PIANO (Subject Code: 01): Syllabus requirements

Instruments
ABRSM Centres provide a satisfactory piano (which may be upright or grand). Practice
before the exam cannot be arranged, but examiners will recognize that the instrument may
be one to which candidates are unaccustomed.
When exams are held at Visits (i.e. premises provided by the Applicant and visited by
the examiner), a satisfactory piano must be provided. An electronic piano may be used,
provided it has a clearly recognizable piano tone, a touch-sensitive keyboard with full-size
weighted keys, and an action, compass and facilities that match those of an ordinary
piano, including a sustaining pedal.
Programme planning
Candidates should use their discretion in their choice of three pieces to present a
contrasted and balanced programme. One piece must be chosen from each of the three
lists in each grade (A, B and C).
Scales, arpeggios and broken chords
Examiners will usually ask for at least one type of scale/arpeggio/broken chord required
at each grade and, from Grade 6, will aim to hear a balance of legato and staccato as
appropriate.
All scales, arpeggios and broken chords should:
• be played from memory
• ascend and descend according to the specified range (and pattern)
• be prepared legato, unless the syllabus specifies staccato (or both)
• be played without pedalling
• be played without undue accentuation and at a pace that is consistent with accuracy
and distinctness
Recommended minimum speeds are given in These Music Exams, available free of charge
from music retailers and from www.abrsm.org/exams; they are also to be found in the
books of piano scale requirements published by ABRSM for each grade.
Any practical and systematic fingering that produces a good result will be accepted.
Candidates are free to start at any octave, provided the required ranges are covered. For
all ‘hands together’ requirements, the hands should be one octave apart, unless otherwise
indicated. Arpeggios, diminished and dominant sevenths are required in root position
only, except where otherwise indicated. Scales in thirds or a third apart should begin with
the tonic in the lower voice, while scales in sixths or a sixth apart should begin with the
tonic in the upper voice.

6
 Piano syllabus requirements
Sight-reading
Candidates will be given a short interval of up to half a minute in which to look through
and, if they wish, try out any part of the test before they are required to perform it for
assessment. The main parameters for the sight-reading tests for each grade are outlined in
this syllabus; once introduced, they apply for all subsequent grades (albeit with a logical
progression of difficulty). Books of specimen sight-reading tests are published for piano
by ABRSM for each grade.
Performance and assessment
When marking, examiners will be assessing not only the accuracy of notes and rhythm,
but also other elements inherent in a good performance, including quality of touch, variety
and gradation of tone, suitable choice of tempo, and details of expression, phrasing and
accent. Any practical and systematic fingering that produces a good result will be
accepted. Effective use of the pedals will be taken into account, although examiners will
make allowances for candidates who cannot reach the pedals, provided the result is
musically satisfactory. The same apples to candidates whose hands are too small to play
the music as written: chords may be ‘spread’ or notes occasionally omitted at wide
stretches, provided the result is musically satisfactory. Further details of assessment
criteria are given in These Music Exams.
Marking scheme
Schedule of maximum marks for all grades:
Scales and arpeggios/broken chords 21
Pieces: 1 30
2 30
3 30
Sight-reading 21
Aural tests 18
Total 150

7
EXAMINATION MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

(extracted from the Examination Information & Regulations booklet, which should be read
in conjunction with this syllabus)

a The individual sections of the examination may be attempted in any order, at the candidate’s
choice.
b Teachers and candidates are advised to pay close attention to the syllabus requirements on
pp. 6–7 as well as to the requirements indicated in the current lists of syllabus pieces.
A ‘piece’ comprises all the music set under one number-heading in the syllabus lists (unless
an option is specifically indicated). Therefore, a ‘piece’ may comprise more than one
movement from a work or more than one item from an album.
c Where appropriate, the initial tempo indication (or section title) of a piece/movement is
listed in the syllabus. Where a piece/movement comprises more than one tempo indication
(or section title), the whole piece/movement is still required to be played in the examination
(unless otherwise indicated).
d Candidates failing to observe specific syllabus requirements or regulations (i.e. performing
a piece not listed in the syllabus, or not being prepared to perform the full extent of a piece
as indicated in the syllabus) may be penalized, or, in certain cases, disqualified.
e ABRSM offers a limited overlap period, during which pieces from the preceding syllabus
may, under certain conditions, be performed (see syllabus updates on the inside front cover
of this booklet).
f Candidates may use any edition (in- or out-of-print or downloadable) of the pieces listed in
the syllabus, except where a specific arrangement or transcription is indicated. The editions
quoted in the syllabus are given for guidance only and are not obligatory.
g Candidates may use their discretion regarding indications or markings (particularly
editorial) in the music – e.g. metronome marks, fingering, phrasing, the interpretation of
ornaments, etc. – which need not be strictly observed. Where no such indications are present
in the music, candidates should use their discretion to achieve a musical performance.
h Candidates should observe da capo and dal segno indications, but other repeats of more
than a few bars should not be played in the examination, unless stipulated in the syllabus.
i Performing from memory is optional. The examiner is at liberty to review a copy of the
music before or after the performance of any piece; therefore, candidates performing from
memory must ensure that a copy of the music is available for the examiner’s use.
j Examiners may, at their discretion, stop the performance of any piece when they have heard
enough to form a judgement.
k The Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 (UK) does not permit the making or use of
photocopies (or other kinds of copies) of copyright works. However, the UK Music
Publishers’ Association’s Code of Fair Practice (available at www.mpaonline.org.uk)
allows copies to be made in certain limited circumstances (such as a difficulty with a
particular page-turn) but only if the copyright holder is listed in Appendix C of the Code. In
all other cases, application should be made to the copyright holder before any copy is made.
It is the Applicant’s responsibility to ensure that candidates act within the law with respect
to the making and use of photocopies (or other copies). ABRSM reserves the right to
withhold the examination result of any candidate where it has evidence of the use of an
illegal copy (or copies) in connection with that examination.

