The majority of my pupils work towards music exams at sometime during their tuition to gain an independent measure of their ability. They are a goal to aim for; an excellent motivational tool and the confidence that is gained from a successful exam result should not be underestimated. My exam pass rate is excellent, currently 100% - see my results page. Exams can be taken at one of the three 5 week sessions held each year – spring, summer and winter. These are held locally at Cosy Hall in Newport. Sometimes I am able to organise for Burton Borough School to be a centre; this has the advantage of knowing the date well in advance. Most pupils will also be familiar with the instrument they will play and the surroundings.
I use the following music examination boards:
- Piano - Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
- Keyboard – Trinity Guildhall (TG)
PIANO EXAMS - ABRSM
Ungraded Preparatory Test suitable mainly for younger children working towards grade 1. It comprises exercises, pieces and listening games; as there is no pass or fail it offers a gentle introduction to graded exams. A written report with encouraging comments and a certificate is issued at the end of the test.
Click here for further information about the Prep Test.
Eight Graded Examinations providing a progressive system of assessments. Each grade is made up of 3 pieces, scales and other technical exercises, sight-reading and aural (listening) tests.
Each exam is marked out of 150 with 100 required to pass. Scores of 120 – 129 are awarded a pass with merit and those over 130 are awarded a pass with a distinction. The 'grades' are recognised as international benchmarks and are valued by teachers and institutions all over the world.
Click here to download the complete piano syllabus.
THEORY
The Theory of music syllabus runs parallel to the eight practical exams. There is no requirement to take theory exams, however, pupils wishing to take ABRSM practical exams beyond grade 5 are required to have first passed grade 5 theory.
Theory exams can be taken at one of two venues in Shrewsbury. One date is set for each of the three sessions during the year.
Click here for further information and to download a syllabus.
Click here for ABRSM exam Fees for 2009 onwards.
KEYBOARD - Trinity Guildhall
Initial examination for those approaching Grade 1 (similar to the ABRSM Preparatory Test, a graded assessment)
Graded Examinations at eight grades in Electronic Keyboard. The syllabus runs much along the same lines as ABRSM with technical exercises and 3 pieces to perform for each grade. However not all supporting tests are compulsory, candidates choose two from the following: sight reading, aural, improvisation and musical knowledge. The maximum mark for each grade is 100 with 60 required to pass, 75 - 86 to pass with merit and 87 or above to pass with distinction.
PUBLICATIONS
For the first time the Associated Board have published the ‘Selected Piano Exam Pieces’ 2009 –2010 books with or without an attached CD of performances. The CDs are also available separately. These and the exam material for Trinity Guildhall’s electronic keyboard exams and the theory work books and past papers are widely available, see my Links page for suggested suppliers.
Other useful links to relevant areas of the ABRSM and TG websites can be found on the links page of my website.