Syllabuses
Introducing our syllabuses
From this this page you can to start to explore our music exams and assessments.
Use our instrument and subject finder to discover the exams we offer along with qualification specifications and syllabuses.
Further down the page you'll find more information about our syllabuses including updates, overlap periods, corrections and FAQs.
Instruments and subjects
New Practical and Performance Grade syllabuses from 2024
The Bowed Strings syllabuses from 2024 feature refreshed repertoire lists for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass. There are no changes to the scales and arpeggios, sight-reading and aural tests in the Practical Grade syllabus. The new syllabuses come into effect on 1 January 2024 and there is a one-year overlap period – see below.
We offer an overlap period in the first year of a new syllabus. During the overlap period, you can follow specific requirements from the preceding syllabus. Overlap periods only apply to the syllabuses and requirements listed on this page. We will add information for other syllabuses during the final year of their validity period.
Practical Grades
- You can choose your three pieces from the 2023 & 2024 syllabus until 31 December 2025.
- All three pieces must be from the same syllabus.
- If you are playing pieces from the 2023 & 2024 syllabus, please tell the examiner or write this on your programme form.
Performance Grades
- You can choose your set pieces from the 2023 & 2024 syllabus until 31 December 2025. You must upload your video recording on or before this date.
- All three set pieces must be from the same syllabus.
- The fourth, own-choice piece is not affected by overlap arrangements.
- Please include the relevant syllabus dates when completing the online programme form.
Publication corrections
Errors in publications affect the first impression copies only and are corrected at reprint.
Discovering Music Theory Grade 1 Answer Book
- Page 26, Exercise 3 c: the correct answer is a G on the bottom line, creating a triad of G major.
- Page 28, Exercise 4: fine means ‘the end’ (not ‘repeat from the beginning’).
Discovering Music Theory Grade 2 Answer Book
- Page 1, Exercise 2 b: the answer should match the three-note exercise in the Workbook, and read ‘BAG’ (not the extended ‘BAGGED’).
- Page 24, Exercise 1 a: the correct answer is ‘The music should be played very quietly and in a singing style’ (not ‘The music should be played very quietly and sweetly’).
- Page 29, Exercise 3.5: this should be numbered ‘2.4’ (not ‘3.5’).
- Page 30, Exercise 3.7: the first and fifth boxes should be selected, not the third and seventh.
Discovering Music Theory Grade 3 Workbook
- Page 3, Exercise 3, top row, second from left: this example will be reprinted as a semiquaver note followed by two semiquaver rests.
Discovering Music Theory Grade 3 Answer Book
- Page 2, Exercise 3, top row, second from left: this example will be reprinted as a semiquaver note followed by two semiquaver rests.
- Page 5, Exercise 10 b and c: these musical examples should match the examples found in Discovering Music Theory Grade 3 Workbook (where the notes are grouped correctly).
- Page 10, Exercise 8 a: the final quaver rest is correct.
- Page 12, Exercise 2 f: answer book should still state ‘F’ (not ‘A’).
- Page 25, Exercise 3 b: the second interval is a minor 3rd (not a major 3rd), and the third interval is a minor 7th (not a minor 2nd).
- Page 28, Exercise 4 c: the lower note (C sharp) should be highlighted, not the middle note (E natural).
Discovering Music Theory Grade 4 workbook
Contents page (Chapter 4: Keys & Scales Part 1); this should read ‘the keys and scales of B major and D flat major’, not ‘D flat minor’.
Discovering Music Theory Grade 4 Answer Book
- Page 21, Exercise 4 b: the penultimate note (A sharp) should also be circled.
- Page 26, Exercise 6 c: the second answer should be minor 7th (not diminished 7th).
- Page 30, Exercise 3 h: the correct answer is B major (not B minor).
- Page 36, Exercise 3 b: the correct answer is douce (not dolce).
Discovering Music Theory Grade 5 Answer Book
- Page 13, Exercise 8 d: the penultimate note is correct.
- Page 16, Exercise 5 d: the tonality should be ‘major’ (not ‘minor’).
- Page 20, Exercise 4 j: the correct answer is A flat (not A double flat).
- Page 31, Exercise 8 a: the final chord is IVb (not Vb).
- Page 31, Exercise 8 c: the final chord is IVa (not IVc).
- Page 40, Exercise 2 c: the correct answer is ‘cello’ (not ‘flute’).
- Page 47, Exercise 6.1: cantando means ‘singing’ (not ‘resonant’).
Music Theory Sample Papers, new format, Grade 2
Paper A
- Page 8, Question 3.9: this question should read, ‘… complete the scale of E harmonic minor’ (not ‘E major’).
Paper C
- Page 25, Question 4 j: the answer options should read 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th.
Music Theory Sample Papers, new format, Model Answers, Grade 2
Paper A
- Page 5, Question 3.9: the correct answers are C and G (not C sharp and G sharp).
- Page 7, Question 6: ritenuto means ‘held back’ (not ‘gradually getting slower’).
Music Theory Sample Papers, new format, Grade 4
Download corrected pages (PDF)
Paper A
- Page 13, Question 7.3: the second option should not have a tenuto on the final note.
Music Theory Sample Papers, new format, Model Answers, Grade 4
Download corrected pages (PDF)
Paper A
- Page 8, Question 7.3: the second option should match that in the Sample Paper.
Music Theory Sample Papers, new format, Grade 5
Paper C
- Page 26, Question 2.4: second note of bar C is F (on second ledger line).
Music Theory Sample Papers, new format, Model Answers, Grade 5
Paper C
- Page 14, Question 2.4: the correct answers are a. True; b. False; c. False (not a. True; b. True; c. True).
Paper D
- Page 18, Question 1.2: the third option is correct (not the first).
- Page 18, Question 1.4: the second option is correct (not the first).
More Music Theory Sample Papers, new format, Grade 5
Paper A
- Page 12, Question 7: the question should read, ‘Study this music for cello and piano …’ (not
‘Study this music for violin and piano …’)
Online resources
The Music in Words web resource for the UK edition of the book is no longer available.
Syllabus corrections and clarifications
We have removed the following songs due to their cultural associations. Candidates who have been preparing them may continue to sing them in exams.
- Grade 1 – A2 Leo Maguire
- Grade 1 – A5 Trad. American
- Grade 1 – A10 Trad. English
- Grade 2 – A4 H. Roberton
- Grade 2 – A6 Trad. Canadian
- Grade 2 – C12 Gay & Butler
- Grade 2 – C19 Betty Roe
- Grade 3 – C11 Fain & Webster
- Grade 3 – C14 Hart & Butler
- Grade 4 – C28 Wells & Tormé
- Grade 5 – C28 Stiles & Drewe
- Grade 6 – E8 Gershwin
- Grade 7 – C33 Strickland
- Grade 8 – E7 Gershwin
- Grade 8 – E17 Kern & Hammerstein
We have included a warning symbol in the lists for the following songs where there is known potential for sensitive or mature content.