8
 Piano GRADE 1
SCALES AND BROKEN CHORDS *: see also p. 6
Scales
C, G, D, F majors hands separately 2 octaves
A, D minors (L.H. may, at candidate’s choice, be
(melodic or harmonic at candidate’s played descending and ascending)
choice)
Contrary-motion scale
C major hands beginning on the key-note (unison) 1 octave
Broken chords
C, G, F majors hands separately, as pattern below:
A, D minors

V 68 Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š. Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š.
Š
THREE PIECES: one chosen by the candidate from each of the three Lists, A, B and C:
LIST A
1 Anon. Menuet in F: No. 6 from Nannerl Notenbuch ⎫ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012,
† 2 Haydn Andante (from Symphony No. 94, 2nd movt), arr. Bullard ⎬
3 Hook Gavotta: No. 3 from 24 Progressive Lessons, Op. 81 ⎭ Grade 1 (ABRSM)
4 J. C. F. Bach Schwaebisch in D. No. 6 from Clavierstücke für Anfänger (Schott ED 2572/MDS)
5 Naudot Babiole. Piano Progress, Book 1, arr. Waterman and Harewood (Faber)
6 Purcell A Song Tune, Z. T695. No. 3 from Purcell Miscellaneous Keyboard Pieces (Stainer & Bell K22)
LIST B
1 Pauline Hall Tarantella ⎫ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 &
2 Martha Mier A Story from Long Ago: from Romantic Sketches, Book 1 ⎬
3 Swinstead A Tender Flower ⎭ 2012, Grade 1 (ABRSM)
4 Rybicki Longing: from I Begin to Play, Op. 20 (PWM 5630130/MDS) or Pianoworks Collection 1, arr. Bullard
(OUP)
† 5 Schubert The Trout. Simply Classics, Grades 0–1, arr. Gritton (Faber)
6 Schumann Soldatenmarsch (Soldiers’ March): No. 2 from Album für die Jugend, Op. 68 (ABRSM) also in
Schumann for Younger People and More Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book 1 (ABRSM)
LIST C
† 1 Foster Camptown Races, arr. Proctor ⎫
2 Fiona Macardle Late at Night ⎬ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012, Grade 1 (ABRSM)
3 Kevin Wooding Vampire Blues ⎭
4 Bartók Quasi adagio: No. 3 from For Children, Vol. 1 (Boosey & Hawkes/MDS)
5 Janina Garścia Allegretto: 1st movt from Sonatina in C, Op. 51 No. 1. Garścia Little Sonatinas (PWM 8029040/
MDS)
6 Lajos Papp Grasshopper: No. 15 from 22 Little Piano Pieces (Editio Musica Budapest Z.13216/FM Distribution)

SIGHT-READING *: a four- or six-bar piece in 44 , 34 or 24 in C, G or F majors, A or D minors, with each hand

playing separately and in a five-finger position. Simple dynamics, note values, articulations and occasional
accidentals (within minor keys only) may be encountered. See also p. 7.

