Keyboard & Organ Syllabus

84 Pages·2010·0.76 MB·English

Keyboard
& Organ Syllabus
Trinity Guildhall Examinations
89 Albert Embankment
London SE1 7TP UK
T + 44 (0)20 7820 6100
F + 44 (0)20 7820 6161
E [email protected]
www.trinityguildhall.co.uk
Patron HRH The Duke of Kent KG
Executive Director & Head of Academic Governance (Performing & Creative Arts)
Mark Stringer GMusRNCM(Hons) FTCL ARCM ARCO(CHM) PGCE HonLRSL FRSA
Chief Examiner in Music
Keith Beniston GLCM FLCM PGCE FRSA
Syllabus Manager
Lindsay Danby BMus(Hons)
Head of Operations (Performing & Creative Arts)
Abigail McElheron BA(Hons) HonTCL
Copyright © 2010 Trinity College London
Published by Trinity College London
First impression, August 2010
Contents
Introduction.....................................................................................................................3
Grade examinations
Structure, duration & marking ........................................................................................4
Pieces ....................................................................................................................................6
Own Composition ................................................................................................................7
Supporting Tests:
Sight Reading ..............................................................................................................8
Aural .............................................................................................................................12
Improvisation .............................................................................................................16
Musical Knowledge ...................................................................................................19
Requirements:
Electronic Keyboard (subject code EK) ..............................................................21
Digital Keyboard (subject code DK) ...................................................................38
Electronic Organ (subject code EO) ...................................................................47
Organ (subject code OGN) ....................................................................................63
Obtaining music — publishers’ contact details ....................................81
Trinity Guildhall publications ..........................................................................84
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Keyboard & Organ Syllabus 2011
Introduction
This syllabus contains full details of Grade examinations in Electronic Keyboard, Digital Keyboard,
Electronic Organ and Organ. It is valid from 1 January 2011 and supersedes all previous syllabuses. From
2011, Trinity Guildhall will no longer offer Accordion Grade examinations. New Accordion Certificate
examinations will be available in their place. Details of these are available on the website:
www.trinityguildhall.co.uk.
The new syllabus contains refreshed repertoire choices for Electronic Organ and Organ, and significant
changes to the Pieces and Technical Work for Electronic Keyboard (Initial–Grade 5). The Digital Keyboard
syllabus (Grades 6–8) contains changes to the Technical Work only for 2011. From January 2012, the
Digital Keyboard syllabus will be revamped and renamed as Electronic Keyboard (Grades 6–8), with
amendments to the repertoire and other aspects of the Technical Work. A new syllabus for 2012–2013
will be available in July 2011. The only alteration to this syllabus will be to the requirements for Electronic
Keyboard Grades 6–8.
There will be a one session overlap in 2011, in which candidates may offer Pieces and Technical Work from
either the 2007–2010 syllabus or the 2011 syllabus, but not a mixture of both. A similar overlap will be
implemented in 2012 for the new Electronic Keyboard (Grades 6–8).
Full details of entry procedures, examination regulations and marking criteria are given in a separate
booklet — Information and Regulations — which is available direct from Trinity’s Head Office, Local
Representatives or from our website www.trinityguildhall.co.uk. This booklet is updated annually and
candidates should ensure that they consult the current version for the year of entry.
Trinity Guildhall examinations are offered and delivered by Trinity College London, the international
examinations board.
Trinity College London is an awarding body recognised in the United Kingdom by the Office of
Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England, the Welsh Assembly Government
(WAG) and the Northern Ireland Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).
Trinity’s qualifications are accredited by these authorities within the Qualifications Framework.
Various arrangements are in place with governmental education authorities worldwide.
3
Grade Examinations
Structure
Trinity Guildhall’s practical examination grades are numbered from 1 to 8 in increasing order of
difficulty. In Electronic Keyboard and Electronic Organ, an Initial examination acts as an introduction
to the examination system.
The structure of Graded Examinations is as follows:
Pieces
Candidates play three pieces, chosen from the published list(s).
Technical Work
Candidates prepare scales, arpeggios and other technical exercises as required in the syllabus.
Supporting Tests
For all instruments there are two further tests:
Up to and including Grade 5, candidates may choose any two tests from:
Aural
Sight Reading
Improvisation
Musical Knowledge
In Grades 6, 7 and 8, Test 1 must be Sight Reading. For Test 2 there is a choice between Aural and
Improvisation.
At the examination, candidates should note on the Appointment Slip which tests have been chosen.
Order of examination
Technical Work will normally be asked before pieces. Candidates wishing to present their examination
in any other order may do so, but must write their preferred sequence on the back of the appointment
slip and indicate this on entering the examination room. This choice does not extend to cases where
the syllabus stipulates the location of any item, e.g. Own Composition.