- Grade 2 – B14 Jenkyns
- Grade 2 – C15 Lin Marsh
- Grade 2 – C18 Rodgers & Hammerstein
- Grade 3 – B2 Anon. Welsh
- Grade 4 – C7 Bock & Harnick
- Grade 6 – A10 Gasparini
- Grade 6 – A16 Harris
- Grade 6 – C15 Hopkins
- Grade 6 – E27 Porter
- Grade 8 – E18 Kern & Hammerstein
Piano
- J. S. Bach Toccata no.3 in D, BWV 912
In the Henle edition (126) this piece is listed as no. 5. - J. S Bach Toccata no.5 in E minor, BWV 914
In the Henle edition (126) this piece is listed as no. 2.
Bassoon
- Jeremy Pike Aria-Commemoration
This piece is now published by Composers Edition.
Grade 3, B10 John Williams
Grade 4, C7 H. Mancini
The book ‘Ultimate Movie Instrumental Solos for Trombone’ is set on Grades 3 and 4. The set pieces have been reviewed and confirmed as suitable for Bassoon candidates.
The books marked + in the syllabus lists have printable piano accompaniments. Details of where to find these accompaniments are below. The information is listed alphabetically by publisher.
Publisher | Book title | Piano accompaniment details |
Alfred | Ultimate Movie Instrumental Solos (bass clef edition) | Pintable from companion CD |
Faber | Bassoon Basics | Printable from publisher website |
Useful Music | Compositions for Bassoon, Vol. 1 | printable from companion CD or available in Selected Piano Accompaniments, Vol. 1, U240 |
The following duet publications are available in different formats for Bassoon and Bassoon, Mini-Bassoon and Bassoon, and Tenoroon and Bassoon, as follows:
- Easy Traditional Duets for Two Bassoon
- Easy Traditional Duets for Mini-Bassoon and Bassoon
- Easy Traditional Duets for Tenoroon and Bassoon
- Easy Classic Bassoon Duets
- Easy Classic Mini-Bassoon and Bassoon Duets
- Easy Classic Tenoroon and Bassoon Duets
- Easy Duets from Around the World for Bassoons
- Easy Duets from Around the World for Mini-Bassoon and Bassoon
- Easy Duets from Around the World for Tenoroon and Bassoon
Candidates must play the upper parts in all set pieces. Publications where the reduced-size instrument plays the bottom line (titled ‘Bassoon and Mini-Bassoon’ or ‘Bassoon and Tenoroon’) are not suitable.
Initial Grade |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Bartholomew | Ready Steady Go, arr. Elliott | Ready Steady Go, Piano accompaniment, arr. Elliott |
Boosey & Hawkes | Tetratunes for Double Bass, arr. Nelson | Tetratunes: teacher's book with accompaniments, arr. Nelson |
Boosey & Hawkes | The Essential String Method, Double Bass Book 1 | The Essential String Method, Cello/Double Bass Books 1 & 2, Piano accompaniment |
Boosey & Hawkes | The Essential String Method, Double Bass Book 2 | The Essential String Method, Cello/Double Bass Books 1 & 2, Piano accompaniment |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Lillywhite & Marshall | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 1, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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Grade 1 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 1, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 1, Piano accompaniment |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Piano accompaniment |
Bartholomew | Ready Steady Go, arr. Elliott | Ready Steady Go, Piano accompaniment, arr. Elliott |
Boosey & Hawkes | The Essential String Method, Double Bass Book 3 | The Essential String Method, Cello/Double Bass Books 3 & 4, Piano accompaniment |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Lillywhite & Marshall | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
Faber | Wilson & Wood: Stringtastic Book 1 for Double Bass | Wilson & Wood: Stringtastic Book 1, Teacher's Accompaniment |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 1, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Double Bass, Book 2, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 2, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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Grade 2 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Piano accompaniment |
Bartholomew | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, arr. Elliott | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, Piano accompaniment, arr. Elliott |
Boosey & Hawkes | The Essential String Method, Double Bass Book 4 | The Essential String Method, Cello/Double Bass Books 3 & 4, Piano accompaniment |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Lillywhite & Marshall | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Double Bass, Book 2, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 2, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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Grade 3 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Piano accompaniment |
Bartholomew | Subterranean Solos, arr. Hartley | Subterranean Solos, Piano accompaniment, arr. K. & J. Hartley |
Bartholomew | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, arr. Elliott | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, Piano accompaniment, arr. Elliott |
Boosey & Hawkes | Technitunes for Double Bass, arr. Nelson | Technitunes, Piano accompaniments, arr. Nelson |
Carl Fischer | Festival Performance Solos: String Bass | Festival Performance Solos, Piano accompaniment for String Bass |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Lillywhite & Marshall | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Double Bass, Book 2, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 2, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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Grade 4 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Piano accompaniment |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Piano accompaniment |
Bartholomew | Subterranean Solos, arr. Hartley | Subterranean Solos, Piano accompaniment, arr. K. & J. Hartley |
Bartholomew | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, arr. Elliott | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, Piano accompaniment, arr. Elliott |
Carl Fischer | Festival Performance Solos: String Bass | Festival Performance Solos, Piano accompaniment for String Bass |
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Grade 5 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Piano accompaniment |
Bartholomew | Subterranean Solos, arr. Hartley | Subterranean Solos, Piano accompaniment, arr. K. & J. Hartley |
Carl Fischer | Festival Performance Solos: String Bass | Festival Performance Solos, Piano accompaniment for String Bass |
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Grade 6 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Piano accompaniment |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 4, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 4, Piano accompaniment |
Carl Fischer | Festival Performance Solos: String Bass | Festival Performance Solos, Piano accompaniment for String Bass |
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Grade 7 |
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Publis er | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 4, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 4, Piano accompaniment |
- Initial Grade, A9 Trad. – The accompaniment symbol is missing in the printed syllabus booklet. The piano accompaniment for this piece is published separately.
- Grade 1, C7 Thomas Gregory – The publication title is incorrect in the printed syllabus booklet. This piece is available in Vamoosh Cello, Book 1.
- Grade 1, C8 Edward Huws Jones – The accompaniment symbol is missing in the printed syllabus booklet. The piano accompaniment for this piece is published separately.
- Grade 5, A1 Passionei – The catalogue number is incorrect in the printed syllabus booklet. The correct catalogue number is Op. 1 No. 8.
- Grade 8, C7 Minsky - This piece is published unaccompanied and should be performed solo.
The books marked + in the syllabus lists have printable piano accompaniments. Details of where to find these accompaniments are below. The information is listed alphabetically by publisher.
