Learning grades in music gives students the chance to understand the subtleties of their instrument. This is why so many people that have music lessons also take music exams. These exams provide a framework for learning a particular instrument and also teach the music theory associated with it.
There are three separate examination bodies that are responsible for awarding music grades and qualifications. The two lesser used ones are Trinity College London and London College of music. Most people like to use ABRSM - the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. This is because ABRSM publishes a huge amount of sheet music in conjunction with its exam syllabuses. This provides a highly structured and detailed way of learning and reinforces high standards of musicianship.
Practical exams offered by ABRSM are by far the most taken of all music exams. These are the ones that range from grade one to eight. You can sit these exams in any of a range of 35 different musical instruments. However, ABRSM also offer jazz exams, practical musicianship exams and music theory exams.
Now let's examine what actually takes place during a practical exam. The first thing you should know is that every practical exam, regardless of grade, is divided into four components. The first component carries the highest value of marks. This is the set pieces component. ABRSM brings out a course syllabus for every grade of every instrument they offer exams in. From this syllabus the student will be guided by their teacher to select three pieces of music to play during their exam. They practice these pieces thoroughly for the exam and can take the sheet music in with them. Each piece is worth 30 marks, with twenty needed for each to pass the component.
The second section of the exam is known as scales and arpeggios. This is simply where the student plays whatever scales are requested by the examiner. It is a fairly brief section in the exam and requires pass mark of fourteen out of twenty-one.
The third component is the aural. As the name would suggest, it involves listening comprehension. In this part, the examiner will play a short melody on the instrument and then question the candidate over it. The aural carries 18 marks with a minimum of 12 required to pass.
Sight-reading is often the most feared part of the music exam. This is because the candidate must play from sheet music that they haven't ever seen before. They will be presented with a short piece during the exam and are allowed half a minute to look at it and prepare. They are encouraged to have a quick run-through during this time. After that they must play the music as best they can for the examiner. Sight-reading carries a total of 21 marks. The pass mark for it is fourteen.
If we add up all the marks from all the different sections, we can see that the exam carries a total of 150 marks. In order to be awarded your grade you must score at least 100. However, you can gain a pass with merit if you score over 120. Additionally, a pass with distinction is awarded for scoring 130 or over.
There are three separate examination bodies that are responsible for awarding music grades and qualifications. The two lesser used ones are Trinity College London and London College of music. Most people like to use ABRSM - the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. This is because ABRSM publishes a huge amount of sheet music in conjunction with its exam syllabuses. This provides a highly structured and detailed way of learning and reinforces high standards of musicianship.
Practical exams offered by ABRSM are by far the most taken of all music exams. These are the ones that range from grade one to eight. You can sit these exams in any of a range of 35 different musical instruments. However, ABRSM also offer jazz exams, practical musicianship exams and music theory exams.
Now let's examine what actually takes place during a practical exam. The first thing you should know is that every practical exam, regardless of grade, is divided into four components. The first component carries the highest value of marks. This is the set pieces component. ABRSM brings out a course syllabus for every grade of every instrument they offer exams in. From this syllabus the student will be guided by their teacher to select three pieces of music to play during their exam. They practice these pieces thoroughly for the exam and can take the sheet music in with them. Each piece is worth 30 marks, with twenty needed for each to pass the component.
The second section of the exam is known as scales and arpeggios. This is simply where the student plays whatever scales are requested by the examiner. It is a fairly brief section in the exam and requires pass mark of fourteen out of twenty-one.
The third component is the aural. As the name would suggest, it involves listening comprehension. In this part, the examiner will play a short melody on the instrument and then question the candidate over it. The aural carries 18 marks with a minimum of 12 required to pass.
Sight-reading is often the most feared part of the music exam. This is because the candidate must play from sheet music that they haven't ever seen before. They will be presented with a short piece during the exam and are allowed half a minute to look at it and prepare. They are encouraged to have a quick run-through during this time. After that they must play the music as best they can for the examiner. Sight-reading carries a total of 21 marks. The pass mark for it is fourteen.
If we add up all the marks from all the different sections, we can see that the exam carries a total of 150 marks. In order to be awarded your grade you must score at least 100. However, you can gain a pass with merit if you score over 120. Additionally, a pass with distinction is awarded for scoring 130 or over.
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