AURAL TESTS FOR THE GRADE *: see pp. 20 and 21

† This arrangement only

* Published by ABRSM (Scale requirements, Specimen Sight-Reading Tests, Specimen Aural Tests)

9
 Piano GRADE 2
SCALES, ARPEGGIOS AND BROKEN CHORDS *: see also p. 6
Scales (similar motion)
G, D, A, F majors hands together and separately 2 octaves
E, D, G minors
(melodic or harmonic at candidate’s
choice)
Contrary-motion scales
C, E majors hands beginning on the key-note (unison) 2 octaves
Chromatic scale
beginning on D hands separately 1 octave
Arpeggios
G, D, A majors hands separately 2 octaves
D, G minors
Broken chords
F major hands separately, as pattern below: 2 octaves
E minor

Vb Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š
THREE PIECES: one chosen by the candidate from each of the three Lists, A, B and C:
LIST A
1 Daquin Suite de la réjouissance: from Premier livre de pièces de clavecin ⎫
Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 &
† 2 Pauline Hall, based on Haydn Military Minuet ⎬
2012, Grade 2 (ABRSM)
3 Krieger Bourrée (observing 1st repeat): from Sechs musicalische Partien ⎭
4 Hummel Dialogue Taquin. No. 17 from Vienna Classic (Bärenreiter BA 8756)
5 Petzold Menuet [II] in G minor (with no DC to Menuet I ), BWV Anh. II 115. The Anna Magdalena Bach Book of
1725 (ABRSM) or Pp. 47–48 from Baroque Keyboard Pieces, Book 1 (ABRSM)
6 Vaughan Williams Two-Part Invention in G: No. 6 from A Little Piano Book (OUP)
LIST B
1 Berkovich Mazurka ⎫ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012, Grade 2
† 2 Brahms The Sandman, arr. Pike ⎬
(ABRSM)
† 3 Schubert Trio (from Symphony No. 5, 3rd movt), arr. White ⎭
4 Duvernoy Andantino, Op. 176 No. 15. More Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book 1 (ABRSM)
5 Gurlitt Gavotte in A minor. No. 8 from Romantic Piano Anthology 1 (Schott ED 12912/MDS)
† 6 Tchaikovsky Waltz (from The Sleeping Beauty). Pianoworks Collection 1, arr. Bullard (OUP)
LIST C
1 John Kember Bah-ba-doo bah: No. 1 from Jazz Piano Studies 1 ⎫
Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012,
2 Timothy Salter Cat being bold at first ⎬
† 3 Trad. American Down by the Riverside, arr. Richards ⎭ Grade 2 (ABRSM)
4 Elias Davidsson Men’s Dance: from The Gift of Music (Spartan Press SP803)
5 Janina Garścia In the Train: from Miniatures for Piano, Op. 5 (PWM 7490070/MDS)
6 Christopher Norton Cloudy Day: No. 9 from Microjazz Collection 2 (Boosey & Hawkes/MDS)

SIGHT-READING *: a four- or six-bar piece, time and key signatures as Grade 1, with the addition of D
major, E and G minors, and with each hand in a five-finger position and playing together. Some dotted and
tied notes may be encountered. See also p. 7.

AURAL TESTS FOR THE GRADE *: see pp. 20 and 21

† This arrangement only
* Published by ABRSM (Scale requirements, Specimen Sight-Reading Tests, Specimen Aural Tests)

10
 Piano GRADE 3
SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS *: see also p. 6
Scales (similar motion)
A, E, B, Bb, E b majors hands together and separately 2 octaves
B, G, C minors
(melodic or harmonic at candidate’s
choice)
Contrary-motion scales
A major hands beginning on the key-note 2 octaves
A harmonic minor (unison)
Chromatic scales
beginning on Ab and on C hands separately 2 octaves
Arpeggios
A major hands together only 2 octaves
G minor
E, B, Bb, E b majors hands separately only 2 octaves
B, C minors

THREE PIECES: one chosen by the candidate from each of the three Lists, A, B and C:
LIST A
1 J. S. Bach Prelude in C, BWV 939 ⎫ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012,
2 Dittersdorf Englischer Tanz in A: No. 19 from 20 englische Tänze ⎬
3 L. Kozeluch Air cosaque ⎭ Grade 3 (ABRSM)
4 Beethoven Bagatelle in A minor, Op. 119 No. 9. Beethoven Bagatelles (ABRSM)
5 Petzold Bourrée: from Suite de clavecin. Wiener Urtext Album: Easy Piano Pieces from Bach to Schönberg
(Wiener Urtext UT 50251/MDS)
6 Telemann Allegretto in C (TWV 30:23/2). P. 19 from Telemann Easy Fugues with Little Pieces (Schott ED
9015/MDS)
LIST B
1 Grechaninov Sad Song: No. 1 from Beads, Op. 123 ⎫
2 Korganov Kleiner Walzer (Little Waltz): No. 3 from Jugend-Album, Op. 25 ⎩ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 &
3 Schumann Wilder Reiter (The Wild Horseman): No. 8 from Album für die ⎧ 2012, Grade 3 (ABRSM)
Jugend, Op. 68 ⎭
† 4 Elgar Enigma Theme. Simply Classics, Grades 2–3, arr. Gritton (Faber)
5 Hugo Reinhold Silhouette: No. 12 from Miniatur-Bilder, Op. 39 (Doblinger 01104/MDS)
6 Weber Écossaise. More Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book 1 (ABRSM)
LIST C
1 Christian Diendorfer Tastenritt (Riding over the Keys): No. 7 from Pianinis ⎫
Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 &
2 Alan Haughton Stroll On: from Fun Club Piano, Grade 2–3 ⎬
† 3 Joni Mitchell Both Sides Now, arr. White ⎭ 2012, Grade 3 (ABRSM)
4 John Rowcroft Triple Blues: from Bigger Picture Piano, Grades 3, 4 & 5 (Spartan Press SP713)
5 M. Tajčević Allegretto scherzando: No. 3 from Lieder von der Mur-Insel (Henle 166 or Henle 166/MDS)
6 Karen Tanaka Northern Lights. Spectrum 4: An International Collection of 66 Miniatures for Solo Piano
(ABRSM)

