Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Classical Piano
Grade 1
The Grade 1 Piano exam is for candidates who 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 three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 20 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 15 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical Piano Grade 1 will provide you with everything you need for your Grade 1 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 Piano Grade 1
The essential syllabus for the aspiring pianist. RSL Classical Piano Grade 1 will provide you wit...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 1
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 designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.
Featured Repertoire:
- Anne Crosby Gaudet – Boogie Woogie Bear
- Gustav Holst – Jupiter
- August Eberhard Müller – The Cuckoo
- Zenobia Powell Perry – Orrin and Echo
- Robert Schumann – Soldier’s March
- Ignatius Sancho – Le Douze de Decembre
- Trad. Chinese – Jasmine Flower
- Kristen Anderson-Lopez / Robert Lopez – All Is Found
- Carolyn Miller – Cat and Mouse
- Christian Petzold – Minuet in G
Technical Exercises
At Grade 1 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Technical Studies.
All scales and arpeggios need to be played hands separately, in straight feel, ascending and descending. Pentatonic scales are right hand only.
- Major scales, minor scales and broken chords need to be played hands separately, ascending and descending, in the keys and octaves shown.
- Candidates must choose to play either natural minor or harmonic minor or melodic minor scales in the exam. The examiner will ask the candidate to state which set of minor scales they have prepared.
- Pentatonic scales are right hand only.
- Groups A (scales)and Group B (broken chords) must be played from memory.
- Candidates may use their book for Group C (technical studies).
All groups are played unaccompanied (without metronome or click). - Any fingerings shown are suggestions only.
- Candidates will be marked on tone quality and consistency, maintenance of pulse, and accuracy. Performances slower than the stated minimum tempo may be subject to qualitative judgement by the examiner, according to extent and commensurate with the grade.
GROUP A – Scales
Range: Two octaves
Rhythms: Quavers (eighth notes), finishing on a crotchet (quarter note) Minimum tempo: 66bpm
- F major (right hand)
- F major (left hand)
- G major (right hand)
- G major (left hand)
- D natural/harmonic/melodic minor (right hand)
- D natural/harmonic/melodic minor (left hand)
- E natural/harmonic/melodic minor (right hand)
- E natural/harmonic/melodic minor (left hand)
- F major pentatonic (right hand)
- G major pentatonic (right hand)
- D minor pentatonic (right hand)
- E minor pentatonic (right hand)
GROUP B – Arpeggios
Minimum Tempo: 100bpm
Time signature: 3/4
Rhythms: Crotchets (quarter notes), finishing on a dotted minim (dotted half note)
- F major broken chord (right hand)
- F major broken chord (left hand)
- G major broken chord (right hand)
- G major broken chord (left hand)
- D minor broken chord (right hand)
- D minor broken chord (left hand)
- E minor broken chord (right hand)
- E minor broken chord (left hand)
GROUP C – Technical Studies
Minimum tempo: 80bpm
Candidates perform their choice of one of the technical studies from the grade book.
Supporting Tests
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation
At Grade 1, candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.
Sight Reading
Key: F major or G major
Minimum tempo: 70bpm
Time signature: 4/4
Rhythms: Minims (half notes), crotchets (quarter notes), associated rests
In the sight reading test, the examiner will give candidates a 4–6 bar melody in the key of either G major or F major. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to practise. After the practise time, the examiner will ask candidates to commence the test.
- All sight reading tests at Grade 1 should be played at a minimum tempo = 70 bpm.
- At Grade 1, candidates are tested on their ability to perform previously unseen pitches and rhythms. No dynamics are shown, however, an even tone quality should be maintained throughout.
- While the assessed part of the test is not played to a metronome click, candidates may ask to hear the minimum tempo on a metronome at the start of, or throughout their practice time. Additionally, candidates may ask to hear a few seconds of the tempo on a metronome before the assessed part of the test begins.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Key: F major or G major
Tempo: 70bpm
Time signature: 4/4
In the Contemporary Improvisation & Interpretation test, the examiner will give candidates a 4–6 bar chord progression in the key of either G major or F major. Candidates will first be given 90 seconds to prepare, 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. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. Tempo = 70bpm.
- At Grade 1, candidates have the choice to improvise either a melodic line or a chordal part to complement the backing track.
- During the preparation time, candidates will be given the choice 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
At Grade 1 there is one ear test, assessing melodic recall skills. An example is shown in the grade book.
Melodic Recall
Tempo: 95bpm
Rhythms: Whole, half notes
The examiner will play three notes one after the other. Candidates are to state whether the second note is higher or lower in pitch than the first and whether the third note is higher or lower in pitch than the second. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar metronome click. There will also be a C root note at the beginning of the test for reference. For this exercise, candidates are to use the words ‘higher’ or ‘lower’.
Credit will be given for speed of response.
General Musicianship Questions
At Grade 1 candidates will be asked five questions on topics relating to their choice of piece performed in the examination and on general musical and instrumental knowledge.
Music Knowledge
In Grade 1 candidates will be asked to identify:
- The location of the time signature
- The location of treble and bass clefs
- Note pitch names (within bass and treble stave only)
- Semibreve (whole), minim (half), crotchet (quarter), quaver (eighth) note values
- The construction of a major triad (tonic, major 3rd, perfect 5th, root position only)
Instrument Knowledge
In Grade 1 candidates will be asked to identify:
- One of the following parts of the piano: middle C (C4), sustain/damper pedal, hammers, strings.
Exam Structure
There are three types of exam available, a Grade Exam, Graded Certificate, 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 |
Graded Certificate
| 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 75% of the exam mark |
| Technical Exercises | Candidates choose to play either Performance Pieces or Technical Exercises first | These account for 25% of the exam mark |
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
(Please note: Graded Certificates consist of just Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises. Please see the exam structure tab for more info)
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 |
