Ukulele Grade 1
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 two types of exam available at Grade 1, either a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Exam time
Grade Exam: 20 minutes (approx.)
Performance Certificate: 20 minutes (approx.)
Buy Your Book
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.
We have published 2 versions of this edition as shown in the pictures here; one version is more USA centric with some American English terms and background information referring billboard chart success rather than the UK charts. Please note that both versions of the book have everything you need for an exam and are both valid editions for when you enter for the assessment.
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Grade Exam
Prepared Work
Candidates are required to play three performance pieces and Technical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios and chord voicings
Unprepared Work
Candidates are required to complete either a Sight Reading or an Improvisation & Interpretation test, and two Ear Tests developing Melodic and Rhythmic recall
The Grade 1 exam lasts 20 minutes and is taken in the following order:
- Performance Pieces*
- Technical Exercises*
- Sight Reading OR Improvisation & Interpretation
- Ear Tests
- General Musicianship Questions
*These elements can be taken first or second at the candidate’s request
| 3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 60% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications) | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 15% of the exam mark |
| Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform | This accounts for 10% of the exam marks |
| 2 Ear Tests | Candidates respond to 2 aural tests. | These account for 10% of the exam marks |
| 5 General Musicianship Questions | Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed | These account for 5% of the exam marks |
Performance Certificate
Prepared Work
Candidates are required to play five performance pieces. There is no unprepared work in the Performance Certificate.
The Grade 1 Performance Certificate lasts 20 minutes.
| 5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces) | These account for 20% of the exam mark each. |
Performance Pieces
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.
Featured Repertoire:
- Send My Love (To Your New Lover) – Adele
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
- Stand By Me – Ben E. King
- Take Me Home – Jess Glynne
- I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
- Wild World – Cat Stevens
Technical Exercises
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: 70 bpm
Rhythms: Quarter Notes
Range: As shown in grade book
- C major
- A natural minor
- G major
- F major
- C major on 3rd and 4th strings
Group B: Arpeggios
Tempo: 70bpm
Rhythms: Quarter Notes
Range: As shown in grade book
- G major
- F major
- D minor
Group C: Chord Voicings
Individual chords will be strummed once as directed by the examiner.
- Major: A, D & E
- Minor: Dm, Em & Bm
- Dominant 7: G7 & D7 (root omitted)
Supporting Tests
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 them the test. Once the candidate has chosen, they cannot change their mind.
Sight Reading
- Duration: 4 bars
- Rhythms: Half notes and quarter notes
- Key: G major or A minor
- Pitches and instrumental compass: Open position > E–G on the 2nd string; A, B & C on the first string
- Tempo: 70 bpm
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
- Duration: 4 bars
- Key: G major or A minor
- Improvisation & interpretation requirement: Single-note melodies only
- Tempo: 70 bpm
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
Ear Tests
There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.
Test 1: Melodic Recall
The examiner will play you three notes in sequence. You will tell the examiner whether the notes are higher or lower (up or down) in sequence. You will hear the test twice.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in. The tempo is 85.
Please note: candidates may answer "higher/lower" or "up/down".
Test 2: Rhythmic Recall
The examiner will play you a two bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the high A string. You will hear the test twice. You will be asked to play the rhythm back. You will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed examples shown to you. 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 for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the rhythm to the drum backing. The tempo is 90 bpm
General Musicianship Questions
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:
- The treble clef
- The time signature
- Whole, half, quarter and eighth-note values
- The difference between a major and a minor chord
- Two of the following parts of the ukulele: neck, fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, nut or bridge, sound hole
- Pitch names of the open strings
Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask candidates one question regarding their instrument.
In Grade 1 candidates will be asked to identify:
Assessment Criteria
Performance Pieces
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18–20 | 15–17 | 12–14 | 6–11 | 0–5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Technical Exercises
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 13–15 | 11–12 | 9–10 | 4–8 | 0–3 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | all of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Ear Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9–10 | 7–8 | 6 | 3–5 | 0–2 |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Supporting Tests
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 9–10 | 7–8 | 6 | 3–5 | 0–2 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
General Musicianship Questions
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 5 correct responses | 4 correct responses | 3 correct responses | 2 correct responses | 0–1 correct responses |
Performance Certificate
| Attainment Band | Distinction | Merit | Pass | Below Pass | Below Pass 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Range | 18–20 | 15–17 | 12–14 | 6–11 | 0–5 |
| Command of Instrument | Consistently clear production of sound and even tone quality throughout | Mostly clear production of sound and even tone quality overall | Some clear production of sound and generally even tone quality | Sound produced is unclear with uneven quality of tone produced | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Sync or Pulse | Performance consistently synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance mostly synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance sometimes synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse maintained | Performance not synchronised to the music, or an internal pulse not maintained | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Accuracy & Understanding | All of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated throughout. Understanding of musical structure shown all of the time. | Most of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills demonstrated overall. Understanding of musical structure shown most of the time. | Some of the written music accurately performed or equivalent skills generally demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure shown some of the time. | Written music not accurately performed or equivalent skills not demonstrated. Understanding of musical structure not evidenced. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
| Style & Expression | Consistently convincing projection of the music. | Mostly convincing projection of the music. | Some convincing projection of the music. | Music not convincingly projected. | No attempt and/or incomplete performance |
Additional Information
Free Choice Pieces
For all examinations, candidates are able to play a number of free choice pieces:
- Grade Examinations: Two free choice pieces (a minimum of one piece must be from the Ukulele grade book)
- Performance Certificates: Three free choice pieces (a minimum of two pieces must be from the Ukulele grade book)
- Free choice pieces must demonstrate a comparable level of technical and musical demand to the pieces given in the set selections in
the grade books which can be referred to as an indication of appropriate level. - Free choice pieces must be in a modern popular genre such as Pop; Rock; Jazz; Country; Blues; Soul; Reggae, Film and Musical Theatre.
- Own compositions are also acceptable. Pieces should be selected carefully to ensure that they provide suitable opportunity for candidates to demonstrate the relevant assessment criteria.
Candidates are reminded that if a chosen Free Choice Piece does not
meet these requirements this may impact on the level of achievement possible within the examination.
Free Choice Pieces can be performed to a backing track (without the examined part on the track), or as a solo piece (without backing track).
Candidates are reminded that RSL examination regulations state that pieces must be performed to the exact requirements as detailed in the relevant syllabus guide. If a performance piece over runs, the examiner can halt the performance and grade material demonstrated until that point only. Candidate mark sheets in this instance will automatically be referred to the Head of Assessment at RSL and may be returned to the candidate with accompanying notes.
Free Choice Pieces must be available in fully notated sheet music. Candidates need to bring a copy of the sheet music for the examiner to refer to during the examination. It is acceptable for candidates to refer to their own duplicate copy during the performance. Candidates are reminded that both copies need to fully reflect the interpretation and intended performance of the piece. Examiners will retain all photocopied materials from the exam session.
If there is any doubt about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, please contact freechoicepieces@rslawards.com.
Instrument Specifications
Candidates are reminded that it is their responsibility to select and provide an appropriate musical instrument for each syllabus to allow demonstration of the relevant stylistic and technical skills within their performance.
At all levels of examination, if any outcomes or assessed criteria cannot be demonstrated or are demonstrated less securely as a result of the equipment, this may be reflected in the marks awarded.
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