Vocals

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The Vocals Grade 4 book will guide you through all you need to learn to take your exam, and looks in-depth at the skills of harmonising, backing vocals, improving transitions between registers, and more.

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Exam Structure

There are two main types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate, which can be booked as a face-to-face exam or recorded video exam and is also available in some centres as a live-streamed video exam. More info about our video exams can be found here...

Grade Exam

3 Performance Pieces (two of which may be Free Choice Pieces)	Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first	These account for 60% of the exam mark
Technical Exercises (Section A, B, C and D for Level 3 qualifications)	Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first	These account for 15% of the exam mark
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Debut to Grade 5); Quick Study Pieces (Grade 6 to Grade 8)	Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform	This accounts for 10% of the exam marks
2 Ear Tests	Candidates respond to 2 aural tests.	These account for 10% of the exam marks
5 General Musicianship Questions	Candidates answer 5 questions based on one of the pieces performed	These account for 5% of the exam marks

Performance Certificate

5 Performance Pieces only (three of these can be Free Choice Pieces)

These account for 20% of the exam mark each.

Performance Pieces

Candidates must prepare a total of three pieces for a Grade Exam and five pieces for a Performance Certificate.

The ten songs at grade 4 are:

• Queen – Another One Bites the Dust
• Billie Eilish – Ocean Eyes
• Stevie Wonder – Higher Ground
• BTS – Dynamite
• Nina Simone – My Baby Just Cares for Me
• Massive Attack – Teardrop
• Adele – Someone like You
• Passenger – Let Her Go
• Coldplay – Magic
• Rihanna – Diamonds

Technical Exercises

Please note: The following information relates to the new 2021 Vocals syllabus launched in September 2021. For exam information relating to the 2014 - 2021 Vocals syllabus, please download the syllabus specification at the base of this page!

There are five groups of technical exercises at this grade: Scales, Arpeggios, Intervals, Melodic Studies and Backing Vocals. The scale, arpeggios and intervals are to be performed to a click track, the melodic study and backing vocals to backing tracks. Unless specified otherwise, the exercises may be performed using any vocal sound except humming or whistling.

Group A: Scales

Candidates are to perform the following scale, as written in the grade book:

Major Pentatonic Scale
Starting note: Candidate’s choice
Range: 1 octave
Tempo: 80bpm
Accompaniment: Click track

The examiner will ask the candidate which starting note they have chosen (the examiner can play starting notes in the range A3–G#4, but candidates may sing in any octave). Candidates will hear the starting note, followed by a 1-bar count in, before performing the test to the metronome click.

Group B: Arpeggios

Candidates are to prepare both of the following arpeggios, as written in the grade book. The examiner will ask for one of them to be performed in the exam:

Major Arpeggio
Starting note: Candidate’s choice
Range: Up to a tenth
Tempo: 80bpm
Accompaniment: Click track

Major arpeggio (ascending), dominant 7 arpeggio (descending)
Starting note: Candidate’s choice
Range: 1 octave
Tempo: 80bpm
Accompaniment: Click track

The examiner will ask the candidate which starting note they have chosen (the examiner can play starting notes in the range A3–G#4, but candidates may sing in any octave). Candidates will hear the starting note, followed by a 1-bar count in, before performing the test to the metronome click.

Group C: Intervals

Candidates are to prepare both of the following intervals, as written in the grade book. The examiner will ask for one of them to be performed in the exam:

Major 6th, ascending
Starting note: Candidate’s choice
Tempo: 90bpm
Accompaniment: Click track

Major 7th, ascending
Starting note: Candidate’s choice
Tempo: 90bpm
Accompaniment: Click track

The examiner will ask the candidate which starting note they have chosen (the examiner can play starting notes in the range A3–G#4, but candidates may sing in any octave). Candidates will hear the starting note, followed by a 1-bar count in, before performing the test to the metronome click.

Group D: Melodic Studies

Candidates are to perform one of the two melodic studies given in the grade book. The examiner will ask which study the candidate has prepared (Study 1 or Study 2). Candidates will hear the root note, followed by a 4-beat count in, before performing the test to the backing track.

Group E: Backing Vocals

Candidates are to perform one of the two backing vocals exercises given in the grade book. Each exercise in the book has two notated vocal parts — candidates must prepare both of these for their chosen exercise. The examiner will ask which exercise the candidate has prepared (Exercise 1 or Exercise 2). They will then select one of the vocal parts for the candidate to perform (the other two notated parts will be included on the backing track). Candidates will hear the root note, followed by a 4-beat count in, before performing the test to the backing track.

Supporting Tests

Please note: The following information relates to the new 2021 Vocals syllabus launched in September 2021. For exam information relating to the 2014 - 2021 Vocals syllabus, please download the syllabus specification at the base of this page!

Before seeing the tests, the examiner will ask whether the candidate wishes to perform a piece of sight reading or take a test of improvisation and interpretation. Once the candidate has decided, they cannot change their mind.

Sight Reading

Requirements

Candidates will be given a short previously unseen piece to perform. The piece will be 8 bars long, in the key of D major, B minor or E minor, covering a range of up to a octave. Candidates may sing in any octave. During the first 6 bars candidates will sing the written melody and lyrics. During the final 2 bars candidates will improvise a melody using any vocal sound except humming or whistling. The tempo will be 80–90bpm.

