ABRSM These music exams [2009]

TME UK 2011 cover.qxp:Layout 1 25/3/11 12:34 Page 2These music examsA guide to ABRSM exams forcandidates, teachers and parentsClara TaylorContentsIntroduction 4Outline plan 6Foreword 81 Why take a music exam? 92 Before the exam 10Preparation tips 11… for candidates 11… mainly for teachers 13… for both teachers and parents 14Helpful hints A–Z 15Access 15Accompanists 15Age limits 16Aural tests 16Date of exams 16Editions of music 17Grade 5 Theory, Practical Musicianship 18or Jazz as a prerequisiteMetronome marks 19Order of exam 19Ornaments 20Page-turns 20Playing from memory 21Repeats and da capo 21Scale requirements 21Sight-reading 21Other tests, other exams 22Prep Test 22Performance Assessment 22Jazz exams 22Ensembles 23Choral singing 23Music Medals 243 On the day 25Nerves 25Warming up, tuning up 26For piano candidates 27For other instrumentalists 27Who will the examiner be? 28Exam timings 29Practical exam elements 29Pieces 30Technical requirements 30Recommended minimum speeds 31for scales and arpeggiosSight-reading 33Aural tests 33Hints and tips for candidates 34Practical exams 34How do examiners assess performance? 36Assessment objectives 36Assessment criteria 38The view from the examiner’s chair 43Theory exams 44Hints and tips for candidates 44How do markers assess theory papers? 454 After the exam 48The examiner’s mark form 48The results and after 48‘But what if I fail?’ 50Next steps 51Diplomas ...