PIANO SYLLABUS SPECIFICATION. Also suitable for Keyboards Edition

Transcription

1 PIANO SYLLABUS SPECIFICATION Also suitable for Keyboards 2016 Editio

2 Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio Rockschool Performace Arts Awards Vocatioal Qualificatios

3 Ackowledgemets Syllabus Syllabus writte ad devised by Nik Presto Syllabus cosultats: Haah Vasath, Julia Marti, Stuart Slater, Joo Harriso, Simo Troup ad Jeie Troup Hit tue arragemets by Joo Harriso ad Nik Presto Supportig tests writte by Joo Harriso, Nik Presto, Ash Presto ad Haah Vasath Piao arragemets of Rockschool compositios by Bria Hery Syllabus advisors: Mary Keee, Patrick Healy, Emily Nash, Da Phelps ad Mike Styliaou Publishig Fact Files writte by Julia Marti, Joe Beett, Charlie Griffiths, Stephe Lawso, Simo Pitt, Stuart Rya ad James Uigs Music egravig ad book layout by Simo Troup ad Jeie Troup of Digital Music Art Proof readig ad copy editig by Simo Troup, Jeie Troup, Joatha Preiss, Mary Keee, Stuart Slater ad Nik Presto Cover desig by Philip Millard Cover photograph Gary Null/NBC/NBCU Photo Bak/Getty Images Audio Produced by Ash Presto, Joo Harriso, Bria Hery ad Music Sales Egieered by Ash Presto, Joo Harriso, Bria Hery ad Music Sales Mixed ad mastered by Ash Presto Edited by Ash Presto Supportig Tests recorded by Ash Presto, Joo Harriso ad Haah Vasath Mastered by Ash Presto Musicias Joo Harriso, Haah Vasath, Bria Hery, Nik Presto, James Arbe, Jaso Bowld, Stuart Clayto, Ady Crompto, Neel Dhorajiwala, Fergus Gerrad, Felipe Karam, Kisho Kha, Noam Lederma, DJ Harry Love, Dave Marks, Jo Musgrave, Jake Paiter, Richard Pardy, Ross Staley, Carl Sterlig, Hery Thomas, Camilo Tirado, Steve Walker, Chris Webster, Norto York, Nir Z Executive Producers Norto York Joh Simpso Cotact RSL Harlequi House Groud Floor 7 High Street Teddigto Revised: 10 May 2017 (see fial page for revisio otes) Syllabus books published by Rockschool Ltd uder licese from Music Sales Ltd. 3 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

4 Cotets 3 Ackowledgemets 4 Cotets 5 Itroductio 9 Debut 17 Grade 1 25 Grade 2 33 Grade 3 41 Grade 4 49 Grade 5 57 Grade 6 65 Grade 7 73 Grade 8 4 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

5 INTRODUCTION Itroductio Welcome to the Rockschool syllabus specificatio for Piao. This syllabus specificatio is desiged to give teachers, studets ad cadidates practical iformatio o the graded examiatios ru by Rockschool. The Rockschool website, has detailed iformatio o all aspects of our examiatios, detailed markig schemes ad assessmet criteria as well as otated ad audio examples to help cadidates prepare for the examiatio. All cadidates are required to read the Rockschool Exam Regulatios which ca be foud via the followig lik: This Syllabus Specificatio covers the followig examiatios: Graded Examiatios Debut 8 Performace Certificates Debut 8 EXAMINATIONS Rockschool offers two types of graded music examiatio; Grade Examiatios ad Performace Certificates. Note: Piao ca also be performed as part of a Rockschool Bad Exam: GRADE EXAMINATIONS Piao Grade Examiatios are available from Debut to Grade 8 ad cosist of the followig elemets: Three Performace Pieces: Debut 8 Techical Exercises: Debut 8 Sight Readig OR Improvisatio & Iterpretatio: Debut 5 Quick Study Piece: Grades 6 8 Ear Tests: Debut 8 Geeral Musiciaship Questios: Debut 8 These elemets fall ito two categories: Prepared work: This cosists of three Performace Pieces ad Techical Exercises Uprepared work: This cosists of Sight Readig OR Improvisatio & Iterpretatio (Debut 5), Quick Study Piece (Grades 6 8), Ear Tests (Debut 8) ad Geeral Musiciaship Questios (Debut-8) PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE Piao Performace Certificates are available from Debut to Grade 8 ad cosist of the followig elemets: Five Performace Pieces 5 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

6 INTRODUCTION EXAMINATION STRUCTURE The examiatio structure for the Grade Examiatio is show below: Debut-5 Performace Pieces* Techical Exercises * Sight Readig OR Improvisatio & Iterpretatio Ear Tests Geeral Musiciaship Questios Grade 6-8 Performace Pieces* Techical Exercises * Quick Study Piece Ear Tests Geeral Musiciaship Questios *These elemets ca be take first or secod at the cadidate s request EXAMINATION TIMINGS Grade Exams Debut: 15 miutes Grade 1: 20 miutes Grade 2: 20 miutes Grade 3: 25 miutes Grade 4: 25 miutes Grade 5: 25 miutes Grade 6: 30 miutes Grade 7: 30 miutes Grade 8: 30 miutes Performace Certificates Debut: 12 miutes Grade 1: 15 miutes Grade 2: 15 miutes Grade 3: 18 miutes Grade 4: 22 miutes Grade 5: 22 miutes Grade 6: 25 miutes Grade 7: 25 miutes Grade 8: 28 miutes Geeral Notes The followig geeral otes apply to both Grade ad Performace Certificate Examiatios: FREE CHOICE PIECES For all piao grades, cadidates are able to play a umber of free choice pieces i the examiatio: Grade Examiatios: Two Free Choice Pieces (at least oe piece must be from the grade book) Performace Certificates: Three Free Choice Pieces (at least two pieces must be from the grade book) Visit for grade specific Free Choice Criteria ad wider requiremets which eed to be observed i full to be eligible for use i the exam. Prior approval is ot required but ay deviatio/simplificatio/omissios from ay aspect of the criteria or requiremets may be reflected i the marks awarded. All pieces must be performed to a backig track (without the examied part o the track) except i cases where pieces have bee selected from previous Rockschool syllabi ad do ot have a backig track. If there is ay doubt or questios about the appropriateess of the chose piece, it would be acceptable to it to ifo@rslawards.com ad a member of the Rockschool team will advise. 6 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