SIGHT-READING *: a piece of up to eight bars in length, time and key signatures as Grade 2, with the
addition of 38 and A, Bb, Eb majors and B minor, and with hands playing together outside of a five-finger
position. Occasional two-note chords in either hand may be encountered. See also p. 7.

AURAL TESTS FOR THE GRADE *: see pp. 20 and 22

11
 Piano GRADE 4
SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS *: see also p. 6
Scales (similar motion)
B, Bb, E b, Ab, D b majors hands together and separately 2 octaves
C#, G#, C, F minors
(melodic or harmonic at candidate’s
choice)
Contrary-motion scales
F, E b majors hands beginning on the key-note 2 octaves
D, C harmonic minors (unison)
Chromatic scales
beginning on any black key named by hands together and separately 2 octaves
the examiner
Arpeggios
B, Bb, E b, Ab, D b majors hands together and separately 2 octaves
C#, G#, C, F minors

THREE PIECES: one chosen by the candidate from each of the three Lists, A, B and C:
LIST A
1 Anon. Allegro in F: No. 33 from Nannerl Notenbuch ⎫ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012, Grade 4
2 J. C. F. Bach Scherzo: from Musikalische Nebenstunden ⎬
(ABRSM)
3 Beethoven Minuet in G: No. 2 from Six Minuets, WoO 10 ⎭
4 W. F. Bach Aria in G minor. The Classical Spirit, Book 1 (Alfred 16720/FM Distribution)
5 Kuhlau Vivace: 2nd movt from Sonatina in C, Op. 55 No. 1. Kuhlau Sonatinas, Vol. 1 (Peters EP 715a)
6 Mozart Polonoise in D. No. 5 from Mozart 12 petites pièces (2nd Set) (Edition HH 180/MDS)
LIST B
1 Carroll Alone at Sunset: No. 10 from Sea Idylls ⎫
2 Kabalevsky Waltz: No. 23 from 24 Little Pieces, Op. 39 ⎩ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012, Grade 4
3 Maikapar Chez le forgeron (At the Smithy): No. 5 from ⎧ (ABRSM)
Novelettes mignonnes, Op. 8 ⎭
† 4 Berlioz Hungarian March (from The Damnation of Faust). 11 March Melodies, arr. Johnson (Fentone F378/De
Haske)
5 Chaminade Idyll, Op. 126 No. 1. The Romantic Spirit, Book 1 (Alfred 4638/FM Distribution)
6 Hugo Reinhold Scherzo: No. 6 from Miniatur-Bilder, Op. 39 (Doblinger 01104/MDS)
LIST C
1 A. Benjamin Soldiers in the Distance: from Fantasies ⎫
Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012, Grade 4
2 Gillock Carnival in Rio ⎬
3 Hengeveld Blues: from Melody and Rhythm ⎭ (ABRSM)
4 Detlev Glanert Lied im Meer. Spectrum 4: An International Collection of 66 Miniatures for Solo Piano (ABRSM)
5 Michael Rose Habanera: No. 6 from Ten Dances (ABRSM)
6 Shostakovich Clock-work Doll: No. 6 from Six Children’s Pieces, Op. 69 (Boosey & Hawkes/MDS)

SIGHT-READING *: a piece of around eight bars in length, time and key signatures as Grade 3, with the
addition of 86 . Anacrusis and occasional chromatic notes, pause signs and tenuto may be encountered. See
also p. 7.

