ABRSM Grade 1 Orchestral Percussion
General Info
Candidates taking an Orchestral Percussion 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.
Snare Drum Song List
Timpani Song List
Keyboard Percussion Song List
Technical Requirements
One of the following options, chosen by the candidate
Snare Drum
Studies are 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.
About the test: Candidates prepare two studies at each grade and examiners will request which one is to be played in the exam. Each Study is based on a set of rudiments; these are listed on the sheet music.
Instrument: The test must be played with the snares on
Publications: Percussion Exam Pieces & Studies, ABRSM Grade 1
Content: Study A & Study B
Memory: There is no requirement to play the Study from memory.
Sticking: Candidates may use any sticking that produces a successful musical outcome.
Demonstration Video:
Timpani
Studies are 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.
About the test: Candidates prepare two studies at each grade and examiners will request which one is to be played in the exam. Each Study is based on a set of rudiments; these are listed on the sheet music.
Instrument: The test must be played with the snares on
Publications: Percussion Exam Pieces & Studies, ABRSM Grade 1
Content: Study A & Study B
Memory: There is no requirement to play the Study from memory.
Sticking: Candidates may use any sticking that produces a successful musical outcome.
Demonstration Video:
Keyboard Percussion
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.
Memory: All requirements should be played from memory.
Ranges: Candidates are free to start at any octave, provided the required ranges are covered.
Patterns: Arpeggios and Dominant Sevenths are required in root position only.
Instruments: Requirements may be played on Glockenspiel / Xylophone / Vibraphone / Marimba. Scales played on the vibraphone should be played without pedal.
Scales: C / F / G Major (One Octave) and A / D / E Minor (One Octave)
Arpeggios: C / F / G Major (One Octave) and A / D / E Minor (One Octave)
Sticking: All requirements should be played by hand to hand. Candidates may lead with either hand.
Supporting Publications: Percussion Scales & Arpeggios, ABRSM Grades 1-5
Demonstration Video:
Sight Reading
Sight-reading is a valuable skill with many benefits. Learning to sight-read helps to develop quick recognition of common rhythm patterns and tonality. 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.
About the Test
Candidates will be asked to play a short unaccompanied piece of music which they have not seen before. They will be giving half a minute to look through and, if they wish, try out all or any part of the test before they are asked to play it for assessment.
Supporting Publications
For practice purposes, sample Sight-reading tests are published by Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in Percussion Sight-Reading Grades 1-5. Purchasing the book is not a requirement.
Aural
Listening lies at the heart of music-making and the ability to hear how music works helps with all aspects of musical development. Aural skills help with gauging the sound and balance of playing, keeping in time and playing with sense of rhythm and pulse. These skills also help to develop a sense of pitch, musical memory and the ability to spot mistakes.
About the Test
1. To clap the pulse of a piece played by the examiner, and to identify whether it is in two time or three time.
2. To sing as 'echoes' three phrases played by the examiner.
3. To identify where a change in pitch occurs during a phrase played by the examiner.
4. To answer questions about two features of a piece played by the examiner.
Supporting Publications
For practice purpose, sample Aural tests are published by Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Examples of the tests are given in Specimen Aural Tests and Aural Training in Practice. Purchasing these books is not a requirement.