If you have ever learnt a musical instrument at school then you were probably encouraged to take "grades" in that instrument. For those who don't know, grades are examinations that provide a structure to how you should teach musical instruments. They require that the student have a certain standard of technical ability as well as musical theory.
There are currently three different boards in the UK that sets these music exams. They are London College of Music, Trinity College London and Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). The ABRSM is generally thought to be the biggest awarding body. It currently offers grades in 35 different instruments.
You don't necessarily have to sit an exam in the instrument you are learning. There are a variety of other exams on offer such as jazz exams and theory exams. However, if you are taking the trouble to have lessons in a chosen instrument then chances are you'll want to take a practical exam so as to receive a grade. These start at grade 1 and advance up to grade 8.
Now let's have a look at what happens during a practical exam. To receive your grade for this exam you must pass each of the four components. The first part of the practical exam is the "set pieces" component. Each student must choose three pieces of music from the course syllabus to play during the exam. They will have acquired the sheet music for these pieces beforehand and practiced them thoroughly. Each piece they play will be marked out of 30 and you have to score at least 20 on each piece to pass.
The second exam component is scales and arpeggios. This section carries a total of twenty-one marks and you need at least fourteen to pass. During the exam, the examiner will ask you to play a number of scales and arpeggios from memory. You will be marked on accuracy and ability.
Students must also take an aural test during their practical exam. This has a potential 18 marks on offer. A score of 12 is required to pass this section. During the aural test the examiner will play the instrument in question and then ask a series of questions. Some of these questions will require the student to perform an action such as singing or clapping. The aural section is designed to test the student's ability to listen to and understand music.
Some regard the sight-reading component as the most difficult part of the exam. This is where the student is presented with a piece of music they haven't seen before. They are given thirty seconds preparation time and must then attempt to play it as best they can. The sight-reading exercise is marked out of 21 and the student needs 14 marks to pass.
A student must get at least 100 out of 150 to pass their practical exam. They will be awarded a pass with merit if they score between 120 and 129. In the event that they manage to get 130 marks they will be awarded a pass with distinction.
There are currently three different boards in the UK that sets these music exams. They are London College of Music, Trinity College London and Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). The ABRSM is generally thought to be the biggest awarding body. It currently offers grades in 35 different instruments.
You don't necessarily have to sit an exam in the instrument you are learning. There are a variety of other exams on offer such as jazz exams and theory exams. However, if you are taking the trouble to have lessons in a chosen instrument then chances are you'll want to take a practical exam so as to receive a grade. These start at grade 1 and advance up to grade 8.
Now let's have a look at what happens during a practical exam. To receive your grade for this exam you must pass each of the four components. The first part of the practical exam is the "set pieces" component. Each student must choose three pieces of music from the course syllabus to play during the exam. They will have acquired the sheet music for these pieces beforehand and practiced them thoroughly. Each piece they play will be marked out of 30 and you have to score at least 20 on each piece to pass.
The second exam component is scales and arpeggios. This section carries a total of twenty-one marks and you need at least fourteen to pass. During the exam, the examiner will ask you to play a number of scales and arpeggios from memory. You will be marked on accuracy and ability.
Students must also take an aural test during their practical exam. This has a potential 18 marks on offer. A score of 12 is required to pass this section. During the aural test the examiner will play the instrument in question and then ask a series of questions. Some of these questions will require the student to perform an action such as singing or clapping. The aural section is designed to test the student's ability to listen to and understand music.
Some regard the sight-reading component as the most difficult part of the exam. This is where the student is presented with a piece of music they haven't seen before. They are given thirty seconds preparation time and must then attempt to play it as best they can. The sight-reading exercise is marked out of 21 and the student needs 14 marks to pass.
A student must get at least 100 out of 150 to pass their practical exam. They will be awarded a pass with merit if they score between 120 and 129. In the event that they manage to get 130 marks they will be awarded a pass with distinction.
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