AURAL TESTS FOR THE GRADE *: see pp. 20 and 22

† This arrangement only ‡ The candidate chooses one of the two groups
* Published by ABRSM (Scale requirements, Specimen Sight-Reading Tests, Specimen Aural Tests)

12
 Piano GRADE 5
SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS *: see also p. 6
Scales (similar motion)
all keys, major and minor hands together and separately 3 octaves
(minors melodic or harmonic at candidate’s
choice)
Contrary-motion scales
Group 1: F, D b/C# majors and harmonic minors hands beginning on the key-note 2 octaves
or Group 2: F#, Bb majors and harmonic minors (unison)‡
Chromatic scales
beginning on any note named by the examiner hands together and separately 3 octaves
Chromatic contrary-motion scales
beginning on D (unison) and on Ab (unison) 2 octaves
Arpeggios
all keys, major and minor hands together and separately 3 octaves

THREE PIECES: one chosen by the candidate from each of the three Lists, A, B and C:
LIST A
1 J. S. Bach Air: 4th movt from Partita No. 6 in E minor, BWV 830 ⎫
Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012,
2 J. H. Fiocco Andante: from Pièces de clavecin, Op. 1 ⎬
3 Haydn Menuet and Trio: 3rd movt from Sonata in B b, Hob. XVI/2 ⎭
Grade 5 (ABRSM)
4 T. Arne Presto: 2nd movt from Sonata No. 6. Arne Eight Keyboard Sonatas (Faber)
5 J. C. F. Bach Allegro in E minor. No. 12 from J. C. F. Bach Musical Leisure Hours (ABRSM)
6 Cimarosa Larghetto in C minor. No. 15 from Cimarosa Sonatas, Book 2 (Broekmans & Van Poppel 871/MDS) or
P. 28 from Contemplations (Boosey & Hawkes/MDS)
LIST B
1 Gedike Miniature in D minor: No. 2 from Dix miniatures en forme d’études, Op. 8 ⎫ Selected Piano Exam
2 Žilinskis Elegy (In Autumn): from Scenes from Childhood ⎬ Pieces 2011 & 2012,
3 Liszt Andantino: No. 4 from Fünf kleine Klavierstücke, S. 192 ⎭ Grade 5 (ABRSM)
4 Glinka Mazurka in C minor. P. 68 from Glinka Complete Works for Piano, Vol. 2 (Könemann Music Budapest
K212—Editio Musica Budapest/FM Distribution)
5 Schumann Wiegenliedchen (Cradle Song): No. 6 from Albumblätter, Op. 124. No. 11 from Schumann 16 Album-
leaves (ABRSM)
6 Tchaikovsky Polka, Op. 39 No. 14. No. 10 from Tchaikovsky Album for the Young, Op. 39 (ABRSM) or More
Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book 3 (ABRSM)
LIST C
1 Thiman Flood-Time: No. 5 from Water Pieces ⎫ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012,
† 2 Gershwin It ain’t necessarily so (from Porgy and Bess), arr. Harris ⎬
3 Bloch Joyous March: No. 5 from Enfantines ⎭ Grade 5 (ABRSM)
4 Mike Cornick First Impression: from Blue Piano (Universal 19762/MDS)
5 Mompou Pájaro triste (Sad Bird): No. 5 from Impresiones íntimas (UME/Music Sales) or Mompou Música para
piano (UME/Music Sales)
6 Christopher Norton Dreaming On. No. 11 from The Christopher Norton Rock Preludes Collection (Boosey &
Hawkes/MDS)

SIGHT-READING *: a piece of around eight to twelve bars in length, time signatures as Grade 4, keys up to
four sharps/flats (major) or three sharps/flats (minor). Four-part chords (two notes maximum in either hand),
simple syncopation and a slowing of tempo at the end may be encountered. See also p. 7.

AURAL TESTS FOR THE GRADE *: see pp. 20 and 23

13
Piano GRADE 6
PREREQUISITE FOR ENTRY : Grade 5 (or above) in Theory of Music, Practical Musicianship or any solo
Jazz subject.

SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS *: see also p. 6

Scales (similar motion)
all keys, major and minor legato, hands together and separately 4 octaves
(minors both melodic and harmonic)
Staccato scales
Group 1: A, E b majors hands separately‡ 4 octaves
or Group 2: E, B b majors
Contrary-motion scales
Group 1: A, Eb majors and harmonic minors legato, hands beginning on the key-note 2 octaves
or Group 2: E, Bb majors and harmonic minors (unison)‡§
Staccato scale in thirds
C major hands separately 2 octaves
Chromatic scales
beginning on any note named by the examiner legato, hands together and separately 4 octaves
Chromatic contrary-motion scale
beginning on A# (L.H.) and C# (R.H.), a minor legato 2 octaves
third apart
Arpeggios
all keys, major and minor legato, hands together and separately 4 octaves
Diminished sevenths
beginning on B and on C# legato, hands together and separately 4 octaves

‡ The candidate chooses one of the two groups § Same group as chosen above
* Published by ABRSM (Scale requirements, Specimen Sight-Reading Tests, Specimen Aural Tests)