7 INTRODUCTION NOTATION All otated work is to be played as writte. There should be o chages or arragemet (uless previously agreed with Rockschool). Each piece is specifically writte/preseted carefully to achieve a umber of outcomes appropriate for the grade. Exclusios: At Debut ad Grade 1, if ay three or four voiced chords otated i the pieces are uachievable, cadidates may either reduce the amout of otes i the voicig or play as a spread chord if stylistically appropriate. At all grades, if ay two haded/ope voiced chords otated i the pieces are ot achievable, cadidates may either reduce the amout of otes i the voicig or play as a spread chord if stylistically appropriate. At all grades, cadidates are free to execute voiced chords otated i the pieces with either had or combiatio of hads. I ay Level 3 piece cotaiig chord symbols, voicigs may be preseted as deemed appropriate. MUSICAL INTERPRETATION For all piao grades, Rockschool ecourages idividual musicality, articulatio, expressio ad use of dyamics whe performig. This would iclude for example ow legato/staccato, pedallig, dyamic levels, accetuatio, cresc.../dim, phrasig etc. This also applies aywhere i the exam, whether withi a performace piece or ay other prepared/uprepared elemet. Musical Iterpretatio is assessed as a requiremet at all grades i both the Full Grade Exam ad Performace Certificate. Note: where there is otated articulatio, expressio, dyamic or pedal markigs, these have bee specifically writte ad must be observed. PIANO SPECIFICATION The followig istrumets are accepted for use i Piao exams, at all grades. Acoustic Piao Digital Piao A umber of our exam cetres i the UK have acoustic piaos. The remaider have digital piaos. Cadidates are advised to cotact Rockschool to check their earest cetre if they specifically wish to perform the exam o a acoustic piao. See also 7 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

8 INTRODUCTION USING OWN EQUIPMENT Cadidates may brig their ow digital piao or keyboard for use i the exam, which must fit the followig criteria: Debut-Grade 4: Miimum of five octaves/61 keys, touch sesitive, weighted or uweighted keys ad a sustai pedal. Grades 5-8: 88 ote keyboard, touch sesitive, weighted or uweighted keys ad a sustai pedal. Cadidates must use a 'realistic' piao soud for their exam. Cadidates will eed to ote o the applicatio form that they wish to use their ow equipmet whe applyig to take the exam. Owig to schedulig costraits ad the potetial impact o subsequet exam s, the absece of prior otificatio to Rockschool will result i the examier refusig cadidates ow equipmet o the day. Rockschool also recommeds that cadidates who wish to brig i their ow equipmet cotact their exam cetre to make ay practical arragemets beforehad ad also brig their ow assistace to carry the equipmet i/out of the exam room. Ow equipmet eeds to be practicable ad reasoably portable so as ot to impact o exam timigs. Note also that whilst it is acceptable for cadidates to use their ow equipmet for use i the exam, if ay outcomes required at a particular grade either caot be demostrated or are demostrated less securely as a result of the equipmet, this may be reflected i the marks awarded. Rockschool caot advise whether or ot cadidates use their ow equipmet. A decisio to do so is etirely at a cadidate s discretio/risk o this basis. Cadidates caot use either pre-programmed backig tracks or iterally geerated, pre-programmed rhythms. MAKING NOTES IN THE EXAM It is ot permitted to make ay otes at ay durig the exam. With the exceptio of Techical Exercises where memory requiremets apply, it is permitted to use grade books which cotai otes made durig the course of a cadidate s study. For Geeral Musiciaship Questios, the examier may use his or her versio of the selected piece as the basis to ask the questios if such otes cotaied o the cadidate s versio are deemed sufficietly extesive or might assist the cadidate whe aswerig the questios 8 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

9 Debut The Debut Piao exam is for cadidates who have bee learig a short ad have developed elemetary skills, techiques, co-ordiatio ad musical uderstadig. There is also a opportuity for basic improvisatio. There are two types of exam available at Debut, either a Grade Exam or Performace Certificate. (Refer to the Itroductio for a explaatio of the differeces). 9 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

10 DEBUT Debut GRADE EXAMS PREPARED WORK Cadidates are required to play three Performace Pieces ad Techical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios ad chord voicigs. UNPREPARED WORK Cadidates are required to complete either a Sight Readig or Improvisatio/Iterpretatio test ad two Ear Tests that begi to develop melodic recall ad chord recogitio. The fial part of the exam comprises five questios which are desiged to explore simple harmoy, melody, rhythmic, techical ad stylistic kowledge. EXAM STRUCTURE The Debut exam lasts 15 miutes ad is take i the followig order: Performace Pieces* Techical Exercises * Sight Readig OR Improvisatio & Iterpretatio: Cadidates are give a usee test to prepare ad perform. Ear Tests: Cadidates respod to two aural tests. Oe is melodic ad oe is harmoic. Geeral Musiciaship Questios: Cadidates aswer five questios based o oe of the pieces performed. *These elemets ca be take first or secod at the cadidate s request Pieces The pieces i the grade book ca be used for both the Grade Exam ad Performace Certificate. At Debut they are short, typically up to oe miute i duratio. The expectatio ad legth of pieces are desiged so cadidates ca cocetrate o the requiremets of otatio accuracy, values, eveess of soud, toe quality/cosistecy, techical cotrol ad syc at a begier level. Settig the level of the backig track At the begiig of the exam, the examier will coduct a soud check by askig the cadidate to play the first few bars of the first chose piece. This will set the levels for the exam ad will take place alog to the backig track. Note: the soud check is udertake for the first piece oly. 10 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

