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Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Meticulously researched and specifically benchmarked, the Rockschool Ukulele Grades feature a collection of tracks from some of the world’s greatest artists, films and musicals, immersing each student to an array of genres, styles and instrument-specific techniques.
Each grade includes four session-style songs featuring recorded vocals, and two instrument-specific solo ukulele arrangements (these are duets at Debut – Grade 3). Rockschool Ukulele’s technical requirements mirror Rockschool’s well-loved Electric and Acoustic Guitar syllabuses.
Rockschool Ukulele has been designed with industry relevance, student engagement, and academic rigour in mind. Every practical, theoretical and aural test has been written and developed by industry professionals to give students an unrivalled level of academic assurance.
Upon completion of a Rockschool Ukulele exam, every candidate will have earned a globally recognised qualification, which has been designed to improve opportunities into higher education or the creative industries.
Grades 6 to 8 are UCAS recognised for aiding higher education applications. Upon successful completion of a Grade 8 exam, students can earn up to 30 UCAS Points.
Instantly download your Ukulele book, individual tracks or supporting tests. The RSL shop allows student and instructor to use their favourite Rockschool titles on their desktop, tablet or smartphone.
Whether you’re learning the Ukulele independently or with a music teacher, it’s easy to get started learning with Rockschool.
Our publications provide you with everything you need: professionally arranged and produced repertoire alongside innovative technical exercises and supporting tests.
From our physical publications to our interactive e-books and Learning Platform app, our teaching and learning resources are here to support you become a better musician.
If you’re ready and want to take a Graded Music Exam, achieve your very own Rockschool qualification after putting in the hours of dedication towards mastering your instrument.
Start on the right note with Rockschool! The Rockschool Ukulele Method books have been designed to guide an absolute beginner through the first steps of their musical journey on the fun, four-stringed instrument.
Complete with newly composed exercises, games and pieces, the Ukulele Method books are the perfect entry point for young players to use with their piano teachers.
The Rockschool Ukulele Method Book 1 takes students from the beginnings of learning to play the instrument, through to being able to perform songs for a Rockschool Premiere grade exam.
Rockschool Ukulele Method Book 1 has everything you need to start learning to play the ukulele, through to being able to perform songs for a Rockschool Premiere grade exam.
In Rockschool Ukulele Method Book 1, there are five specially composed songs arranged for Premiere level ukulele students.
Candidates are NOT permitted to submit Free Choice Pieces for the Premiere exam.
There is one type of exam available at Premiere, a Performance Certificate.
5 performance pieces only. | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
The Debut Ukulele exam is for candidates who have been learning a short time and have developed elementary skills, techniques, coordination and musical understanding. There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
The Rockschool Ukulele Debut book contains everything you need to pass your Debut exam in one essential book. Featuring a truly diverse range of contemporary repertoire from some of the world’s most iconic artists, including Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars & Bob Dylan.
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Debut, they are short, typically up to one minute in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can concentrate on the requirements of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control and sync at a beginner level.
At Debut there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Voicings.
All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.
Groups A & B need to be played to a click. The examiner will play the click at the given tempo and candidates should begin to play after four clicks.
Group C is played as announced by the examiner.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo = 65bpm
Rhythms: Quarter notes Range: As shown in grade book
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo = 65bpm
Rhythms: Quarter notes Range: As shown in grade book
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
Open position chords. Individual chords will be strummed once as directed by the examiner.
In this section, candidates can choose between a Sight Reading test or an Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask which the candidate has chosen before then showing the test. Once the candidate has chosen, they cannot change their mind.
Sight Reading
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Rhythmic Recall. The examiner will play each test twice.
Melodic Recall
Tempo: 85bpm
Candidates will hear two half notes one after the other and will be asked whether the second note is higher or lower in pitch than the first note.
The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in.
Rhythmic Recall
Tempo: 85bpm
Candidates will hear a two-bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the high A (1st) string.
The test will be played twice. Candidates will be asked to play the rhythm back, before identifying the rhythm from two printed examples shown to them by the examiner.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for candidates to practise. Next candidates will hear a vocal count-in and will then need to play the rhythm to the drum backing.
Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge relating to the candidate’s choice of performance piece, and the fifth question asked will be about the candidate’s instrument.
Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask the candidate four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music performed in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
In Debut candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask candidates one question regarding their instrument.
In Debut candidates will be asked to identify one of the following parts of the ukulele:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
The Grade 1 Ukulele exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for six months to one year. They have mastered the key basic debut level skills and have since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding.
There is also an opportunity to build on basic improvisation.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
The Rockschool Ukulele Grade 1 book contains everything you need to pass your Grade 1 exam in one essential book. Featuring a truly diverse range of contemporary repertoire from some of the world’s most iconic artists, including Adele, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and Jason Mraz.
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 1 they are short, typically one to one and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can concentrate on the requirements of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control and sync at a beginner level.
At Grade 1 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chords.
All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.
Groups A & B need to be played to a click. The examiner will play the click at the given tempo and candidates should begin to play after four clicks.
Group C is played as announced by the examiner.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo = 70bpm
Rhythms: Quarter notes
Range: As shown in grade book
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo = 70bpm
Rhythms: Quarter notes
Range: As shown in grade book
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
Individual chords will be strummed once as directed by the examiner.
In this section, candidates can choose between a Sight Reading test or an Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask which the candidate has chosen before then showing the test. Once the candidate has chosen, they cannot change their mind.
Sight Reading
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Rhythmic Recall. The examiner will play each test twice.
Melodic Recall
Tempo: 85bpm
The examiner will play three notes in sequence. Candidates will need to tell the examiner whether the notes are higher or lower (up or down) in sequence. The test will be played twice.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in.
Please note: candidates may answer “higher/lower” or “up/down”.
Rhythmic Recall
Tempo: 90bpm
The examiner will play a two bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the high A string. Candidates will hear the test twice before being to play the rhythm back. Candidates will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed examples shown. The test will contain a combination of quarter notes, quarter-note rests, and eighth notes.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by four clicks. There will be a short gap to practise. Next, candidates will hear a vocal count-in and will then need to play the rhythm to the drum backing.
Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about the candidate’s instrument.
Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask the candidate four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music performed in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
In Grade 1 candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask candidates one question regarding their instrument.
In Grade 1 candidates will be asked to identify one of the following parts of the ukulele:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
The Grade 2 Ukulele exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for one year to eighteen months. They have mastered the key basic skills up to Grade 1 and since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, coordination and musical understanding. There is also the continuing opportunity to develop improvisation skills.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
The Rockschool Ukulele Grade 2 book contains everything you need to pass your Grade 2 exam in one essential book. Featuring a truly diverse range of contemporary repertoire from some of the world’s most iconic artists, including Pharrell Williams, The Killers and David Bowie.
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 2 they are short, typically one to one and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can concentrate on the requirements of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control and sync at a beginner level.
At Grade 2 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Voicings.
All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.
Groups A & B need to be played to a click. The examiner will play the click at the given tempo and candidates should begin to play after four clicks.
Group C is played as indicated below.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo = 80bpm
Rhythms: Quarter notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo = 80bpm
Rhythms: Quarter notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
1. Major & Minor Chords
Each chord to be strummed as directed by the examiner. Note: for each chord type, candidates must demonstrate both fingerings
2. 7th Chords
Each chord to be strummed once as directed by the examiner.
3. Suspended Chords
Tempo = 80bpm
Candidates must play the given suspended chord exercise in the grade book as a continuous exercise to a click.
In this section, candidates can choose between a Sight Reading test or an Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask which the candidate has chosen before then showing the test. Once the candidate has chosen, they cannot change their mind.
Sight Reading
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Rhythmic Recall. The examiner will play each test twice.
Melodic Recall
Tempo: 85bpm
The examiner will play a two bar melody with a drum backing using the C minor pentatonic scale. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be ascending. The candidate must then play the melody back on their instrument. The test will be played twice.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by four clicks. There will be a short gap for practise. Next, candidates will hear a vocal count-in, after which they must play the melody to the drum backing.
