Pieces/Studies (66 marks)
Technical work (14 marks)
Supporting tests (20 marks)
Pieces/Studies
Candidates can express their musical identity by choosing pieces and studies from our varied repertoire lists. Drum kit candidates choose two pieces with backing tracks and one unaccompanied piece, from a wide range of authentic styles including jazz, funk, show tunes, film, TV, Latin, reggae and swing. Percussionists choose from a varied selection of tuned percussion, timpani and snare drum pieces with accompanied and unaccompanied options. Candidates can further personalise their programme by including an own composition.
Technical work
This section of the exam supports the development of technical skills by assessing candidates’ performance in a range of technical work requirements. Drum kit candidates play specially-composed exercises focusing on the new rudiments introduced for the grade. A range of instrument-specific technical work features in our percussion exams, including exercises, scales & arpeggios, orchestral figures and orchestral extracts.
Supporting tests
Trinity’s supporting tests encourage the development of the broader musical skills of sight reading, aural, improvisation and musical knowledge. The choice allows candidates to demonstrate their own musical skills in different ways, and includes an unpitched aural option for drum kit candidates. Find out more about our supporting tests.
Further information
Full details (including our procedures, syllabus requirements, what to expect, and what to bring with you) can be found in our Information & Regulations.
Exam report forms are released typically within 2 weeks for face-to-face exams, or after your submission is uploaded for digital grades. Certificates usually follow 4 weeks later. Occasionally, we may not be able to release the exam result straight away. Further details about this can be found on our release of results page. For any other questions, please see our music exam help pages.
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