11 DEBUT TECHNICAL WORK At Debut there are three groups of techical work: Scales, Arpeggios/Broke Chords ad Chord Voicigs. All exercises eed to be played hads separately, i straight feel, ascedig ad descedig. The examier will ask for a selectio from each group ad Groups A ad B eed to be played to a compulsory metroome click. Group C does ot require a metroome ad ca be played at a tempo of the cadidate s choice. The book ca be used i the exam for Groups A ad B. Group C eeds to be played from memory. For Group C, cadidates will be required to close their grade books or esure the iformatio o the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of ay otes or ay readig from the grade book whe performig Group C will result i a deductio of marks for this elemet. (See Assessmet Criteria). Ay figerigs show i the grade book are for suggestios oly. GROUP A: SCALES Tempo: 52bpm Rage: Oe octave Rhythms: Eighth otes, fiishig o a quarter ote C major (right had) C major (left had) A mior (right had) A mior (left had) GROUP B: ARPEGGIOS Tempo: 92bpm Time sigatures: 3/4 Rhythms: Quarter otes, fiishig o a dotted half ote C major broke chord (right had) C major broke chord (left had) A mior broke chord (right had) A mior broke chord (left had) GROUP C: CHORD VOICINGS Cadidates will be asked to play oe voicig of both the followig chords (2 total): C major C mior Cadidates eed to choose ad perform the voicig, oe for each chord, from memory, from three optios give for each chord i the grade book. The three optios comprise right had, left had ad both hads. I the exam, there will be o eed to state which oe beforehad. There will be o requiremet to preset the chose voicig to a particular tempo or a backig / metroome click but the examier will be lookig for speed of respose. 11 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

12 DEBUT SIGHT READING / IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION At Debut, cadidates will be offered the choice betwee Sight Readig or Improvisatio ad Iterpretatio. Both are previously usee ad a example of each is show i the grade book. SIGHT READING Key: C major Tempo: 60bpm Time sigature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, half, quarter otes, associated rests The Sight Readig test is i the form of a 4-6 bar melody. Cadidates are required to play hads separately ad oly sigle otes will be required to be played with both left ad right hads. Cadidates will have 90 secods to practise after which the examier will play the backig track twice. The first is to practise ad the secod is to perform the fial versio for the exam. For each playthrough, the backig track will begi with a oe bar cout-i. Durig the practice, cadidates will be give the optio of a metroome click throughout or a oe bar cout-i at the begiig. The backig track is cotiuous so oce the first playthrough has fiished the cout-i of the secod playig will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for cadidates to also ask for additioal playig(s) of the backig track to practise durig the 90 secods. IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION Key: C major Tempo: 60bpm Time sigature: 4/4 The Improvisatio test is i the form of a 4-6 bar chord progressio, with all chord symbols idicated. Cadidates are required to improvise sigle ote melodies with either left or right had. It is permissible to play chord voicigs, or use both hads, but marks will oly be awarded for melodic cotet. Cadidates will have 90 secods to practise after which the examier will play the backig track twice. The first is to practise ad the secod is to perform the fial versio for the exam. For each playthrough, the backig track will begi with a oe bar cout-i. Durig the practice, cadidates will be give the optio of a metroome click throughout or a oe bar cout-i at the begiig. The backig track is cotiuous so oce the first playthrough has fiished the cout-i of the secod playig will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for cadidates to also ask for additioal playig(s) of the backig track to practise durig the 90 secods. 12 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

13 DEBUT EAR TESTS At Debut there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall ad Chord Recogitio. Both are previously usee ad a example of each is show i the grade book. MELODIC RECALL Tempo: 95bpm Rhythms: Half otes The examier will play two half otes oe after the other. Cadidates are to state whether the secod ote is higher or lower i pitch tha the first ote. The test will be played twice, each preceded by a oe-bar cout-i. There will also be a C root ote at the begiig of the test for referece. For this exercise, cadidates are to use the words higher or lower. Credit will be give for speed of respose. CHORD RECOGNITION Tempo: 95bpm Rhythms: Whole otes The examier will play two chords, each with a C root ote. Cadidates are to state which chord played was major ad which chord played was mior. The test will be played twice, each preceded by a oe-bar cout-i. Credit will be give for speed of respose. 13 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

14 DEBUT GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS At debut cadidates will be asked five questios, oe from each of the followig groups: Oe questio relatig to harmoy Oe questio relatig to melody Oe questio relatig to rhythms Oe questio relatig to techical requiremets Oe questio relatig to gere Cadidates ca choose the piece o which basis the questios will be asked. It must be oe of the pieces performed i the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chose by the examier. The questios will cover the followig topics: Group 1: Harmoy Idetificatio of major / mior triad chord symbols. Group 2: Melody A pitch i the treble clef withi the stave. Group 3: Rhythm Whole / half / quarter otes. Group 4: Techical Figerig used i a crotchet legth phrase. (Either had) Group 5: Gere Gere of the piece. PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE The cadidate plays five pieces i their preferred chose order. The exam will last 12 miutes. At the begiig of the exam, the examier will coduct a soud check by askig the cadidate to play the first few bars of the first chose piece. This will set the levels for the exam ad will take place alog to the backig track. Oce the level has bee established, the examier will the commece with the first piece i full. Note: the soud check is udertake for the first piece oly. 14 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

