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Woodwind

About Woodwind assessments

We offer a range of assessments for learners playing the recorder, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and saxophone - from the Prep Test for beginners up to Grade 8 and diplomas in Music Performance for advanced musicians.  

Read on to find out more about Woodwind exams.  

A young woman in a pink jumper plays the clarinet

Instruments

Woodwind – Practical Grades

Practical Grades are face-to-face exams that focus on all-round musical knowledge and skills, including performance. Exams are available at Grades 1 to 8. In the exam you perform three pieces, play scales and arpeggios and take sight-reading and aural tests.   

Downloads

Download a PDF of the Woodwind Practical Grades Qualification Specification, which includes syllabuses for all instruments. 

Woodwind – Performance Grades

Performance Grades are digital exams assessed from a video recording. They have a strong focus on performance, including communication, interpretation and delivery.  In the exam you perform a programme of four pieces.  

Exams are available at Grades 1 to 8. There are no booking periods or exam sessions so you can choose when to book, record and submit your exam.  

As well as reading the qualification specification and the syllabus for your instrument, you should also read our guidance which includes important information about recording and submitting your exam video.  

Downloads

Download PDFs of the Performance Grades Qualification Specification and the Woodwind syllabus.

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