14
Piano: GRADE 6
THREE PIECES: one chosen by the candidate from each of the three Lists, A, B and C:
LIST A
1 Alcock Almand: 1st movt from Suite No. 4 in D minor ⎫
Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012, Grade 6
2 Galuppi Adagio: 1st movt from Sonata in D, Op. 1 No. 4 ⎬
(ABRSM)
3 Handel Allegro: 2nd movt from Suite in G, HWV 441 ⎭
4 J. S. Bach Prelude in D, BWV 925 (from Clavierbüchlein für W. F. Bach). J. S. Bach A Little Keyboard Book
(ABRSM) or J. S. Bach 18 Little Preludes (ABRSM)
5 Cimarosa Allegro in G. No. 12 from Cimarosa Sonatas, Book 2 (Broekmans & Van Poppel 871/MDS)
6 Zipoli Corrente (Allegro): 2nd movt from Suite No. 1 in B minor (from Sonate d’intavolatura, Vol. 2) (Suite
published separately: Süddeutscher Musikverlag SM 2204/44—Bärenreiter)
LIST B
1 Chaminade Élégie: No. 7 from Album des enfants, Series 2, Op. 126 ⎫
Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012,
2 Grieg Allegro moderato: No. 5 from Poetic Tone-Pictures, Op. 3 ⎬
Grade 6 (ABRSM)
3 Nielsen Mignon: No. 4 from Five Piano Pieces, Op. 3 ⎭
4 Howard Blake Prelude (Andantino): No. 1 from Lifecycle (or Prelude published separately) (Highbridge Music/
Music Sales)
5 Grovlez Petites litanies de Jésus: from L’Almanach aux images (Stainer & Bell 0534)
6 Tchaikovsky The Witch (Baba Yaga), Op. 39 No. 20. No. 20 from Tchaikovsky Album for the Young, Op. 39
(ABRSM) or More Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book 4 (ABRSM)
LIST C
1 Foster Soirée Polka ⎫ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012, Grade 6
2 Rodrigo Pastoral ⎬
(ABRSM)
3 Takemitsu Clouds: No. 2 from Piano Pieces for Children ⎭
4 Ross Lee Finney Jack Rabbit: from Youth’s Companion. No. 10 from 20th-Century Composers, Intermediate Piano
Book (Peters EP 54199)
5 Frank Martin Clair de lune (Petit nocturne) (Billaudot GB6406/UMP)
6 Oscar Peterson Jazz Exercise No. 3. P. 52 from Peterson Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes & Pieces for Piano, 2nd
Edition (Hal Leonard/Music Sales)

SIGHT-READING *: a piece of around twelve to sixteen bars in length, time signatures as Grade 5, with the
addition of 98 , 54 and 58 , keys up to four sharps/flats (major and minor). Triplet rhythms, some clef changes
and sparing use of the right pedal may be encountered. See also p. 7.

AURAL TESTS FOR THE GRADE *: see pp. 20 and 23

15
Piano GRADE 7
PREREQUISITE FOR ENTRY : Grade 5 (or above) in Theory of Music, Practical Musicianship or any solo
Jazz subject.

SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS *: see also p. 6

Scales (similar motion)
Group 1: C, D, E, F#, Bb, Ab/G# majors & minors legato or staccato as directed by 4 octaves
or Group 2: G, A, B, F, E b, Db/C# majors & minors the examiner, hands together
(minors both melodic and harmonic) and separately‡
Scales a third apart
Group 1 ⎫ keys as above legato or staccato as directed by 4 octaves
⎬
or Group 2 ⎭ (majors & harmonic minors only) the examiner, hands together‡§
Contrary-motion scales
Group 1 ⎫ keys as above legato or staccato as directed by 2 octaves
⎬
or Group 2 ⎭ (majors & harmonic minors only) the examiner, hands beginning on
the key-note (unison)‡§
Legato scale in thirds
C major hands separately 2 octaves
Staccato scale in sixths
C major hands separately 2 octaves
Chromatic scales
beginning on any note named by the examiner legato or staccato as directed by 4 octaves
the examiner, hands together and
separately
Chromatic contrary-motion scales
beginning on C (unison) and on F# (unison) legato or staccato as directed by 2 octaves
the examiner
Arpeggios
Group 1 legato, hands together and sepa- 4 octaves
⎫
⎬ keys as above
or Group 2 ⎭ rately, in root position and first
inversion‡§
Dominant sevenths
Group 1: in the keys of C, D, E, F#, Bb, Ab legato, hands together and sepa- 4 octaves
or Group 2: in the keys of G, A, B, F, E b, D b rately‡§
Diminished sevenths
beginning on A and on C# legato, hands together and sepa- 4 octaves
rately

† This arrangement only ‡ The candidate chooses one of the two groups § Same group as chosen above
* Published by ABRSM (Scale requirements, Specimen Sight-Reading Tests, Specimen Aural Tests)