Publisher | Book title | Piano accompaniment details |
Alfred | Ultimate Movie Instrumental Solos for Clarinet | printable from companion CD |
OUP | Ros Stephen: Clarinet Globetrotters | printable from companion CD |
Schott | Classical Highlights for Clarinet | available to purchase digitally from publisher’s website |
Useful Music | Graham Lyons: compositions for Clarinet, Vol. 2 | printable from companion CD |
- Grade 4, A3 Johann Fischer - This piece is No. 24 in the cited Schott edition.
- Grade 1, B9 Sarah Watts - This is a duet for descant (soprano) and treble (alto). The candidate must play the upper part in the exam.
- Grade 2, C1 Sally Adams – This is a duet for descant (soprano) and treble (alto). The candidate must play the upper part in the exam.
- Grade 3 B10 Sarah Watts – This is a duet for descant (soprano) and treble (alto). The candidate must play the upper part in the exam.
- Grade 3, C5 Alan Davis – This is a duet for descant (soprano) and treble (alto). The candidate must play the upper part in the exam.
The books marked + in the syllabus lists have printable piano accompaniments. Details of where to find these accompaniments are below. The information is listed alphabetically by publisher.
Bärenreiter Praha | A Journey from the Middle Ages to the Present Day | printable from publisher website |
Initial Grade |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Bartholomew | Ready Steady Go, arr. Elliott | Ready Steady Go, Piano accompaniment, arr. Elliott |
Boosey & Hawkes | Tetratunes for Double Bass, arr. Nelson | Tetratunes: teacher's book with accompaniments, arr. Nelson |
Boosey & Hawkes | The Essential String Method, Double Bass Book 1 | The Essential String Method, Cello/Double Bass Books 1 & 2, Piano accompaniment |
Boosey & Hawkes | The Essential String Method, Double Bass Book 2 | The Essential String Method, Cello/Double Bass Books 1 & 2, Piano accompaniment |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Lillywhite & Marshall | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 1, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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Grade 1 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 1, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 1, Piano accompaniment |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Piano accompaniment |
Bartholomew | Ready Steady Go, arr. Elliott | Ready Steady Go, Piano accompaniment, arr. Elliott |
Boosey & Hawkes | The Essential String Method, Double Bass Book 3 | The Essential String Method, Cello/Double Bass Books 3 & 4, Piano accompaniment |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Lillywhite & Marshall | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
Faber | Wilson & Wood: Stringtastic Book 1 for Double Bass | Wilson & Wood: Stringtastic Book 1, Teacher's Accompaniment |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 1, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Double Bass, Book 2, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 2, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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Grade 2 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Piano accompaniment |
Bartholomew | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, arr. Elliott | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, Piano accompaniment, arr. Elliott |
Boosey & Hawkes | The Essential String Method, Double Bass Book 4 | The Essential String Method, Cello/Double Bass Books 3 & 4, Piano accompaniment |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Lillywhite & Marshall | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Double Bass, Book 2, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 2, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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Grade 3 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Piano accompaniment |
Bartholomew | Subterranean Solos, arr. Hartley | Subterranean Solos, Piano accompaniment, arr. K. & J. Hartley |
Bartholomew | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, arr. Elliott | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, Piano accompaniment, arr. Elliott |
Boosey & Hawkes | Technitunes for Double Bass, arr. Nelson | Technitunes, Piano accompaniments, arr. Nelson |
Carl Fischer | Festival Performance Solos: String Bass | Festival Performance Solos, Piano accompaniment for String Bass |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Double Bass, Book 1, arr. Lillywhite & Marshall | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Double Bass, Book 2, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 2, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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Grade 4 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 2, Piano accompaniment |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Piano accompaniment |
Bartholomew | Subterranean Solos, arr. Hartley | Subterranean Solos, Piano accompaniment, arr. K. & J. Hartley |
Bartholomew | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, arr. Elliott | The Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook for Double Bass, Piano accompaniment, arr. Elliott |
Carl Fischer | Festival Performance Solos: String Bass | Festival Performance Solos, Piano accompaniment for String Bass |
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Grade 5 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Piano accompaniment |
Bartholomew | Subterranean Solos, arr. Hartley | Subterranean Solos, Piano accompaniment, arr. K. & J. Hartley |
Carl Fischer | Festival Performance Solos: String Bass | Festival Performance Solos, Piano accompaniment for String Bass |
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Grade 6 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 3, Piano accompaniment |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 4, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 4, Piano accompaniment |
Carl Fischer | Festival Performance Solos: String Bass | Festival Performance Solos, Piano accompaniment for String Bass |
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Grade 7 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 4, Revised Edition | Suzuki Bass School, Vol. 4, Piano accompaniment |
Initial Grade, B8 Sheila Nelson – The publication listed for this piece contains both the double bass line and the piano accompaniment.
The lists below clarify the pieces from the Grade 1 syllabus that are in first position or half position, as well as pieces that can be played in either position.
Pieces in first position:
List A
- A1 The More the Merrier
- A3 Aria
- A5 Knocking on the Door
- A6 Penguin Parade
- A8 Spagnoletta
- A9 Fiddler's Fancy
- A10 Allegretto
List B
- B1 Long, Long Ago
- B2 Evening Star
- B3 Sad Double Bass
- B5 A Cool Day
- B7 Morningtown Ride
List C
- C3 Off to France in the Morning
- C4 The Hippopotamus Song
- C5 The Ogre's Dance
- C6 Carnival Waltz
- C7 Fiery Fiddler
- C10 Samba
Pieces in half position:
List B
- B9 Moon Over the Ruined Castle
List C
- C1 A Little Blue
- C2 Gigue
Pieces that can be played in either position:
List A
- A2 March
- A4 Gavotte
List B
- A7 Now is the month of Maying
- B4 Canon on 'Frère Jacques'
- B6 Bass Bridges of Paris
- B8 Ballad II
- B10 Hatikvah
List C
- C8 Toodle-Pip
- C9 And Y Not
Grade 7, A7 Round – There are two versions of Jenny Jones on the publisher’s website; the version set on this syllabus is by Round and the other version is by Rimmer. The Rimmer version is not set.
The books marked + in the syllabus lists have printable piano accompaniments. Details of where to find these accompaniments are below. The information is listed alphabetically by publisher.
Faber | Play Hollywood for Flute | printable from companion CD |
OUP | Ros Stephen: Flute Globetrotters | printable from publisher website |
- Grade 1, A7 Mainerio – This piece is also available in Répertoire progressif, Vol. 1 (Les Productions d'Oz) and is listed as No. 1 (Anon, ‘Schiarrazula Marrazula’). You can use this edition in the exam if you want to.
- Grade 5, A10 Visée – The edition UE11322 should be used in the exam. UE34480 is not suitable.
- Grade 8, A6 M. Ponce – The edition listed in the syllabus omits the Dal Segno sign and the 1st and 2nd time bar numbers: Bars 28 & 45 are 1st time bars; Bars 29 & 46 are 2nd time bars.You should play without repeats in the exam. At the end of the piece return to the beginning of bar 1 and play until the ‘Fin.’ at bar 29.
