Have you ever wondered what is meant by music grades? You may have heard a friend remark that they are on grade four flute. But what does this actually mean? Basically, when we learn musical instruments we will generally be encouraged to take music exams to further our learning. These music exams are referred to as grades.
So let's have a look at how you go about taking a music grade. To begin with there are several exam bodies that offer these grades. The London College of Music is just one example. There is also Trinity College London. But most people take their music exams through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. This is also known as the ABSRM. This examination board is particularly popular because it offers the largest selection of instruments to take exams in.
In addition ABRSM also offer jazz exams, musical theory exams and practical musicianship exams. But most students are interested in taking grades in their chosen instrument. A newcomer will have to start at grade one. The top level exam on offer is grade eight.
So here is what you can expect when taking the practical music grade. It does not matter whether you are taking an exam for piano, flute or even the trombone. The structure of these music exams will always be similar. That means you can expect four separate sections to each exam. The set pieces section carries the highest number of marks. This is why many students put most of their preparation into their set pieces. They begin by choosing three pieces of music from the course syllabus. They will have practiced these pieces endlessly before the exam. However they are allowed to take the sheet music into the exam room with them. The set pieces section is designed to test how well the student can play their instrument from sheet music. Each piece of music is scored out of a total of 30 marks. The student must get at least 20 marks on each piece to pass the set pieces section.
Scales and arpeggios is the next part of the exam. This is generally considered easier then the set pieces part. The examiner will request that several scales or arpeggios from the student. The student will simply play the scales on their instrument to the best of their ability. They must get at least 14 out of 21 to pass this section.
The aural section of the exam is all to do with how well students can listen and understand music. The examiner will play a short piece of music on the instrument that is being taken. He will then question the student over on what was being played. Sometimes they will have to clap out the answer. Other times they might be required to sing their response. This section carries a total of 18 marks. The pass mark is set at 12.
Many students regard the sight reading section as the hardest part of the exam. This is because they must play a piece of sheet music blind. This refers to playing music that you have never encountered before. However the examiner will always allow them 30 seconds to practice. After this time they must simply play the music as best they can. Sight-reading carries a total of 21 marks. The pass mark is set at 14 for this section.
All in all the student must get at least hundred marks out of 150 to be awarded their music grade. If they manage to score over 120 they will be awarded a pass with merit. If they are so good that they score 130 marks or more they will be awarded a pass with distinction. This is particularly hard to achieve.
So let's have a look at how you go about taking a music grade. To begin with there are several exam bodies that offer these grades. The London College of Music is just one example. There is also Trinity College London. But most people take their music exams through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. This is also known as the ABSRM. This examination board is particularly popular because it offers the largest selection of instruments to take exams in.
In addition ABRSM also offer jazz exams, musical theory exams and practical musicianship exams. But most students are interested in taking grades in their chosen instrument. A newcomer will have to start at grade one. The top level exam on offer is grade eight.
So here is what you can expect when taking the practical music grade. It does not matter whether you are taking an exam for piano, flute or even the trombone. The structure of these music exams will always be similar. That means you can expect four separate sections to each exam. The set pieces section carries the highest number of marks. This is why many students put most of their preparation into their set pieces. They begin by choosing three pieces of music from the course syllabus. They will have practiced these pieces endlessly before the exam. However they are allowed to take the sheet music into the exam room with them. The set pieces section is designed to test how well the student can play their instrument from sheet music. Each piece of music is scored out of a total of 30 marks. The student must get at least 20 marks on each piece to pass the set pieces section.
Scales and arpeggios is the next part of the exam. This is generally considered easier then the set pieces part. The examiner will request that several scales or arpeggios from the student. The student will simply play the scales on their instrument to the best of their ability. They must get at least 14 out of 21 to pass this section.
The aural section of the exam is all to do with how well students can listen and understand music. The examiner will play a short piece of music on the instrument that is being taken. He will then question the student over on what was being played. Sometimes they will have to clap out the answer. Other times they might be required to sing their response. This section carries a total of 18 marks. The pass mark is set at 12.
Many students regard the sight reading section as the hardest part of the exam. This is because they must play a piece of sheet music blind. This refers to playing music that you have never encountered before. However the examiner will always allow them 30 seconds to practice. After this time they must simply play the music as best they can. Sight-reading carries a total of 21 marks. The pass mark is set at 14 for this section.
All in all the student must get at least hundred marks out of 150 to be awarded their music grade. If they manage to score over 120 they will be awarded a pass with merit. If they are so good that they score 130 marks or more they will be awarded a pass with distinction. This is particularly hard to achieve.
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