band based keys · quick overview general technical specifications entry level level 1 level 2...

Syllabus guide

KEYSBAND

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Debut to Grade 5

KEYS

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Band Based Keyboards

WelcomeQuick Overview

General Technical SpecificationsEntry LevelLevel 1Level 2

Grade Specifications DebutGrade 1Grade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5

Exam RegulationsAssessment Requirements

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Syllabus Guide2006–2012

www.rockschool.co.uk

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2Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following people who have made this syllabus series possible. Syllabus Director: Jeremy WardBook Editors: Jeremy Ward, Alastair Gavin, Simon Pitt, Simon TroupMusic Engraving: Simon Troup: www.digitalmusicart.comAudio Production: Alastair Gavin & Matt GendreuxDesign: www.fuelcreativity.comPhotography: Max Hamilton A very special thank you is due to Roland UK who loaned us the Juno-G keyboard featured on the front cover of the grade books.

Back to Contents Page

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3

Welcome To The Band Based Keyboards Syllabus

Welcome to Rockschool’s new Band Based Keyboard (BBK) Syllabus Guide. This is the first accredited keyboard syllabus that puts the player at the heart of a band. The syllabus provides keyboard arrangements for the performance pieces found in Rockschool’s highly acclaimed Guitar, Bass and Drum syllabuses. At Grades 3 and 5, BBK players perform from the same repertoire. For the other grades we have used pieces found in the equivalent grades for these three instruments. For each grade you will need a keyboard with at least 61 keys, with the following patches: acoustic piano, electric piano, organ, strings and synth. At Grades 4 and 5 you will also need a sustain pedal. Each grade book contains everything a candidate needs in order to attempt a grade. For the first time we have include a ‘Fact File’ as a way of introducing each performance piece containing useful information on the style of music and players/bands featured in each piece. This is followed by a detailed ‘Walkthrough’ which highlights specific areas of technique and/or phrasing that need care and attention when practising. These sections include highlighted bars.


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BBK

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5

General Technical Specifications

entry level

Debut BBK is part of the Entry Level. Entry Level is for players who are beginners and who are looking to establish a simple and reliable technical facility. This will be shown through simple hand co-ordination in the delivery of very simple rhythms. Focus will be on maintaining solid pulse and understanding of note values and pitches.

level 1 (Grades 1–3) Grades 1, 2 and 3 form Level 1. This Level is for players who are just starting out and who are looking to establish a basic, solid technical facility as well as the emergence of stylistic awareness. This will be shown through secure hand co-ordination in the delivery of simple rhythms which will include simple syncopation. There will be some varying of articulation and basic ability to change instrumental patches and to be able to achieve the basic playing techniques associated with them.

level 2 (Grades 4 & 5) Grades 4 and 5 form Level 2. This Level is for players who have a secure basic technique and the beginnings of stylistic awareness. Candidates are looking to become fully competent in the main areas of keyboard technique and will continue to develop stylistic awareness by consolidating specific instrumental techniques and playing styles. This is shown through pieces of appropriate length and structure. Candidates will show more advanced hand co-ordination and independence of hand movement. Rhythms will be further developed to include cross-rhythms and rhythmic work between the hands. There is a wider use of articulations and an expectation of fluency between them. There is a requirement to change patches more regularly with less preparation time.


Debut Overview

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DPerformance Pieces Bean Scent

Patch: Electric Piano ■Blockbuster

Patch: Organ ■Detroit Spinna

Patch: Synth ■Nick of Time

Patch: Organ ■Paisley On My Mind

Patch: Piano ■Technotronica

Patch: Strings ■

technical exercises

Group a: scales q■■ =70

Right hand only ■

Pentatonic scales: A minor and E minor ■

Major Scales:C major ■

Group b: chords

q■■ =70 Right or Left hand as directed by ■the examiner

Chords i & iv and i & v

In A minor ■ Chords I & IV and I & V

In C major ■

Group c: riff q■■ =90

Played to a backing track ■ One bar right hand only riff pattern repeated with three different root notes over four bars.

sight reading

One hand (treble clef) ■Four bars ■Piano patch ■A minor pentatonic ■90 seconds preparation time ■

ear tests These tests are played on a CD

test 1: two bar rhythm recall, middle C, treble clef, q =70 piano patchtest 2: two bar melodic recall, C major scale q =70 piano patch

General musicianship Questions Five questions will be asked by the examiner, based on a piece played by the candidate. Two kinds of questions will be asked:

Simple music theory ■Knowledge of the instrument ■


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Debut

The technical specifications for the grade exam at Debut are shown below.

Performance Pieces (60 marks) Candidates are required to play three pieces printed in the grade book. Each piece is worth 20 marks. Pieces will be no longer than one minute to enable the player to sustain concentration and fluency. They will use simple note values and rhythms. Hand co-ordination will be basic and phrases will generally fall within five finger shapes occasionally requiring some finger changes. Articulations will be limited to understanding values and pieces will be written for one instrument patch only. Any simple instrumental techniques will written out in the music.

technical exercises (15 marks) Candidates will be required to play a selection of exercises from three printed groups (Groups A, B & C) as directed by the examiner. One of these is a four bar riff which is performed to a backing track on the grade CD supplied with each book. Candidates will not be required to memorise the exercises, and may use the book in the exam, but the examiner will be looking for the following: a prompt and accurate response, fluency and consistency of pulse. Groups A and B are to be played at q =70. All scales and chords should be played using the piano patch. Group a: scales all scales are to be prepared right hand only

A minor pentatonic scale ■E minor pentatonic scale ■C major scale ■

Group b: chords all chord sequences should be played with the right or left hand as directed.

Chords i and iv in A minor ■Chords i and v in A minor ■Chords I and IV in C major ■Chords I and V in C major ■

Group c: riff in the exam you will be asked to played a riff to the backing track of the CD. The riff pattern shown in bar 1 should be played in the following bards using the nearest right


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2Debut

hand inversions for the stated chords, referring to the Group B chords where necessary. The root notes of the chords to be played are shown in the music.

sight reading (10 marks) Candidates are asked to perform a piece of music using the piano patch on the keyboard. The sight reading test is four bars long, in the right hand only and will use the A minor pentatonic scale. The examiner will allow the candidate 90 seconds to preparation time and will set the tempo for the candidate with a metronome. The candidate may choose not to have the metronome running during the performance of the test. Candidates have the option to practise and play the sight reading test using a metronome.

ear tests (10 marks) There are two tests in this section which are played to the candidate by the examiner on CD. The test will be played back using the piano patch on the keyboard. test 1: rhythm recall candidates will be asked to play back on their keyboard a two bar rhythm played on middle C. Candidates hear the rhythm played twice with a drum backing followed by a short break for the candidate to practice. The candidate then plays the rhythm back with a drum backing. This test is continuous. test 2: melodic recall candidates will be asked to play back a simple two bar melody composed from the first three notes of the C major scale. Candidates are given the tonic note and the starting note and hear the test twice with a drum backing. After a short break, the test recommences and the candidate replays the melody with the drum backing.


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Debut

General musicianship Questions (5 marks)

The examiner asks the candidate five questions at the end of the exam, based on a piece that the candidate has played. Some of the theoretical topics can be found in the Technical Exercises. The topics fall into two categories:

■ music theory: the questions will cover (i) note pitches; (ii) note values and (iii) time signatures Knowledge of the keyboard: ■ this will cover (i) keys; (ii) on/off switch; (iii) volume control; (iv) patches and (v) how black notes are grouped.

In the Performance Certificate exam, candidates are required to play five of the pieces (worth 20 marks each) printed in the grade book.


Grade 1 Overview

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1Performance Pieces Café Negative

Patch: Organ ■Crescent City Voodoo

Patch: Piano ■Gone But Not Forgotten

Patch: Synth ■Jazz Trip

Patch: Electric Piano ■Just Keep Walking

Patch: Organ ■Ruff And Smooth

Patch: Strings ■

technical exercises Group a: scales

q■■ =80 To be prepared both hands ■separately

Pentatonic scales:

A minor & E minor ■Major Scales:

C major & G major ■ Group b: chords



In A minor & E minor ■ Chords I & IV and I & V

In C major & G major ■

Group c: riff q■■ =90

Played to a CD backing track ■ One bar two hands riff pattern repeated with two different root notes per bar over four bars.

sight reading

q■■ =70One hand (treble clef) ■Four bars ■Piano or electric piano patch ■C major or G major ■90 seconds preparation time ■

improvisation & interpretation

q■■ =70 Four bars ■Organ or electric piano patch ■ A minor pentatonic or E minor ■pentatonicPlayed to a CD backing track ■30 seconds preparation time ■


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ear tests

These tests are played on a CD test 1:

q■■ =90 Two bar melodic recall ■ A minor pentatonic or E minor ■pentatonic scale Piano patch ■

test 2: q■■ =90

Two bar chord & rhythm recall ■C major or G major ■Chords I, IV & V ■Piano patch ■




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2Grade 1

The technical specifications for the grade exam at Grade 1 are shown below.

Performance Pieces (60 marks) Candidates are required to play three pieces printed in the grade book. Each piece is worth 20 marks. Pieces will be no longer than one and a half minutes to enable the player to maintain concentration and fluency. They will use simple note values and rhythms as well as very simple syncopations. Hand co-ordination will be basic and phrases will generally fall within simple hand shapes occasionally requiring small movements. Articulation will be limited to understanding values and pieces will be written for one instrument patch only. Any simple instrumental techniques are written out in the music.

technical exercises (15 marks) Candidates will be required to play a selection of exercises from three printed groups (Groups A, B & C) as directed by the examiner. One of these is a four bar riff which is performed to a backing track on the grade CD supplied with each book. Candidates will not be required to memorise the exercises, and may use the book in the exam, but the examiner will be looking for the following: a prompt and accurate response, fluency and consistency of pulse. Groups A is to be played at q =80. Group B is to be played at q =60. All scales and chords should be played using the piano patch. Group a: scales all scales are to be prepared both hands separately

A minor pentatonic scale ■E minor pentatonic scale ■C major scale ■G major scale ■

Group b: chords all chord sequences should be played with the right or left hand as directed by the examiner.

