Vocals

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Exam Structure

Performance Pieces

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

The six songs at grade 6 are:

Female

• Sarah McLachlan - Angel
• Beyoncé - Halo
• Les Misérables  - On My Own
• Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone
• Charlene Soraia - Wherever You Will Go
• Sarah Vaughan  - Black Coffee

Male

• Bill Withers - Ain’t No Sunshine
• OneRepublic - Counting Stars
• Led Zeppelin - I Can’t Quit You Baby
• Will Young - Jealousy
• Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror
• Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire

Please note: as of October 2016, the 'Improvisation Requirements' for Performance Pieces - as published in older editions of the 2014 Vocal syllabus - are no longer a mandatory requirement for Rockschool Vocal candidates. Whilst we encourage individual musical interpretation, and candidates are free to improvise, the previous 'Improvisation Requirements' are no longer mandatory.

Technical Exercises

At Grade 6 there are five groups of Technical Exercises. The examiner will ask for a selection from each group.

GROUP A - Scales

• Tempo: 100bpm
• 4/4 time signature

A blues scale must be prepared. The candidate may select any starting note from A–E and may choose to sing along to a metronome click or hear four clicks before the test starts. Whichever option is chosen, the starting note will be heard before the count starts.

This test can be performed using any vocal sound except humming or whistling.

GROUP B - Arpeggios

• Tempo: 100bpm
• 4/4 time signature

A major and diminished arpeggio must be prepared. This test must be performed to a metronome click track and any starting note between C–G may be selected by the candidate. The root note will be heard, followed by a one bar (four-click) count-in.

This test can be performed using any vocal sound except humming or whistling.

GROUP C - Intervals

• Tempo: 90bpm
• 4/4 time signature

In this group the following interval sequences must be prepared:

•  Major 7th and major 6th sequence
•  Minor 7th and minor 6th sequence

The candidate will be asked to perform one of these sequences in the exam, as chosen by the examiner. The examiner will choose a starting note within the range A–C (female) and D-F (male). Candidates will then be required to sing the 1st–major 7th, 1st-major 6th-1st in sequence or the 1st-minor 7th, 1st-minor 6th-1st in sequence. This will be at the examiner’s choice.

The candidate can choose to sing to a metronome click throughout or to hear a four-beat count-in. Whichever option is chosen, the starting note will be heard before the count starts.

This test can be performed using any vocal sound except humming or whistling.

GROUP D - Melodic Study

• Tempo: 120bpm
• 4/4 time signature

In this group all three backing vocal parts need to be prepared. This is a three-part harmony test and the candidate will be asked to perform one part in the exam, as chosen by the examiner. The chosen part must be sung alongside the other two parts on the recording. The test needs to be performed to the appropriate backing track.

GROUP E - Backing Vocals

• Tempo: 80–125bpm
• 4/4 time signature

Candidates will need to choose and perform one Stylistic Study from the group of styles listed below. This choice will determine the style of the Quick Study Piece. For example, if the Jazz and Blues stylistic study is chosen the examiner will give the candidate a QSP from the Jazz and Blues group.

• Pop and Musical Theatre
• Soul and R’n’B
• Jazz and Blues
• Rock and Indie

Supporting Tests

Quick Study Piece 

Tempo: 70-160bpm

At this grade candidates will be asked to prepare and perform a short Quick Study Piece (QSP). This will consist of four bars of melody and eight bars of improvisation. Bars 1–4 of the test will be a notated melody and the candidate must sing all the written detail, including the lyrics. In bars 5–8 candidates will need to improvise a variation of bars 1¬–4, developing both the lyrics and melody as they feel appropriate. In bars 9–12 candidates are required to improvise freely, with no reference to bars 1–4 needed. These bars can be performed using any vocal sound except humming or whistling. Improvised lyrics and vocal ad-libbing are permitted.

The examiner will give the candidate the sheet music and then a full mix version of the track will be heard, including the notated parts. This first playthrough will be preceded by the root note and a one bar count-in. After the full mix candidates will have three minutes to practice. The root note will be played at the start of this practice time and then again after 90 seconds. During the practice time, candidates will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout or a one-bar count-in at the beginning.

At the end of the three minutes, the backing track will be played twice more with the notated parts now absent. The first time is for rehearsal and the second time is for the candidate to perform the final version for the exam. Again, the root note will be heard and then a one-bar count-in before each playthrough. The backing track is continuous, so once the first playthrough has finished, the root note and count-in of the second playthrough will start immediately. The QSP style will be from one of the following four groups. These match the groups of the Stylistics Studies in the Technical Exercises section.

•  Pop and Musical Theatre
•  Soul and R’n’B
•  Jazz and Blues
•  Rock and Indie

The style of the QSP given to the candidate will be from the same group as the candidate’s choice of Stylistic Study. The examiner will decide the specific style from the group chosen.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests: Melodic Recall (Test 1) and Harmony Vocals (Test 2).

Melodic Recall

Female: A major and C natural minor scale
Male: E major or D natural minor scale
Tempo: 90bpm

The examiner will play a two bar melody played to a drum backing. It will use one of the above scales (the examiner will decide which) and the first note will be the root note or the 5th. The test will be heard twice, each time starting with the root note and a four-beat count-in. There will be a short gap to practice after each playthrough. Next a vocal count-in will be heard, after which the melody must be sung to the drum backing.

Candidates are permitted to sing over the track as it is being played as well as practicing after the first two playthroughs. 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 practicing.

This test may be performed using any vocal sound except humming or whistling.

Harmony Vocals

Female: C major or A major
Male: G major or A major
Tempo: 90–120bpm

The examiner will play a four bar melody in one of the above keys (the examiner will decide which), based on the I–IV–V-VI chords. The recorded vocal part will sing the root, 3rd or 5th of each chord and candidates need to harmonise a diatonic 3rd or 4th above this part using the same rhythm. The examiner will give the candidate the lyrics.

The test will be heard twice, starting with the root note and a four-beat count-in each time it is played. There will be a short gap to practice after each playthrough. Next, a vocal count-in will be heard, after which the harmony line must be performed. It is acceptable to sing over the track as it is being played as well as practicing after the first two playthroughs. 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 practicing.

General Musicianship Questions 

In this part of the exam five questions will be asked. Three of these questions will be on general music knowledge of the piece, one will be on improvisation and one will be on the candidate’s understanding of the voice or microphone.

Music Knowledge

Part 1: General Music Knowledge

The examiner will ask three music knowledge questions. The questions will be based on one of the pieces (including Free Choice Pieces) performed by the candidate in the exam. The candidate can choose which one. If there are handwritten notes on the piece chosen, the examiner may ask the candidate to choose an alternative. The candidate will be asked to identify and explain:

• Any notation used in the chosen piece
• Recognition of any interval up to an octave between two adjacent notes (candidates will need to state major, minor or perfect)

Part 2: Improvisation

Candidates will be asked to briefly describe and demonstrate their approach to how they would improvise any part of the chosen song. This should be done with reference to melody, rhythm, phrasing, dynamics and expression. Candidates can choose the part.

Part 3: Your Voice and the Microphone

The examiner will also ask you one question about the voice or the microphone. They will decide which. Brief demonstrations to assist answers are acceptable.
Candidates will be asked one of the following questions:

•  Name three effective resonators for singing
•  Explain the difference between ‘aspirate onset’ and ‘glottal onset’
•  Which exercises might be safe to perform when your voice is tired or you have a sore throat?
•  How can you balance your sound on microphone when switching between chest voice (low register) and head/falsetto voice (high register)?

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 

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.