Rhythmic Recall
Tempo: 90bpm
The examiner will play a two bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the high A string. The candidate will hear the test twice, then will be asked to play the rhythm back. The candidate will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed examples shown.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by four clicks. There will be a short gap for practise. Next, the candidate will hear a vocal count-in, after which they must play the rhythm to the drum backing.
Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge relating to a performance piece of the candidate’s choosing, and the fifth question asked will be about the candidate’s instrument.
Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask the candidate four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music performed in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
In Grade 2 candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask candidates one question regarding their instrument.
In Grade 2 candidates will be asked to identify one of the following parts of the ukulele:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
The Grade 3 Ukulele exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for eighteen months to two years and who are ready to consolidate their final stage as beginner player. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 2 and since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, coordination and musical understanding. Improvisation phrasing is now confident and articulate and candidates have started to develop the beginnings of stylistic awareness.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
The Rockschool Ukulele Grade 3 book contains everything you need to pass your Grade 3 exam in one essential book. Featuring a truly diverse range of contemporary repertoire from some of the world’s most iconic artists, including The Mamas and The Papas, Imelda May and Bob Marley.
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 3 they are becoming longer, typically in the region of two minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can continue their understanding and execution of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, expression, articulation and sync at a high beginner level. At Grade 3, pieces also introduce the need for stylistic awareness as part of the assessment.
At Grade 3 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chords.
All exercises need to be played as directed below. Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo = 90bpm
Rhythms: Quarter notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
The following scales need to be prepared from the root notes D, E b and E:
The following scales need to be performed in the keys shown only, with the given fingering:
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo = 90bpm
Rhythms: Quarter notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
The following arpeggios need to be prepared from the root notes D, E b and E:
The following arpeggios need to be performed in the keys shown only, with the given fingering:
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
1. Diminished Triads
Candidates must play both the root position and first inversion triads from the following chords as stated by the examiner
2. Barre Chords in the key of D, Eb or E major
Candidates must play the barre chords shown in the key stated by the examiner, as a continuous sequence to click. Tempo = 90.
The chords in sequence are I, IV, IIm, V7 and VIm.
3. Strumming exercise in B minor
Candidates must play the chordal muting and groove exercise to continuous click.
Tempo = 90. Please note, this exercise should be played with a swung eighth-note feel.
In this section, candidates can choose between a Sight Reading test or an Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask which the candidate has chosen before then showing the test. Once the candidate has chosen, they cannot change their mind.
Sight Reading
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Rhythmic Recall. The examiner will play each test twice.
Melodic Recall
Tempo: 85bpm
The examiner will play a two bar melody with a drum backing using the D minor pentatonic scale. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be ascending. The candidate must then play the melody back on their instrument. The test will be played twice.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by four clicks. There will be a short gap for practise. Next, candidates will hear a vocal count-in, after which they must play the melody to the drum backing.
Rhythmic Recall
The examiner will play a two bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the high A string. The candidate will hear the test twice, then will be asked to play the rhythm back. The candidate will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed examples shown.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by four clicks. There will be a short gap for practise. Next, the candidate will hear a vocal count-in, after which they must play the rhythm to the drum backing.
Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge relating to a performance piece of the candidate’s choosing, and the fifth question asked will be about the candidate’s instrument.
Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask the candidate four music knowledge questions based on a piece performed in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
In Grade 3 candidates will be asked to identify:
Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask candidates one question regarding their instrument.
In Grade 3 candidates will be asked to identify one of the following parts of the ukulele:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
The Grade 4 Ukulele exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for two to three years and who are ready for intermediate level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 3 and since acquired greater use of technique, more complex rhythms, coordination and musical understanding. Candidates will be developing a sense of expression and continuing to broaden their stylistic awareness, and there is also the opportunity to improvise which will be growing in assurance and articulation.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
The Rockschool Ukulele Grade 4 book contains everything you need to pass your Grade 4 exam in one essential book. Featuring a truly diverse range of contemporary repertoire from some of the world’s most iconic artists, including The Specials, Paul Simon and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 4 they are typically in the region of two to two and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.