- Grade 4, A2 Bach – A revised edition of the Henle publication is now available (HN 593).
- Grade 8, Scales – For the similar-motion scales with hands a third apart and a sixth apart, the minors are to be prepared in harmonic or melodic form, at the candidate’s choice.
Fully written-out piano scores are not currently available for some tunes in the Jazz Horns syllabus. We’ll provide an update here when they’re available again.
Grade 3, Mopti Don Cherry – we have removed this piece from the 2013 reprint of Jazz Alto Sax Tunes, Level/Grade 3 and Jazz Tenor Sax Tunes, Level/Grade 3 as we do not have permission from the copyright owner to reproduce it for this reprint. The piece is still on the syllabus so if you have an older edition of the book, you can play this piece in your exam.
Grade 4, Dedication to Thomas Mapfumo Don Cherry – we have removed this piece from the 2013 reprint of Jazz Real Book Bb edition as we do not have permission from the copyright owner to reproduce it for this reprint. The piece is still on the syllabus so if you have an older edition of the book, you can play this piece in your exam.
Piano
DipABRSM
- J. S. Bach Toccata no.3 in D, BWV 912 - In the Henle edition (126) this piece is listed as no. 5.
- J. S Bach Toccata no.5 in E minor, BWV 914 - In the Henle edition (126) this piece is listed as no. 2.
- Fauré Piano Works, Vol. 2 (Peters) - This book is now out of print and these pieces are available in Faure Barcarolles (Peters EP71904).
LRSM
- Debussy L’Isle Joyeuse - This piece is now available in Debussy Piano Pieces (UMP).
- Fauré Piano Works, Vol. 2 (Peters) - This book is now out of print and the piece is available in Faure Barcarolles (Peters EP71904).
- Ireland Chelsea Reach and Ragamuffin - These pieces are now available in Ireland London Pieces (Stainer & Bell).
- Scriabin Sonata no.5 in F#, Op. 53 - Scriabin Piano Works, Vol. 2 is no longer out of print.
- Seiber Scherzando capriccioso - This publication is no longer out of print.
FRSM
- Messiaen Île de feu 1 and 2 - This piece, formerly published by UMP, is now published by Durand and available as two separate publications: Messiaen Ile de feu I and Messiaen Ile de feu II.
Viola
DipABRSM
- Telemann 12 Fantasias for Unaccompanied Viola, arr. Rood - Volumes 1 & 2 of this book are currently unavailable.
Cello
DipABRSM
- Beethoven 7 Variations on a Theme ‘Bei Männern’ from Mozart’s‘Magic Flute’, WoO 46 - This publication has been repackaged and is now called Complete Violoncello Variations (Peters EP 748b).
- Walton Passacaglia for unaccompanied cello - This piece is now available in Two pieces for solo cello (OUP).
Double Bass
DipABRSM
- Massenet Meditation (from ‘Thaïs’), arr. Drew - This edition is currently unavailable.
LRSM
- François Zbinden Hommage à J. S. Bach, Op. 44 - This edition is now out of print.
Guitar
DipABRSM
- da Milano Complete Lute Works, Vol. 1, trans. Chiesa - This book is now out of print.
LRSM
- da Milano Complete Lute Works, Vol. 1, trans. Chiesa - This book is now out of print.
- Granados Llobet Guitar Works, Vol. 3 - This book is now out of print.
FRSM
- S.L. Weiss Sonata in A (Dresden no. 19), trans. Skiera; Sonata in C (Dresden no. 9), trans. Skiera; Sonata in D minor (Dresden no. 6) trans. Skiera - These editions are available as special orders directly from Bärenreiter.
- S.L. Weiss Sonata in A minor (‘L’Infidèle’) (Dresden no.15/London no.25), trans. Meunier - This edition is now out of print.
Recorder
DipABRSM
- Hotteterre (Le Romain) Suite in F, Op. 2 no. 1; Suite in G minor, Op. 2 no. 3a - These pieces, formerly published by Nova, are now published by European Music Archive (EMA122; EMA123).
- Notari Canzona Passaggiata – This piece, formerly published by Nova, is now published by European Music Archive (EMA139).
Flute
DipABRSM
- Taffanel Andante Pastoral et Scherzettino – This edition is currently unavailable.
Oboe
FRSM
- J.S. Bach Concerto in F, BWV 1053 – This piece, formerly published by Nova, is now published by European Music Archive (EMA112).
Bassoon
DipABRSM
- J. Bentzon Study in Variation Form - This piece, formerly published by Hansen, is now published by Skandinavisk Musik Og Borups Musikforlag.
LRSM
- Raphael Sonata for solo bassoon, Op. 46 no. 9 – This edition is available as a special order directly from Bärenreiter.
Saxophone
FRSM
- Paul Bonneau Caprice en forme de Valse – This piece is only available for Eb saxophone.
- Mihalovici Chant Premier – This piece is only available for Bb saxophone.
Trumpet
LRSM
- Torelli Trumpet Sonata in D, G1 – This edition is now out of print.
Eb Horn
DipABRSM and LRSM
- Rossini Prelude, Theme and Variations – This edition is now out of print.
Trombone
DipABRSM and LRSM
- Gröndahl Concerto – This piece, formerly published by Samfundet, is now published by Edition-S.
Tuba
DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM
- Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto in F minor – This piece is now published by OUP Archive and is available from Allegro.
Percussion
FRSM
- Askell Masson Prime – This piece formerly published by Iceland Music, is now published by Editions BIM.
- Graham Whettam Suite for timpani – This edition is currently unavailable.
Singing
DipABRSM
- Sibelius Black Roses, Op. 36, no. 1 – This edition is now out of print.
- Wolf 15 Selected Songs from Italian Lyrics (low) - This book is now out of print.
DipABRSM and LRSM
- Schubert Lieder, Vol. 9 (high or medium); Lieder, Vol. 17 for Bass Voice – These editions are available as special orders directly from Bärenreiter.
DipABRSM and FRSM
- Gurney A Second Volume of 10 Songs – This book is now out of print.
- Schubert Lieder, Vol. 17 for Bass Voice – This edition is available as a special order directly from Bärenreiter.
LRSM
- Barber Rain has fallen, Op. 10, no. 1 - Barber Collected Songs has been replaced by Barber 65 Songs (high or medium-low) published by G. Schirmer.
- Debussy 3 Chansons de France (Peters) – This publication is no longer out of print.
- Gluck Aria: Divinités du Styx: from ‘Alceste’ – The vocal score is available as a special order directly from Bärenreiter.
- Gurney A Third Volume of 10 Songs – This book is now out of print.
- Tchaikovsky ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ Operatic Anthology: Celebrated Arias for Mezzo-Soprano and Alto, Vol. 2 – This book is no longer out of print.
- Wolf 9 Secular Songs from ‘Spanisches Liederbuch’ (low) – This book is now out of print.
