notation used in the chosen piece
- Any dynamic marking found in the piece
- What makes the drum groove stylistically appropriate
- Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques in drum solo sections
Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding your instrument. In Grade 7 you will be asked to explain and demonstrate:
- Care and maintenance of drums
- How to tune the drum kit according to the style of one of the pieces played
- How to convincingly produce: cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride, rim-shots, ghost notes, half open hi-hat, accents
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Drums
Grade 8
The Grade 8 Drum exam is for candidates who have mastered advanced technical control and have a thorough grasp of extended stylistic techniques. At Grade 8 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, consummate execution of rhythmic complexity, mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a commanding sense of communication and performance. There are two types of exams available at Grade 8, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 30 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 26 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
The Drums Grade 8 book covers the in-depth knowledge you’ll need to tackle the full array of techniques and theoretical challenges you’ll face in your exam – pass this, and you’re ready to sit in on professional sessions in a studio setting.
Drums Grade 8
The Drums Grade 8 book covers the in-depth knowledge you'll need to tackle the full array of tech...
Performance Pieces
At Grade 8 the pieces last up to a maximum of 3 minutes 45 seconds. The pieces are over four pages. Emphasis is on command of complex notation accuracy, execution of stylistic techniques and technical control, mature and creative solo and improvisation elements and a clear sense of ownership and communication of the music through performance.
Featured Repertoire:
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2024 Syllabus
- Chick Corea – Spain
- Haitus Kaiyote – Breathing Underwater
- Rush – Anthem
- WILLOW – <maybe> it’s my fault
- Alexander Abreu & Havana D’Primavera – Rosa la Peligrosa
- Tom Misch & Yussef Dayes – Tidal Wave
Rockschool Originals 2024 Syllabus
- Copenhagen
- The Switch
- Four By Twelve
Rockschool Drums Hit Tunes 2018 Syllabus
- Billy Cobham – Red Baron
- Cole Porter – All of You
- Dirty Loops – Hit Me
- The Brecker Brothers – Some Skunk Funk
- Knife Party – Bonfire
- Moderat – Last Time
Rockschool Originals 2018 / 2012 Syllabus
- Meet Darth Ear
- Mind The Gaps
- Lead Sheet
- Freightshaker
- Nosso Samba
- Dark Matter
Technical Exercises
At Grade 8 level, there are six groups of technical work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group. All technical exercises are to be played to a click.
GROUP A – Single storkes
Tempo: 65 bpm
- Single strokes in quarter notes, eighth notes
- Eighth-note triplets, 16th notes, quintuplet 16th notes
- Sextuplet 16th notes, septuplet 16th notes, 32nd notes
- Nontuplet 32nd notes and double quintuplet 32nd notes
GROUP B – Paradiddles
Tempo: 90 bpm
Paradiddle-diddle and alternative paradiddle-diddle in sextuplets around the kit.
GROUP C – Triplets
Tempo: 85 bpm
Swiss Army Triplet and Pataflafla.
GROUP D – Ratamacues
Tempo: 85 bpm
Triple ratamacue.
GROUP E – Rolls
Tempo: 90 bpm
Seven stroke roll phrase with accent on the toms. Combined rolls.
GROUP F – Stylistic Study
You will prepare a technical study from one group of styles from the list below. Your choice of style will determine the style of the Quick Study Piece.
- Rock/Metal: rhythmic displacement, 5/4 coordination
- Funk: linear funk with 32nd notes, stepped hi hat
- Jazz/Latin/Blues: 3–2 and 2–3 clave
Supporting Tests
Quick Study Piece
At Grade 8 you will be asked to prepare and play a Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is determined by the stylistic study you selected in the technical exercise section. You will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. You will then have three minutes to study the test. The backing track will be played twice more. You are allowed to practise during the first run through of the backing track, with the notated parts now absent, before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up to you to create your own interpretation of the music in the parts marked for improvisation.
Ear Tests
There are two tests which are: Fill Playback & Recognition and Groove Recall.
Fill Playback & Recognition
Tempo: 70 bpm
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. The test will be made up of all values and combinations from quarter note to 16th note sextuplet and quarter, eighth and 16th note rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be required to identify the test from three printed examples.
Groove Recall
Tempo: 80-160 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is repeated played on the whole kit with a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back with the metronome backing. You will then be required to identify the style of the groove from a set of four listed by the examiner.
General Musicianship Questions
In this part of the exam, you will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about your instrument.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 8, candidates will be asked to explain:
- Any notation used in the chosen piece
- Any dynamic marking found in the piece
- What makes the drum groove stylistically appropriate
- Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques in drum solo sections
Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding your instrument. In Grade 8 you will be asked to explain and demonstrate:
- Care and maintenance of drums
- How to tune the drum kit according to the style of one of the pieces played
- How to convincingly produce: cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride, rim-shots, ghost notes, half open hi-hat, accents
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Downloads
Download the Rockschool Drums syllabus for free! Here you will also find a range of resources to support your journey with Rockschool.
Find a Teacher or Institution
Find your nearest RSL Awards teacher by using the search below. Our exams are also available across the globe. Click here to search international teachers or institutions.
Graded Music Exam Fees
Please find all graded music exam fees below. Simply select your chosen exam format and your location to see the relevant fees.
| Exam grade | Price |
|---|---|
| Entry Level 3 (Debut) | £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 |
Graded Music Exam Dates
See the dates below for face-to-face Graded Music Exams for all Rockschool and RSL Classical disciplines in the UK and Ireland. Music Production and Theory exams are conducted online and are not bound by any set exam periods.
| Term | Exam Dates | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| C 2024 | 28th October – 21st December 2024 | 21st October 2024 |
| 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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