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 Piano: GRADE 7
THREE PIECES: one chosen by the candidate from each of the three Lists, A, B and C:
LIST A
1 T. Arne Allegro: 2nd movt from Sonata No. 3 in G ⎫ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012,
2 Handel Allemande: 3rd movt from Suite in D minor, HWV 428 ⎬
3 Mozart Presto: 3rd movt from Sonata in F, K. 280/189e ⎭ Grade 7 (ABRSM)
b
4 C. P. E. Bach Allegro: 1st movt from Sonata in B , Wq. 62/16, H. 116. No. 16 from C. P. E. Bach Piano Sonatas,
Vol. 2 (Henle 377 or Henle 377/MDS)
5 J. S. Bach Sinfonia No. 10 in G, BWV 796. J. S. Bach Inventions and Sinfonias (ABRSM)
6 Daquin Le coucou (The Cuckoo): from Premier livre de pièces de clavecin. No. 2 from A Keyboard Anthology, 3rd
Series, Book 5 (ABRSM)
LIST B
1 Bruch Schwedischer Tanz in A minor: No. 14 from Schwedische Tänze, Op. 63 ⎫ Selected Piano Exam Pieces
2 Skryabin Prelude in Db: No. 3 from Seven Preludes, Op. 17 ⎬ 2011 & 2012, Grade 7
3 Turina Conchita rêve: No. 6 from Niñerías, Series 2, Op. 56 ⎭ (ABRSM)
4 Granados Viniendo de la fuente (Coming from the Fountain): No. 5 from Cuentos de la juventud, Op. 1 (ABRSM)
or More Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book 4 (ABRSM)
5 Liszt Romance in E minor (S. 169). No. 15 from Liszt Easy Pieces and Dances (Bärenreiter BA 6577)
6 Szymanowski Prelude in Db: No. 3 from Nine Preludes, Op. 1 (Universal 3852/MDS) or More Romantic Pieces for
Piano, Book 5 (ABRSM)
LIST C
1 Kabalevsky Presto: 3rd movt from Sonatina, Op. 13 No. 1 ⎫ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012,
2 Martinů Harlequin (Scherzo): from Puppets, Book 2 ⎬
Grade 7 (ABRSM)
† 3 Paul Francis Webster and Sonny Burke Black Coffee, arr. Booth ⎭
† 4 Gershwin ’S Wonderful. Meet George Gershwin at the Keyboard (Faber)
5 Stephen Hough Valse enigmatique No. 2. Hough Suite R-B and Other Enigmas (Weinberger/FM Distribution)
6 Poulenc Le petit éléphant: from L’Histoire de Babar (piece published separately: Billaudot GB6398/UMP)

SIGHT-READING *: a piece of around sixteen to twenty bars in length, time and key signatures as Grade 6,
with the addition of 78 and 74 . Tempo changes, the 8va sign and the use of the una corda pedal may be
encountered. See also p. 7.

AURAL TESTS FOR THE GRADE *: see pp. 20 and 24

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Piano GRADE 8
PREREQUISITE FOR ENTRY : Grade 5 (or above) in Theory of Music, Practical Musicianship or any solo
Jazz subject.

SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS * : see also p. 6

Scales (similar motion)
C, D, B, F#, F, E b, Ab/G#, D b/C# majors & minors legato or staccato as directed by 4 octaves
(minors both melodic and harmonic) the examiner, hands together
and separately
Scales a third apart
keys as above (majors & harmonic minors only) legato or staccato as directed by 4 octaves
the examiner, hands together
Scales a sixth apart
keys as above (majors & harmonic minors only) legato or staccato as directed by 4 octaves
the examiner, hands together
Legato scales in thirds
C and Bb majors hands separately 2 octaves
Chromatic scales a minor third apart
beginning on any notes named by the examiner legato or staccato as directed by 4 octaves
the examiner, hands together
Chromatic scale in minor thirds
beginning on A#/C# legato, hands separately 2 octaves
Whole-tone scale
beginning on E legato, hands together and sepa- 2 octaves
rately
Arpeggios
keys as for scales (similar motion) above legato, hands together and sepa- 4 octaves
rately, in root position, first and
second inversions
Dominant sevenths
in the keys of C, D, B, F#, F, E b, Ab, Db legato, hands together and sepa- 4 octaves
rately
Diminished sevenths
beginning on any note named by the examiner legato, hands together and sepa- 4 octaves
rately

† This arrangement only

* Published by ABRSM (Scale requirements, Specimen Sight-Reading Tests, Specimen Aural Tests)

