ABRSM Grade 7 Snare Drum
General Info
- Candidates must play at least one piece for multiple percussion.
- All pieces and studies should be played with the snares on unless marked otherwise in the music.
- Candidates must choose three pieces from the repertoire list, including at least one piece marked with #.
- Up to two pieces by the same composer may be played.
- Candidates must play the upper part when pieces that are published as duets.
- Candidates must provide their own accompanist(s).
- Pieces accompanied by percussion must be played on a separate instrument from the candidates'.
Song List
Technical Requirements
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 Studies, ABRSM Grades 6-8
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:
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.
Candidates will be asked to play a short unaccompanied piece of music which they have not seen before. They will be given 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.
Aural Test
1. To sing or play from memory the lower part of a two-part phrase played twice by the examiner.
2. To sing the upper part of a two-part phrase from score, with the lower part played by the examiner.
3. To identify the cadence at the end of a phrase; two chords forming the above cadence; the modulation at the end of a different passage.
4. To answer questions about two features of a piece played by the examiner; clap the rhythm of the notes in an extract from the same piece and identify whether it is in two time, three time, four time or 6/8 time.