Yamaha Grade Examination System

Piano Performance Grade

SYLLABUS

Valid from April 2021

Current until further notice

Issued by authority of the

© Copyright 2020 by YAMAHA MUSIC FOUNDATION

All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured.
Table of Contents

I． Overview of the Yamaha Grade Examination System ............................................................................. 2

II. Examination Flow.................................................................................................................................... 3

III. Contents of Examination ........................................................................................................................ 7

Free Selection ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Sight Playing ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Accompaniment [Grades 10-8] ......................................................................................................... 11
Improvisation [Grades 7-6] ............................................................................................................... 17
Hearing .............................................................................................................................................. 22

IV. Evaluation .............................................................................................................................................. 34

V. Pass / Fail ................................................................................................................................................. 35

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I． Overview of the Yamaha Grade Examination System

Established in 1967, the Yamaha Grade Examination System has been used in over 40 countries and regions
to date. More than 10 million people have taken these examinations, and the system is widely accepted as a
standard for assessing musical abilities.
Grades are divided into different categories and levels to suit the musical ability and goals of Candidates.
The grade examinations allow music learners to develop their musical abilities while confirming their current
skills and considering the areas for future focus.

Grades for attaining Grade 1

better abilities in
performance Grade 2

Grade 3

Fundamental
Grades
Grades for becoming Grade 4
a teacher
Electone Performance Grades

Grade 5
Piano Performance Grades

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grades for students Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11
Grades for students
JMC
who have begun to
Grade 12 Fundamental
learn keyboard
Skill Survey
instruments
Grade 13

* There is currently no examination for Grade 1. (Information current as of October 2020)

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II. Examination Flow

1. Overview of Examination

For (2) to (4)

(1) Free
(2) Sight Playing (3) Improvisation (4) Hearing Keys and
Selection Meter
chords
Provide an
accompaniment for the 4 3
Grade 12 to 16 bar melody 4 , 4 ,
See p. 8
6 assigned. Thereafter, a 2 6
Candidates Play at sight, a variation on the overall 4 , 8
piece is required. Listen and play back
prepare score of about 12
a Piano piece of
and play to 16 bars in Provide an about 8 bars.
two pieces length. accompaniment for the 4 3
Grade 8bar melody assigned. 4 , 4 ,
See p. 8
7 Thereafter, a variation 2 6
on the overall piece is ,
4 8
required.

(4) Hearing For (2) to (4)

(1) Free
(2) Sight Playing (3) Accompaniment a. Melody Keys and
Selection Meter
b. Harmony chords
a. Listen and play
Provide an back a Melody of
accompaniment with about eight bars. 4 3
Grade
both hands for the 8bar b. Listen and play 4 , 4 ,
melody assigned. back a Harmonic See p. 7
8 2 6
Thereafter, a variation progression of four
4 , 8
on the accompaniment to six bars.
Play at sight, a is required. * Does not include
score of about 8
II1(II6)
bars in length.
a. Listen and play
Candidates
back a Melody of
prepare
about four bars.
Grade and play 4 3
Provide an b. Listen and play See p. 7 ,
9 two pieces 4 4
accompaniment with back a Harmonic
both hands for the 8bar progression of four
well known melody to six bars
Play at sight, a assigned. Thereafter, a a. Listen and play
score of about 4 variation on the back a Melody of
bars in length, accompaniment is about four bars. 4 3
Grade
that mainly required. b. Listen and play See p. 7 4 , 4
10
consists of a back a Harmonic
melody with progression of four
bassline bars.

* Candidates may select one free arrangement or self-composed piece for the Free Selection pieces.

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Course B, Grades 10–8
For Sight Playing, Accompaniment, Hearing, the Keys and Chords for each respective grade are as
follows:

Grade 8 Grade 9
0 C major 0 C major
Major 1♯ G major Major 1♯ G major
1♭ F major Keys 1♭ F major
Keys
0 A minor 0 A minor
Minor 1♯ E minor Minor
1♭ D minor
1♭ D minor
Chords I, IV, V, V7
Chords I, IV, V, V7, II1(II6), I2(I64)

Grade 10
0 C major
Major 1♯ G major
Keys
1♭ F major
Minor 0 A minor

Chords I, V7

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Course B, Grades 7, 6
For Sight Playing, Improvisation, Hearing, the Keys and Chords for each respective grade are as
follows:
* Chord inversions are included.

