As in the title. I am bemused as to why there is a specific rhythm to the ABRSM scales syllabus. Personally, I play scales evenly as if the notes were all quavers. What is the point in adding confusion to pupils by (a) asking them to play the correct notes and (b) asking them to play with the correct rhythm? Do the ABRSM examiners mark down pupils should they not play with the printed rhythm? (Even if they play ALL the correct notes.)

I don't know what the rhythm in the ABRSM scale book is, but my teacher asks me to accent the first of every group of four, because she says that it exercises the different fingers.

Is there a specific rhythm in the ABRSM syllabus? I've always played everything as quavers.

Is this an instrument specific requirement? What does the syllabus actually say?

It varies from instrument to instrument. As does the range of each scale, the patterns used for things like dominant seventh arpeggios etc.

It can be extremely confusing if you are doing exams in more than one instrument

You do not mention which instrument you play, that may be relevant. My piano students do not use ABRSM scale books, so they have no preconceived ideas about how they look or how they should be played. I use a system based on letters and numbers and, like you, I teach students to play scales in even quavers, stressing the idea that I should not be able to tell when the thumb has tucked under, or the fingers have crossed over.

From an examiners' point of view, prompt response, accuracy of notes, fluent delivery, and an appropriate tempo for the grade are all essential to get high marks, and a sense of musical line is a bonus. This must surely be true for all instruments. There is nothing in the rubrics about rhythm.

If you do not have it already, I suggest you obtain a copy of 'These music exams' by Clara Taylor, an ABRSM publication, and have a look at page 40.

Er...there may be nothing in the rubrics about rhythm for pianists, certainly. BUT

For strings there are these requirements :string scale patterns

Woodwinds are different again - for example woodwind dominant sevenths finish on the dominant not the tonic.

And also, in These Music Exams there are recommended speeds. Of course, your understanding these speeds as they are meant requires you are playing the same note-length-value as you find in the books.

When I was learning viola I wasn't working towards any exams and all my scales were the "long tonic" pattern in order to incorporate whole bows and half bows at either end (tip and heel).

But...but...the tonic isn't part of the dominant seventh chord! Do string players have an extra note at the end? Or do they substitute a tonic for the final note of the 'normal' dom. 7th (i.e. the dominant)? (I've only ever done woodwind and piano exams)

Edit: Having now looked at the string scale patterns, I understand - though I'm not sure how the 2 octave one works, in terms of grouping.

The dominant seventh for strings does actually resolve on the tonic.

Dominant 7ths for sax start and end on the same note.

It appears I played the wrong final note in my tuba exam last term....

There's not anything in the brass (and presumably wind) syllabus that specifies not resolving to the tonic, and going back to the string one the required resolution is just mentioned parenthetically. Hardly the most helpful of clarifying the difference!

In the published AB scale book for flute, it's written ending on the dominant. In the violin scale book, it resolves on the tonic. I can see why it might be a problem if you prefer not to buy the scale books, though! On the other hand, perhaps it doesn't really matter; after all, the examiner will be accustomed to hearing them played both ways, and it will be obvious whether you know them or not by the time you reach the last note.

Fair point, and I didn't quibble with my result, anyway

However, I still feel that it's very wrong for ambiguities in the syllabus only being clarified by other publications - the syllabus, and the other regulations re. exams, should spell out everything that is required.