Process

Candidates will be given 90 seconds to practise, after which they will perform the test. Before the practice time begins, candidates will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or having a 4-beat count in at the beginning. Whichever option candidates choose, the practice time will start with the examiner playing the root note. Candidates will receive the same choice when performing the test.

Improvisation & Interpretation

Requirements

Candidates will be given a previously unseen chord progression. The chord progression will be 8 bars long, in the key of D or Bb major. During the first 2 bars candidates will sing the written melody and lyrics. During the final 6 bars candidates will improvise a melody, using any vocal sound except humming or whistling. The tempo will be 90–100bpm.

Process

Candidates will hear the backing track twice. Candidates can rehearse during the first playthrough, before performing the improvisation over the third playthrough. Only their performance over the final playthrough will be assessed. Both playthroughs will begin with the root note and a 4-beat count in. The backing track is continuous throughout, so once the first playthrough has finished, the root note and count in of the second playthrough will start immediately.

Ear Tests

Candidates will be given both of the following ear tests, examples of which are included in the grade book:

• Test 1: Melodic Recall
• Test 2: Harmony Vocals

Test 1: Melodic Recall

• Requirements: The examiner will play a melody. Candidates will then sing back the melody to a drum backing, using any vocal sound except humming or whistling. The melody will be a 2-bar diatonic melody in the key of D major or E natural minor, starting on the root note, using up to the first six notes of the scale. Candidates my sing in any octave. The melody may contain half notes, quarter notes and eighth notes and may contain rests. The tempo will be 90bpm.
• Process: The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a 4-beat count in. There will be a short gap after each playthrough. After the gap following the second playthrough candidates will be given a vocal count in, after which they should play the melody back to the drum backing.

Test 2: Harmony Vocals

• Requirements: The examiner will play a 3-bar melody. Candidates will be asked to harmonise the melody a major 3rd above, using the same rhythm and lyrics. The melody will be based on chords I and IV. The tempo will be 90bpm.
• Process: Candidates will be asked whether they would like a higher-pitched test or a lower-pitched test. The higher-pitched test will be in C or A major (Option 1), the lower-pitched test in D or F major (Option 2). They will be given the lyrics for their test. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by the root note and a 4-beat count in. There will be a short gap after each playthrough. After the gap following the second playthrough candidates will be given a vocal count in, after which they should sing their harmony line. The length of time available after the second playthrough is pre-recorded on the audio track so the vocal count in may begin while the candidate is still practising.

General Musicianship Questions

Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these will be music knowledge questions, based on any one of the pieces performed in the exam, the fifth will be about knowledge of the candidate’s own voice. Candidates can use brief demonstrations to support their verbal explanations.

Part 1: General Music Knowledge
There will be four music knowledge questions in relation to one of the pieces performed in the exam. Candidates will be asked which piece they would like to be asked about. If the candidate’s copy of the chosen piece contains extensive handwritten notes the examiner may either use their own version of the score as the basis for the questions or they may request that candidates select a different piece.

Candidates may be asked to identify:

• Identify any pitch name (including stating flat, sharp or natural)
• Identify note values, and adjacent note value combinations, from the following:
  • Whole note
  • Half note
  • Quarter note
  • Eighth note
  • Sixteenth note
  • Triplet eighth notes
• Identify rest values, and adjacent rest value combinations, from the following:
  • Whole note
  • Half note
  • Quarter note
  • Eighth note
  • Sixteenth note
• Identify any interval up to a 7th between two adjacent notes (candidates will not need to state major, minor or perfect)
• Identify and explain the meaning of any of the following:
  • Any time signature marking
  • Any dynamic marking
  • Any tempo marking
  • Ad lib.

Part 2: Knowledge of the Voice
There will be one question about the candidate’s knowledge of their voice, chosen by the examiner from the list below. Candidates may be asked:

• How do you ensure consistent vocal tone?
• How do you create breathy (aspirate) tone?
• When would you use vibrato?

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

General Information

Free Choice Pieces 

Candidates are able to perform a number of Free Choice Pieces in the examination:

• Grade Examinations: Two Free Choice Pieces (at least one piece must be from the grade book)
• Performance Certificates: Three Free Choice Pieces (at least two pieces must be from the grade book)

In vocal exams Free Choice Pieces can be selected from our list of Wider Repertoire - a full list of suggested pieces which can be found on our website. Alternatively, Candidates can choose or compose any song in any genre outside of the grade book and wider repertoire. These songs should 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. Candidates should refer to the Free Choice Piece Criteria available on our website when accessing the level of a potential piece. All pieces must be performed to a backing track.

Free Choice Pieces must be available in fully notated sheet music and Candidates need to bring a copy of the sheet music for the examiner to refer to during the examination. If there is any doubt about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, please contact freechoicepieces@rslawards.com.

Musical Interpretation

Musical Interpretation is allowed at all grades in both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. Rockschool encourages individual musicality, articulation, expression and use of dynamics when performing. This applies anywhere in the exam other than the technical exercises where articulation when specified must be observed. Candidates are reminded that all musical interpretation should be stylistically appropriate.

Use of Microphones

At Grades 1-5 the use of a microphone is optional, although candidates may perform with a microphone if they feel it will enhance their performance n At Grades 6-8 all sections of the exam are to be performed with a microphone.

Candidates can provide their own microphone for the examination should they prefer to use their own equipment, otherwise a microphone and lead will be provided by the centre.