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 Piano: GRADE 8

THREE PIECES: one chosen by the candidate from each of the three Lists, A, B and C:
LIST A
1 J. S. Bach Capriccio: 6th movt from Partita No. 2 in C minor, BWV 826 ⎫ Selected Piano Exam
2 Trygve Madsen Prelude and Fugue in C: No. 1 from 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 101 ⎬ Pieces 2011 & 2012,
3 C. Schumann Prelude and Fugue in B b: No. 2 from Three Preludes and Fugues, Op. 16 ⎭ Grade 8 (ABRSM)
4 J. S. Bach Prelude and Fugue in B b, BWV 866: No. 21 from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Part 1 (ABRSM)
5 Handel Prelude and Allemande: 1st and 2nd movts from Suite (No. 5) in E (1720 Collection), HWV 430. Handel
Eight Great Suites, Book 2 (ABRSM)
6 Ravel Fugue: No. 2 from Le tombeau de Couperin (Durand/UMP or Peters EP 7376)
7 D. Scarlatti Sonata in F# minor, Kp. 25 (L. 481). No. 25 from Scarlatti Keyboard Pieces and Sonatas, Book 2
(ABRSM) or No. 6 from Scarlatti 200 Sonatas, Vol. 1 (Editio Musica Budapest Z.7817/FM Distribution)
8 D. Scarlatti Sonata in B minor, Kp. 27 (L. 449). No. 19 from Baroque Keyboard Pieces, Book 4 (ABRSM) or
No. 8 from Scarlatti 200 Sonatas, Vol. 1 (Editio Musica Budapest Z.7817/FM Distribution)
LIST B
1 Beethoven Rondo: 3rd movt from Sonata in C minor, Op. 13 ⎫
(Grande Sonate pathétique) ⎩ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 & 2012,
2 Field Allegro moderato: 1st movt from Sonata in Eb, Op. 1 No. 1 ⎧ Grade 8 (ABRSM)
3 Mozart Allegro: 1st movt from Sonata in D, K. 284/205b ⎭
4 Beethoven Allegro: 4th movt from (Grand) Sonata in Ab, Op. 26. Sonata published individually (ABRSM) or Beet-
hoven The 35 Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 (ABRSM) or No. 12 from Beethoven Complete Pianoforte Sonatas, Vol. 2 (ABRSM)
5 Clementi Allegro: 1st movt from Sonata in A. No. 6 from Clementi Sonatas, Vol. 1 (Peters EP 146a)
6 Haydn Moderato: 1st movt from Sonata in C # minor, Hob. XVI/36. Haydn Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2
(Wiener Urtext UT 50028/MDS) or Vol. 3 (2009 new edition: Wiener Urtext UT 50258/MDS)
7 Haydn Allegro moderato: 1st movt from Sonata in Eb, Hob. XVI/38. No. 3 from Haydn Selected Keyboard
Sonatas, Book 2 (ABRSM)
8 Schubert Moderato: 1st movt from Sonata in E minor (unfinished), D. 566. Appendix 4a from Schubert Complete
Pianoforte Sonatas, Vol. 1 (ABRSM)
LIST C
1 Albéniz Sous le palmier: No. 3 from Chants d’Espagne, Op. 232 ⎫
2 Debussy Valse romantique ⎪
† 3 Dave Brubeck King for a Day, trans. H. Brubeck ⎩ Selected Piano Exam Pieces 2011 &
4 Chopin Nocturne in B, Op. 32 No. 1 ⎧ 2012, Grade 8 (ABRSM)
5 Gershwin Novelette in Fourths ⎪
6 Prokofiev Prelude: No. 7 from Ten Pieces, Op. 12 ⎭
7 Y. Bowen Prelude in Eb: No. 7 from 24 Preludes, Op. 102 (Weinberger/FM Distribution)
8 Douglas Finch Toccata montuna. Salsa nueva (Boosey & Hawkes/MDS)
9 Nikolai Kapustin Sonatina, Op. 100 (A-RAM/MusT)
10 Liszt Au lac de Wallenstadt: No. 2 from Années de Pèlerinage: Première année – Suisse (Henle 173 or Henle 173/
MDS)
11 Messiaen Plainte calme: No. 7 from Préludes (Durand/UMP)
12 Mompou Canción y Danza No. 1. Mompou Música para piano (UME/Music Sales)
13 Rachmaninov Mélodie in E: No. 3 from Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3. Rachmaninov Piano Compositions, Vol. 3
(Boosey & Hawkes/MDS)
14 Schumann Abschied (Farewell): No. 9 from Waldscenen, Op. 82 (ABRSM)
15 Smetana Polka in E: from Trois polka de salon, Op. 7. Smetana Polkas (Bärenreiter BA 9506)
16 Carl Vine Bagatelle No. 2: from Five Bagatelles (Faber)

SIGHT-READING *: a piece of around a page in length, time and key signatures as Grade 7, with the addition
of 182 and B and D b majors. Three-part chords in either hand, spread chords and simple ornaments may be
encountered. See also p. 7.

AURAL TESTS FOR THE GRADE *: see pp. 20 and 25

19