FRSM
- Ireland 5 Poems by Thomas Hardy – This book is now out of print.
- Meyerbeer ‘L’Africaine’ Operatic Anthology: Celebrated Arias for Tenor, Vol. 3 – This book is no longer out of print.
- Schubert Lieder, Vol. 3 (medium); Lieder, Vol. 5 (high) – These editions are available as special orders directly from Bärenreiter.
Guitar
Ensemble Copper
Go Tell Aunt Nancy Guitar Academy Book 1 [2006 edition] – Unfortunately this piece is no longer available in the current 2013 edition of this book.
Ensemble Bronze
Good King Wenceslas Guitar Academy Book 1 [2006 edition] – Unfortunately this piece is no longer available in the current 2013 edition of this book.
Ensemble Silver
I Like Coffee! Guitar Academy Book 1 [2006 edition] – Unfortunately this piece is no longer available in the current 2013 edition of this book.
Solo Bronze
Troika Guitar Academy Book 2 – Unfortunately this piece is no longer available in the current 2011 edition of this book. It is available in the 2006 edition only.
Ensemble Copper
Swing Song Duets with a Difference - Unfortunately this piece is not available in the current 2006 edition of Duets with A Difference: Piano Time Duets Book 1 but can be found in the 1989 edition.
The Ruined Abbey Duets with a Difference - Unfortunately this piece is not available in the current 2006 edition of Duets with A Difference: Piano Time Duets Book 1 but can be found in the 1989 edition.
Grade 8, C1 Bray –This publication is now published by Birdsong and can be purchased as a digital download at this link: https://www.fabermusic.com/shop/late-snow-d42626
The books marked + in the syllabus lists have printable piano accompaniments. Details of where to find these accompaniments are below. The information is listed alphabetically by publisher.
Rubank | Rubank Treasures for Oboe | printable from publisher website |
Faber | Oboe Basics | printable from publisher website |
- Grade 1, A1 Bach – The piece set on the syllabus is the 10-bar chorale version only (without figured bass realization). In addition to the syllabus-cited OUP publication, this 10-bar version is also available in Barenreiter Vol. 3 (BA5173) and Breitkopf & Hartel Vol. 9 (EB6589) (but not in the Peters complete Bach editions).
- Grade 5, A1, Grade 6, A2 and Grade 7, A1 Bach – A revised edition of the Bärenreiter publication is now available (BA5261).
- Grade 6, A1 and Grade 7, A3 Bach – A revised edition of the Bärenreiter publication is now available (BA5266).
Snare Drum from 2020
- Grade 8, A2 Jan Bradley – Candidates should only use the ‘Abridged Version’ of this piece for the exam. Please note that older editions of this publication may not contain this updated version.
Tuned Percussion from 2020
- Grade 5, A9 Arthur C. Lipner – Candidates should only use the ‘Abridged Version’ of this piece for the exam. Please note that older editions of this publication may not contain this updated version.
- Grade 5, A11 Chris Stock – This piece is now published by Alto Publications.
- Grade 6, A5 Arthur C. Lipner – Candidates should only use the ‘Abridged Version’ of this piece for the exam. Please note that older editions of this publication may not contain this updated version.
- Grade 7, A3 Breuer, Anderson and Spivack - Vibraphone candidates may adjust the final note before letter B to fit the range of the instrument, as suggested in the notes printed in the publication. Marimba and Xylophone candidates should play the music as written.
- Grade 2, A8 Kabalevsky – The piece required is titled Hopping in Kabalevsky: 24 Little Pieces (Boosey & Hawkes) and titled Galop in the More Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book 1 (ABRSM)
- Grade 2, C6 Ludovico Einaudi – The piece required is The Snow Prelude No. 3 which appears on page 37. There is a misprint in some editions which states that the piece on Page 37 is ‘No. 15’, this will be corrected by the publisher in future reprints.
- Grade 7, C8 Kern, arr. Evans – There is a misprint in some copies of this music. The left-hand part in bars 1–2 should be read in the treble clef.
- Grace 7, C13 Uzoigwe – There are misprints in some copies of this music which are: b. 18, RH: missing B♭; b. 36, RH: missing F♯; b. 39, RH: the 8va shouldn’t start until b. 40. These have been corrected by the publisher.
Grade 8, A7 Martínez – Depending on the edition of the cited Schott publication used, this piece may be found on pp. 5–7 or pp. 15–17.
- Grade 8, C12 Zoe Rahman
- There are misprints in the first edition of this piece/book where in bars 13, 21 & 26, all A♭s are missing in the left hand. This will be corrected by the publisher in future reprints.
- Grade 8, C8 Uwe Korn
- This publication is now back in print.
- Grade 8, C10 Villa-Lobos
- There is a misprint in bar 58, this should be 8va (it is a repeat of bar 5).
Alto or Baritone Saxophone
For the following duets, Alto or Baritone Saxophone candidates may choose to play the duet with two equal saxophones or with the Bb accompaniment provided (Tenor Saxophone and/or Bass Clarinet where published). The candidate must play the upper part in the exam.
- Grade 1, A7 Degg
- Grade 3, A5 Degg
- Grade 3, A10 Telemann
The books marked + in the syllabus lists have printable piano accompaniments. Details of where to find these accompaniments are below. The information is listed alphabetically by publisher.
OUP | Ros Stephen: E♭ Saxophone Globetrotters | printable from companion CD |
OUP | Ros Stephen: B♭ Saxophone Globetrotters | printable from companion CD |
Rubank | Rubank Book of Alto Saxophone Solos, Intermediate Level | printable from publisher website |
Rubank | Rubank Treasures for Alto Saxophone | printable from publisher website |
- Grade 1, C23 Richard & Robert Sherman – Candidates singing this piece from The ABRSM Songbook Plus, Grade 1 should omit the repeat in the exam.
- Grade 1, C27 Wrubel & Gilbert – We have removed this piece due to its cultural associations. Candidates who have been preparing it may continue to sing it in exams.
- Grade 2, C2 Aubrey Beswick – We have removed this piece due to its cultural associations. Candidates who have been preparing it may continue to sing it in exams.
- Grade 2, C3 Brown & Freed – Candidates singing this piece from The ABRSM Songbook Plus, Grade 2 should sing the chorus only in the exam.
- Grade 3, A6 Foster – We have removed this piece due to its cultural associations. Candidates who have been preparing it may continue to sing it in exams.
- Grade 3, B3 Beethoven – Unfortunately there is an error in the current paper copy of the syllabus. Candidates singing this piece from The ABRSM Songbook Plus, Grade 3 should only sing verses 1 & 6 in the exam.
- Grade 4, C1 Arlen & Harburg – In the exam a suitable introduction should be included for candidates using any of the following publications: the vocal selections of The Wizard of Oz, The Harold Arlen Songbook, Stage & Screen – The Black Book or The ABRSM Songbook Plus, Grade 4 .