Chords i and iv in A minor and E minor ■Chords i and v in A minor and E minor ■Chords I and IV in C major and G major ■Chords I and V in C major and G major ■


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Grade 1

Group c: riff in the exam you will be asked to played a riff to the backing track of the CD. The riff pattern shown in bar 1 should be played in the following bars using the nearest right hand inversions for the stated chords, referring to the Group B chords where necessary. The root notes of the chords to be played are shown in the music.

Either sight reading (10 marks) Candidates are asked to perform a four bar piece of music using either the piano or the electric piano patch on the keyboard. The sight reading test is four bars long, in the right hand only and is in the key of either C major or G major. The examiner will allow the candidate 90 seconds to preparation time and will set the tempo for the candidate with a metronome. The candidate may choose not to have the metronome running during the performance of the test. Candidates have the option to practise and play the sight reading test using a metronome.

Or improvisation & interpretation (10 marks) Candidates will be asked to play an improvised line of four bars to a backing track played on CD. Candidates will use either the electric piano or organ patch on their keyboard and the improvisation will be in the key of either A minor pentatonic and E minor pentatonic, using the chords i, iv and v. Candidates are allowed 30 seconds to prepare and then practise during the first playing of the test on CD. Candidates perform the improvisation on the second playing. The test in continuous, with a one bar count in before each playing.

ear tests (10 marks) There are two tests in this section which are played to the candidate by the examiner on CD. The test will be played back using the piano patch on the keyboard. test 1: melodic recall candidates will be asked to play back a simple two bar melody composed from either the A minor or E minor pentatonic scales. Candidates are given the tonic note and the starting note and hear the test twice with a drum backing. After a short break, the test recommences and the candidate replays the melody with the drum backing test 2: chord and rhythm recall candidates will be asked to play back on their keyboard a given two bar rhythmic chord progression. Candidates hear the rhythmic chord progression


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made up of chords I, IV and V in the key of either C major or G major played twice with a drum backing followed by a short break for the candidate to practise. The candidate then plays the rhythmic chord sequence back with a drum backing. This test is continuous.

General musicianship Questions (5 marks) The examiner asks the candidate five questions at the end of the exam, based on a piece that the candidate has played. Some of the theoretical topics can be found in the Technical Exercises. The topics fall into two categories:

■ music theory: the questions will cover (i) note pitches; (ii) note values; (iii) rests, (iv) time signatures, (v) knowledge of major and minor chord types. ■ Knowledge of the keyboard: this will cover a demonstration by the candidate of (i) an octave from any black or white key; (ii) where the patches are located and how they are set. In addition, candidates will need to show knowledge of: (i) keys; (ii) on/off switch; (iii) volume control; and (iv) patches.

In the Performance Certificate exam, candidates are required to play five pieces (worth 20 marks each). Up to two of these pieces can be a Free Choice Piece. Criteria for candidates choosing performance repertoire to play in the Performance Certificate exam can be found on the Rockschool website: www.rockschool.co.uk


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15Back to Contents Page

Grade 2 Overview

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2Performance Pieces Blue Phones

Patch: Electric Piano ■Get Real

Patch: Synth ■Glitter Ballz

Patch: Organ ■Like it Is

Patch: Piano ■M & C’s Tune

Patch: Strings ■Soul Fire

Patch: Organ ■


q■■ =100 To be prepared both hands ■separately

Pentatonic scales:

A minor, D minor & E minor ■Natural minor scales:

A minor, D minor & E minor ■Major Scales:

C major, D major, F major & G ■major

Group b: chords q■■ =60

Right or Left hand as directed by ■the examiner


In A minor, D minor or E minor ■Chords I & IV and I & V

In C major, D major, F major or ■G major

Group c: riff

q■■ =90 Played to a backing track ■

Two bar two hands riff pattern repeated.

sight reading

q■■ =70One hand (bass clef) ■Four bars ■Piano or electric piano patch ■ A minor pentatonic or E minor ■pentatonic90 seconds preparation time ■


q■■ =80Four bars ■Piano or organ patch ■C major or G major ■Played to a CD backing track ■30 seconds preparation time ■


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ear tests

These tests are played on a CD

test 1:q■■ =80

Two bar melodic recall ■Bass clef ■G major or F major scales ■Piano patch ■

test 2:q■■ =80

Two bar chord & rhythm recall ■A minor or D minor ■Chords I, iv & v ■Treble clef ■Piano patch ■




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2Grade 2


Performance Pieces (60 marks) Candidates are required to play three pieces printed in the grade book. Each piece is worth 20 marks. Pieces will be no longer than one minute 45 seconds to enable the player to sustain concentration and fluency. Rhythms will include syncopations, some simple swing rhythm and groupings of values may include subdivisions of the beat. Hand co-ordination will show increased ability to play different note values between the hands and passages will require wider hand movement in both hands. Articulations will include simple variation and be clearly notated and pieces will be written for one instrument patch only. Any simple instrumental techniques are written out in the music.

technical exercises (15 marks) Candidates will be required to play a selection of exercises from three printed groups (Groups A, B & C) as directed by the examiner. One of these is a four bar riff which is performed to a backing track on the grade CD supplied with each book. Candidates will not be required to memorise the exercises, and may use the book in the exam, but the examiner will be looking for the following: a prompt and accurate response, fluency and consistency of pulse. Groups A is to be played at q =100. Group B is to be played at q =60. All scales and chords should be played using the piano patch. Group a: scales all scales are to be prepared both hands separately

Minor pentatonic scale in A minor, D minor and E minor ■Natural minor scale in A minor, D minor and E minor ■Major scale in C major, G major, D major and F major ■


Chords i & iv and i & v in A minor, D minor and E minor ■Chords I & IV and I & V in C major, G major, D major and F major ■

Group c: riff in the exam you will be asked to play an eight bar riff to the backing track of the CD. The riff pattern shown in bars 1 & 2 should be played in the following bars using the nearest right hand inversions for the stated chord base. The chord relationship of I IV should


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Grade 2

be followed throughout, referring to the patterns in Group B where necessary. The root notes of the chords to be played are shown in the music.

Either sight reading (10 marks) Candidates are asked to perform a four bar piece of music using either the piano or the electric piano patch on the keyboard. The sight reading test is four bars long, in the left hand only and uses either the A minor pentatonic scale or the E minor pentatonic scale. The examiner will allow the candidate 90 seconds to preparation time and will set the tempo for the candidate with a metronome. The candidate may choose not to have the metronome running during the performance of the test.

Or improvisation & interpretation (10 marks) Candidates will be asked to play an improvised line of four bars to a backing track played on CD. Candidates will use either the electric piano or organ patch on their keyboard and the improvisation will be in the key of either C major or G major, using the chords I, IV and V. Candidates are allowed 30 seconds to prepare and then prepare during the first playing of the test on CD. Candidates perform the improvisation on the second playing. The test in continuous, with a one note count in before each playing.

ear tests (10 marks) There are two tests in this section which are played to the candidate by the examiner on CD. The test will be played back using the piano patch on the keyboard. test 1: melodic recall candidates will be asked to play back a simple two bar bassline composed from either the G major or F major scales. Candidates are given the tonic note and the starting note and hear the test twice with a drum backing. After a short break, the test recommences and the candidate replays the melody with the drum backing test 2: chord and rhythm recall candidates will be asked to play back on their keyboard a given two bar rhythmic chord progression. Candidates hear the rhythmic chord progression made up of chords i, iv and v in the key of either A minor or D minor played twice with a drum backing followed by a short break for the candidate to practise. The candidate then plays the rhythmic chord sequence back with a drum backing. This test is continuous.


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music theory: ■ the questions will cover (i) note pitches; (ii) note values; (iii) rests, (iv) time signatures, (v) dynamics (piano to fortissimo), (vi) repeat markings, (vii) accents and staccato, (viii) key signatures, (ix) knowledge of major and minor chord types. Knowledge of the keyboard: ■ this will cover a demonstration by the candidate of (i) where the patches are located and how they are set; (ii) how to make a sharp or flat. In addition, candidates will need to show knowledge of: (i) keys; (ii) on/off switch; (iii) volume control; (iv) patches, (vi) knowledge of major keyboard makes.



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Grade 3 Overview

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3Performance Pieces Been There

Patch: Strings & Piano ■Download

Patch: Organ ■Hazi Taxi

Patch: Piano & Organ ■Little Shady

Patch: Strings & Piano ■Pipeline

Patch: Piano ■Trenchtown

Patch: Organ ■


q■■ =60 (in 8th notes) To be prepared both hands ■separately and together

Pentatonic scales:

C minor, G minor & F minor ■Natural minor scales:

C minor, G minor & F minor ■Major scales:

D major, A major & B ■ b major Group b: chords


Chords i, iv & v

In C minor, G minor or F minor ■Chords I, IV & V

In D major, A major or B ■ b major

Group c: Dominant seventhsq■■ =60C ■ 7, G7, D7, A7 and B b7

Group D: riffq■■ =120

Played to a backing track ■ Two bar two hands riff pattern repeated over twelve bars.

sight reading

q■■ =80Two hands ■Eight bars ■Piano or electric piano patch ■D major or A major ■90 seconds preparation time ■


q■■ =80Eight bars ■Strings or piano patch ■ C minor pentatonic or G minor ■pentatonicPlayed to a CD backing track ■30 seconds preparation time ■


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ear tests

These tests are played on a CD

test 1:q■■ =90

Two bar melodic recall ■Treble clef ■ C minor pentatonic or G minor ■pentatonic scalesPiano patch ■

test 2:q■■ =90

Four bar chord & rhythm recall ■D major or A major ■Chords I, IV & V7 ■Treble clef ■Piano patch ■




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2Grade 3


Performance Pieces (60 marks) Candidates are required to play three pieces printed in the grade book. Each piece is worth 20 marks. Pieces will be no longer than two and a half minutes to enable the player to display an increasing ability to sustain concentration, fluency and the beginnings of stylistic awareness through some solo passage work. Rhythms will be more developed, employing syncopation between the hands, swing rhythm in increasing notation complexity and a wider range of note values. Players will be expected to show the beginnings of stylistic awareness through use of appropriate techniques and articulation associated with patch changes. Where patch changes are required, these will be limited to two patches per piece.

technical exercises (15 marks) Candidates will be required to play a selection of exercises from four printed groups (Groups A, B, C & D) as directed by the examiner. One of these is an eight bar riff which is performed to a backing track on the grade CD supplied with each book. Candidates will not be required to memorise the exercises, and may use the book in the exam, but the examiner will be looking for the following: a prompt and accurate response, fluency and consistency of pulse. Groups A–C are to be played at q =60. All exercises should be played using the piano patch. Group a: scales all scales are to be prepared hands separately and together

Minor pentatonic scale in C minor, G minor and F minor ■Natural minor scale in C minor, G minor and F minor ■Major scale in D major, A major, and B ■ b major


Chords i, iv & v in C minor, G minor and F minor ■Chords I, IV & V in D major, A major, and B ■ b major

Group c: Dominant 7ths this exercise should be prepared on C7, G7, D7, A7 and B b7

Group c: riff in the exam you will be asked to play an twelve bar riff to the backing track of the CD. The riff pattern shown in bars 1 & 2 should be played in the same shape in bars 3–12.