15 DEBUT DEBUT : PERFORMANCE PIECES Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIsecure basic techiques QQIcosistet awareess of timig/pulse QQIcosistet use of rhythm, duratio ad phrasig QQIsecure syc/cotiuity QQIsecure use of articulatio, expressio ad dyamics QQSecure basic techiques some of the QQAwareess of timig/ pulse some of the QQBasic ability to use rhythm, duratio ad phrasig accurately some of the QQUse of basic syc/ cotiuity some of the QQBasic ability to use articulatio, expressio ad dyamics some of the QQMostly secure basic techiques QQAwareess of timig/ pulse most of the QQBasic ability to use rhythm, duratio ad phrasig accurately most of the QQUse of basic syc/ cotiuity most of the QQBasic ability to use articulatio, expressio ad dyamics most of the QQCosistetly secure basic techiques QQAwareess of timig / pulse throughout QQBasic ability to use rhythm, duratio ad phrasig accurately throughout QQUse of basic syc/ cotiuity throughout QQBasic ability to use articulatio, expressio ad dyamics throughout DEBUT : TECHNICAL EXERCISES (SCALES, ARPEGGIOS, CHORD VOICINGS) Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIability to maitai pulse or tempo accurately QQIability to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases accurately QQBasic ability to maitai pulse ad tempo some of the QQAbility to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases some of the QQBasic ability to maitai pulse ad tempo most of the QQAbility to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases most of the QQBasic ability to maitai pulse ad tempo cosistetly QQAbility to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases cosistetly DEBUT: SIGHT READING / IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIsecure ability to read basic otatio OR iability to improvise rhythm, harmoy ad melody QQSecure ability to read basic rhythmic, harmoic ad melodic otatio some of the OR Secure ability to improvise basic rhythm, harmoy ad melody some of the QQMostly secure ability to read basic rhythmic, harmoic ad melodic otatio OR Mostly secure ability to improvise basic rhythm, harmoy ad melody Q Q Cosistetly secure ability to read basic rhythmic, harmoic ad melodic otatio OR Cosistetly secure ability to improvise basic rhythm, harmoy ad melody 15 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

16 DEBUT DEBUT : EAR TESTS Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIcorrect resposes QQSome correct resposes QQMostly correct resposes QQCosistetly correct resposes DEBUT : GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage 0-2 correct resposes 3 correct resposes 4 correct resposes 5 correct resposes 16 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

17 Grade 1 The Grade 1 Piao exam is for cadidates who have bee typically learig for six moths to oe year. They have mastered the key basic debut level skills ad have sice acquired greater use of techique, rhythms, co-ordiatio ad musical uderstadig. There is also a opportuity to build o basic improvisatio. There are two types of exam available at Grade 1, either a Grade Exam or Performace Certificate. (Refer to the Itroductio for a explaatio of the differeces). 17 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

18 GRADE 1 Grade 1 GRADE EXAMS PREPARED WORK Cadidates are required to play three Performace Pieces ad Techical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios ad chord voicigs. UNPREPARED WORK Cadidates are required to complete either a Sight Readig or Improvisatio/Iterpretatio test ad two Ear Tests that begi to develop melodic recall ad chord recogitio. The fial part of the exam comprises five questios which are desiged to explore simple harmoy, melody, rhythmic, techical ad stylistic kowledge. EXAM STRUCTURE The Grade 1 exam lasts 20 miutes ad is take i the followig order: Performace Pieces* Techical Exercises * Sight Readig OR Improvisatio & Iterpretatio: Cadidates are give a usee test to prepare ad perform. Ear Tests: Cadidates respod to two aural tests. Oe is melodic ad oe is harmoic. Geeral Musiciaship Questios: Cadidates aswer five questios based o oe of the pieces performed. *These elemets ca be take first or secod at the cadidate s request Pieces The pieces i the grade book ca be used for both the Grade Exam ad Performace Certificate. At Grade 1 they are short, typically oe to oe ad a half miutes i duratio. The expectatio ad legth of pieces are desiged so cadidates ca cocetrate o the requiremets of otatio accuracy, values, eveess of soud, toe quality/cosistecy, techical cotrol ad syc at a begier level. Settig the level of the backig track At the begiig of the exam, the examier will coduct a soud check by askig the cadidate to play the first few bars of the first chose piece. This will set the levels for the exam ad will take place alog to the backig track. Note: the soud check is udertake for the first piece oly. 18 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

19 GRADE 1 TECHNICAL WORK At Grade 1 there are three groups of techical work: Scales, Arpeggios ad Chord Voicigs. All exercises eed to be played hads separately, i straight feel, ascedig ad descedig. The examier will ask for a selectio from each group ad Groups A ad B eed to be played to a compulsory metroome click. Group C does ot require a metroome ad ca be played at a tempo of the cadidate s choice. The book ca be used i the exam for Groups A ad B. Group C eeds to be played from memory. For Group C, cadidates will be required to close their grade books or esure the iformatio o the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of ay otes or ay readig from the grade book whe performig Group C will result i a deductio of marks for this elemet. (See Assessmet Criteria). Ay figerigs show i the grade book are for suggestios oly. GROUP A: SCALES Tempo: 60bpm Rage: Oe octave Rhythms: Eighth otes, fiishig o a quarter ote F major (right had) E atural mior (right had) F major (left had) E atural mior (left had) G major (right had) C Doria (right had) G major (left had) C Doria (left had) D atural mior (right had) C harmoic mior (right had) D atural mior (left had) C harmoic mior (left had) GROUP B: ARPEGGIOS Tempo: 100bpm Time sigature: 3/4 Rhythms: Quarter otes, fiishig o a dotted half ote F major broke chord (right had) E mior broke chord (right had) F major broke chord (left had) E mior broke chord (left had) G major broke chord (right had) C augmeted arpeggio (right had) G major broke chord (left had) C augmeted arpeggio (left had) D mior broke chord (right had) C dimiished arpeggio (right had) D mior broke chord (left had) C dimiished arpeggio (left had) GROUP C: CHORD VOICINGS Cadidates will be asked to play oe voicig of both the followig chords (2 total): C dimiished C augmeted Cadidates eed to choose ad perform the voicig, oe for each chord, from memory, from three optios give for each chord i the grade book. The three optios comprise right had, left had ad both hads. I the exam, there will be o eed to state which oe beforehad. There will be o requiremet to preset the chose voicig to a particular tempo or a backig track/ metroome click but the examier will be lookig for speed of respose. 19 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

