Guidelines for parents
Grade examinations begin at level 1 and increase in difficulty to Grade 8. Some universities award UCAS points for grades 5-8. However, as children begin to learn an instrument at a much earlier age, it has become quite common for Grade 5 to be achieved long before the GCSE stage is reached in school.
When is my child ready for Grade Exams?
This depends on the amount of practice, quality of practice, ability of student and ability to perform under exam conditions. The biggest step of all is from the very beginning to Grade 1, which is why many exam boards offer a preparatory grade or debut test as a preparation for the first real grade exam.
The average time for a good student to reach Grade 1 is 18 months for Woodwind and Brass but two years or more for strings and piano.
Basic Information
Exams take place each term. There is a closing date for entries - usually around the second or third week of term - when all fees must be paid. These are collected by the instrumental teacher (cheques payable to the teacher) who enters all students on one cheque to the exam board.
It is often well after Half Term that the teacher will be informed of the examination dates. The day is chosen by the board within an examination period of 4-5 weeks during the term. N.B. Most boards will enter into negotiations concerning dates discussion only with the person who entered the candidates and not with parents.
Examinations are taken at approved centres. The Associated Board also runs theory grades 1-8. It is essential that a student has passed Grade 5 theory before progressing onto Grade 6 practical. (GCSE Music is no longer considered an equivalent!)
Trinity Guildhall will allow students to take up to Grade 8 practical without Grade 5 theory.
Part-refund may be obtained with a doctor's note if a child is unable to attend the exam.
The Examination itself
This takes between 10 and 30 minutes depending on level. Each exam contains the following:
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2 pieces - compulsory piano accompaniment required (except for piano & guitar) Parents need to hire an accompanist well in advance
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1 study - unaccompanied
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Scales, chosen by the board to suit the level, listed in the syllabus for preparation by memory
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Aural tests - ear tests. These need preparation and practice with either the instrumental teacher or the accompanist.
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Tapes are now available to help preparation
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Sight-reading - an attempted performance of a previously unseen piece of music
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N.B. No photocopies are allowed in the exam (apart from accompanists who wish to avoid an awkward page turn).
Marking and Results
All boards have a basic pass/fail system depending on marks obtained. High passes will be awarded merits and exceptionally high passes will be awarded distinction/honours. All results are sent to the teacher and usually arrive between 1 and 5 weeks after sitting the exam. If this is likely to encroach on school holidays, an s.a.e. may be given to the child's teacher and he / she will then send the result to the child's home. The teacher also receives a comment sheet and certificate (if successful) for each candidate.
Why enter your child for Grade Exams?
Students who enter exams make better progress (fact)
It can often provide the incentive to motivate a child to practise and turn the corner
It is a way of quantifying their achievements, showing a good impression of willingness to work to prospective employers.
However, it is never advisable to exclusively pursue exam work, which can be soul-destroying. A child should be of Grade 3 level before being entered, and not merely taught grade 3 pieces!!
Theory Exams
For a student to progress to the advanced practical grades (6-8) of the ABRSM they must first pass Grade 5 theory of Music. This is a written paper covering the theory of written music and covers all the basic knowledge of keys, rhythm, harmony and instrumentation.
CAVMS runs weekly theory classes for beginners and those preparing for Grade 5 on a Tuesday evening at the Cathedral School, Llandaff.
Which Board?
There are several examining boards. The most widely-known and internationally recognised is the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music but most London colleges offer similar examinations (e.g. Trinity, Guildhall, London College). The teacher will select a board for a variety of reasons e.g. pieces chosen, exam period, optional sections such as improvisation. Some prefer the Guildhall because specialists in their instruments and not general examiners examine students.
Jazz piano and Jazz Saxophone are the latest options to be offered to students. London Rock School is a board affiliated to Trinity College for Guitar, Bass, Drums and shortly, Piano too. The word 'rock' is meant in a general sense incorporating many options including Blues, Pop, Jazz etc. The tutor book comes with a tape or CD so that the exam is taken with an entire band!