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Grade 3

The root notes of the chords to be played are shown in the music. Where only one bar is shown play only the first half of the riff.

Either sight reading (10 marks) Candidates are asked to perform an eight bar piece of music using either the piano or the electric piano patch on the keyboard. The sight reading test is four bars long, in the right hand only and is in the key of either D major or A major. The examiner will allow the candidate 90 seconds to preparation time and will set the tempo for the candidate with a metronome. The candidate may choose not to have the metronome running during the performance of the test.

Or improvisation & interpretation (10 marks) Candidates will be asked to play an improvisation of eight bars to a backing track played on CD. Candidates will use the patch indicated on the music on their keyboard and the improvisation will be in the key of either C minor pentatonic or G minor pentatonic, using the chords I, IV and V. You will be asked to play comping chords using either the string or piano patch. Candidates are allowed 30 seconds to prepare and then prepare during the first playing of the test on CD. Candidates perform the improvisation on the second playing. The test in continuous, with a one note count in before each playing.

ear tests (10 marks) There are two tests in this section which are played to the candidate by the examiner on CD. The test will be played back using the piano patch on the keyboard. test 1: melodic recall candidates will be asked to play back a four bar melody composed from either the C minor pentatonic or G minor pentatonic scales. Candidates are given the tonic note and the starting note and hear the test twice with a drum backing. After a short break, the test recommences and the candidate replays the melody with the drum backing.

test 2: chord and rhythm recall candidates will be asked to play back on their keyboard a four bar rhythmic chord progression. Candidates hear the rhythmic chord progression made up of chords I, IV and V 7 in the key of either D major or A major played twice with a drum backing followed by a short break for the candidate to practise. The candidate then plays the rhythmic chord sequence back with a drum backing. This test is continuous.


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2Grade 3


music theory: ■ the questions will cover (i) note pitches; (ii) note values; (iii) rests, (iv) time signatures, (v) dynamics (piano to fortissimo), (vi) repeat markings, (vii) accents and staccato, (viii) key signatures, (ix) crescendo and diminuendo; (xi) D.S. and D.C. Al Coda; (xii) knowledge of major, minor and dominant 7th chord types. Knowledge of the keyboard: ■ this will cover a demonstration by the candidate of (i) where the patches are located and how they are set; (ii) basic stylistic techniques in the pieces. In addition, candidates will need to show knowledge of: (i) keys; (ii) on/off switch; (iii) volume control; (iv) patches, (vi) knowledge of major keyboard makes.



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2009

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2


Grade 4 Overview

28

4Performance Pieces Bling Thing

Patch: Electric Piano & Pad ■Enough Said

Patch: Organ ■Folded

Patch: Piano ■Let it Go

Patch: Synth ■My Goodness

Patch: Electric Piano ■Wouldn’t it be Wonderful

Patch: Electric Piano ■

technical exercises Exercises to be prepared as follows: Either:

Group a: ■ C, D b & D and Groups b and c: ■ E b, E & F

Or: Group a: ■ E b, E & F and Groups b and c: ■ C, D b & D

Group a: scales


Scales and modes:Blues scale ■Natural minor scale ■Major scale ■Mixolydian mode ■

Group b: chordsq■■ =100

Right or left hand as directed by the ■examinerMinor and major chord sequences ■Two bars each ■2 chords per bar ■ Play two consecutive progressions ■

Group c: minor seventhsq■■ =100

Four bars repeated ■ Group D: riff

q■■ =135Played to a CD backing track ■

One bar two hands riff pattern repeated over eight bars.

sight reading

q■■ =60–90Two hands ■Eight bars ■Piano or electric piano patch ■ D minor pentatonic or E minor ■pentatonic90 seconds preparation time ■ 2 bars of improvisation at the end ■of the sequence.


29


q■■ =70–90Eight bars ■Organ or electric piano patch ■C major or F major ■Chords used: I, ii7, IV, V & vi ■30 seconds preparation time ■Played to a CD backing track ■ Two bars of rhythmic notation as ■a prompt at the beginning of the sequence

ear tests


q■■ =90Four bar melodic recall ■Treble clef ■D major or E major scales ■Piano or electric piano patch ■

test 2:q■■ =90

Four bar chord & rhythm recall ■Treble clef ■Chords I, ii7 IV & V ■D major or E major ■Piano or electric piano patch ■




30

Band

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| Sy

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2009

–201

2Grade 4


Performance Pieces (60 marks) Candidates are required to play three pieces printed in the grade book. Each piece is worth 20 marks. Pieces will be up to 2 minutes 45 seconds to allow the player to show increasing concentration and understanding of structure and shape. Development of stylistic awareness and performance will be shown through extended solo passage work that will involve more advanced rhythms, including basic cross rhythms and independence between the hands. Swing rhythms will employ increasing notation complexity and a wider range of note values. There will be some use of extended chords and the awareness of voicing and balance will be needed. Players will be expected to show the development of stylistic awareness through use of appropriate techniques such as glissando and tremolo and be able to identify the appropriate articulation associated with patch changes. Where patch changes are required these will be limited to two patches per piece.

technical exercises (15 marks) Candidates will be required to play a selection of exercises from four printed groups (Groups A, B, C & D) as directed by the examiner. One of these is an eight bar riff which is performed to a backing track on the grade CD supplied with each book. Candidates will not be required to memorise the exercises, and may use the book in the exam, but the examiner will be looking for the following: a prompt and accurate response, fluency and consistency of pulse. Groups A–C are to be played at q =100. All exercises should be played using the piano patch. Candidates can choose to play Groups A–C as follows:

either: ■ Group A: C, D b (C #), D and Groups B & C: E b, E, For: ■ Group A: E b, E, F and Groups B & C: C, D b (C #), D

Group a: scales all scales are to be prepared hands separately and together

Blues scale ■Natural minor scale ■Major scale ■Mixolydian mode ■


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2009

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2

31

Grade 4

Group b: chords all chord sequences should be played with both right and left hands separately. The examiner will select two consecutive chord progressions from three printed in both sections below.

Minor chord sequence ■Major chord sequence ■

Group c: minor 7ths this exercise should be prepared in the keys designated above. Group D: Riff in the exam you will be asked to play an eight bar riff to the backing track on the CD. The riff pattern shown in bar 1 should be played in the same shape in bars 2–8. The root notes of the chords to be played are shown in the music.

Either sight reading (10 marks) At this grade there is an element of improvisation in the form of a two bar ending. The improvised ending should draw on patterns used in the sight reading test. Candidates are asked to perform an eight bar piece of music using the piano patch on the keyboard. The sight reading test is eight bars long, in both hands and uses either the D minor pentatonic or E minor pentatonic scale. The examiner will allow the candidate 90 seconds to preparation time and will set the tempo for the candidate with a metronome. The candidate may choose not to have the metronome running during the performance of the test.

Or improvisation & interpretation (10 marks) At this grade there is an element of sight reading in the form of a two bar rhythmic phrase. Candidates will be asked to play an improvised line of eight bars to a backing track played on CD. Candidates will use either the electric piano or organ patch on their keyboard and the improvisation will be in the key of either C major or F major, using the chords I, ii 7, IV, V and vi. Candidates are allowed 30 seconds to prepare and then prepare during the first playing of the test on CD. Candidates perform the improvisation on the second playing. The test in continuous, with a one note count in before each playing.


32

Band

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| Sy

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2009

–201

2Grade 4

ear tests (10 marks) There are two tests in this section which are played to the candidate by the examiner on CD. The test will be played back using the piano or electric piano patch on the keyboard. test 1: melodic recall candidates will be asked to play back a simple two bar melody composed from either the D major or E major scales. Candidates are given the tonic note and the starting note and hear the test twice with a drum backing. After a short break, the test recommences and the candidate replays the melody with the drum backing test 2: chord and rhythm recall candidates will be asked to play back on their keyboard a four bar rhythmic chord progression. Candidates hear the rhythmic chord progression made up of chords I, ii 7, IV and V7 in the key of either D major or E major played twice with a drum backing followed by a short break for the candidate to practise. The candidate then plays the rhythmic chord sequence back with a drum backing. This test is continuous.


■ music theory: the questions will cover (i) note pitches; (ii) note values; (iii) rests, (iv) time signatures, (v) dynamics (piano to fortissimo), (vi) repeat markings, (vii) accents and staccato, (viii) key signatures, (ix) crescendo and diminuendo; (xi) D.S. and D.C. Al Coda; (xii) glissando, (xiii) spread chords, (xiv) knowledge of major, minor, dominant 7th and minor 7th chord types. Knowledge of the keyboard: ■ this will cover a demonstration by the candidate of (i) patch selection and stylistic reasons for choice; (ii) basic stylistic techniques in the pieces. In addition, candidates will need to show knowledge of: (i) keys; (ii) on/off switch; (iii) volume control; (iv) patches, (vi) pitch shifter, (vii) knowledge of major keyboard makes.