<Sight Playing and Hearing> <Improvisation>

Grade 6 Grade 6
1♯ G major 1♯ G major
2♯ D major 2♯ D major
Major
3♯ A major 1♭ F major
Keys
4♯ E major 2♭ B flat major
Major
1♭ F major 1♯ E minor
Minor
2♭ B flat major 2♭ G minor
3♭ E flat major
Keys V
4♭ A flat major Chords I, IV, V, V7, VI, II, V7
0 A minor
1♯ E minor
2♯ B minor
Minor
2♭ G minor
3♭ C minor
4♭ F minor

V
Chords I, IV, V, V7, VI, II, V7

<Sight Playing and Hearing> <Improvisation>

Grade 7 Grade 7
1♯ G major 1♯ G major
Major
2♯ D major 1♭ F major
Keys
3♯ A major 0 A minor
Major Minor
1♭ F major 1♭ D minor
2♭ B flat major
3♭ E flat major Chords I, IV, V, V7, II
Keys
0 A minor
1♯ E minor
2♯ B minor
Minor
1♭ D minor
2♭ G minor
3♭ C minor

Chords I, IV, V, V7, II

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2. Examination Procedure

Grades 10–8

Free Selection Sight Playing Accompaniment Hearing Comment

Grades 7–6

Free Selection Sight Playing Improvisation Hearing Comment

Recording, filming, transcribing, etc. of the contents of the examination is prohibited.

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III. Contents of Examination

FREE SELECTION

Candidates prepare two pieces from Yamaha Music Education System’s textbooks or any pieces that are the
same level of difficulty.
One of the pieces may be the candidates own original composition or arrangement.
Candidates will be asked to play both of two pieces.

Note:
- Pieces should be chosen carefully from a variety of composers, eras, countries, styles, forms etc. to present
a balanced program.
- Etudes and exercise pieces are basically not suitable for Free Selection. However, etudes that have high
musical value may be chosen. Candidates and teachers should use discretion when making their choices.
- A suite, sonatina etc. will be counted as one piece even if the candidate plays one or all of the pieces
(movements).
- Candidates are recommended to bring scores of the pieces prepared. Examiners may use the scores when
giving comments.
- Performing from memory is optional but advisable.
- With regard to repeats, follow the guidelines as below;
a) Sonata, Sonatina etc. --- without repeat
b) Pieces in which the musical meaning can be expressed without repeat --- without repeat
c) Pieces in which the repeat is needed to be musical --- with repeat
Follow the examiner’s instruction if you are not sure whether you should omit a repeat.
- Performances may be cut due to time constraints. This will not affect the evaluation.

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SIGHT PLAYING

Candidates play a piano piece at sight.

Procedure
1. Candidates look through the score for approximately 30 seconds.
2. Candidates play the piece at sight after the examiner’s cue. (Example: "Go ahead" or "You can start now.”)

Note:
*Be sure to check the key and the time signature before playing.

Range of keys and meter: refer to pages 3-5

Example
Grade 10

Grade 9

8
Grade 8

Grade 7

9
Grade 6

10
ACCOMPANIMENT

The objective of this subject is to evaluate abilities to (1) recognize the key and provide chords to a given
melody and (2) play an appropriate accompaniment that suits the melody.
Note:
*Practice adding chords to simple melodies and then playing an accompaniment. It is good to practice such
exercises repeatedly.
Range of keys, meter and chord: refer to pages 3-5

Grade 10

<Example>

Note:
*Bass notes will be given. Refer to the bass notes when considering the chords.

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 <Procedure>
1. As the examiner plays the melody, candidates listen while looking at the score. The bass notes are given.
2. As the examiner plays the melody a second time, candidates play the most suitable chords with both hands
based on the given bass notes.
“1, 2, 3, (start)"

Examiner

Candidate

“Okay, change the accompaniment…"

"

3. Then, candidates play the chords again in an appropriate accompaniment style.

Examiner

Candidate

Note:
*The accompaniment style presented here is just one example.
*It is recommended that candidates practice playing various accompaniment patterns that fit the mood, tempo,
etc. of melodies in different music styles.

