WHAT IS EXPECTED IN A MUSIC EXAM?

Almost all music exam board adopt similar structure of making assessment in a music exam.
Generally they are all the same. Now let us look at the two examination board our centre is
engaged with.
PIECES
1

All music exam will require you to play pieces of music. And usually you are required to
perform 3 pieces in a given list. However some examination board may require you to
play up to 4 pieces.

TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON has 2 list of pieces for you to choose and they are referred
as Group A and Group B. You will choose 3 pieces from the two list whether 2 from Group
A and 1 from Group B or vice versa. While the ROYAL SCHOOL (ABRSM) has 3 list and
you must choose 1 from each list.

When performing the pieces, all musical direction should be observed unless otherwise
directed in small print. The major issues usually persist when there is problem with D.S al
Coda, or D.S al Fine. You will need to consult your teacher whether or not to observe.

SCALES, ARPEGGIOS AND TECHNICAL EXERCISES

1

These are also an important aspect of assessment in music exam.

Each exam board has their own sets of exercises you need to follow, thus it is best if you
keep a copy of the exam syllabus for your own grade as references.

SIGHT READING
1

This test is usually a compulsory component from the very early stage of music learning
up to Grade 8 or even diploma levels. It is an important skill that every musician must
have. TRINITY makes it a compulsory element after Grade 5.

AURAL TEST
1 Aural test is a compulsory component for ABRSM however you can choose either
Improvisation test for TRNITITY COLLEGE. Aural test engage some simple yet fun
musical activities testing listening and musical memory.
If you need more information about music exams, you can consult your music teacher or find
out more about music exams at the following websites.
ABRSM:-

http://www.my.abrsm.org

TRINITY GUILDHALL:-

http://www.trinitycollege.com (music)

MY MUSIC EXAM PIECES

1.Group / List
2.Group / List
3.Group / List
Scales and Technical Exercises:-

Am I well prepared for

SIGHT READING

( YES / NO)

AURAL TEST

( YES / NO)

MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE

( YES / NO)

IMPROVISATION

( YES / NO)