Band

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2009

–201

2


Grade 5 Overview

34

5Performance Pieces

Alka SetzerPatch: Piano ■

All Funked UpPatch: Organ ■

Bust UpPatch: Piano, Synth & Pad ■

D & APatch: Strings ■

SidewinderPatch: Pad & Synth ■

X-Blues IIIPatch: Piano & Organ ■

technical exercises

Exercises to be prepared as follows: Either:

Group a: ■ F #, G & A b and Groups b and c: ■ A, B b & B

Or:Group a: ■ A, B b & B and Groups b and c: ■ F #, G & A b

Group a: scales


Scales and modes:

Blues scale ■Natural minor scale ■Major scale ■Mixolydian mode ■

Group b: chordsq■■ =100

Both right and left hands as ■directed by the examinerMajor, minor and seventh chords ■Two bars each ■2 chords per bar ■ Play two consecutive progressions ■

Group c: major sevenths

q■■ =135Six bars ■

Group D: riff

q■■ =135Played to a backing track ■

Two bar, two hands riff pattern repeated over eight bars.

sight reading

q■■ =90–120Two hands ■Eight bars ■Piano or electric piano patch ■G major or A major ■90 seconds preparation time ■ 2 bars of improvisation at the end ■of the sequence


35


q■■ =90–120Eight bars ■Organ or electric piano patch ■G minor or A minor ■Played to a CD backing track ■30 seconds preparation time ■ Two bars of notation as a prompt at ■the beginning of the sequence

ear tests


q■■ =70Four bar melodic recall ■Bass clef ■G blues or B blues scales ■Piano or electric piano patch ■

test 2:q■■ =70

Four bar chord & rhythm recall ■Treble clef ■Chords i7, iv & v ■G blues or B blues scales ■Piano or electric piano patch ■




36

Band

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| Sy

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2009

–201

2Grade 5


Performance Pieces (60 marks) Candidates are required to play three pieces printed in the grade book. Each piece is worth 20 marks. Pieces will be up to three minutes in duration and will be made up of structures that require a competent understanding of shape and phrasing. Players will demonstrate a good grasp of performance and communication through extended solo and improvised work and understanding of balance within a band context. There will be considerable rhythmic development and a greater expectation of independence between the hands and the definition of more than one part in one hand. Chords will often consist of extensions and players will demonstrate a musical understanding of balance and voicing. Stylistic awareness will be shown through good understanding of instrumental techniques and the understanding of playing techniques associated with them. Patch changes will often be required in a short space of time and the player will demonstrate the ability to move between the technical demands with increasing confidence and security.

technical exercises (15 marks) Candidates will be required to play a selection of exercises from four printed groups (Groups A, B, C & D) as directed by the examiner. One of these is a four bar riff which is performed to a backing track on the grade CD supplied with each book. Candidates will not be required to memorise the exercises, and may use the book in the exam, but the examiner will be looking for the following: a prompt and accurate response, fluency and consistency of pulse. Groups A–C are to be played at q =100. All exercises should be played using the piano patch. Candidates can choose to play Groups A–C as follows:

either: ■ Group A: F #, G. Ab and Groups B & C: A, B b, Bor: ■ Group A: A, B b, B and Groups B & C: F #, G, A b

Group a: scales all scales are to be prepared hands separately and together

Blues scale in ■Natural minor scale ■Major scale ■Mixolydian mode ■


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2009

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2

37

Grade 5

Group b: chords all chord sequences should be played with both right and left hands separately. The examiner will select two consecutive chord progressions from four printed in the grade book. Group c: major 7ths this exercise should be prepared in the keys designated above. Group D: riff in the exam you will be asked to play an eight bar riff to the backing track on the CD. The riff pattern shown in bars 1 & 2 should be played in the same shape in bars 3–7. The root notes of the chords to be played are shown in the music.

Either sight reading (10 marks) At this grade there is an element of improvisation in the form of a two bar ending. The improvised ending should draw on patterns used in the sight reading test. Candidates are asked to perform a twelve bar piece of music using either the piano or electric piano patch on the keyboard. The sight reading test is twelve bars long, uses both hands and is in the key of either G major or A major. The examiner will allow the candidate 90 seconds to preparation time and will set the tempo for the candidate with a metronome. The candidate may choose not to have the metronome running during the performance of the test.

Or improvisation & interpretation (10 marks) At this grade there is an element of sight reading in the form of a two bar, chord-based riff. Candidates should play the chord sequence indicated in the designated rhythm. Candidates will be asked to play an improvised line of twelve bars to a backing track played on CD. Candidates will use either the electric piano or organ patch on their keyboard and the improvisation will be in the key of either G minor or A minor. Candidates are allowed 30 seconds to prepare and then prepare during the first playing of the test on CD. Candidates perform the improvisation on the second playing. The test in continuous, with a one note count in before each playing.


38

Band

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| Sy

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2009

–201

2Grade 5

ear tests (10 marks) There are two tests in this section which are played to the candidate by the examiner on CD. The test will be played back using either the piano or electric piano patch on the keyboard.

test 1: melodic recall candidates will be asked to play back a four bar bass clef melody composed from either the G blues or B blues scales. Candidates are given the tonic note and the starting note and hear the test twice with a drum backing. After a short break, the test recommences and the candidate replays the melody with the drum backing test 2: chord and rhythm recall candidates will be asked to play back on their keyboard a four bar rhythmic chord progression. Candidates hear the rhythmic chord progression made up of chords i 7, iv and v in the key of either G blues or B blues played twice with a drum backing followed by a short break for the candidate to practise. The candidate then plays the rhythmic chord sequence back with a drum backing. This test is continuous.


■ music theory: the questions will cover (i) note pitches; (ii) note values; (iii) rests, (iv) time signatures, (v) dynamics (piano to fortissimo), (vi) repeat markings, (vii) accents and staccato, (viii) key signatures, (ix) crescendo and diminuendo; (xi) D.S. and D.C. Al Coda; (xii) knowledge of major, minor and dominant 7th chord types. Knowledge of the keyboard: ■ this will cover a demonstration by the candidate of (i) where the patches are located and how they are set; (ii) basic stylistic techniques in the pieces. In addition, candidates will need to show knowledge of: (i) keys; (ii) on/off switch; (iii) volume control; (iv) patches, (vi) knowledge of major keyboard makes.



Band

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2009

–201

2


40

Exam Regulations

1. Rockschool exams are open to all persons, irrespective of age and in accordance with our Equal Opportunities policy.

2. Full payment and relevant documentation must reach the offices of Rockschool on or before the chosen exam period’s closing date. Rockschool cannot guarantee an exam for any applications received after this date.

3. Exam entries may not be transferred from one candidate to another.

4. Any changes to the examination will incur a fee.

5. Cancellation of an exam will result in loss of the exam fee unless as a result of illness or injury. Such cases must be substantiated by a medical certificate. In this event, the exam will be re-scheduled on receipt of half of the original exam entry fee.

6. Names on certificates will be as on candidate’s acknowledgement letter. Replacement certificates will incur a charge of £5.

7. On application, candidates may state times within an exam period when they are unavailable. However,

Rockschool cannot guarantee to avoid all such dates.

8. Rockschool reserves the right to defer exams until the next available exam period. After one deferral, an exam is guaranteed at an exam centre chosen by Rockschool. This may not be your local centre.

9. Candidates must use only the official Rockschool sheet music for their respective exam. Photocopying of any material to facilitate page turns in the exams is allowable and the copies will be retained by the examiner. Sole use of photocopying is prohibited and may result in disqualification.

10. No refunds are given.

11. No teacher, or other person, must be present during the preparation of a candidate’s Quick Study Piece. Any assistance given to a candidate will result in disqualification from the examination.

12. Only the examiner and candidate are allowed to be present in the examination room with the exception of moderators appointed by Rockschool.


41

13. Candidates must bring in two copies of music for the ‘free choice piece’. Players must use an original copy of the tune to be performed, and must provide a second copy for the examiner, which may be a photocopy. If there is no music available, a zero mark will be given for the piece. Any queries in writing should be addressed to the Director of Operations at least two weeks prior to the exam date.

14. Any backing tracks provided by the candidate for use with ‘free choice’ pieces must be capable of a music minus 1 playback without the examination part being audible to the examiner. If an unacceptable backing track is submitted, a zero mark will be given for the piece.

15. All band exams are the advertised instruments only. Backing tapes may not be used in the exam.

16. Any special needs candidates must notify the Rockschool office prior to the exam.

17. The examiner’s decision is final. Normally, an examiner will hear every component in full, but on occasion an examiner may conclude an examination when a decision has been reached.

18. Replacement certificates may be obtained by successful candidates. All replacements certificates will be marked as such and will incur a charge.

19. Rockschool operates a quality assured appeals process. All appeals must be made in writing no later than 14 days after the exam date. There are two criteria for formal appeals, these are:

■ Appeals in respect of errors in procedure

■ Appeals in respect of errors in matching comments to marks awarded.

Full details of Rockschool Ltd’s appeal process are available from the Rockschool office or website.


42

Band

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2009

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2 Appe

ndix

A: P

erfo

rman

ce P

iece

sD

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t &

Gra

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aDes

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asic

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priat

e exp

ress

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es

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se/d

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ion

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eam

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secu

re co

ntin

uity

5:

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onfid

ent &

assu

red

pres

enta

tion

1: F

luen

t bas

ic te

chni

ques

2:

Flu

ent u

se o

f app

ropr

iate i

nstru

men

tal

tech

niqu

es. v

ib., s

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etc.