20 GRADE 1 SIGHT READING / IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION At Grade 1, cadidates will be offered the choice betwee Sight Readig or Improvisatio ad Iterpretatio. Both are previously usee ad examples of each are give i the grade book. SIGHT READING Key: F major or G major Tempo: 70bpm Time sigature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, half, quarter otes, associated rests The Sight Readig test is i the form of a 4-6 bar melody. Cadidates will have 90 secods to practise after which the examier will play the backig track twice. The first is to practise ad the secod is to perform the fial versio for the exam. For each playthrough, the backig track will begi with a oe bar cout-i. Durig the practice, cadidates will be give the optio of a metroome click throughout or a oe bar cout-i at the begiig. The backig track is cotiuous so oce the first playthrough has fiished the cout-i of the secod playig will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for cadidates to also ask for additioal playig(s) of the backig track to practise durig the 90 secods. IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION Key: F major or G major Tempo: 70bpm Time sigature: 4/4 The Improvisatio test is i the form of a 4-6 bar chord progressio, with all chord symbols idicated. Cadidates are required to improvise sigle ote melodies with either left or right had. It is permissible to play chord voicigs, or use both hads, but marks will oly be awarded for melodic cotet. Cadidates will have 90 secods to practise after which the examier will play the backig track twice. The first is to practise ad the secod is to perform the fial versio for the exam. For each playthrough, the backig track will begi with a oe bar cout-i. Durig the practice, cadidates will be give the optio of a metroome click throughout or a oe bar cout-i at the begiig. The backig track is cotiuous so oce the first playthrough has fiished the cout-i of the secod playig will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for cadidates to also ask for additioal playig(s) of the backig track to practise durig the 90 secods. 20 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

21 GRADE 1 EAR TESTS At Grade 1 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall ad Chord Recogitio. Both are previously usee ad a example of each is show i the grade book. MELODIC RECALL Tempo: 95bpm Rhythms: Whole, half otes The examier will play three otes oe after the other. Cadidates are to state whether the secod ote is higher or lower i pitch tha the first ad whether the third ote is higher or lower i pitch tha the secod. The test will be played twice, each preceded by a oe-bar cout-i. There will also be a C root ote at the begiig of the test for referece. For this exercise, cadidates are to use the words higher or lower. Credit will be give for speed of respose. CHORD RECOGNITION Tempo: 95bpm Rhythms: Whole otes The examier will play a sequece of chords each with a C root ote, the ask the cadidate to state the chord quality of each chord from a choice of major, mior, dimiished or augmeted. The test will be played twice, each preceded by a oe-bar cout-i. Credit will be give for speed of respose. 21 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

22 GRADE 1 GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS At Grade 1 cadidates will be asked five questios, oe from each of the followig groups: Oe questio relatig to harmoy Oe questio relatig to melody Oe questio relatig to rhythms Oe questio relatig to techical requiremets Oe questio relatig to gere Cadidates ca choose the piece o which basis the questios will be asked. It must be oe of the pieces performed i the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chose by the examier. The questios will cover the followig topics: Group 1: Harmoy Iterval costructio of major / mior / augmeted / dimiished triad chords Group 2: Melody Pitches i the bass clef withi the stave. Group 3: Rhythm Whole, half, quarter, eighth otes, associated rests. Eighth ote triplets. Group 4: Techical Figerig used i a miim legth phrase. (Either had). Group 5: Gere Differet artists from the same gere as the piece chose. PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE The cadidate plays five pieces i their preferred chose order. The exam will last 15 miutes. At the begiig of the exam, the examier will coduct a soud check by askig the cadidate to play the first few bars of the first chose piece. This will set the levels for the exam ad will take place alog to the backig track. Oce the level has bee established, the examier will the commece with the first piece i full. Note: the soud check is udertake for the first piece oly. 22 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

