Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Classical Guitar
Grade 8
The Grade 8 Classical Guitar exam is for candidates who have now consolidated their playing to a high level. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 7 and have since developed heightened technique, use of expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, fluency, coordination and musical understanding. Candidates will demonstrate seamless musical form and structure. There will be an innate stylistic conviction and distinctive musicality with strong individuality. Communication will be commanding. There is an option to improvise to an advanced level, demonstrating effortless assurance and personality.
There are two main types of exams available at Grade 8, either a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate, which can be booked as a face-to-face or live-streamed exam or submitted as a recorded digital exam.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 30 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 28 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical Guitar Grade 8 will provide you with everything you need for your Grade 8 exam, including a diverse range of repertoire, a truly innovative range of supporting tests and a vast array of professionally arranged and recorded backing tracks.
Classical Guitar Grade 8
The essential syllabus for the aspiring, contemporary Classical Guitarist. RSL Classical Guitar G...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 8
All instruments - General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republ...
Performance Pieces
The performance pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate and are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.
Featured Repertoire:
- Hiatus Kaiyote – Breathing Underwater
- Ida Presti – Étude No. 5
- Giorgio Serci – Samba Di Else
- J.S. Bach – Gavotte I and II, BWV 995
- Niccolò Paganini – ‘Romanze’ from Grand Sonata
- João Pernambuco – Reboliço
- Chick Corea – Spain
- Stanley Myers – Cavatina
- Francisco Tárrega – Capricho (Arabe)
- Frantz Casseus – On a Sunday (Dance)
Technical Exercises
There are three groups of technical exercises at this grade: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies. All are to be played unaccompanied. The tempos given for the scales and arpeggios are the recommended minimum tempos for this grade.
GROUP A – Scales
Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. All scales are to be performed in even quavers.
Two-octave major scales
Scale: Major scale, root 6th, in the keys of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only
Scale: Major scale, root 5th, in the keys of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only
Three-octave major scale
Scale: E Major
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only
Two-octave minor scales
Scale: Harmonic minor and melodic minor scales, root 6th, in the keys of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only
Scale: Harmonic minor and melodic minor scales, root 5th, in the keys
of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only
Three-octave minor scales
Scale: E harmonic minor scale
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only
Scale: E melodic minor scale
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only
Chromatic Scales
Scale: Starting on G
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando or apoyando (examiner choice), fingers only
GROUP B – Arpeggios & Broken Chords
Candidates are to prepare all of the following. In the exam, the examiner will request a selection to be performed, stating how they are to be performed, from the requirements listed in the table. Candidates are to perform the arpeggios in even quavers.
Two-octave major arpeggios
Arpeggio: Major arpeggio, root 6th, in the keys of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
Arpeggio: Major arpeggio, root 5th, in the keys of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
Two-octave minor arpeggios
Arpeggio: Minor arpeggio, root 6th, in the keys of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
Arpeggio: Minor arpeggio, root 5th, in the keys of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
Three-octave arpeggios
Arpeggio: Major arpeggio, root 6th, from the starting notes of E–G (chromatically)
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
Arpeggio: Minor arpeggio, root 6th, from the starting notes of E–G (chromatically)
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
Dominant 7 arpeggios
Arpeggio: Dominant 7 arpeggio, root 6th, starting notes of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
Arpeggio: Dominant 7 arpeggio, root 5th, starting notes of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
Diminished 7 arpeggios
Arpeggio: Diminished 7 arpeggio, root 6th, starting notes of F#–B (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
Arpeggio: Diminished 7 arpeggio, root 5th, starting notes of B–E (chromatically)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 144
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
Broken Chords
Exercise 1: A minor
Range: As shown in grade book.
Tempo: Crotchet = 70
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
Exercise 2: A minor
Range: As shown in grade book.
Tempo: Crotchet = 70
Requirements: Tirando, thumb and fingers
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Candidates are to perform one of the three technical studies given in the grade book. The examiner will ask which study the candidate has prepared.
Supporting Tests
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation
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 piece of previously unseen music to play, unaccompanied. The sight reading test will be up to 26 bars long, in the keys of:
- D major or B minor
- Bb major or G minor
- A major or F# minor
Process
Candidates will be given 90 seconds to practise, after which they will perform the test. Before the practice time begins, candidates can ask if they would like to hear the tempo on a metronome at the start of, or throughout their practice time. Additionally, candidates may ask to hear the tempo before the assessed part of the test begins.
Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation
Requirements
Candidates will be given a previously unseen chord progression to improvise either single-note melodies or a chordal accompaniment (candidate choice) to complement the backing track. The chord progression will meet the following criteria:
Either:
- A repeated 12-bar jazz/blues test in the key of Bb or E
Or:
- A 24-bar jazz/swing test in the key of Eb or Ab
Process
Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. Before the practice time begins, candidates will be given the choice of a metronome click throughout the practice time or a 1-bar count in at the beginning. After the practice time, the backing track will be played twice. Candidates can rehearse during the first playthrough, before performing their improvisation over the second playthrough. Only the improvisation over the second playthrough will be assessed. Each playthrough will begin with a 1-bar count in. The backing track is continuous throughout, so once the first playthrough has finished, the count in to the second playthrough will start immediately.
Ear Tests
There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.
Melodic Recall
The examiner will play a two-bar melody using the F# major scale or the F# harmonic minor scale. The examiner will state the key before the first playthrough of the test. The first note of the melody will be the root note, third or 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 a one-bar count-in. There will be a short gap to practise. Next will be a vocal count-in and candidates will then play the melody to the metronome click.
The tempo is crotchet = 90.
Harmonic Recall
The examiner will play a tonic chord followed by a four-bar chord sequence in the key of E major played to a metronome click. The sequence will be drawn from the I, IIm, IIIm, IV, V and VIm chords, and may occur in any combination. The I and IV chords can be either major or major 7th chords. You will be asked to identify the chord sequence, stating the progression either with the chord names (e.g. E, Amaj7) or numerals (e.g. I, IVmaj7).
Each time the test is played the sequence is: four clicks, tonic, four clicks, chords. There will be a short gap to prepare after the second playthrough of the test. Candidates will then be asked to state the chord progression.
The tempo is crotchet = 90.
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 general music and instrument knowledge. Candidates can use brief demonstrations to support their verbal explanations.
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:
- explain the meaning of any tempo markings found on your score
- identify the key signature and give the relative major or minor key
- identify any pitches in a melodic sequence found on your score, as chosen by the examiner
- identify rhythmic values (notes and/or rests) from any rhythmic values found on your score, as chosen by the examiner.
- identify and explain any expressive markings in your piece
briefly explain and demonstrate one stylistic and one technical consideration in preparation and performance of the chosen piece
General Music and Instrument Knowledge
There will be one question about the candidate’s general music and instrument knowledge, chosen by the examiner from the list below.
Candidates may be asked to:
- state the chord progressions of any of the following cadences in the keys of C, D, F or G major, as chosen by the examiner: perfect, imperfect, plagal or deceptive
- explain how to play artificial harmonics
Exam Structure
There are two types of exam available, a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
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. |
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 |