Duration
Level Duration in minutes
Initial 13
Grade 1 13
Grade 2 15
Grade 3 15
Grade 4 20
Grade 5 20
Grade 6 25
Grade 7 25
Grade 8 30
4
Grade examinations
Marking
The maximum marks available for all graded keyboard and organ examinations are as follows:
Piece 1 22
Piece 2 22
Piece 3 22
Technical Work 14
Test 1 10
Test 2 10
TOTAL 100
Pass is awarded at 60
Merit is awarded at 75
Distinction is awarded at 87
Note that ‘piece’ may occasionally consist of more than one musical item.
The mark out of 22 for each piece* is made up of three component marks, awarded for:
• Notational Accuracy & Fluency (7 marks):
How well the notes are prepared and realised. More conveniently thought of as: ‘Me and the Music’.
• Technical Facility (7 marks):
Instrumental control and the ability to draw the most from the instrument; dynamics, tone colour,
articulation, pedalling etc: ‘Me and the Instrument’.
• Communication (8 marks):
How well the candidate interprets the music, engages the audience and conveys a sense of the
meaning of the music they are playing: ‘Me and the Audience’.
For more detail please see the ‘Mark Scheme’ and ‘Assessment Criteria’ sections in the Information and
Regulations booklet, which is available from Head Office, Local Representatives or from the website
www.trinityguildhall.co.uk
* Note that ‘piece’ may occasionally consist of more than one musical item.
5
Grade examinations
Pieces
Repeats, ornaments & tempi
All da capo and dal segno instructions should be observed. Repeats of more than a few bars should be
omitted unless otherwise instructed in the syllabus or printed music books, or where a substantial first-
time bar section would be lost. Cadential trills and other ornamentation appropriate to the style of the
music are encouraged at all levels, and particularly in the higher grades. Metronome marks are given
merely as a guide to performance, and candidates should observe terms showing the tempo and/or
character of the music (e.g. Lento, Allegro) in their performance.
Page-turners
The examiner cannot act as a page-turner. In earlier grades, difficult page-turns should be overcome
by photocopying the relevant pages. A page-turner may assist in Grades 6–8 examinations if absolutely
necessary, but may remain in the examination room only whilst (s)he is needed.
Playing from memory
Candidates are free to play any or all of their pieces from memory, and to do so is likely to help with
the security of their knowledge and their ability to communicate. It is not obligatory, however, and no
separate marks are given for memorisation. Candidates who play from memory must ensure that an
original copy of the music performed is brought to the examination for the examiner’s reference.
Music and copies
Candidates are reminded that they must perform from an original copy of the relevant sheet music
in the exam room. If an unauthorised copy (including an unauthorised photocopy) is used, candidates
should be aware that Trinity may not award marks in relation to the performance of the prohibited
piece(s) of music. Original copies of sheet music can be purchased or downloaded from music shops
and publishers, for whom contact details are given at the end of this syllabus. Details regarding the
legitimacy of all forms of sheet music can be obtained from the UK Music Publishers Association’s Code
of Fair Practice, available at www.mpaonline.org.uk.
It is strongly recommended that original copies of music needed for examinations are obtained before
an examination entry is made; allowances cannot be made for delays in obtaining music. Candidates
should note that variations in worldwide availability may occasionally be encountered; the contents of
books should always be checked before purchase.
Examiners of grade examinations welcome the provision of reference copies of pieces not published
by Trinity Guildhall. Photocopies can legitimately be used for this purpose; any copies provided will be
retained by the examiner and destroyed after the examination.
6
Grade examinations
Own Composition

Candidates in Electronic Keyboard, Electronic Organ and Organ may offer their own composition in place
of a listed piece where indicated in the syllabus. This must be performed as the last of their group of
pieces so that questions on the piece may follow immediately afterwards.
Content
The composition should follow the specification given, and must be of a similar technical and artistic
level to the other pieces performed. The use of pre-recorded material or other instruments is not
allowed. The piece should be substantially the candidate’s unaided work, although the teacher may offer
guidance as necessary. Candidates and teachers are advised to take note of the Levels of Achievement
statements in the current Information and Regulations booklet when preparing own compositions.
The timings given at each level should be observed carefully; credit will be lost if compositions fall
appreciably short of, or exceed the indicated timespan.
Notation
The complete composition must be written out in the candidate’s own hand (or be produced and
printed by the candidate using a score-writing programme). At Initial–Grade 5, the composition may be
presented in any coherent form of notation. For compositions at Grades 6–8 staff notation is essential.
Marks will be deducted if the notation is incomplete or technically inaccurate or if the performance
varies significantly from what is written. Candidates must present a (photo)copy of the piece, which the
examiner will keep, with name and candidate number clearly shown.
Assessment
After the performance, the examiner will ask the candidate to explain how the piece was composed and
will ask further questions about the notation and structure. 16 marks are awarded for the performance,
and 6 marks for clarity of explanation, structure and presentation.