3: M

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Band

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2009

–201

2

43

Appe

ndix

A: P

erfo

rman

ce P

iece

sD

ebu

t &

Gra

De

1Gr

aDes

2 &

3

GraD

es 4

& 5

D

isti

ncti

on17

+/20

1:

Ver

y sec

ure b

asic

tech

niqu

es

2: M

usica

l use

of a

ppro

priat

e exp

ress

ive

tech

niqu

es

3: S

ecur

e rhy

thm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: S

eam

less s

ync;

secu

re co

ntin

uity

5:

Hig

hly c

onfid

ent &

assu

red

pres

enta

tion

1: F

luen

t bas

ic te

chni

ques

2:

Flu

ent u

se o

f app

ropr

iate i

nstru

men

tal

tech

niqu

es. v

ib., s

tacc

ato

etc.

3: M

usica

l use

of r

hyth

m/p

ulse

/dur

atio

n4:

Sea

mles

s syn

c; se

cure

cont

inui

ty

5: H

ighl

y con

fiden

t & as

sure

d pr

esen

tatio

n 6:

Hig

h de

gree

of s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

1: F

luen

t tec

hniq

ues

2: F

luen

t use

of a

ppro

priat

e ins

trum

enta

l te

chni

ques

. vib

., sta

ccat

o et

c. 3:

Mus

ical u

se o

f rhy

thm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: S

eam

less s

ync;

effo

rtles

s con

tinui

ty

5: H

ighl

y con

fiden

t & as

sure

d pr

esen

tatio

n 6:

Hig

h de

gree

of s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

7: H

igh

level

of ap

prop

riate

impr

ovisa

tion

Mer

it15

+/20

1:

Sec

ure b

asic

tech

niqu

es2:

Cor

rect

use

of a

ppro

priat

e exp

ress

ive

tech

niqu

es

3: S

ecur

e rhy

thm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: St

rong

sens

e of s

ync/

cont

inui

ty5:

Main

ly co

nfid

ent p

rese

ntat

ion

1: S

ecur

e bas

ic te

chni

ques

2: C

orre

ct u

se o

f app

ropr

iate t

echn

ique

s3:

Sec

ure r

hyth

m/p

ulse

/dur

atio

n4:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f syn

c/co

ntin

uity

5: C

onfid

ent p

rese

ntat

ion

6: S

ome d

egre

e of s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

1: S

ecur

e tec

hniq

ues

2: M

usica

l use

of a

ppro

priat

e tec

hniq

ues

3: S

ecur

e rhy

thm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: St

rong

sens

e of s

ync/

cont

inui

ty5:

Con

fiden

t pre

sent

atio

n6:

Som

e deg

ree o

f sty

listic

awar

enes

s7:

Con

siste

nt ap

prop

riate

impr

ovisa

tion

Pass

13+/

20

1: M

ainly

secu

re b

asic

tech

niqu

es

2: S

ome e

vide

nce o

f app

ropr

iate e

xpre

ssiv

e te

chni

ques

3:

Gen

eral

ly ac

cura

te rh

ythm

/pul

se/ d

urat

ion

4: M

ainly

sync

hron

ised;

occ

asio

nal s

lips o

f co

ntin

uity

5:

Gen

eral

ly co

nfid

ent p

rese

ntat

ion

with

min

or

lapse

s

1: M

ainly

secu

re b

asic

tech

niqu

es2:

Som

e evi

denc

e of a

ppro

priat

e tec

hniq

ues

3: G

ener

ally

accu

rate

rhyt

hm/p

ulse

/ dur

atio

n4:

Main

ly sy

nchr

onise

d; o

ccas

iona

l slip

s of

cont

inui

ty5:

Gen

eral

ly co

nfid

ent p

rese

ntat

ion

6: B

egin

ning

s of s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

1: M

ainly

secu

re te

chni

ques

2: M

ainly

corr

ect u

se o

f app

ropr

iate t

echn

ique

s3:

Gen

eral

ly ac

cura

te rh

ythm

/pul

se/ d

urat

ion

4: Sy

nchr

onise

d w

ith o

ccas

iona

l slip

s of

cont

inui

ty5:

Gen

eral

ly co

nfid

ent p

rese

ntat

ion

6: E

vide

nce o

f sty

listic

awar

enes

s7:

Som

e app

ropr

iate i

mpr

ovisa

tion

belo

w P

ass 1

9–12

/20

1: In

secu

re b

asic

tech

niqu

es2:

Inco

nsist

ent u

se o

f exp

ress

ive t

echn

ique

s.3:

Inco

nsist

ent r

hyth

mic

sens

e4:

Poo

r syn

chro

nisa

tion;

una

war

e of e

rror

s5:

Hes

itant

pre

sent

atio

n

1: In

secu

re b

asic

tech

niqu

es2:

Inco

nsist

ent u

se o

f som

e exp

ress

ive

tech

niqu

es.

3: S

ome i

ncon

siste

nt rh

ythm

ic se

nse

4: P

oor s

ynch

roni

satio

n; u

naw

are o

f err

ors

5: H

esita

nt p

rese

ntat

ion

6: In

cons

isten

t sty

listic

awar

enes

s

1: In

secu

re te

chni

ques

2: In

cons

isten

t or i

ncor

rect

use

of i

nstru

men

tal

tech

niqu

es3:

Inco

nsist

ent r

hyth

mic

sens

e4:

Pro

blem

s of s

ynch

roni

satio

n/ co

ntin

uity

5: H

esita

nt p

rese

ntat

ion

6: In

cons

isten

t sty

listic

awar

enes

s7:

Inap

prop

riate

impr

ovisa

tion

belo

w P

ass 2

1–8/

20

1: C

onsis

tent

bas

ic te

chni

cal e

rror

s2:

Fai

lure

to u

se an

y exp

ress

ive t

echn

ique

s3:

Way

war

d pu

lse; in

corr

ect r

hyth

m/ d

urat

ion

4: N

o sy

nc; b

ig co

ntin

uity

gaps

; fals

e sta

rts5:

Hig

hly n

ervo

us p

rese

ntat

ion

1: C

onsis

tent

bas

ic te

chni

cal e

rror

s2:

Fai

lure

to o

bser

ve ex

pres

sive m

arks

3: W

ayw

ard

pulse

/rhyt

hm/d

urat

ion

4: N

o sy

nc; b

ig co

ntin

uity

gaps

; fals

e sta

rts5:

Hig

hly n

ervo

us p

rese

ntat

ion

6: St

ylist

ically

una

war

e

1: C

onsis

tent

tech

nica

l err

ors

2: F

ailu

re to

obs

erve

expr

essiv

e mar

ks3:

Poo

r pul

se; la

rgely

inco

rrec

t rhy

thm

/du

ratio

n4:

Litt

le or

no

sync

hron

isatio

n; la

rge g

aps i

n co

ntin

uity

; fals

e sta

rts5:

Hig

hly n

ervo

us p

rese

ntat

ion

6: St

ylist

ically

una

war

e7:

No

impr

ovisa

tion


44

Band

Bas

ed K

eybo

ards

| Sy

llabu

s Gui

de |

2009

–201

2

Appe

ndix

B: B

and

Piec

es (P

erfo

rman

ce C

ertifi

cate

)Le

veL

1 (G

raD

es 1

-3)

Leve

L 2

(Gra

Des

4 &

5)

Dis

tinc

tion

18

+/20

1:

Flu

ent b

asic

tech

niqu

es2:

Flu

ent u

se o

f exp

ress

ive t

echn

ique

s3:

Mus

ical u

se o

f rhy

thm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: S

eam

less s

ync w

ithin

the b

and;

secu

re co

ntin

uity

5: H

ighl

y con

fiden

t & as

sure

d pe

rform

ance

s6:

Hig

h de

gree

of s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

7: St

rong

sens

e of i

nter

nal c

omm

unica

tion

with

in th

e ban

d8:

Stro

ng ef

fort

to co

mm

unica

te co

llect

ive m

usica

l ide

ntity

1: F

luen

t tec

hniq

ues

2: F

luen

t use

of e

xpre

ssiv

e tec

hniq

ues

3: M

usica

l use

of r

hyth

m/p

ulse

/dur

atio

n4:

Sea

mles

s int

erna

l syn

c; ef

fortl

ess c

ontin

uity

5: H

ighl

y con

fiden

t & as

sure

d pe

rform

ance

s6:

Hig

h de

gree

of s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

7: H

igh

level

of ap

prop

riate

impr

ovisa

tion

8: M

usica

l sen

se o

f int

erna

l com

mun

icatio

n w

ithin

ban

d9:

Succ

essfu

l com

mun

icatio

n of

colle

ctiv

e mus

ical i

dent

ity

Mer

it

16+/

20

1: S

ecur

e bas

ic te

chni

ques

2: C

orre

ct u

se o

f exp

ress

ive t

echn

ique

s3:

Sec

ure r

hyth

m/p

ulse

/dur

atio

n4:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f int

erna

l syn

c/co

ntin

uity

5: M

ainly

conf

iden

t per

form

ance

s6:

Som

e deg

ree o

f sty

listic

awar

enes

s7:

Som

e sen

se o

f int

erna

l com

mun

icatio

n w

ithin

the b

and

8: S

ome e

ffort

to co

mm

unica

te co

llect

ive m

usica

l ide

ntity

1: S

ecur

e tec

hniq

ues

2: M

usica

l use

of e

xpre

ssiv

e tec

hniq

ues

3: S

ecur

e rhy

thm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: St

rong

sens

e of i

nter

nal s

ync/

cont

inui

ty5:

Main

ly co

nfid

ent p

erfo

rman

ces

6: S

ome d

egre

e of s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

7: E

xten

sive a

ppro

priat

e im

prov

isatio

n8:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f int

erna

l com

mun

icatio

n w

ithin

the b

and

9: S

ome e

ffort

to co

mm

unica

te co

llect

ive m

usica

l ide

ntity

Pass

14+

/20

1: M

ainly

secu

re b

asic

tech

niqu

es2:

Som

e use

of e

xpre

ssiv

e tec

hniq

ues

3: G

ener

ally

accu

rate

rhyt

hm/p

ulse

/dur

atio

n4:

Main

ly sy

nchr

onise

d in

tern

ally

; 1 o

r 2 co

ntin

uity

erro

rs5:

Som

e hes

itant

per

form

ance

s6:

Beg

inni

ngs o

f sty

listic

awar

enes

srov

isatio

n7:

Min

imal

sens

e of i

nter

nal c

omm

unica

tion

with

in b

and

8: S

ome a

ckno

wled

gem

ent o

f aud

ience

pre

senc

e

1: M

ainly

secu

re te

chni

ques

2: M

ainly

corr

ect u

se o

f exp

ress

ive t

echn

ique

s3:

Gen

eral

ly ac

cura

te rh

ythm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: Sy

nchr

onise

d in

tern

ally

with

1 o

r 2 co

ntin

uity

erro

rs5:

Som

e hes

itatio

n in

per

form

ance

s6:

Beg

inni

ngs o

f sty

listic

awar

enes

s7:

Som

e app

ropr

iate i

mpr

ovisa

tion

8: S

ome s

ense

of i

nter

nal c

omm

unica

tion

with

in th

e ban

d9:

Som

e effo

rt to

com

mun

icate

colle

ctiv

e mus

ical i

dent

ity

belo

w P

ass 1

9–

13/2

0 1:

Inse

cure

bas

ic te

chni

ques

2: In

cons

isten

t use

of s

ome e

xpre

ssiv

e tec

hniq

ues

3: In

cons

isten

t rhy

thm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: P

oor i

nter

nal s

ynch

roni

satio

n; u

naw

are o

f err

ors

5: L

ack

of co

nfid

ence

6: St

ylist

ically

una

war

e7:

Lac

k of

und

ersta

ndin

g bet

wee

n ba

nd m

embe

rs8:

No

effo

rt to

com

mun

icate

colle

ctiv

e mus

ical i

dent

ity

1: In

secu

re te

chni

ques

2: S

ome u

se o

f exp

ress

ive t

echn

ique

s3:

Inco

nsist

ent r

hyth

m/p

ulse

/dur

atio

n4:

Pro

blem

s of i

nter

nal s

ynch

roni

satio

n/co

ntin

uity

5: L

ack

of co

nfid

ence

6: St

ylist

ically

una

war

e7:

Inap

prop

riate

impr

ovisa

tion

8: M

inim

al se

nse o

f int

erna

l com

mun

icatio

n w

ithin

ban

d9:

Litt

le ac

know

ledge

men

t of a

udien

ce p

rese

nce

belo

w P

ass 2

1–

8/20

1:

Con

siste

nt b

asic

tech

nica

l err

ors

2: F

ailu

re to

obs

erve

expr

essiv

e mar

ks3:

Way

war

d pu

lse/rh

ythm

/dur

atio

n4:

No

sync

; big

cont

inui

ty ga

ps; f

alse s

tarts

5: H

ighl

y ner

vous

pre

sent

atio

n6:

Styl

istica

lly u

naw

are

7: L

ack

of u

nder

stand

ing b

etw

een

band

mem

bers

8: N

o ef

fort

to co

mm

unica

te co

llect

ive m

usica

l ide

ntity

1: C

onsis

tent

tech

nica

l err

ors

2: F

ailu

re to

obs

erve

expr

essiv

e mar

ks3:

Poo

r pul

se; la

rgely

inco

rrec

t rhy

thm

/dur

atio

n4:

Litt

le or

no

sync

; larg

e gap

s in

cont

inui

ty; f

alse s

tarts

5: V

isibl

y ner

vous

pre

sent

atio

n6:

Styl

istica

lly u

naw

are

7: N

o im

prov

isatio

n at

tem

pted

8: L

ack

of u

nder

stand

ing b

etw

een

band

mem

bers

9: N

o ef

fort

to co

mm

unica

te co

llect

ive m

usica

l ide

ntity


Band

Bas

ed K

eybo

ards

| Sy

llabu

s Gui

de |

2009

–201

2

45

Appe

ndix

B: B

and

Piec

es (P

erfo

rman

ce C

ertifi

cate

)Le

veL

1 (G

raD

es 1

-3)

Leve

L 2

(Gra

Des

4 &

5)

Dis

tinc

tion

18

+/20

1:

Flu

ent b

asic

tech

niqu

es2:

Flu

ent u

se o

f exp

ress

ive t

echn

ique

s3:

Mus

ical u

se o

f rhy

thm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: S

eam

less s

ync w

ithin

the b

and;

secu

re co

ntin

uity

5: H

ighl

y con

fiden

t & as

sure

d pe

rform

ance

s6:

Hig

h de

gree

of s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

7: St

rong

sens

e of i

nter

nal c

omm

unica

tion

with

in th

e ban

d8:

Stro

ng ef

fort

to co

mm

unica

te co

llect

ive m

usica

l ide

ntity

1: F

luen

t tec

hniq

ues

2: F

luen

t use

of e

xpre

ssiv

e tec

hniq

ues

3: M

usica

l use

of r

hyth

m/p

ulse

/dur

atio

n4:

Sea

mles

s int

erna

l syn

c; ef

fortl

ess c

ontin

uity

5: H

ighl

y con

fiden

t & as

sure

d pe

rform

ance

s6:

Hig

h de

gree

of s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

7: H

igh

level

of ap

prop

riate

impr

ovisa

tion

8: M

usica

l sen

se o

f int

erna

l com

mun

icatio

n w

ithin

ban

d9:

Succ

essfu

l com

mun

icatio

n of

colle

ctiv

e mus

ical i

dent

ity

Mer

it

16+/

20

1: S

ecur

e bas

ic te

chni

ques

2: C

orre

ct u

se o

f exp

ress

ive t

echn

ique

s3:

Sec

ure r

hyth

m/p

ulse

/dur

atio

n4:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f int

erna

l syn

c/co

ntin

uity

5: M

ainly

conf

iden

t per

form

ance

s6:

Som

e deg

ree o

f sty

listic

awar

enes

s7:

Som

e sen

se o

f int

erna

l com

mun

icatio

n w

ithin

the b

and

8: S

ome e

ffort

to co

mm

unica

te co

llect

ive m

usica

l ide

ntity

1: S

ecur

e tec

hniq

ues

2: M

usica

l use

of e

xpre

ssiv

e tec

hniq

ues

3: S

ecur

e rhy

thm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: St

rong

sens

e of i

nter

nal s

ync/

cont

inui

ty5:

Main

ly co

nfid

ent p

erfo

rman

ces

6: S

ome d

egre

e of s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

7: E

xten

sive a

ppro

priat

e im

prov

isatio

n8:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f int

erna

l com

mun

icatio

n w

ithin

the b

and

9: S

ome e

ffort

to co

mm

unica

te co

llect

ive m

usica

l ide

ntity

Pass

14+

/20

1: M

ainly

secu

re b

asic

tech

niqu

es2:

Som

e use

of e

xpre

ssiv

e tec

hniq

ues

3: G

ener

ally

accu

rate

rhyt

hm/p

ulse

/dur

atio

n4:

Main

ly sy

nchr

onise

d in

tern

ally

; 1 o

r 2 co

ntin

uity

erro

rs5:

Som

e hes

itant

per

form

ance

s6:

Beg

inni

ngs o

f sty

listic

awar

enes

srov

isatio

n7:

Min

imal

sens

e of i

nter

nal c

omm

unica

tion

with

in b

and

8: S

ome a

ckno

wled

gem

ent o

f aud

ience

pre

senc

e

1: M

ainly

secu

re te

chni

ques

2: M

ainly

corr

ect u

se o

f exp

ress

ive t

echn

ique

s3:

Gen

eral

ly ac

cura

te rh

ythm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: Sy

nchr

onise

d in

tern

ally

with

1 o

r 2 co

ntin

uity

erro

rs5:

Som

e hes

itatio

n in

per

form

ance

s6:

Beg

inni

ngs o

f sty

listic

awar

enes

s7:

Som

e app

ropr

iate i

mpr

ovisa

tion

8: S

ome s

ense

of i

nter

nal c

omm

unica

tion

with

in th

e ban

d9:

Som

e effo

rt to

com

mun

icate

colle

ctiv

e mus

ical i

dent

ity

belo

w P

ass 1

9–

13/2

0 1:

Inse

cure

bas

ic te

chni

ques

2: In

cons

isten

t use

of s

ome e

xpre

ssiv

e tec

hniq

ues

3: In

cons

isten

t rhy

thm

/pul

se/d

urat

ion

4: P

oor i

nter

nal s

ynch

roni

satio

n; u

naw

are o

f err

ors

5: L

ack

of co

nfid

ence

6: St

ylist

ically

una

war

e7:

Lac

k of

und

ersta

ndin

g bet

wee

n ba

nd m

embe

rs8:

No

effo

rt to

com

mun

icate

colle

ctiv

e mus

ical i

dent

ity

1: In

secu

re te

chni

ques

2: S

ome u

se o

f exp

ress

ive t

echn

ique

s3:

Inco

nsist

ent r

hyth

m/p

ulse

/dur

atio

n4:

Pro

blem

s of i

nter

nal s

ynch

roni

satio

n/co

ntin

uity

5: L

ack

of co

nfid

ence

6: St

ylist

ically

una

war

e7:

Inap

prop

riate

impr

ovisa

tion

8: M

inim

al se

nse o

f int

erna

l com

mun

icatio

n w

ithin

ban

d9:

Litt

le ac

know

ledge

men

t of a

udien

ce p

rese

nce

belo

w P

ass 2

1–

8/20

1:

Con

siste

nt b

asic

tech

nica

l err

ors

2: F

ailu

re to

obs

erve

expr

essiv

e mar

ks3:

Way

war

d pu

lse/rh

ythm

/dur

atio

n4:

No

sync

; big

cont

inui

ty ga

ps; f

alse s

tarts

5: H

ighl

y ner

vous

pre

sent

atio

n6:

Styl

istica

lly u

naw

are

7: L

ack

of u

nder

stand

ing b

etw

een

band

mem

bers

8: N

o ef

fort

to co

mm

unica

te co

llect

ive m

usica

l ide

ntity

1: C

onsis

tent

tech

nica

l err

ors

2: F

ailu

re to

obs

erve

expr

essiv

e mar

ks3:

Poo

r pul

se; la

rgely

inco

rrec

t rhy

thm

/dur

atio

n4:

Litt

le or

no

sync

; larg

e gap

s in

cont

inui

ty; f

alse s

tarts

5: V

isibl

y ner

vous

pre

sent

atio

n6:

Styl

istica

lly u

naw

are

7: N

o im

prov

isatio

n at

tem

pted

8: L

ack

of u

nder

stand

ing b

etw

een

band

mem

bers

9: N

o ef

fort

to co

mm

unica

te co

llect

ive m

usica

l ide

ntity


46

Band

Bas

ed K

eybo

ards

| Sy

llabu

s Gui

de |

2009

–201

2

Appe

ndix

D: S

ight

Rea

ding

and

Impr

ovis

atio

n &

Inte

rpre

tatio

nsi

Ght

reaD

inG

Deb

ut

– Gr

aDe

3 si

Ght

reaD

inG

GraD

es 4

–5

iMPr

ov &

inte

rPre

tati

on

GraD

es 1

–3

iMPr

ov &

inte

rPre

tati

on

GraD

es 4

–5

Dis

tinc

tion

9+

/10

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

and

mus

ical

2: C

onsis

tent

, acc

urat

e pul

se3:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f sty

le4:

Com

mun

icativ

e per

form

ance

1: T

echn

ically

assu

red

and

effo

rtles

s2:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f exp

ress

ive l

ogic

3: C

onsis

tent

pul

se th

roug

hout

4: St

rong

sens

e of s

tyle

5: St

rong

sens

e of m

usica

l co

mm

unica

tion

6: St

rong

sens

e of i

mpr

ovisa

tion

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

and

mus

ical

2: W

ide r

ange

of e

xpre

ssiv

e te

chni

ques

3: St

rong

and

cons

isten

t sen

se o

f pu

lse4:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f idi

omat

ic

impr

ovisa

tion

5: C

omm

unica

tive p

erfo

rman

ce

1: T

echn

ically

assu

red

and

effo

rtles

s2:

Wid

e ran

ge o

f exp

ress

ive

tech

niqu

es3:

Stro

ng an

d co

nsist

ent s

ense

of

pulse

4: St

rong

sens

e of i

diom

expr

esse

d th

roug

h us

e of l

icks/g

roov

es5:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f dist

inct

ive

mus

ical c

omm

unica

tion

with

in

style

6: C

onsis

tent

and

exac

t sig

ht

read

ing

Mer

it

7–8/

10

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

2: C

onsis

tent

, acc

urat

e pul

se3:

App

ropr

iate s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

4: C

onfid

ent p

erfo

rman

ce

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

and

mus

ical

2: A

ll ex

pres

sion

mar

ks an

d te

chni

ques

obs

erve

d3:

Acc

urat

e pul

se4:

Qui

te st

rong

styl

istic

awar

enes

s5:

Con

fiden

t per

form

ance

6: G

ood

sens

e of i

mpr

ovisa

tion

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

2: S

ome u

se o

f var

ied ti

mbr

e/

artic

ulat

ion/

regi

ster/

dyna

mics

3: C

onsis

tent

, acc

urat

e pul

se4:

App

ropr

iate s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

in im

prov

isatio

n5:

Con

fiden

t per

form

ance

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

and

mus

ical

2: R

ange

of e

xpre

ssiv

e tec

hniq

ues

3: C

onsis

tent

, acc

urat

e pul

se4:

Qui

te st

rong

awar

enes

s of c

lassic

fe

atur

es o

f the

idio

m5:

Ver

y con

fiden

t per

form

ance

6: A

ccur

ate s

ight

read

ing

Pass

6/

10

1: M

ainly

tech

nica

lly ac

cura

te

but s

ome m

inor

pitc

h an

d/or

rh

ythm

erro

rs2:

Lar

gely

cons

isten

t pul

se (a

nd

<10%

too

fast

or to

o slo

w)

3: S

ome s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

4: A

dequ

ate s

ense

of

com

mun

icatio

n

1: M

ainly

tech

nica

lly ac

cura

te

but s

ome m

inor

pitc

h an

d/or

rh

ythm

erro

rs2:

Som

e rec

ogni

tion

of ex

pres

sion

mar

ks an

d te

chni

ques

obs

erve

d3:

Lar

gely

cons

isten

t, ac

cura

te

pulse

4: B

asic

stylis

tic aw

aren

ess

5: A

dequ

ately

flue

nt p

erfo

rman

ce6:

Ade

quat

e sen

se o

f im

prov

isatio

n

1: M

ainly

tech

nica

lly ac

cura

te w

ith

som

e err

ors

2: O

ccas

iona

l use

of v

aried

tim

bre/

ar

ticul

atio

n/re

giste

r/dy

nam

ics3:

Lar

gely

cons

isten

t pul

se (a

nd

<10%

too

fast

or to

o slo

w)

4: V

estig

ial s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess i

n im

prov

5: G

ener

ally

conf

iden

t pe

rform

ance

1: M

ainly

tech

nica

lly ac

cura

te w

ith

occa

siona

l err

ors

2: S

ome u

se o

f var

ied ti

mbr

e/

artic

ulat

ion/

regi

ster/

dyna

mics

3: L

arge

ly co

nsist

ent,

accu

rate

pu

lse4:

Bas

ic sty

listic

awar

enes

s5:

Ade

quat

ely fl

uent

per

form

ance

6: A

dequ

ate s

ight

read

ing

belo

w P

ass 1

4–

5/10

1:

Sev

eral

erro

rs o

f pitc

h/rh

ythm

2: P

ulse

not

ably

slow

/fast/

inco

nsist

ent

3: L

ittle

evid

ence

of s

tylis

tic

awar

enes

s4:

Ner

vous

and

hesit

ant

perfo

rman

ce o

r inc

ompl

ete

rend

ition

1: S

ever

al er

rors

of p

itch/

rhyt

hm/

key

2: E

xpre

ssio

n m

arks

and

tech

niqu

es la

rgely

not

obs

erve

d3:

Pul

se sl

ow/fa

st/in

cons

isten

t4:

Litt

le ev

iden

ce o

f sty

listic

aw

aren

ess

5: N

ervo

us, h

esita

nt o

r inc

ompl

ete

perfo

rman

ce6:

Litt

le or

inco

rrec

t im

prov

isatio

n

1: S

ever

al er

rors

of b

asic

te

chni

ques

2: E

xpre

ssiv

e mon

oton

y3:

Pul

se n

otab

ly sl

ow/fa

st/in

cons

isten

t4:

Litt

le ev

iden

ce o

f sty

listic

aw

aren

ess i

n im

prov

isatio

n5:

Som

e hes

itant

per

form

ance

1: S

ever

al er

rors

of b

asic

te

chni

ques

2: O

ccas

iona

lly va

ried

timbr

e/

artic

ulat

ion/

regi

ster/

dyna

mics

3: P

ulse

slow

/fast/

inco

nsist

ent

4: L

ittle

evid

ence

of s

tylis

tic

awar

enes

s5:

Ner

vous

/hes

itant

/inco

mpl

ete

perf.

6: I

nacc

urat

e sig

ht re

adin

g

belo

w P

ass 2

1–

3/10

1:

Lar

gely

inco

rrec

t in

all

para

met

ers

2: W

ayw

ard

sens

e of p

ulse

/rhyt

hm3:

No

evid

ence

of s

tylis

tic

awar

enes

s4:

Ext

rem

ely h

esita

nt p

erfo

rman

ce

or le

ss th

an 1

/4 o

f the

test

com

plet

ed

1: L

arge

ly in

corr

ect i

n al

l pa

ram

eter

s2:

Exp

ress

ion

mar

ks an

d te

chni

ques

not

obs

erve

d3:

Way

war

d se

nse o

f pul

se/rh

ythm

4: N

o ev

iden

ce o

f sty

listic

aw

aren

ess

5: E

xtre

mely

hes

itant

per

form

ance

or

less

than

1/4

of t

he te

st co

mpl

eted

1: L

arge

ly in

corr

ect i

n al

l pa

ram

eter

s2:

Exp

ress

ive m

onot

ony

3: W

ayw

ard

sens

e of p

ulse

4: N

o ev

iden

ce o

f sty

listic

aw

aren

ess

5: E

xtre

mely

hes

itant

per

form

ance

or

less

than

1/4

of t

he te

st co

mpl

eted

1: L

arge

ly in

corr

ect i

n al

l pa

ram

eter

s2:

Exp

ress

ive m

onot

ony

3: W

ayw

ard

sens

e of p

ulse

4: N

o ev

iden

ce o

f sty

listic

aw

aren

ess

5: E

xtre

mely

hes

itant

per

form

ance

or

less

than

1/4

of t

he te

st co

mpl

eted

6: L

ittle

or in

com

plet

e sig

ht

read

ing


Band

Bas

ed K

eybo

ards

| Sy

llabu

s Gui

de |

2009

–201

2

47

Appe

ndix

D: S

ight

Rea

ding

and

Impr

ovis

atio

n &

Inte

rpre

tatio

nsi

Ght

reaD

inG

Deb

ut

– Gr

aDe

3 si

Ght

reaD

inG

GraD

es 4

–5

iMPr

ov &

inte

rPre

tati

on

GraD

es 1

–3

iMPr

ov &

inte

rPre

tati

on

GraD

es 4

–5

Dis

tinc

tion

9+

/10

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

and

mus

ical

2: C

onsis

tent

, acc

urat

e pul

se3:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f sty

le4:

Com

mun

icativ

e per

form

ance

1: T

echn

ically

assu

red

and

effo

rtles

s2:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f exp

ress

ive l

ogic

3: C

onsis

tent

pul

se th

roug

hout

4: St

rong

sens

e of s

tyle

5: St

rong

sens

e of m

usica

l co

mm

unica

tion

6: St

rong

sens

e of i

mpr

ovisa

tion

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

and

mus

ical

2: W

ide r

ange

of e

xpre

ssiv

e te

chni

ques

3: St

rong

and

cons

isten

t sen

se o

f pu

lse4:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f idi

omat

ic

impr

ovisa

tion

5: C

omm

unica

tive p

erfo

rman

ce

1: T

echn

ically

assu

red

and

effo

rtles

s2:

Wid

e ran

ge o

f exp

ress

ive

tech

niqu

es3:

Stro

ng an

d co

nsist

ent s

ense

of

pulse

4: St

rong

sens

e of i

diom

expr

esse

d th

roug

h us

e of l

icks/g

roov

es5:

Stro

ng se

nse o

f dist

inct

ive

mus

ical c

omm

unica

tion

with

in

style

6: C

onsis

tent

and

exac

t sig

ht

read

ing

Mer

it

7–8/

10

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

2: C

onsis

tent

, acc

urat

e pul

se3:

App

ropr

iate s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

4: C

onfid

ent p

erfo

rman

ce

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

and

mus

ical

2: A

ll ex

pres

sion

mar

ks an

d te

chni

ques

obs

erve

d3:

Acc

urat

e pul

se4:

Qui

te st

rong

styl

istic

awar

enes

s5:

Con

fiden

t per

form

ance

6: G

ood

sens

e of i

mpr

ovisa

tion

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

2: S

ome u

se o

f var

ied ti

mbr

e/

artic

ulat

ion/

regi

ster/

dyna

mics

3: C

onsis

tent

, acc

urat

e pul

se4:

App

ropr

iate s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

in im

prov

isatio

n5:

Con

fiden

t per

form

ance

1: T

echn

ically

accu

rate

and

mus

ical

2: R

ange

of e

xpre

ssiv

e tec

hniq

ues

3: C

onsis

tent

, acc

urat

e pul

se4:

Qui

te st

rong

awar

enes

s of c

lassic

fe

atur

es o

f the

idio

m5:

Ver

y con

fiden

t per

form

ance

6: A

ccur

ate s

ight

read

ing

Pass

6/

10

1: M

ainly

tech

nica

lly ac

cura

te

but s

ome m

inor

pitc

h an

d/or

rh

ythm

erro

rs2:

Lar

gely

cons

isten

t pul

se (a

nd

<10%

too

fast

or to

o slo

w)

3: S

ome s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess

4: A

dequ

ate s

ense

of

com

mun

icatio

n

1: M

ainly

tech

nica

lly ac

cura

te

but s

ome m

inor

pitc

h an

d/or

rh

ythm

erro

rs2:

Som

e rec

ogni

tion

of ex

pres

sion

mar

ks an

d te

chni

ques

obs

erve

d3:

Lar

gely

cons

isten

t, ac

cura

te

pulse

4: B

asic

stylis

tic aw

aren

ess

5: A

dequ

ately

flue

nt p

erfo

rman

ce6:

Ade

quat

e sen

se o

f im

prov

isatio

n

1: M

ainly

tech

nica

lly ac

cura

te w

ith

som

e err

ors

2: O

ccas

iona

l use

of v

aried

tim

bre/

ar

ticul

atio

n/re

giste

r/dy

nam

ics3:

Lar

gely

cons

isten

t pul

se (a

nd

<10%

too

fast

or to

o slo

w)

4: V

estig

ial s

tylis

tic aw

aren

ess i

n im

prov

5: G

ener

ally

conf

iden

t pe

rform

ance

1: M

ainly

tech

nica

lly ac

cura

te w

ith

occa

siona

l err

ors

2: S

ome u

se o

f var

ied ti

mbr

e/

artic

ulat

ion/

regi

ster/

dyna

mics

3: L

arge

ly co

nsist

ent,

accu

rate

pu

lse4:

Bas

ic sty

listic

awar

enes

s5:

Ade

quat

ely fl

uent

per

form

ance

6: A

dequ

ate s

ight

read

ing

belo

w P

ass 1

4–

5/10

1:

Sev

eral

erro

rs o

f pitc

h/rh

ythm

2: P

ulse

not

ably

slow

/fast/

inco

nsist

ent

3: L

ittle

evid

ence

of s

tylis

tic

awar

enes

s4:

Ner

vous

and

hesit

ant

perfo

rman

ce o

r inc

ompl

ete

rend

ition

1: S

ever

al er

rors

of p

itch/

rhyt

hm/

key

2: E

xpre

ssio

n m

arks

and

tech

niqu

es la

rgely

not

obs

erve

d3:

Pul

se sl

ow/fa

st/in

cons

isten

t4:

Litt

le ev

iden

ce o

f sty

listic

aw

aren

ess

5: N

ervo

us, h

esita

nt o

r inc

ompl

ete

perfo

rman

ce6:

Litt

le or

inco

rrec

t im

prov

isatio

n

1: S

ever

al er

rors

of b

asic

te

chni

ques

2: E

xpre

ssiv

e mon

oton

y3:

Pul

se n

otab

ly sl

ow/fa

st/in

cons

isten

t4:

Litt

le ev

iden

ce o

f sty

listic

aw

aren

ess i

n im

prov

isatio

n5:

Som

e hes

itant

per

form

ance

1: S

ever

al er

rors

of b

asic

te

chni

ques

2: O

ccas

iona

lly va

ried

timbr

e/

artic

ulat

ion/

regi

ster/

dyna

mics

3: P

ulse

slow

/fast/

inco

nsist

ent

4: L

ittle

evid

ence

of s

tylis

tic

awar

enes

s5:

Ner

vous

/hes

itant

/inco

mpl

ete

perf.

6: I

nacc

urat

e sig

ht re

adin

g

belo

w P

ass 2

1–

3/10

1:

Lar

gely

inco

rrec

t in

all

para

met

ers

2: W

ayw

ard

sens

e of p

ulse

/rhyt

hm3:

No

evid

ence

of s

tylis

tic

awar

enes

s4:

Ext

rem

ely h

esita

nt p

erfo

rman

ce

or le

ss th

an 1

/4 o

f the

test

com

plet

ed

1: L

arge

ly in

corr

ect i

n al

l pa

ram

eter

s2:

Exp

ress

ion

mar

ks an

d te

chni

ques

not

obs

erve

d3:

Way

war

d se

nse o

f pul

se/rh

ythm

4: N

o ev

iden

ce o

f sty

listic

aw

aren

ess

5: E

xtre

mely

hes

itant

per

form

ance

or

less

than

1/4

of t

he te

st co

mpl

eted

1: L

arge

ly in

corr

ect i

n al

l pa

ram

eter

s2:

Exp

ress

ive m

onot

ony

3: W

ayw

ard

sens

e of p

ulse

4: N

o ev

iden

ce o

f sty

listic

aw

aren

ess

5: E

xtre

mely

hes

itant

per

form

ance

or

less

than

1/4

of t

he te

st co

mpl

eted

1: L

arge

ly in

corr

ect i

n al

l pa

ram

eter

s2:

Exp

ress

ive m

onot

ony

3: W

ayw

ard

sens

e of p

ulse

4: N

o ev

iden

ce o

f sty

listic

aw

aren

ess

5: E

xtre

mely

hes

itant

per

form

ance

or

less

than

1/4

of t

he te

st co

mpl

eted

6: L

ittle

or in

com

plet

e sig

ht

read

ing


48

Band

Bas

ed K

eybo

ards

| Sy

llabu

s Gui

de |

2009

–201

2

Appendix C: Technical ExercisesGraDes 1–5

Distinction14+/15

1: Fluent, musical level of technical accuracy2: Exact sense of pulse3: Always prompt responses

Merit 12+/15

1: Correct pitches/rhythms2: Strong sense of pulse3: Generally prompt responses

Pass 11/15

1: Correct pitches/rhythms with occasional mistakes2: Consistent if either slower or faster than requested3: Some prompt responses

below Pass 1 9–10/15

1: Errors in pitches and rhythms2: Excessively cautious/hurried tempi; irregular pulse3: Hesitant with occasional false starts


1: Incorrect tests played2: A number of significant and/or repeated errors; no sense of pulse3: Frequent breakdowns


Band

Bas

ed K

eybo

ards

| Sy

llabu

s Gui

de |

2009

–201

2

49

Appendix E: Ear TestsDebut – GraDe 3 GraDes 4 & 5

Distinction 9+/10

Melody: Exact recall throughout in all areas Rhythm/Chords: Exact recall throughout

Melody: Exact recall throughout in all areas

Rhythm/Chords: Exact recall throughout with chord extensions correct

Merit 7–8/10

Melody: Close recall with 1 – 2 slips in pitch, rhythm or techniques where appropriate

Rhythm/ Chords: Close recall with 1 – 2 slips in rhythm or chords

Melody: Close recall with 1 – 2 slips in pitch, rhythm or techniques

Rhythm/ Chords: Close recall with 1 – 2 slips in rhythm, chords or extensions

Pass 6/10

Melody: Generally correct with 3 – 4 slips in pitch, rhythm or techniques where appropriate

Rhythm/ Chords: Generally correct recall with 3 – 4 slips in rhythm or chords

Melody: Generally correct with 3 – 4 slips in pitch, rhythm or techniques

Rhythm/ Chords: Generally correct recall with 3 – 4 slips in rhythm, chords or extensions


Melody: Hesitancy and with more than 4 slips in pitch, rhythm or techniques where appropriate

Rhythm/Chords: Hesitancy and with more than 4 slips in rhythm or chords

Melody: Hesitancy and with more than 4 slips in pitch, rhythm or techniques

Rhythm/Chords: Hesitancy and with more than 4 slips in rhythm, chords or extensions


Melody: largely or completely incorrect

Rhythm/Chords: largely or completely incorrect

Melody: largely or completely incorrect

Rhythm/Chords: largely or completely incorrect


D-5

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Debut to Grade 5


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