23 GRADE 1 GRADE 1 : PERFORMANCE PIECES Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIsecure basic techiques QQIcosistet awareess of timig/pulse QQIcosistet use of rhythm, duratio ad phrasig QQIsecure syc/cotiuity QQIsecure use of articulatio, expressio ad dyamics QQSecure basic techiques some of the QQAwareess of timig/ pulse some of the QQBasic ability to use rhythm, duratio ad phrasig accurately some of the QQUse of basic syc/ cotiuity some of the QQBasic ability to use articulatio, expressio ad dyamics some of the QQMostly secure basic techiques QQAwareess of timig/ pulse most of the QQBasic ability to use rhythm, duratio ad phrasig accurately most of the QQUse of basic syc/ cotiuity most of the QQBasic ability to use articulatio, expressio ad dyamics most of the QQCosistetly secure basic techiques QQAwareess of timig / pulse throughout QQBasic ability to use rhythm, duratio ad phrasig accurately throughout QQUse of basic syc/ cotiuity throughout QQBasic ability to use articulatio, expressio ad dyamics throughout GRADE 1 : TECHNICAL EXERCISES (SCALES, ARPEGGIOS, CHORD VOICINGS) Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIability to maitai pulse or tempo accurately QQIability to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases accurately QQBasic ability to maitai pulse ad tempo some of the QQAbility to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases some of the QQBasic ability to maitai pulse ad tempo most of the QQAbility to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases most of the QQBasic ability to maitai pulse ad tempo cosistetly QQAbility to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases cosistetly GRADE 1 : SIGHT READING / IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIsecure ability to read basic otatio OR iability to improvise rhythm, harmoy ad melody QQSecure ability to read basic rhythmic, harmoic ad melodic otatio some of the OR Secure ability to improvise basic rhythm, harmoy ad melody some of the QQMostly secure ability to read basic rhythmic, harmoic ad melodic otatio OR Mostly secure ability to improvise basic rhythm, harmoy ad melody Q Q Cosistetly secure ability to read basic rhythmic, harmoic ad melodic otatio OR Cosistetly secure ability to improvise basic rhythm, harmoy ad melody 23 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

24 GRADE 1 GRADE 1 : EAR TESTS Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIcorrect resposes QQSome correct resposes QQMostly correct resposes QQCosistetly correct resposes GRADE 1 : GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage 0-2 correct resposes 3 correct resposes 4 correct resposes 5 correct resposes 24 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

25 Grade 2 The Grade 2 Piao exam is for cadidates who have bee typically learig for oe year to eightee moths. They have mastered the key basic skills up to Grade 1 ad sice acquired greater use of techique, rhythms, co-ordiatio ad musical uderstadig. There is also the cotiuig opportuity to develop improvisatio skills. There are two types of exam available at Grade 2, either a Grade Exam or Performace Certificate. (Refer to the Itroductio for a explaatio of the differeces). 25 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

26 GRADE 2 Grade 2 GRADE EXAMS PREPARED WORK Cadidates are required to play three Performace Pieces ad Techical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios ad chord voicigs. UNPREPARED WORK Cadidates are required to play either a Sight Readig or Improvisatio/Iterpretatio test ad two Ear Tests that cotiue to develop melodic recall ad chord recogitio. The fial part of the exam comprises five questios which are desiged to explore growig harmoy, melody, rhythmic, techical ad stylistic kowledge. EXAM STRUCTURE The Grade 2 exam lasts 20 miutes ad will be take i the followig order: Performace Pieces* Techical Exercises * Sight Readig OR Improvisatio & Iterpretatio: Cadidates are give a usee test to prepare ad perform. Ear Tests: Cadidates respod to two aural tests. Oe is melodic ad oe is harmoic. Geeral Musiciaship Questios: Cadidates aswer five questios based o oe of the pieces performed. *These elemets ca be take first or secod at the cadidate s request Pieces The pieces i the grade book ca be used for both the Grade Exam ad Performace Certificate. At Grade 2 they are becomig loger, typically oe to two miutes i duratio. The expectatio ad legth of pieces are desiged so cadidates ca icrease their uderstadig ad executio of otatio accuracy, values, eveess of soud, toe quality/cosistecy, techical cotrol, articulatio, expressio ad syc at a begier level. Settig the level of the backig track At the start of the exam the examier will coduct a soud check to esure that the level of the backig track is satisfactory for the cadidate. Cadidates will be asked to sig alog to the backig track for the first few bars of the first Performace Piece. The soud check is ot marked ad oce the correct level has bee agreed the examier will start the exam with either the Performace Pieces or Techical Exercises at the cadidate s choice. Note that the soud check is oly coducted for the first piece. 26 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

27 GRADE 2 TECHNICAL WORK At Grade 2 there are three groups of techical work: Scales, Arpeggios ad Chord Voicigs. All exercises eed to be played i straight feel, ascedig ad descedig, hads together (except for the chromatic scales ad arpeggios which eed to be played hads separately). The examier will ask for a selectio from each group ad Groups A ad B eed to be played to a compulsory metroome click. Group C does ot require a metroome ad ca be played at a tempo of the cadidate s choice. The book ca be used i the exam for Groups A ad B. Group C eeds to be played from memory. For Group C, cadidates will be required to close their grade books or esure the iformatio o the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of ay otes or ay readig from the grade book whe performig Group C will result i a deductio of marks for this elemet. (See Assessmet Criteria). Ay figerigs show i the grade book are for suggestios oly. GROUP A: SCALES Tempo: 66bpm Rage: Two octaves (chromatic oe octave) Rhythms: Eighth otes, fiishig o a quarter ote D major C Mixolydia Bb major C melodic mior B atural mior D chromatic (right had) G atural mior D chromatic (left had) B harmoic mior Bb chromatic (right had) G harmoic mior Bb chromatic (left had) GROUP B: ARPEGGIOS Tempo: 63bpm Time sigature: 3/4, 4/4 Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth otes, fiishig o a dotted half ote. 4/4: Eighth otes, fiishig o a whole ote. D major arpeggio (right had) B mior arpeggio (left had) D major arpeggio (left had) G mior arpeggio (right had) Bb major arpeggio (right had) G mior arpeggio (left had) Bb major arpeggio (left had) C domiat 7th arpeggio (right had) B mior arpeggio (right had) C domiat 7th arpeggio (left had) GROUP C: CHORD VOICINGS Cadidates will be asked to play oe voicig of both the followig chords (2 total): C domiat 7 C mior 6 Cadidates eed to choose ad perform the voicig, oe for each chord, from memory, from three optios give for each chord i the grade book. The three optios comprise right had, left had ad both hads. I the exam, there will be o eed to state which oe beforehad. There will be o requiremet to preset the chose voicig to a particular tempo or a backig / metroome click but the examier will be lookig for speed of respose. 27 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

