ABRSM Grade 1 Keyboard Percussion
General Info
- Glockenspiel / Xylophone / Vibraphone / Marimba may be used in exam.
- Candidates must not alter a piece at any grade to suit the range of an instrument (unless indicated in the music).
- Scales and Arpeggios must be played on a single instrument. Sight reading may be played on the same or a different instrument.
- Candidates must choose three pieces from the repertoire list, including at least one piece marked with #.
- 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
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.