Ukulele

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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.

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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, chords and stylistic studies.

Unprepared Work
Candidates are required to complete either a Quick Study Piece and two Ear Tests which continue to develop melodic and harmonic recall.

The Grade 8 exam lasts 32 minutes and is taken in the following order:

• Performance Pieces*
• Technical Exercises*
• Quick Study Piece
• 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 8 Performance Certificate lasts 30 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 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.

Featured Repertoire:

• Bohemian Rhapsody – Jake Shimabukuro
• Fire – Taimane Gardner
• Cinema Paradiso (Love Theme) – Pat Metheny
• Holier Than Thou – Metallica
• Rather Be – Clean Bandit
• Spain – Chick Corea

Technical Exercises

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 grade book

Each of the following scale types needs to be prepared from the root notes E, F, F# and G

• Whole tone
• Diminished
• Altered

Each of the following scales needs to be prepared from the root notes shown only:

• Chromatic scale on one string | starting on any open string (G, C, E or A)
• E phrygian mode | campanella style
• C major | in sixths on strings 3 & 4

In addition, candidates must prepare the following from previous grades:
Linear scales with root notes on any of the four open strings (G, C, E or A) as specified by the examiner.

Major

Natural minor

Melodic minor

Harmonic minor

(continued)

2. Any of the following scales or modes from previous grades played campanella style:

• D natural minor
• D harmonic minor
• E natural minor
• E dorian mode
• C major
• G major

Tempo: 100bpm
One octave
Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note
Ascending and descending

Group B: Arpeggios
Tempo: 100bpm
Rhythms: Eighth Notes
Range: As shown in grade book

Each of the following arpeggio types needs to be prepared from the root notes E, F, F# and G:

• Dominant 7#5 arpeggio
• Dominant 7b5 arpeggio
• Dominant 7b9 arpeggio
• Minor/major 9 arpeggio

In addition, candidates must prepare the following from previous grades:
Tempo: 100bpm
One octave
Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note
Ascending and descending

• E minor 6 arpeggio on four strings
• G minor 7 arpeggio on four strings

Group C: Chords

Altered chords. Candidates must perform both voicings to continuous click

• F dominant 7#5 | two voicings
• F dominant 7b5 | two voicings

Altered chords. Candidates must perform the voicing shown in the grade book when directed by the examiner

• C dominant 7#9 | one voicing only, as shown in grade book
• C dominant 7b9 | one voicing only, as shown in grade book

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:

• Rock and Pop
• Soul, Jazz and Blues
• Ukulele Specialist

Supporting Tests

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. 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:

• Rock & Pop
• Blues & Country
• Acoustic Specialist

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 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. The tempo is 90 bpm.

Test 2: Harmonic Recall

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. The tempo is 90 bpm.

General Musicianship Questions

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:

• 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 piece you have played and its relation to the underlying harmony of the piece (if relevant)

or:

• How you developed a section of the piece (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 your piece, in relation to:

• Picking hand: Strumming or picking technique for a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable
• Fretting hand: Fretting position and fingering used to play a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable

The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask candidates to give a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.

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

Photographic ID

All candidates at Grades 6 to 8 are required to show valid photographic identification when attending or recording their examination.

• For face-to-face exams, candidates should show their ID to the examiner at the start of the exam.
• For live stream exams, candidates should show their ID to the examiner via the screen at the start of the exam.
• For recorded digital exams, candidates should clearly display their ID to the camera for at least 10 seconds in accordance with the video exam guidelines.

Any official documentation which includes photographic ID may be used such as:

• Passport
• Driving License
• Travel Pass
• ID card

Candidates who do not possess valid photographic ID must instead complete a ‘Photographic ID Form’, including a current photograph of the candidate and witnessed by a parent/guardian, teacher or other nominated person, and present this in place of photo ID.

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.