Composition requirements — grade by grade:
Grade Duration Requirements
Initial 1—2 minutes A piece containing sudden changes
1 11/2—21/2 minutes A piece with two contrasting sections
2 11/2—21/2 minutes A piece contrasting legato and staccato passages
3 11/2—21/2 minutes A piece which explores dynamic contrast
4 21/2—31/2 minutes A piece with long melodic phrases
5 21/2—31/2 minutes A piece containing contrasting voices and styles
6 31/2—41/2 minutes A piece using a variety of clusters
7 31/2—41/2 minutes A piece featuring contrary movement
8 41/2—51/2 minutes A piece featuring at least two contrapuntal voices
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Grade examinations
Supporting Tests
Sight Reading
Sight Reading tests are set at the level of a piece prescribed approximately two grades lower than the
grade undertaken; for instance, Grade 5 candidates should be able to read at sight the level of piece set
for Grade 3 performance. Tests will follow the parameters given below. Note that the parameters are
cumulative; the keys etc. used at each grade may also include any variable set for any previous grade.
Candidates will be allowed 30 seconds to study the test before they attempt it. During this time
they may practise any or all of the piece aloud. The examiner will only take account of the actual
performance of the test. Candidates of Electronic Keyboard may choose between two different ways
of performing the sight reading test; either with single-fingered chords and rhythm/style or with
fully–fingered chords without rhythm/style, at the candidate’s choice. Specimen sight reading tests
for Electronic Keyboard and Electronic Organ are available to purchase (see page 84). Specimen sight
reading tests for Digital Keyboard are available to download free-of-charge from the website:
www.trinityguildhall.co.uk.
Sight Reading Parameters for Electronic Keyboard
Keys Time Chords Note Note Dynamics Other
signatures values patterns
(cumulative*) (cumulative*) (cumulative*) (cumulative*) (cumulative*) (cumulative*)(cumulative*)
five-finger
Initial C major 2 — q and h — mf pohsaintido n
only
five-finger
hand
Grade 1 as above plus 4 I,V plus î — f position
and (RH not
î
tonic)
Change of
hand
Grade 2 plus A minor plus 3 plus IV plus h. — p position
and Î within
octave
plus F and G
major;
Grade 3 D minor plus VI plus w , q. —
(including and q h q
e
C#) as above
plus D
as above
major; two-part
Grade 4 plus V7 as above as above
B and E right hand
minor
plus A and
Grade 5 Bb major; plus 6 — plus x syncopated three-part
quavers right hand
C minor and Å
* Please note, at any given grade candidates are expected to know the requirements of the preceding grade(s).
8
Grade examinations
Sight Reading Parameters for Digital Keyboard
The sight reading test will be given in piano score (treble and bass clefs) to be played hands
together after 30 seconds of preparation time.
Keys Time Chords Note Note Dynamics Other
signatures values patterns
(cumulative*) (cumulative*) (cumulative*) (cumulative*) (cumulative*) (cumulative*) (cumulative*)
right-hand
chords of
A and Eb three notes
major; or more;
Grade 6 plus 8
F# and C voice and
minor style at the
candidate’s
all common
discretion
note values
and rests
all common reasonably plus mp, plus
E and Ab complex cresc. and chromatic
chords
major, rhythms dim. features;
Grade 7 plus 9
C# and F elements
minor of stylistic
perception
B and Db plus 2 and
2
major;
Grade 8 changing plus duplets as above
G# and Bb
time
minor
signatures
* Please note, at any given grade candidates are expected to know the requirements of the preceding grade(s).
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Grade examinations
Registration (cumulative*) wo manuals to be tused throughout; contrasting sounds on both manuals;mf as above solo voice on upper manual ; use of swell pedal cresc.; dim.;pp andff as above changes of registration
Pedals (cumulative*) none none none white notes only all notes more independent pedal part full use of pedals as above
Organ Tempi and Note values Manuals articulation (cumulative*)(cumulative*)(cumulative*) five-finger hand moderato andposition onlyhq remains within hand postion (not pluslegato plusandwînecessarily C) plus allegrettotwo-part textureand simple plusand tiesh.phrasing plusandanteandÎ , ,plusas abovemore intricate ephrasing and î plusstaccato and three-part textureä plusand accentsq. plus rall., accel., more varied texture Å ;plusandxand some further and a tempodotted notes and chromaticismpauserests any common terms and signsas above as above as above plus duplets/triplets o know the requirements of the preceding grade(s).
s for Electronic Time signatures (cumulative*) 2 4plus 3plus as above 6plus 8 plus 9plus 2plusand 2changing time signatures didates are expected t
t n
ading Requiremen Keys (cumulative*) C major plus G major; A minor (white notes only) as above plus F major; D minor #)(including C b major;plus D and BE and D minor (plus accidentals)bplus A and E major;B and G minor (including modulation) # plus Fand C minor bplus E and A major;#C and F minor bplus B and D major;#b G and Bminor (including double sharps and flats) e, at any given grade ca
Sight Re Initial Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Please not
*
10