At Grade 4 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chords.
All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo = 80bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
The following scales need to be prepared from the root notes Eb, E and F:
The following scales need to be prepared from the root notes shown only, with the given fingering:
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo = 80bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
The following arpeggios need to be prepared from the root notes Eb, E and F:
The following arpeggios need to be performed in the keys shown only, with the given fingering:
GROUP C – Chord Voicings
The tempo for this group is q = 80 bpm.
1. Harmonised scale
Barre chord shapes in the key of Eb, E or F major, to be played in sequence to continuous click.
The chord types (in sequence) are I, IIm, IIIm, IV, V, VIm, VII dim, I.
Tempo = 80.
Please note, candidates can choose between exercise 2 or exercise 3 below:
Either:
2. Muted chords and 16th note strumming
To be played to continuous click. Note candidates must play with a swung 16th note groove.
Or:
3. TripleStrokes
To be played to continuous click.
In this section, candidates can choose between a Sight Reading test or an Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask which the candidate has chosen before then showing the test. Once the candidate has chosen, they cannot change their mind.
Sight Reading
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall. The examiner will play each test twice.
Melodic Recall
Tempo: 90bpm
The examiner will play a two bar melody with a drum backing using either the C# minor pentatonic or E major pentatonic scales. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be ascending. Candidates will play the melody back on their instrument. The test will be played twice.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by four clicks. There will be a short gap for candidates to practise. Next, there will be a vocal count-in and candidates will then play the melody to the drum backing.
Harmonic Recall
Tempo = 90bpm
Candidates will hear a tonic chord followed by a two bar chord sequence in the key of C major, played to a bass and drum backing. The sequence will be a selection drawn from the I, IV, and V chords and may occur in any combination.
Candidates will be asked to play the chord sequence to the drum backing using the rhythm shown in the grade book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. Candidates will then be asked to identify the sequence.
The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap to practise after the second playing. There will then be a count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal count-in, after which candidates will need to play the chords to the drum backing. Candidates will then need to name the chord sequence.
Candidates will be asked five questions about a performance piece of their choosing. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about technical knowledge.
Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask the candidate four music knowledge questions based on a piece of performed in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
In Grade 4 the examiner can draw on the following subject areas for these questions:
Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask one question regarding a technical consideration of the piece, in relation to:
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
The Grade 5 Ukulele exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for three years or more and who have fully consolidated their intermediate level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 4 and since acquired a greater use of appropriate technique, more complex rhythms, coordination and musical understanding. Candidates will have developed a good sense of expression, and have a strong grasp of stylistic awareness, and there is also the opportunity to improvise which is now individual, assured, accurate and expressive.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
The Rockschool Ukulele Grade 5 book contains everything you need to pass your Grade 5 exam in one essential book. Featuring a truly diverse range of contemporary repertoire from some of the world’s most iconic artists, including Daft Punk, Metallica and the Average White Band.
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 5 they remain typically in the region of two to two and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.
At Grade 5 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chords.
All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo = 90bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo = 90bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
GROUP C – Chords
The tempo for this group = 90 bpm.
1. Harmonised scale in Ab or B
Barre chord shapes in the key of Ab or B major, to be played in sequence to continuous click.
The chord types (in sequence) are I, IIm, IIIm, IV, V, VIm, VII dim, I.
Tempo = 90.
Please note, candidates can choose between exercise 2 or exercise 3 below:
Either:
2. Dominant 7th partial chords and 16th note strumming rhythms
The tempo is 90bpm. To be played to continuous click.
Or:
3. Dominant 7th chords & triple strokes
To be played to continuous click.
In this section, candidates can choose between a Sight Reading test or an Improvisation & Interpretation test. The examiner will ask which the candidate has chosen before then showing the test. Once the candidate has chosen, they cannot change their mind.
Sight Reading
Improvisation & Interpretation
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall. The examiner will play each test twice.
