Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Violin
Grade 7
The Grade 7 Classical Violin exam is for candidates who have extended their advanced level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 6 and developed notable security of appropriate technique, use of expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, fluency and musical understanding. There will be mature and authentic stylistic awareness, with developing individuality and communication. Candidates will have a strong understanding of musical form and structure and there is an option to improvise, demonstrating conviction and personality.
There are three types of exams available: Grade Exam, Graded Certificate or Performance Certificate.
Estimated Examination Time:
- Grade Exam: 30 minutes (approx.)
- Performance Certificate: 25 minutes (approx.)
Purchase Your Book & Exam Entry
Classical grades for the modern musician. RSL Classical Violin Grade 7 will provide you with everything you need for your Grade 7 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 Violin Grade 7
The essential syllabus for the aspiring violinist. RSL Classical Violin Grade 7 will provide you ...
Graded Music Exam: Grade 7
General guidance: Graded Music Exams Overview - How to book an exam UK / Republic of Ireland info...
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:
- Jamiroquai – Cosmic Girl
- John Legend – All of Me (as performed by Damien Escobar)
- Mihailo Trandafilovski – Playing with Light
- Stuff Smith – It’s Wonderful
- Lili Boulanger – Cortège
- Grażyna Bacewicz – Melodia
- Aaron Minsky – October Waltz
- Jean Sibelius – Romance, Op. 78 No. 2
- Daniel Bernard Roumain – The Need to Be
- Robert Schumann – Vogel als Prophet, from Waldszenen
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. Candidates can choose to perform the scales in even notes (quavers) or with long tonic rhythms unless specified otherwise.
Major Scales
Scale: A, B, D Major
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 100
Requirements: Separate bows. Slurred, three quavers to a bow (if played in even notes).
Scale: F, F# Major
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 100
Requirements: Separate bows. Slurred, four quavers to a bow. Slurred, one octave to a bow (if played with long tonic rhythms)
Minor Scales
Scale: A, B, D Minor (Natural, harmonic or melodic minor – Candidate’s choice)
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 100
Requirements: Separate bows. Slurred, three quavers to a bow.
Scale: F, F# Minor (Natural, harmonic or melodic minor – Candidate’s choice)
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 100
Requirements: Separate bows. Slurred, four quavers to a bow.
Chromatic Scales
Scale: Starting on A, B
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 100
Requirements: Slurred, six quavers to a bow (even notes only). Slurred, one octave to a bow (even notes only).
Scale: Starting on D, F
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Crotchet = 100
Requirements: Slurred, six quavers to a bow (even notes only). Slurred, one octave to a bow (even notes only).
Double Stopped Scales
In Thirds
Scale: G, Bb Major
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 100
Requirements: Pattern as written in the grade book.
In Sixths
Scale: G, Bb Major
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 100
Requirements: Pattern as written in the grade book.
In Octaves
Scale: D Major
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 100
Requirements: Pattern as written in the grade book.
Parallel Double Stopped Scales
In Sixths
Scale: Bb Major
Range: 1 Octave
Tempo: Crotchet = 72
Requirements: Separate bows.
GROUP B – Arpeggios
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.
Major Arpeggios
Arpeggio: A, B, D Major
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Quaver = 160
Requirements: Separate bows. Slurred, three quavers to a bow.
Arpeggio: F, F# Major
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Quaver = 160
Requirements: Separate bows. Slurred, three quavers to a bow. Slurred, six quavers to a bow.
Minor Arpeggios
Arpeggio: A, B, D Minor
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Quaver = 150
Requirements: Separate bows. Slurred, three quavers to a bow.
Arpeggio: F, F# Minor
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Quaver = 160
Requirements: Separate bows. Slurred, three quavers to a bow. Slurred, six quavers to a bow.
Dominant 7 Arpeggios
Arpeggio: A, B dominant 7
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Quaver = 160
Requirements: Slurred, four quavers to a bow.
Arpeggio: D, F dominant 7
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Quaver = 160
Requirements: Slurred, four quavers to a bow.
Diminished 7 Arpeggios
Arpeggio: G#, A diminished 7
Range: 3 Octaves
Tempo: Quaver = 160
Requirements: Slurred, four quavers to a bow.
Arpeggio: D, F diminished 7
Range: 2 Octaves
Tempo: Quaver = 160
Requirements: Slurred, four quavers to a bow.
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 piece will be between 16 and 20 bars long, in the key of D, A, B, F# or F major, or D, A, B, F# 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.
Improvisation & Interpretation
Requirements
Candidates will be given a previously unseen chord progression to improvise a melodic line over, to complement the backing track. The chord progression will be 16 bars long, in the key of D or F major. The progression will be based predominantly on the lydian mode relating to that key, and may occasionally contain temporary modulations and/or non-diatonic chords. The tempo will be crotchet = 60–140.
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
Candidates will be given a test of melodic recall.
Melodic Recall
Requirements
The examiner will play a melody. Candidates will then play back the melody to a drum backing. The melody will be a 2-bar diatonic melody in the key of F# major with a range of up to an octave, starting on the root or fifth. The melody may contain minims, crotchets, quavers and semiquavers (half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes and sixteenth notes) and rests. The tempo will be crotchet = 95.
Process
The test will be played twice, each time preceded by 4 clicks. Following the second playthrough candidates will be given a further 1-bar count in, after which they should play the melody back to the drum backing.
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 marking
- Identify the key signature and give the relative major or minor key
- Identify any three pitches
- State up to five rhythmic values (including at least two note values and two rest values)
- Identify and explain any three expressive markings
- Briefly explain and demonstrate stylistic considerations in preparation of the piece
- Briefly explain and demonstrate technical considerations in preparation of the piece
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:
- Explain how to execute spiccato technique
- State the chord progressions of any of the following cadences in the keys of G or D major:
- Perfect
- Imperfect
- Plagal
- Deceptive
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 |
