About the exam

Musical knowledge (InitialGrade 5 only)

The examiner will ask candidates five questions in the exam, which test their understanding of the
pieces played, their knowledge of the notation and their instrument. Questions refer to the solo
line only.

The examiner will first ask candidates to choose their favourite piece from the ones performed in the
exam and will then ask some of the questions on that piece. The examiner will then choose one of the
other pieces performed to complete the questions.

The printed score should be free of annotations except for essential markings such as fingerings,
breath marks etc as appropriate. The examiner will usually point to part of the score when
asking the questions.

Sample questions and answers are included in the table below. Where English note values are
specified (eg quaver, minim), American terms may alternatively be used (eg eighth note, half note).

Grade Parameters Sample question Sample answer

(cumulative*)
Initial What is the pitch name of
Pitch names G
this note?
How many beats are there
Note durations Two
for this note?
Clefs, stave, barlines What is this sign? Treble clef
Identify key/time
What is this called? Time signature
signatures
Musical terms and signs
What is this called? A pause mark
(simple)
Grade 1 Note values What is this note value? Quaver
Explain key/time Four crotchet beats
signatures What does 4 mean? in a bar

Notes on ledger lines What is the name of this note? Bb

Musical terms and signs

(more comprehensive)
Parts of the instrument
Grade 2 Metronome marks,
grace notes and
ornaments
Intervals
(numerical only)
Basic posture
What is the meaning of da capo? Go back to the start
What is this part called? A key
72 crotchet beats
Explain the sign d = 72
per minute
What is the interval between
3rd
these notes?
Show me a good left hand Candidate
position for your instrument demonstrates

* Tests may also include requirements from preceding grades.

Back to contents 25
About the exam

Grade Parameters Sample question Sample answer

(cumulative*)
Grade 3 What is the relative major/
Relative major/minor D minor
minor of this piece?
What pattern of notes do
Scale/arpeggio pattern Scale
you see here?
When you play this note,
Transposition (for
which note actually D
transposing instruments)
sounds?
How do you warm up for a
Warm up Sustaining long breaths
piece like this?
Grade 4 Modulation to closely What key does this music
A minor
related keys change to?
Name the notes of the
Tonic/dominant triads C, E, G
tonic triad
What is the interval
Intervals (full names) Perfect 5th
between these notes?
Show me the most
Here [candidate indicates],
Technical challenges challenging part of this
because of the awkward leaps
piece and tell me why
Grade 5 Candidate identifies style of
Comment on the style of
Musical style piece and gives examples of
this piece
stylistic features
Candidate suggests a musical
How does this piece
period and gives examples of
Musical period reflect the period in
the characteristics that define
which it was written?
this piece as from this period
Candidate identifies form
Describe the form of
Musical structures of piece and describes the
this piece
relevant sections
Name the notes of the
Subdominant triads F, A, C
subdominant triad

* Tests may also include requirements from preceding grades.

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