Melodic Recall
Tempo = 80bpm
TheexaminerwillplayatwobarmelodywithadrumbackingusingtheA majorscale.Thefirstnoteofthemelody will be the root note. Candidates will play the melody back on their instrument. The test will be played twice.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by four clicks. There will be a short gap for candidates to practise. Next there will be a vocal count-in and candidates will need to play the melody to the drum backing.
Harmonic Recall
Tempo = 90bpm
The examiner will play a tonic chord followed by a four bar chord sequence in the key of G major played to a drum backing. The sequence will be a selection drawn from the I, IV, V and VIm chords and may occur in any combination.
Candidates will be asked to play the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the example in the grade book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. Candidates will then be asked to identify the sequence.
The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap to practise after the second playing. Candidates will hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal count-in, and will then need to play the chords to the drum backing. Candidates will then need to name the chord sequence, including chord types (i.e. major or minor).
Candidates will be asked five questions about a performance piece of their choosing. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about technical knowledge.
Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask candidates four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music they have played in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
In Grade 5 the examiner can draw on the following subject areas for these questions:
Technical Knowledge
The examiner will also ask one question regarding a technical consideration of the piece, in relation to:
The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask candidates to give a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
The Grade 6 Ukulele exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for three years or more and who have fully consolidated their intermediate level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 5 and since acquired a greater use of appropriate technique, more complex rhythms, coordination and musical understanding. Candidates will have developed a good sense of expression, have a strong grasp of stylistic awareness, and there is also the opportunity to improvise which is now individual, assured, accurate and expressive.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
The Rockschool Ukulele Grade 6 book contains everything you need to pass your Grade 6 exam in one essential book. Featuring a truly diverse range of contemporary repertoire from some of the world’s most iconic artists, including Queens of the Stone Age, The Beatles & the Pirates of the Caribbean theme.
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 6 they are longer, typically in the region of two and a half to three minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.
At Grade 6 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chords, and Stylistic Studies.
All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown.
Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo = 100bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
Each of the following scale types needs to be prepared from the root notes E, F, F# and G:
Each of the following scales needs to be prepared from the root notes shown only:
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo = 100bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
Each of the following arpeggio types needs to be prepared from the root notes E, F, F# and G:
Each of the following arpeggio types needs to be prepared from the root note shown only:
GROUP C – Chords
Each of the following chord types needs to be prepared from the root notes E, F, F# and G.
When announced by the examiner, candidates must demonstrate both positions (inversions) in the key and chord type(s) stated.
The following exercise needs to be played in the key stated only, using the fingering/string combinations as shown in the grade book, to continuous click. The tempo is =100 bpm.
GROUP D – Stylistic Studies
Candidates will prepare a stylistic study from the grade book, drawn from one group of styles from the list below and perform it to the backing track. The choice of style will determine the style of the Quick Study Piece, for example, if candidates choose a rock & pop Stylistic Study then the examiner will give a rock & pop Quick Study Piece in that section of the exam.
Styles:
At this grade candidates will be asked to prepare and play a short Quick Study Piece (QSP). The QSP chosen will be a previously unseen example, but similar to those provided as exemplar material in the grade book.
Candidates will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. Candidates will then have three minutes to study the test with the option of a click track. The backing track will be played twice more. Candidates will be allowed to practise during the first playing 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 style of the QSP is determined by the stylistic study selected by the candidate in the technical exercise section. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and candidates must create their own interpretation of the music in the parts where instructed to do so.
Styles:
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall. The examiner will play each test twice.
Melodic Recall
Tempo = 90bpm
The examiner will play a two bar melody with a bass and drum backing using the D natural minor scale. The first note of the melody will be either the root note or the fifth and the first interval will be either ascending or descending. Candidates will play the melody back on their instrument. The test will be played twice.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by four clicks. There will be a short gap for candidates to practise. Next there will be a vocal count-in and candidates will need to play the melody to the drum backing.
Harmonic Recall
Tempo = 90bpm
The examiner will play a tonic chord followed by a four bar chord sequence in the key of F major played to a bass and drum backing. The sequence will be a selection drawn from the following chords: I, IIm, IIIm, IV, V and VIm chords and will incorporate a dominant 7 (V7) chord. The chords may occur in any combination.
