ABRSM Grade 1 Orchestral Percussion
General Info
Candidates taking a Percussion (Combined) exam are required to:
- play one piece for each of Snare Drum, Timpani and Keyboard Percussion
- play the technical requirements for either Snare Drum, Timpani or Keyboard Percussion at their choice
- have instruments available which meet the minimum requirements for the Sight-reading for Snare Drum, Timpani and Keyboard Percussion. The subject for the test will be chosen by the examiner.
Song List
Technical Requirements
One of the following options, chosen by the candidate
| Instrument | List | Publications | Memory | Notes | Video Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snare Drum | Study A Study B |
Nil | Studies are in important way to develop technical skills such as stick control, balance between hands, fluency and articulation. They also help to develop tone, pulse and dynamic control, and familiarity with rudimental patterns. This leads to greater confidence and security when sight-reading, learning new pieces and performing - from a score or from memory, as a solo musician or with others. | |||
| Timpani | Study A Study B |
Nil | Studies are in important way to develop technical skills such as fluency, balance between hands, moving between drums, retuning / pedaling and articulation. They also help to develop tone, pulse, dynamic control and interval awareness. This leads to greater confidence and security when sight-reading, learning new pieces and performing - from a score or from memory, as a solo musician or with others. | |||
| Keyboard Percussion | C / F / G Major Scales and Arpeggios (One Octave) A / D / E Minor Scales and Arpeggios (One Octave) |
Percussion Scales & Arpeggios, ABRSM Grades 1-5 | All requirements should be played from memory. | Playing scales and arpeggios is important for building strong technical skills such as reliable hand movement and position, co-ordination and fluency. It also helps to develop pitch and interval awareness, and familiarity with keys and their related patterns. This leads to greater confidence and security when sight-reading, learning new pieces and performing- from a score or from memory, as a solo musician or with others. |
Sight Reading
Sight-reading is a valuable skill with many benefits. Learning to sight-read helps to develop quick recognition of keys, tonality and common rhythm patterns. Strong sight-reading skills make learning new pieces quicker and easier, and also help when making music with others, so that playing in an ensemble becomes more rewarding and enjoyable.
| Instrument | Length (Bars) | Time Signature | Key Signature | Other features that may be included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snare Drum | 4 6 |
4/4, 3/4 2/4 |
Forte & Piano | |
| Timpani | 4 6 |
4/4, 3/4 2/4 |
Forte & Piano | |
| Keyboard Percussion | 4 6 |
4/4, 3/4 2/4 |
C Major F Major |
Forte & Piano |