Refreshed Strings syllabus launched – now with even more choice and flexibility

Trinity College London is pleased to announce the release of its refreshed Strings syllabus, offering an expanded and lasting repertoire across Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Harp.

This update continues Trinity’s move to remove expiry dates from repertoire while regularly adding new material, giving learners more flexibility to select music that inspires them. Pieces from both the Violin Exam Pieces from 2020 and 2025 books remain valid indefinitely.

The refreshed syllabus features a wide variety of musical styles — from classical favourites to jazz, folk, Latin, film and pop — giving learners even more choice to suit their interests.

The newly released Violin Exam Pieces from 2025 books include 12 brand-new pieces at every grade, with expert Performance Notes and broadcast-quality demo and backing tracks. Repertoire highlights include Do You Want to Build a Snowman? (Frozen), Colors of the Wind (Pocahontas), Levitating (Dua Lipa), and Rather Be (Clean Bandit). Digital versions are available immediately and printed books will be published in September.

New commissions from Omar Puente, Julian Ferraretto, Chris Garrick and Stephen J Wood further broaden the syllabus, bringing fresh jazz, folk and Latin influences to learners across the grades.

Candidates can take exams face-to-face or digitally. Digital candidates may choose between the Technical Work pathway (three pieces plus technical work) or the Repertoire-only pathway (four pieces only). Digital exams can now be performed with either live or recorded accompaniments across all grades, and backing tracks can be used for face-to-face exams up to Grade 3.

With growing repertoire choice and flexible assessment pathways, Trinity’s Strings syllabus offers long-term value and a learner-centred approach.

Find out more and explore the syllabus

Buy the Violin Exam Pieces from 2025