- Grade 4, C10 Fain & Webster – In the exam a suitable introduction should be included for candidates using either Stage & Screen – The White Book or The ABRSM Songbook Plus, Grade 4.
- Grade 6, E9 G. & I. Gershwin - For the exam candidates are only required to sing the song through once and are welcome to sing either lyric provided.
- Grade 7, D16 Montsalvatge – We have removed this piece due to its cultural associations. Candidates who have been preparing it may continue to sing it in exams.
- Grade 7, E28 Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charles Hart & Richard Stilgoe – The Andrew Lloyd Webber Anthology (revised edition) is now out of print.
- Grade 8, E2 L. Bernstein & Stephen Sondheim - In the exam candidates should sing the extended version.
- Grade 8, E20 Andrew Lloyd Webber & David Zippel - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Anthology (revised edition) is now out of print.
- Grade 8, E21 Andrew Lloyd Webber & Glenn Slater – The Andrew Lloyd Webber Anthology (revised edition) is now out of print. Alternatively, this piece is available in Classical Crossover for Singers (Hal Leonard).
The Singing for Musical Theatre Song List Preview, Grades 4-5 (issued April 2020) is no longer suitable for exam use. Please refer to the full Practical or Performance Grade syllabus for up-to-date repertoire information, including list numbers.
Grade 5, C13 Everything Else – We have removed this piece due to lyrical content. Candidates who have been preparing it may continue to sing it in exams.
Grade 7, A1 J. S. Bach, Grade 8, A1 J. S. Bach – The book ‘J. S. Bach: Cello Suites 1–3 for Alto Recorder’ is set on Grades 7 and 8. The set pieces can be played on a Treble or a Bass Recorder; please be aware that the publication is in bass clef.
Grade 1, C9 Trad. Danish – This is a duet for descant (soprano) and treble (alto). The candidate must play the lower part in the exam.
Grade 1 B8, Beethoven – This piece is not published with an accompaniment and can be played solo in the exam. Please note that candidates may choose up to a maximum of two unaccompanied pieces in their Practical exam.
The Tuba syllabus may be offered on an Eb, F, Bb, or C tuba. All pieces may be played on any of these four instruments (reading either bass or treble clef). Candidates may adapt passages or transpose parts and/or accompaniments as necessary for their instrument.
For those publications marked ǂ in the syllabus, the following information is provided, to clarify which book(s) in the series are most appropriate for your instrument and any further accompaniments and/ or parts that are available which may prevent the need for transposition
The information is listed alphabetically by publisher:
ABRSM
Brass Mix, Book 1 [Grades 1, 2 & 3] and Brass Mix, Book 2 [Grades 4 & 5]
The Part Books are divided into three sections – for treble-clef brass, bass-clef-brass and Eb tuba bass-clef readers. Each section includes duet accompaniment.
There are separate Bb, Eb and F accompaniment books:
- Brass Mix, Book 1, Piano Accompaniment Bb
- Brass Mix, Book 1, Piano Accompaniment Eb
- Brass Mix, Book 1, Piano Accompaniment F
- Brass Mix, Book 2, Piano Accompaniment Bb
- Brass Mix, Book 2, Piano Accompaniment Eb
- Brass Mix, Book 2, Piano Accompaniment F
A separate part for Bb Tuba (reading bass clef) will be available to download free of charge in late October 2022. The accompaniments are in the Bb accompaniment books as above.
Shining Brass, Book 1 [Grades 1, 2 & 3] and Shining Brass, Book 2 [Grades 4 & 5]
The Part Books are divided into three sections – for treble-clef brass, bass-clef-brass and Eb tuba bass-clef readers. Each section includes duet accompaniment.
There are separate Bb, Eb and F accompaniment books:
- Shining Brass, Book 1, Piano Accompaniment Bb
- Shining Brass, Book 1, Piano Accompaniment Eb
- Shining Brass, Book 1, Piano Accompaniment F
- Shining Brass, Book 2, Piano Accompaniment Bb
- Shining Brass, Book 2, Piano Accompaniment Eb
- Shining Brass, Book 2, Piano Accompaniment F
A separate part for Bb Tuba (reading bass clef) is available to download free of charge on the ABRSM website. The accompaniments are in the Bb accompaniment books as above.
Anglo Music
Starter Studies [Grade 2]
There are two versions of this book for tuba. For exam purposes, the following are recommended:
- For players reading bass clef – ‘Starter Studies for Tuba’ The pieces are presented twice in this book; the first half is suitable for Eb tubas, the second half is suitable for Bb tubas.
- For players reading treble clef – ‘Starter Studies for Eb or Bb Bass (TC & BC)’
Skilful Studies [Grades 1, 2, 3 & 4]
There are two versions of this book for tuba. For exam purposes, the following are recommended:
- For players reading bass clef – ‘Skilful Studies for Tuba’
- For players reading treble clef – ‘Skilful Studies for Eb or Bb Bass (TC & BC)’ (NB Although this book contains a bass-clef part, the range is inappropriate for the grade)
Brass Wind
Winners Galore [Grades 1, 2 & 4]
- Bass-clef readers and Eb tuba players reading treble clef should use the ‘Winners Galore for Tuba – accompaniment book’
- Bb tuba players reading treble clef will find the ‘Winners Galore for Trumpet and Trombone – accompaniment book’ more suitable than the tuba accompaniment book
Easy Winners [Grades 1, 2 & 3]
- Bass-clef readers and Eb tuba players reading treble clef should use the ‘Easy Winners for Tuba – accompaniment book’
- Bb tuba players reading treble clef will find the ‘Easy Winners for Trumpet and Trombone – accompaniment book’ more suitable than the tuba accompaniment book
Winner Scores All [Grades 1, 2 & 3]
- Bass-clef readers and Eb tuba players reading treble clef should use the ‘Winner Scores All for Tuba – accompaniment book’
- Bb tuba players reading treble clef will find the ‘Winner Scores All for Trumpet and Trombone – accompaniment book’ more suitable than the tuba accompaniment book.
Great Winners [Grades 4 & 5]
- Bass-clef readers and Eb tuba players reading treble clef should use the ‘Great Winners for Tuba – accompaniment book’
- Bb tuba players reading treble clef will find the ‘Great Winners for Trumpet and Trombone – accompaniment book’ more suitable than the tuba accompaniment book.
Win Win [Grades 2 & 3]
- Bass-clef readers and Eb tuba players reading treble clef should use the ‘Win Win – Tuba / Eb bass accompaniment book’
- Bb tuba players reading treble clef will find the ‘Win Win - Trumpet and Trombone accompaniment book’ more suitable than the tuba accompaniment book
Savoir Faire [Grades 4, 6 & 7]
- Bb tuba players reading treble clef will find ‘Savoir Faire for Trombone/Euphonium, treble clef’ more suitable than the tuba book.