28 GRADE 2 SIGHT READING / IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION At Grade 2 cadidates will be offered the choice betwee Sight Readig or Improvisatio ad Iterpretatio. Both are previously usee ad examples of each are give i the grade book. SIGHT READING Key: Bb major or D major Tempo: bpm Time Sigature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, quarter, eighth otes, associated rests. The Sight Readig test is i the form of a 4-6 bar melody. Cadidates will have 90 secods to practise after which the examier will play the backig track twice. The first is to practise ad the secod is to perform the fial versio for the exam. For each playthrough, the backig track will begi with a oe bar cout-i. Durig the practice, cadidates will be give the optio of a metroome click throughout or a oe bar cout-i at the begiig. The backig track is cotiuous so oce the first playthrough has fiished the cout-i of the secod playig will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for cadidates to also ask for additioal playig(s) of the backig track to practise durig the 90 secods. IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION Key: Bb major or D major Tempo: bpm Time Sigature: 4/4 The Improvisatio test is i the form of a 4-6 bar chord progressio, with all chord symbols idicated. Cadidates are required to improvise sigle ote melodies with either left or right had. It is permissible to play chord voicigs, or use both hads, but marks will oly be awarded for melodic cotet. Cadidates will have 90 secods to practise after which the examier will play the backig track twice. The first is to practise ad the secod is to perform the fial versio for the exam. For each playthrough, the backig track will begi with a oe bar cout-i. Durig the practice, cadidates will be give the optio of a metroome click throughout or a oe bar cout-i at the begiig. The backig track is cotiuous so oce the first playthrough has fiished the cout-i of the secod playig will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for cadidates to also ask for additioal playig(s) of the backig track to practise durig the 90 secods. 28 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

29 GRADE 2 EAR TESTS At Grade 2 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall ad Chord Recogitio. Both are previously usee ad a example of each is show i the grade book. MELODIC RECALL Key: C major Tempo: 95bpm Time Sigature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, half, quarter otes The examier will play a 2 bar diatoic melody i the key of C major, with a rage up to a fourth. There will be a C root ote at the begiig of the test, the the melody will be played twice. After this, cadidates eed to play the melody back to a metroome click. Both playigs of the melody ad the metroome backig for the exam versio will be preceded by a oe bar cout-i. The first ote of the melody will be the root. It is acceptable for cadidates to play over the track as the test is beig played ad there will be 10 secods to practise after the secod playig. The piao ca be used to assist at ay prior to beig couted i to perform the exam versio. CHORD RECOGNITION Tempo: 95bpm Rhythms: Whole otes The examier will play a sequece of chords each with a C root ote, the ask the cadidate to state the chord quality of each chord from a choice of major, mior, dimiished, augmeted or domiat 7. The test will be played twice, each preceded by a oe-bar cout-i. The same chord quality may appear more tha oce withi the sequece. Credit will be give for speed of respose. 29 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

30 GRADE 2 GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS At Grade 2 cadidates will be asked five questios, oe from each of the followig groups: Oe questio relatig to harmoy Oe questio relatig to melody Oe questio relatig to rhythms Oe questio relatig to techical requiremets Oe questio relatig to gere Cadidates ca choose the piece o which basis the questios will be asked. It must be oe of the pieces performed i the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chose by the examier. The questios will cover the followig topics: Group 1: Harmoy Iterval costructio of major / mior triad, augmeted / dimiished triad, dom7 / sus4 chords. Group 2: Melody Pitches i the treble clef withi the stave. Group 3: Rhythm Whole, half, quarter, eighth otes, dotted quarters ad eighth otes, associated rests. Eighth ote triplets ad associated rests Group 4: Techical Figerig used i a bar legth phrase. (Either had) Group 5: Gere Differet sog titles from the same gere as the piece chose. PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE The cadidate plays five pieces i their preferred chose order. The exam will last 15 miutes. At the begiig of the exam, the examier will coduct a soud check by askig the cadidate to play the first few bars of the first chose piece. This will set the levels for the exam ad will take place alog to the backig track. Oce the level has bee established, the examier will the commece with the first piece i full. Note: the soud check is udertake for the first piece oly. 30 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

31 GRADE 2 GRADE 2 : PERFORMANCE PIECES Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIsecure basic techiques QQIcosistet awareess of timig/pulse QQIcosistet use of rhythm, duratio ad phrasig QQIsecure syc/cotiuity QQIsecure use of articulatio, expressio ad dyamics QQSecure basic techiques some of the QQAwareess of timig/ pulse some of the QQBasic ability to use rhythm, duratio ad phrasig accurately some of the QQUse of basic syc/ cotiuity some of the QQBasic ability to use articulatio, expressio ad dyamics some of the QQMostly secure basic techiques QQAwareess of timig/ pulse most of the QQBasic ability to use rhythm, duratio ad phrasig accurately most of the QQUse of basic syc/ cotiuity most of the QQBasic ability to use articulatio, expressio ad dyamics most of the QQCosistetly secure basic techiques QQAwareess of timig / pulse throughout QQBasic ability to use rhythm, duratio ad phrasig accurately throughout QQUse of basic syc/ cotiuity throughout QQBasic ability to use articulatio, expressio ad dyamics throughout GRADE 2 : TECHNICAL EXERCISES (SCALES, ARPEGGIOS, CHORD VOICINGS) Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIability to maitai pulse or tempo accurately QQIability to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases accurately QQBasic ability to maitai pulse ad tempo some of the QQAbility to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases some of the QQBasic ability to maitai pulse ad tempo most of the QQAbility to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases most of the QQBasic ability to maitai pulse ad tempo cosistetly QQAbility to recall musical ad rhythmic phrases cosistetly GRADE 2 : SIGHT READING / IMPROVISATION & INTERPRETATION Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIsecure ability to read basic otatio OR iability to improvise rhythm, harmoy ad melody QQSecure ability to read basic rhythmic, harmoic ad melodic otatio some of the OR Secure ability to improvise basic rhythm, harmoy ad melody some of the QQMostly secure ability to read basic rhythmic, harmoic ad melodic otatio OR Mostly secure ability to improvise basic rhythm, harmoy ad melody Q Q Cosistetly secure ability to read basic rhythmic, harmoic ad melodic otatio OR Cosistetly secure ability to improvise basic rhythm, harmoy ad melody 31 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

