Can anyone tell me what the aural tests for Grade 3 clarinet are on ABRSM?? I'm doing my exam in February and haven't practiced any yet!!

A To tap the pulse of a passage of music in 2 (including 6/8), 3 (including 9/8) or 4 time played by the examiner. The examiner will commence playing the passage, and the candidate will be expected to join in as soon as possible by tapping the beat, stressing where the strong beat falls. The candidate will then be asked to state the time.

B To sing, as an echo, three short phrases limited to a range of one octave in a major or minor key played by the examiner. The echoes should follow each phrase in strict time without an intervening pause. The key-chord and tonic will first be sounded and the pulse indicated.

C To recognize a rhythmic or melodic change to a four-bar phrase in a major or minor key played twice by the examiner, with the change being made in the second playing. Candidates will be required to recognize and tap, sing or describe the change. The key-chord and tonic will first be sounded and the pulse indicated. The examiner will be prepared to play both versions of the phrase a second time if necessary.

D To identify certain features of a piece played by the examiner. The features will be confined to contrasted dynamics (p/f), gradation of tone (crescendo/diminuendo), articulation (staccato/ legato), recognition of tempo changes (rallentando/accelerando etc.), and recognition of major and minor tonality, of which the examiner will select one or two and advise the candidate accordingly before playing the piece. Questions on the selected features will then follow. Candidates are encouraged to use Italian terms in their answers where appropriate.



hope this helps!goodluck with ur exam, what pieces are you playing?

Thanks!! I'm playing Adagio by Albonini, The Spy who went out to the Cold but Harris and Passing Time by Rae. Didn't get a choice in what pieces I did! I only started clarinet in October so I am panicking slightly!

kool, you will be fine im sure! good luck! you must be good to do grade 3 after not long playing!

Grade 3 auruls are quite easy. Refer to Nat's post.
This is my advice:

A:You might get confused with 2 and 4 time...so 4 time is the faster one. And you don't need to say 6/8 or 9/8...just say 2 or 3. You only have to identify them at Grade 7. You should have no problem remembering the rhythm cause it's only 1 or 2 bars(i forgot).

B:My least favourite...but it's much easier than what I am doing now. Just imitate(sing/hum) the melody or in other words....what you can hear!Be careful of the rhythm especially when off-beat when you start, don't start too soon or too late if you want to score.

C:Sorry....I forgot how I did this one 4 years ago....oh wait...I think I first of all sang the 1st one and then the 2nd one.

D:Easy peasy....as long as you know your theory, you should have no problem.

For your info...I think the most important part in the higher grades is the D test. At Grade 8, you have to say anything u know about the piece the examiner plays(he/she won't ask you anything).Well...my sister can't sing, and can't tell the cadence but she did the D part perfectly and she passed her auruls!I think it's also all about impression.Anyway good luck.