Con Moto
The Jock McKenzie Tutor Book for Young Brass Players (Book 1) [Grade 2]
- A single piano accompaniment book is available – ‘Piano Accompaniment for Bb & Eb instruments to The Jock McKenzie Tutor Book for Young Brass Players (Book 1)
The Jock McKenzie Tutor Book for Young Brass Players (Book 2) [Grade 3]
- A single piano accompaniment book is available – ‘Piano Accompaniment for Bb & Eb instruments to The Jock McKenzie Tutor Book for Young Brass Players (Book 2)
Gramercy Music
Cityscapes [Grade 1
- Bb tuba players reading bass clef and using the Bb edition should transpose the part down an octave to ensure the range is suitable.
Gramercy Lyric Album [Grade 4]
- Bb tuba players reading bass clef and using the Bb edition should transpose the part down an octave to ensure the range is suitable.
- Gramercy Favourites [Grade 5]
- Bb tuba players reading bass clef and using the Bb edition should transpose the part down an octave to ensure the range is suitable.
OUP
Vaughan Williams: Prelude (1st movement from Concerto for Bass Tuba) [Grade 8]
- In more recent editions the option to omit certain notes in the cadenza has been removed. The notes shown * - - - - - - - -* below may be omitted.
Robert King-Leduc
60 Selected Studies for Bb Tuba [Grades 6, 7 & 8]
- These studies may be performed as written on Eb, F, Bb or C tuba. There is no requirement to transpose.
Grade 3 B8, Holst – This piece is not published with an accompaniment and can be played solo in the exam. Please note that candidates may choose up to a maximum of two unaccompanied pieces in their Practical exam.
Initial Grade |
|
|
Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Viola School, Vol. 1, trans. Preucil | Suzuki Viola School, Vol. A, Piano accompaniment, trans. Preucil Suzuki Ensembles for Viola, Vol. 1, arr. Stuen-Walker |
Boosey & Hawkes | Huws Jones: Ten O'Clocl Rock for Viola | Huws Jones: Ten O'Clock Rock, Piano accompaniment |
Boosey & Hawkes | Tetratunes for Viola, arr. Nelson | Tetratunes: teacher's book with accompaniment, arr. Nelson |
Boosey & Hawkes | The Essential String Method, Viola Book 2 | The Essential String Method, Violin/Viola Books 1 & 2, Piano accompaniment |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Viola (Third Edition), arr. Davey | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
Faber | Wilson & Wood: Stringtastic Beginners for Viola | Wilson & Wood: Stringtastic Beginners, Teacher's Accompaniment |
OUP | Viola Time Joggers, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | Viola Time Joggers, Piano accompaniment, arr. K. & D. Blackwell Viola Time Joggers, Viola accompaniment, arr. K. & D. Blackwell |
OUP | Viola Time Starters, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | Starters Teacher's Handbook, Accompaniments |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Viola, Book 1, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 1, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
|
|
|
Grade 1 |
|
|
Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Viola School, Vol. 1, trans. Preucil | Suzuki Viola School, Vol. A, Piano accompaniment, trans. Preucil Suzuki Ensembles for Viola, Vol. 1, arr. Stuen-Walker |
Brass Wind | Winners Galore for Viola, arr. Lawrance | Winners Galore for Viola, Piano accompaniment, arr. Lawrance |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Viola (Third Edition), arr. Davey | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
OUP | String Time Starters for Viola, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | String Time Starters, Teacher's book, arr. K. & D. Blackwell |
OUP | Viola Time Joggers, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | Viola Time Joggers, Piano accompaniment, arr. K. & D. Blackwell Viola Time Joggers, Viola accompaniment, arr. K. & D. Blackwell |
Stainer & Bell | Cobb & Yandell: Top Banana for Viola | Cobb & Yandell: Top Banana: Piano Accompaniment (Viola) |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Viola, Book 1, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 1, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
|
|
|
Grade 2 |
|
|
Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Viola School, Vol. 1, trans. Preucil | Suzuki Viola School, Vol. A, Piano accompaniment, trans. Preucil |
Brass Wind | Winners Galore for Viola, arr. Lawrance | Winners Galore for Viola, Piano accompaniment, arr. Lawrance |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Viola (Third Edition), arr. Davey | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
OUP | Viola Time Runners, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | Viola Time Runners, Piano accompaniment, arr. K. & D. Blackwell Viola Time Runners, Viola accompaniment, arr. K. & D. Blackwell |
OUP | Viola Time Sprinters, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | Viola Time Sprinters, Piano accompaniment, arr. K. & D. Blackwell Viola Time Sprinters, Viola accompaniment, arr. K. & D. Blackwell |
Stainer & Bell | Cobb & Yandell: Top Banana for Viola | Cobb & Yandell: Top Banana: Piano Accompaniment (Viola) |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Viola, Book 2, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 2, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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|
|
Grade 3 |
|
|
Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | String Festival Solos for Viola, Vol. 2, trans. Applebaum | String Festival Solos for Viola, Vol. 2, Piano accompaniment, trans. Applebaum |
Alfred | Suzuki Viola School, Vol. 2, trans. Preucil | Suzuki Viola School, Vol. 3, Piano accompaniment, trans. Preucil |
Boosey & Hawkes | Technitunes for Viola, arr. Nelson | Technitunes, Piano accompaniments, arr. Nelson |
OUP | Viola Time Sprinters, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | Viola Time Sprinters, Piano accompaniment, arr. K. & D. Blackwell Viola Time Sprinters, Viola accompaniment, arr. K. & D. Blackwell |
Stainer & Bell | Cobb & Yandell: Top Banana for Viola | Cobb & Yandell: Top Banana: Piano Accompaniment (Viola) |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Viola, Book 3, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 3, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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|
Grade 4 |
|
|
Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | String Festival Solos for Viola, Vol. 2, trans. Applebaum | String Festival Solos for Viola, Vol. 2, Piano accompaniment, trans. Applebaum |
Grade 6, B3 Rebecca Clarke – This piece is the Lullaby starting in A minor, which can be found on page 2 of the cited OUP edition.
- Initial Grade, C7 Edward Huws Jones – Unfortunately the accompaniment symbol is missing in the printed syllabus booklet. The piano accompaniment for this piece is published separately.
- Initial Grade, C10 Peter Wilson – Unfortunately the accompaniment symbol is missing in the printed syllabus booklet. The piano accompaniment for this piece is published separately.
- Initial Grade, B4 Kathy and David Blackwell – This piece is called ‘Peace Garden’ in editions printed from April 2022.
- Grade 3, A3 attrib. Mozart – Unfortunately the catalogue number is incorrect in the printed syllabus booklet. The correct catalogue number is K. 269b.
- Grade 5, A1 Corelli – This piece is made up of the Theme and the Variations 2, 3, 4 and 6.
- Grade 7, A10 Vivaldi – The ‘Preludio’, ‘Giga/Gigue’ and ‘Corrente/Courante’ movements should only be played in the exam. Please note there are other sources available which include an ‘Aria’ movement and this should not be played in the exam.
