WHAT YOU'RE GONNA BE TESTED FOR AURAL

Hi guys! I understand that most of you are unsure about what would be tested for the aural ABRSM. So here's what it is. If you are unclear, you could approach me, Justin or Joel Tan.

Aural Tests: Grade 3

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

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

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

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

Aural Tests: Grade 4

A To sing or play from memory a four-bar melody played twice by the examiner. The key-chord and starting note will first be sounded and named, and the pulse indicated. A second attempt will be allowed if necessary.

B To sing five notes from score in free time within the range of a third above and below the tonic in the key of C, F or G major. The test will begin and end on the tonic and will not contain any intervals greater than a third. The examiner will play and name the key-chord and tonic, and, if necessary, play each note after it has been attempted. Candidates may choose to sing the test from the treble or bass clef.

C1 To identify certain features of a piece played by the examiner. The features will be confined to dynamics (p/f), gradation of tone (crescendo/diminuendo), articulation (staccato/legato), tempo changes (rallentando/accelerando etc.), recognition of major and minor tonality, and general perception of the character of the piece, of which the examiner will select one or two and advise the candidate accordingly before playing the piece. Questions on the selected features will then follow. Candidates are encouraged to use Italian terms in their answers where appropriate.

C2 To clap the rhythm of a short extract played twice by the examiner from the above piece and state whether it is in 2, 3 or 4 time.

Aural Tests: Grade 5

A To sing or play from memory a short melody played twice by the examiner. The key-chord and starting note will first be sounded and named, and the pulse indicated. A second attempt will be allowed if necessary.

B To sing six notes from score in free time within the range of a fifth above and a fourth below the tonic in any major key up to two sharps or flats. The test will begin and end on the tonic and will not contain any intervals greater than a third, except for the rising fourth from dominant to tonic. The examiner will play and name the key-chord and tonic, and, if necessary, play each note after it has been attempted. Candidates may choose to sing the test from the treble or bass clef.

C1 To identify certain features of a piece played by the examiner. The features will be confined to dynamics (p/f), gradation of tone (crescendo/diminuendo), articulation (staccato/legato), tempo changes (rallentando/accelerando etc.), recognition of major and minor tonality, and general perception of texture, rhythm, form, style and period, of which the examiner will select one or two and advise the candidate accordingly before playing the piece. Questions on the selected features will then follow. Candidates are encouraged to use Italian terms in their answers where appropriate.

C2 To clap the rhythm of a short extract played twice by the examiner from the above piece and state whether it is in 2, 3 or 4 time.

By the way, I'll be in the band room on Friday after the celebrations. So if anyone needs help with the exam, I'll be there to help you.

Cheers,
Daniel