32 GRADE 2 GRADE 2 : EAR TESTS Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage Grade Descriptor QQIcorrect resposes QQSome correct resposes QQMostly correct resposes QQCosistetly correct resposes GRADE 2 : GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS Attaimet Bad Assessmet Criteria ot met Pass Merit Distictio Mark Rage 0-2 correct resposes 3 correct resposes 4 correct resposes 5 correct resposes 32 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

33 Grade 3 The Grade 3 Piao exam is for cadidates who have bee typically learig for eightee moths to two years ad who are ready to cosolidate their fial stage as a begier player. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 2ad sice acquired greater use of techique, rhythms, co-ordiatio ad musical uderstadig. Improvisatio phrasig is ow cofidet ad articulate ad cadidates have started to develop the begiigs of stylistic awareess. There are two types of exam available at Grade 3, either a Grade Exam or Performace Certificate. (Refer to the Itroductio for a explaatio of the differeces). 33 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

34 GRADE 3 Grade 3 GRADE EXAMS PREPARED WORK Cadidates are required to play three Performace Pieces ad Techical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios ad chord voicigs. UNPREPARED WORK Cadidates are required to play either a Sight Readig or Improvisatio/Iterpretatio test ad two Ear Tests that cotiue to develop melodic recall ad chord recogitio. The fial part of the exam comprises five questios which are desiged to explore harmoy, melody, rhythmic, techical ad stylistic kowledge at Grade 3 level. EXAM STRUCTURE The Grade 3 exam lasts 25 miutes ad will be take i the followig order: Performace Pieces* Techical Exercises * Sight Readig OR Improvisatio & Iterpretatio: Cadidates are give a usee test to prepare ad perform. Ear Tests: Cadidates respod to two aural tests. Oe is melodic ad oe is harmoic. Geeral Musiciaship Questios: Cadidates aswer five questios based o oe of the pieces performed. *These elemets ca be take first or secod at the cadidate s request Pieces The pieces i the grade book ca be used for both the Grade Exam ad Performace Certificate. At Grade 3 they are becomig loger, typically i the regio of two miutes i duratio. The expectatio ad legth of pieces are desiged so cadidates ca cotiue their uderstadig ad executio of otatio accuracy, values, eveess of soud, toe quality/cosistecy, techical cotrol, expressio, articulatio ad syc at a high begier level. At Grade 3 pieces also itroduce the eeds for stylistic awareess as part of the assessmet. Settig the level of the backig track At the start of the exam the examier will coduct a soud check to esure that the level of the backig track is satisfactory for the cadidate. Cadidates will be asked to sig alog to the backig track for the first few bars of the first Performace Piece. The soud check is ot marked ad oce the correct level has bee agreed the examier will start the exam with either the Performace Pieces or Techical Exercises at the cadidate s choice. Note that the soud check is oly coducted for the first piece. 34 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio

35 GRADE 3 TECHNICAL WORK At Grade 3 there are three groups of techical work: Scales, Arpeggios ad Chord Voicigs. All exercises eed to be played i straight feel, ascedig ad descedig, hads together (except for the chromatic scales ad arpeggios which eed to be played hads separately). The examier will ask for a selectio from each group ad Groups A ad B eed to be played to a compulsory metroome click. Group C does ot require a metroome ad ca be played at a tempo of the cadidate s choice. The book ca be used i the exam for Groups A ad B. Group C eeds to be played from memory. For Group C, cadidates will be required to close their grade books or esure the iformatio o the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of ay otes or ay readig from the grade book whe performig Group C will result i a deductio of marks for this elemet. (See Assessmet Criteria). Ay figerigs show i the grade book are for suggestios oly. GROUP A: SCALES Tempo: 80 bpm Rage: Two octaves Rhythms: Eighth otes, fiishig o a quarter ote. A major C harmoic mior A major (cotrary motio) C Lydia Eb major A chromatic (right had) Eb major (cotrary motio) A chromatic (left had) F# atural mior Eb chromatic (right had) C atural mior Eb chromatic (left had) F# harmoic mior GROUP B: ARPEGGIOS Tempo: 69 bpm Time Sigature: 3/4, 4/4 Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth otes, fiishig o a dotted half ote. 4/4: Eighth otes, fiishig o a whole ote. A major arpeggio C mior arpeggio Eb major arpeggio C major seveth arpeggio F# mior arpeggio C major ith sharp eleve arpeggio (right had) C major ith sharp eleve arpeggio (left had) GROUP C: CHORD VOICINGS Cadidates will be asked to play oe voicig of both the followig chords (2 total): C major 7 C domiat 9sus4 Cadidates eed to choose ad perform the voicig, oe for each chord, from memory, from three optios give for each chord i the grade book. The three optios comprise right had, left had ad both hads. I the exam, there will be o eed to state which oe beforehad. There will be o requiremet to preset the chose voicig to a particular tempo or a backig / metroome click but the examier will be lookig for speed of respose. 35 RSL Piao Syllabus Specificatio 2016 Editio