- Grade 8, A4 Bach – A revised edition of the Bärenreiter publication is now available (BA5256).
- Grade 8, B10 Trad. Hebrew – This piece is now published by Hal Leonard. The Queen’s Temple edition is now out of print. Candidates may use either edition in the exam.
The books marked + in the syllabus lists have additional accompaniment book(s) and these are published separately. For each grade we have provided a list of these publications along with the corresponding accompaniment book(s). The information is listed alphabetically by publisher.
Initial Grade Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1 | Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1, Piano accompaniment |
Boosey & Hawkes | Stanley Fletcher: New Tunes for Strings, Violin Book 1 | Stanley Fletcher: New Tunes for Strings, Teacher's Book 1 |
Boosey & Hawkes | Edward Huws Jones: Ten O'Clock Rock for Violin | Edward Huws Jones: Ten O'Clock Rock, Piano accompaniment |
Boosey & Hawkes | Tetratunes for Violin, arr. Nelson | Tetratunes: teacher's book with accompaniments, arr. Nelson |
Boosey & Hawkes | The Essential String Method, Violin Book 2 | The Essential String Method, Violin/Viola Books 1 & 2, Piano accompaniment |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Violin (Third Edition), arr. Davey | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
Faber | Wilson & Ranger: Stringpops 1 for Violin | Wilson & Ranger: Stringpops 1, Piano score |
OUP | Fiddle Time Joggers, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | Fiddle Time Joggers, Piano accompaniment book, arr. K. & D. Blackwell |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Violin, Book 1, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 1, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
Grade 3, A1 Trad. American If playing from The American Fiddler (Boosey & Hawkes), candidates should play the 'Violin Melody', including double stops in bars 9-11 and 13-15.
Grade 4, A11 Estampie Royal This piece should be Edward Huws Jones arrangement from Encore violin Book 2, and not the Early Music Fiddler.
Initial Grade |
|
|
Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1 | Suzuki Duets for Violins, Vols 1-3 Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1, Piano accompaniment |
Boosey & Hawkes | Huws Jones: Ten O'Clock Rock for Violin | Huws Jones: Ten O'Clock Rock, Piano accompaniment |
Boosey & Hawkes | Stanley Fletcher: New Tunes for Strings, Violin Book 1 | Stanley Fletcher: New Tunes for Strings, Teacher's Book 1 |
Boosey & Hawkes | Tetratunes for Violin, arr. Nelson | Tetratunes: teacher's book with accompaniments, arr. Nelson |
Boosey & Hawkes | The Essential String Method, Violin Book 2 | The Essential String Method, Violin/Viola Books 1 & 2, Piano accompaniment |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Violin (Third Edition), arr. Davey | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
Faber | Wilson & Wood: Stringtastic Beginners for Violin | Wilson & Wood: Stringtastic Beginners, Teacher's Accompaniment |
Faber | Wilson: Stringpops 1 for Violin | Wilson: Stringpops 1, Piano score |
OUP | Fiddle Time Joggers, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | Fiddle Time Joggers, Piano accompaniment book, arr. K. & D. Blackwell Fiddle Time Joggers, Violin accompaniment book, arr. K. & D. Blackwell |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Violin, Book 1, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 1, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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|
Grade 1 |
|
|
Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
ABRSM | Violin Star 2, arr. Huws Jones | Violin Star 2: Accompaniment book, arr. Huws Jones |
Alfred | Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1 | Suzuki Duets for Violins, Vols 1-3 Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1, Piano accompaniment |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Violin (Third Edition), arr. Davey | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
OUP | Fiddle Time Joggers, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | Fiddle Time Joggers, Piano accompaniment book, arr. K. & D. Blackwell Fiddle Time Joggers, Violin accompaniment book, arr. K. & D. Blackwell |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Violin, Book 1, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 1, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Violin, Book 1.5, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 1.5, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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Grade 2 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Alfred | Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 2 | Suzuki Duets for Violins, Vols 1-3 Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 2, Piano accompaniment |
Collins Music | Abracadabra Violin (Third Edition), arr. Davey | Abracadabra Strings, Book 1, Piano accompaniments, arr. Hussey & Sebba |
OUP | Fiddle Time Sprinters, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | Fiddle Time Sprinters, Piano accompaniment book, arr. K. & D. Blackwell Fiddle Time Sprinters, Violin accompaniment book, arr. K. & D. Blackwell |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Violin, Book 2, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 2, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
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Grade 3 |
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Publisher | Book title | Accompaniment book(s) |
Boosey & Hawkes | Session Time for Strings: Violin | Session Time for Strings: Piano accompaniment |
Boosey & Hawkes | Technitunes for Violin, arr. Nelson | Technitunes, Piano accompaniments, arr. Nelson |
OUP | Fiddle Time Sprinters, arr. K. & D. Blackwell | Fiddle Time Sprinters, Piano accompaniment book, arr. K. & D. Blackwell Fiddle Time Sprinters, Violin accompaniment book, arr. K. & D. Blackwell |
Vamoosh | Vamoosh Violin, Book 2, arr. Gregory | Vamoosh String Book 2, Piano accompaniment, arr. Gregory |
You can find answers to common questions about our syllabuses below. Please also check the qualification specification or syllabus for your subject and our exam regulations.
In the first year of a new Practical or Performance Grade syllabus, we offer an overlap period in which candidates may follow specific requirements from the preceding syllabus. More information is available on this page.
You can bring a page turner to exams at Grades 6 to 8 to help with any awkward page-turns. You do not need to ask permission. Accompanists for Grade 6 to 8 exams can also bring a page-turner.
You should follow da capo (DC) and dal segno (DS) indications but should not play other repeats (including first-time bars) unless stated in the syllabus. You can choose to play very short repeats if you want to.
They can hum or whistle instead. The examiner won't be assessing vocal quality. Candidates with a limited vocal range can tell the examiner, who will try (but not guarantee) to find tests within their range.
You shouldn't play candenzas unless specified in the syllabus. Tuttis aren't usually required, other than those specifically stated in the syllabus. You should arrange in advance with your accompanist which tuttis to leave out.
You can use any edition of the music unless the syllabus specifies a particular arrangement or transcription. Always check the syllabus.
You shouldn't make or use photocopies unless you have written permission from the publisher. You're allowed to photocopy individual pages to avoid a tricky page turn, but only if the publisher of the piece is signed up to the Music Publishers’ Association (MPA) Code of Fair Practice. The Code of Fair Practice is available at mpaonline.org.uk and participating publishers are listed in Appendix B.
If you would like to use a different qualification, please contact us directly.
No. Recorded accompaniment is only an option for Performance Grades. There are many practical reasons that make using recorded accompaniments in face-to-face exams more complex than using them in digital exams, which you can record in a location of your choice. However, we are looking into the possibility of allowing recorded accompaniment in face-to-face exams in the future.