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Grade 9

<Example>

Note:
*Bass notes will be given. Refer to the bass notes when considering the chords.

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 <Procedure>
1. As the examiner plays the melody, candidates listen while looking at the score. The bass notes are provided.
2. As the examiner plays the melody a second time, candidates play the most suitable chords with both hands
based on the given bass notes.

“1, 2, 3, (start)"

Examiner

Candidate

“Okay, change the accompaniment…"

"

3. Then, candidates play the chords again in an appropriate accompaniment style.

Examiner

Candidate

Note:
*The accompaniment style presented here is just one example.
*It is recommended that candidates practice playing various accompaniment patterns that fit the mood, tempo,
etc. of melodies in different music styles.
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Grade 8

<Example>

Note:
*For Grade 8, bass notes will not be given. Consider not only the chords but also the bass line.
*Candidates should choose an accompaniment style that is suitable for the melody.

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<Procedure>
1. As the examiner plays the melody, candidates listen while looking at the score.
As the examiner plays the melody a second time, candidates play the most suitable chords with both hands.

“1, 2, 3, (start)"

Examiner

Candidate

“Okay, change the accompaniment…"

"

2. Then, candidates play the chords again in an appropriate accompaniment style.

Examiner

Candidate

Note:
*The accompaniment style presented here is just one example.
*It is recommended that candidates practice playing various accompaniment patterns that fit the mood, tempo,
etc. of melodies in different music styles.

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IMPROVISATION

The objective of this subject is to evaluate the candidate’s abilities to (1) provide an accompaniment that suits
the melody and (2) make variations as an entire piece.
Note:
*Try arranging simple melodies as practice.

Range of keys, meter and chord: refer to pages 3-5

Grade 7

<Example>

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 <Procedure>
1. Candidates look through the examination piece.
2. Candidates play the given melody. The examiners may offer support to the candidate or give advice to the
candidate if they didn’t play it correctly.
*Examples of support from examiners:
(a)The examiner reads the melody together with the candidate; (b) the examiner sings the melody; (c) the
examiner plays the melody in phrases and the candidate imitates.
*Playing the melody is not an evaluation point in this subject.
3. Examiner asks the candidate, "Would you like to practice for 20 seconds, or would you like to proceed
with the evaluation?” If the candidate requests to practice, allow the candidate to practice.
*This 20-second practice is not to be evaluated.

1. Candidates play the melody together with an appropriate accompaniment.

Candidate

2. Then candidates play a variation.

Candidate

Note:
*Candidate should choose a bass line and accompaniment that is suitable for the mood and tempo of the
piece

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Grade 6

<Example>

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<Procedure>
1. Candidates look through the examination piece.
2. Candidates play the given melody. The examiners may offer support to the candidate or give advice to the
candidate if they didn’t play it correctly.
*Examples of support from examiners:
(a)The examiner reads the melody together with the candidate; (b) the examiner sings the melody; (c) the
examiner plays the melody in phrases and the candidate imitates.
*Playing the melody is not an evaluation point in this subject.

3. Examiner asks the candidate, "Would you like to practice for 20 seconds, or would you like to proceed
with the evaluation?” If the candidate requests to practice, allow the candidate to practice.
*This 20-second practice is not to be evaluated.

1. Candidates play the melody together with an appropriate accompaniment.

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2. Then candidates play with variation.

Note:
*Candidate should choose a bass line and accompaniment that is suitable for the mood and tempo of the
piece

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 HEARING

The objective of this subject is to evaluate the candidate's ability to play melodies and harmonies by-ear.
For Grades 10-8, candidates are required to listen to melodies and harmonies separately.
For Grades 7-6, candidates are required to listen to music with melodies and harmonies played simultaneously.
Note:
*While it is important to practice hearing exercises, candidates should also practice listening carefully to the
melody and harmony when performing any repertoire.

Range of keys, meter and chord: refer pages 3-5

Grade 10
Melody Hearing
<Example>

<Procedure>
1. The examiner tells candidates the key, and plays the whole melody with the accompaniment.

Examiner

2. The examiner plays the first half, and after the examiner’s cue, candidates play the melody by ear, while
the examiner plays the accompaniment.