Candidates will be asked to play the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the example in the grade book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. Candidates will then be asked to identify the sequence.
The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap to practise after the second playing. Candidates will hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal count-in, and will then need to play the chords to the drum backing. Candidates will then need to name the chord sequence, including chord types (i.e. major or minor).
Candidates will be asked five questions about a performance piece of their choosing. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about technical knowledge.
Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask candidates four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music they have played in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
In Grade 6 the examiner can draw on the following subject areas for these questions:
Technical Knowledge
The examiner will also ask candidates one question regarding a technical consideration of the piece, in relation to:
The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask candidates to give a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
The Grade 7 Ukulele exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for four to five years and have extended their advanced level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 6 and developed notable security of appropriate technique, use of expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, fluency and musical understanding. Candidates will be able to improvise with conviction and personality plus demonstrate strong musical form and structure. There will be mature and authentic stylistic awareness, with developing individuality and communication.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
The Rockschool Ukulele Grade 7 book contains everything you need to pass your Grade 7 exam in one essential book. Featuring a truly diverse range of contemporary repertoire from some of the world’s most iconic artists, including Taimane Gardner, System of a Down and Tower of Power.
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 7 they are longer, typically up to three minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.
At Grade 7 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chords, and Stylistic Studies. All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown.
Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo = 100bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
Each of the following scale types needs to be prepared from the root notes E, F, F# and G:
Each of the following scales needs to be prepared in the stated key or mode only:
Each of the following scales needs to be prepared with the root note on any of the four open strings (G, C, E or A) as specified by the examiner:
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo = 100bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
Each of the following arpeggio types needs to be prepared from the root notes E, F, F# and G:
Each of the following arpeggio types needs to be prepared from the root note shown only:
GROUP C – Chords
Each of the following chord types needs to be prepared from the root notes E, F, F# and G.
When announced by the examiner, candidates must demonstrate both positions (inversions) in the key and chord type(s) stated:
The following exercise needs to be played in the key stated only, to continuous click. Tempo = 100 bpm.
GROUP D – Stylistic Studies
Candidates will prepare a stylistic study from the grade book, drawn from one group of styles from the list below and perform it to the backing track. The choice of style will determine the style of the Quick Study Piece, for example, if candidates choose a rock & pop Stylistic Study then the examiner will give a rock & pop Quick Study Piece in that section of the exam.
Styles:
At this grade candidates will be asked to prepare and play a short Quick Study Piece (QSP). The QSP chosen will be a previously unseen example, but similar to those provided as exemplar material in the grade book.
Candidates will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. Candidates will then have three minutes to study the test with the option of a click track. The backing track will be played twice more. Candidates will be allowed to practise during the first playing 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 style of the QSP is determined by the Stylistic Study selected by the candidate in the technical exercise section. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and candidates must create their own interpretation of the music in the parts where instructed to do so.
Styles:
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall. The examiner will play each test twice.
Melodic Recall
Tempo = 90bpm
The examiner will play a two bar melody with a bass and drum backing using the F major or F natural minor scale. The first note of the melody will be either the root note or the fifth and the first interval will be either ascending or descending. Candidates will play the melody back on their instrument. The test will be played twice.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by four clicks. There will be a short gap for candidates to practise. Next there will be a vocal count-in and candidates will need to play the melody to the drum backing.
Harmonic Recall
Tempo = 90bpm
The examiner will play a tonic chord followed by a four bar chord sequence in the key of F major played to a bass and drum backing. The sequence will be a selection drawn from the following chords: I, IIm, IIIm, IV, V and VIm. The chords may occur in any combination. The IIm, IIIm and VIm chords can be either minor or minor 7th chords.
Candidates will be asked to play the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the example in the grade book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. Candidates will then be asked to identify the sequence.
The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap to practise after the second playing. Candidates will hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal count-in, and will then need to play the chords to the drum backing. Candidates will then need to name the chord sequence, including the chord type and any extensions.
Candidates will be asked five questions about a performance piece of their choosing. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about technical knowledge.
Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask candidates four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music they have played in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
In Grade 7 the examiner can draw on the following subject areas for these questions:
The names of pitches
Any expressive musical marking found in the piece such as palm muting, accents, staccato, legato, vibrato
Any dynamic marking found in the piece
One type of scale that can be used appropriately in the solo section of the chosen piece and its relation to the underlying harmony of the piece (if relevant) or how a section of the piece was developed (if relevant) or a stylistic feature of the piece characteristic of its genre
Technical Knowledge
The examiner will also ask candidates one question regarding a technical consideration of the piece, in relation to:
The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask candidates to give a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
The Grade 8 Ukulele exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for five years or more and have now consolidated their playing to a high level. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 7 and developed heightened technique, use of expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, fluency, co-ordination and musical understanding. Candidates will be able to improvise to an advanced level with effortless assurance and personality plus demonstrate seamless musical form and structure. There will be an innate stylistic conviction and distinctive musicality with strong individuality. Communication will be commanding.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
The Rockschool Ukulele Grade 8 book contains everything you need to pass your Grade 8 exam in one essential book. Featuring a truly diverse range of contemporary repertoire from some of the world’s most iconic artists, including Jake Shimabukuro, Taimane Gardner and Chick Corea.
The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 8 they are longer, typically in the region of three to three and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.
At Grade 8 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chords, and Stylistic Studies. All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown.
Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.
GROUP A – Scales
Tempo = 100bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
Each of the following scale types needs to be prepared from the root notes E, F, F# and G:
Each of the following scales needs to be prepared from the root notes shown only:
In addition, candidates must prepare the following from previous grades:
1. Linear scales with root notes on any of the four open strings (G, C, E or A) as specified by the examiner:
2. Any of the following scales or modes from previous grades played campanella style:
Tempo: q =100
One octave
Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note.
Ascending and descending
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo = 100bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: As shown in the grade book
Each of the following arpeggio types needs to be prepared from the root notes E, F, F# and G:
In addition, candidates must prepare the following from previous grades:
Tempo = 100
One octave
Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note
Ascending and descending
GROUP C – Chords
Altered chords. C#andidates must perform both voicings to continuous click:
Altered chords. Candidates must perform the voicing shown in the grade book when directed by the examiner:
GROUP D – Stylistic Studies
Candidates will prepare a stylistic study from the grade book, drawn from one group of styles from the list below and perform it to the backing track. The choice of style will determine the style of the Quick Study Piece, for example, if candidates choose a rock & pop Stylistic Study then the examiner will give a rock & pop Quick Study Piece in that section of the exam.
Styles:
At this grade candidates will be asked to prepare and play a short Quick Study Piece (QSP). The QSP chosen will be a previously unseen example, but similar to those provided as exemplar material in the grade book.
Candidates will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. Candidates will then have three minutes to study the test with the option of a click track. The backing track will be played twice more. Candidates will be allowed to practise during the first playing 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 style of the QSP is determined by the Stylistic Study selected by the candidate in the technical exercise section. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and candidates must create their own interpretation of the music in the parts where instructed to do so.
Styles:
There are two tests: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall. The examiner will play each test twice.
Melodic Recall
Tempo = 90bpm
The examiner will play a two bar melody with a bass and drum backing using the F major, F harmonic minor or F natural minor scale. The first note of the melody will be either the root note or the fifth and the first interval will be either ascending or descending. Candidates will play the melody back on their instrument. The test will be played twice.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by four clicks. There will be a short gap for candidates to practise. Next there will be a vocal count-in and candidates will need to play the melody to the drum backing.
Harmonic Recall
Tempo = 90bpm
The examiner will play a tonic chord followed by a four bar chord sequence in the key of F major played to a bass and drum backing. The sequence will be a selection drawn from the following chords: I, IIm, IIIm, IV, V and VIm. The chords may occur in any combination. The I and IV chords can be either major or major 7 chords.
Candidates will be asked to play the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the example in the grade book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. Candidates will then be asked to identify the sequence.
The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap to practise after the second playing. Candidates will hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal count-in, and will then need to play the chords to the drum backing. Candidates will then need to name the chord sequence, including the chord type and any chord extensions.
