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Saxophone

About Saxophone exams

We offer a range of assessments for saxophone players - 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 our Saxophone exams. 

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Saxophone – 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.  

Candidates can enter for an exam on Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Baritone Saxophone. There are separate repertoire lists for E flat and B flat instruments. All other requirements are the same for all four instruments. 

Downloads

Download a PDF of the full Saxophone Practical Grades qualification specification. This includes the syllabus and marking criteria as well as detailed information about exam requirements.

Saxophone – 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.   

Candidates can enter for an exam on Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Baritone Saxophone. There are separate repertoire lists for the E flat and B flat instruments.  

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 syllabus for your instrument, you should read our Performance Grade guidance which includes important information about recording and submitting your exam video. Follow the link below to find out more.   

Downloads

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

Watch a performance

Rob Burton and Konya Kanneh-Mason play Après un rêve by Fauré from the Grade 5 Alto Saxophone syllabus.

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