Candidate

(Cue)

Examiner

3. Then, the second half is played in the same manner.

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 Candidate

(Cue)

Examiner

Harmony Hearing
<Example>

Right hand is in the range that the highest note of the tonic chord is 5th note.

<Procedure>
1. The examiner tells candidates the key, and then plays all chords.
2. Then candidates play the chords by ear after the examiner’s cue.

Candidate

(Cue)

Examiner

If candidate is unable to respond to the whole progression, examiner may present the progression separately

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 Grade 9
Melody Hearing
<Example>

<Procedure>
1. The examiner tells candidates the key, and plays the whole melody with the accompaniment.

Examiner

2. The examiner plays the first half, and after the examiner’s cue, candidates play the melody by ear, while
the examiner plays the accompaniment.

Candidate

(Cue)

Examiner

3. Then, the second half is played in the same manner.

Candidate

(Cue)

Examiner

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Harmony Hearing
<Example>

<Procedure>
1. The examiner tells candidates the key, and then plays all chords.
2. Then candidates play the chords by ear after the examiner’s cue.

Candidate

(Cue)

Examiner

If candidate is unable to respond to the whole progression, examiner may present the progression separately

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Grade 8
Melody Hearing
<Example>

<Procedure>
1. The examiner tells candidates the key, and plays the whole melody with the accompaniment.

Examiner

26
2. .The examiner plays the first half, and after the examiner’s cue, candidates play the melody by ear, while
the examiner plays the accompaniment

Candidate

(Cue)

Examiner

(Cue)

(Cue)

(Cue)

27
 Harmony Hearing
<Example>

<Procedure>
1. The examiner tells candidates the key, and then plays all chords.
2. Then candidates play the chords after the examiner’s cue.

Candidate

(Cue)

Examiner

If candidate is unable to respond to the whole progression, examiner may present the progression separately.

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 Grade 7
<Example>

<Procedure>
1. The examiner tells candidates the key, and then plays the whole piece.

Examiner

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 2. Then the examiner plays in phrases of 2 or 4 bars. After the examiner’s cue, candidates play back the same
phrases by ear.

Candidate

(Cue)

Examiner

(Cue)

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 (Cue)

(Cue)

Grade 6
<Example>

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<Procedure>
1. The examiner tells candidates the key, and then plays the whole piece.

Examiner

Examiner

2. Then the examiner plays in phrases of 2 or 4 bars. After the examiner’s cue, candidates play back the same
phrases by ear.

Candidate

(Cue)

Examiner

(Cue)

32
 (Cue)

(Cue)

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IV. Evaluation
Two YCJ-certified examiners will conduct the examination and report the following information about the
candidate's level of achievement. (musical ability)

1) Level of Achievement for Each Subject

Score on the level of achievement (musical ability acquired) for each subject on the exam. (full score : 10
points).
A minimum score of 5 is required to pass, 7 is "standard" and 10 indicates "you have mastered the learning
range".

2) Overall Level of Achievement

According to the total score of each subject, the overall level of achievement (musical ability) within the
scope of learning required by the grade is determined. It is graded on a scale of S,A,B,C,D,E.

Overall
Points Comments printed in the Notice of Result
evaluation
Total score of
S You have excellent abilities in the fields covered within this grade.
49 to 50
Total score of
A You have very good abilities in the fields covered within this grade.
41 to 48
Pass
Total score of You have satisfactory abilities in the fields covered within this
B
33 to 40 grade. Work to improve your skills even more!
Total score of You have almost all the required abilities in the fields covered
C
25 to 32 within this grade. Work to develop a well-balanced range of skills!
Total score of You are almost at the passing level with your abilities in the fields
D
17 to 24 covered within this grade. Work to boost your abilities!
Fail Your abilities have not reached the passing level in the fields
Total score of
E covered within this grade. Go over what you have learned once
16 or less
more!

3) Advice for Future Learning

The candidate is informed about "Learning Achieved" and "Points for Future Learning."

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<Image of Notice of the Result>
*This example is current as of October 2020. The layout may have undergone some changes since then.

VI. Pass / Fail

- If the total score is 25 or more, the student will pass the examination.
- Even if the total score is 25 or more, the candidate will not pass if the score in one or more subjects is 2
points.

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