Candidates will be asked five questions about a performance piece of their choosing. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about technical knowledge.
Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask candidates four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music they have played in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
In Grade 8 the examiner can draw on the following subject areas for these questions:
Technical Knowledge
The examiner will also ask candidates one question regarding a technical consideration of the piece, in relation to:
The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask candidates to give a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, or Performance Certificate.
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 75% of the exam mark |
Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 9-10 | 7-8 | 6 | 3-5 | 0-2 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0-1 correct responses |
Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Range | 18-20 | 15-17 | 12-14 | 6-11 | 0-5 |
Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Download the Rockschool Ukulele syllabus for free! Here you will also find a range of resources to support your journey with Rockschool.
Find your nearest RSL Awards teacher by using the search below. Our exams are also available across the globe. Click here to search international teachers or institutions.
Please find all graded music exam fees below. Simply select your chosen exam format and your location to see the relevant fees.
Exam grade | Price |
---|---|
Entry Level 3 (Debut) | £55.00 |
Grade 1 | £61.00 |
Grade 2 | £68.00 |
Grade 3 | £79.00 |
Grade 4 | £87.00 |
Grade 5 | £95.00 |
Grade 6 | £108.00 |
Grade 7 | £117.00 |
Grade 8 | £130.00 |
Please see “other fees” below relating to UK Graded Music Exams.
Late Entry, Date Changes & Deferrals
Service | Applicable When... | Fee |
---|---|---|
Date Change | Changing exam date/time after appointment slip has been issued | £30 |
Deferral | Deferring exam to future exam period | £30 |
Please see the UK Graded Exams Date Change & Deferral policy for circumstances where the fee can be waived.
In the event that your video submission cannot be marked or marking is impacted because guidelines have not been followed correctly, you will be charged 75% of the entry fee to make a resubmission.
Enquiries about Results / Appeals
Service | Fee | Cap for Multiple Candidates | Refundable |
---|---|---|---|
Remark | 50% of Exam Fee | £100 | If marks change by more than +/-5 or there is a change of assessment band |
First Level Appeal | 60% of Exam Fee | £150 | If enquiry is upheld |
Second Level Appeal | 75% of Exam Fee | £200 | If enquiry if upheld |
Replacement Certificate
Service | Fee |
---|---|
Replacement Certificate | £15 |
See the dates below for face-to-face Graded Music Exams for all Rockschool and RSL Classical disciplines in the UK and Ireland. Music Production and Theory exams are conducted online and are not bound by any set exam periods.
Term | Exam Dates | Closing Date |
---|---|---|
A 2025 | 17th February - 13th April 2025 | 10th February 2025 |
B 2025 | 12th May – 12th August 2025 | 6th May 2025 |
C 2025 | 27th October – 20th December 2025 | 20th October 2025 |
Please note: dates are subject to change. Ensure you check back prior to entry to avoid entering for the incorrect exam period.
If you would like to book a private exam day in the UK or Ireland, please email business@rslawards.com
If you are based outside the UK, please click “Choose a country” to learn more and get in touch with our international partners…
For the RSL shop we’ve chosen the most widely used media for ease of use and flexibility when transferring across different devices.
Every complete digital book (e.g. Electric Guitar Grade 1) includes:
We know downloading digital content can be frustrating at times which is why we’ve given you multiple chances to download your audio and sheet music.
Each complete digital book purchased includes:
The hard copy or paperback version can be purchased from our shop for shipping to the UK. Orders for shipping to other countries can be placed via www.musicroom.com. The paperback version includes everything you need for your exam in one essential book, including sheet music, a code for access to MP3 audio and complete supporting tests.
Digital downloads is the most popular way of purchasing and downloading a Rockschool book, track or supporting test. Rockschool digital book downloads come complete with PDF sheet music, MP3 audio and supporting tests for instant accessibility on all your favourite devices.
Note: Digital sheet music is stamped with your email address and order number.
The RSL e-books, utilising Learning Platform technology powered by MatchMySound, are the ultimate practise tool, giving you the ability to master your instrument like never before.