For clapping tests entrants may count aloud using any recognized counting system eg French Time Names. A steady pulse at a moderate speed is expected.
LEVEL ONE
Preliminary
To join in and clap the beats in simple duple or triple time, to a harmonized passage played by the examiner and to continue clapping the beats when the music stops.
To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm, in simple time. Example:
To visually recognize step or skip movement (seconds and thirds) over three notes within the compass of a fifth. We suggest entrants use their own pieces to develop fluency. Example:
Grade One
To visually recognize written combined step/skip movements over three notes within the compass of a fifth. We suggest entrants use their own pieces to develop fluency. Example:
To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm, in simple time. Example:
To play the same pattern as a given melody, using only seconds and thirds, within the compass of a fifth in the keys of G and D major. Entrants will be given half a minute to sight the melody during which time they may try parts of the test. Example:
To aurally identify major seconds and major thirds (number only), played twice by the examiner. Entrants may sing or hum the notes before answering.
To echo clap a short rhythm pattern clapped once by the examiner. A second attempt will be allowed if necessary. Example:
Grade Two
To visually recognize any written interval within the compass of a fifth. We suggest entrants use their own pieces to develop fluency. Example:
To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm in simple time. May include crotchet rests and quavers. Example:
To play the same pattern as a given melody in the keys of C or B♭ major. Entrants will be given half a minute to sight the melody during which time they may try parts of the test. Example:
To aurally identify major and perfect intervals up to and including perfect fifths (number only) played twice by the examiner. Entrants may sing or hum the notes before answering.
To echo clap a short rhythmic pattern clapped once by the examiner. A second attempt will be allowed if necessary. Example:
Grade Three
To visually recognize written intervals within the compass of an octave at sight. We suggest entrants use their own pieces to develop fluency. Example:
To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm, in simple time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades, dotted crotchets, quavers and minim rests may be included. Example:
To play the same rhythm pattern as a melody within the compass of an octave in the keys of C or A major. Entrants will be given half a minute to sight the melody during which time they may try parts of the test. Example:
To aurally identify major and perfect intervals up to and including perfect fifths (number only) played twice by the examiner. Entrants may sing or hum the notes before answering.
To aurally identify root position triads as major or minor (notes sounded together) played twice by the examiner.
To echo clap a short rhythm pattern clapped once by the examiner. A second attempt will be allowed if necessary. Example:
LEVEL TWO
Grade Four
To clap or tap at sight, a written four bar rhythm, in simple time or compound duple. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades, semiquavers, dotted quavers and quaver rests may be added. Examples:
To name the tonic key and play a given melody in the keys of E♭ or F major. Entrants will be given half a minute to sight the melody during which time they may try parts of the test. Example:
To aurally identify major and perfect intervals up to and including major sixths, (number only) played twice by the examiner. Entrants may sing or hum the notes before answering.
To aurally identify root position triads as major or minor (notes sounded together) played twice by the examiner.
To echo clap a rhythmic pattern clapped once by the examiner. A second attempt will be allowed if necessary. Example:
Grade Five
To clap or tap at sight, a written four bar rhythm, in simple or compound time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades, triplets and tied notes may be added. Examples:
To name the tonic key and play a given melody in the keys of E major or A minor. Entrants will be given half a minute to sight the melody during which time they may try parts of the test. Examples:
To give the letter names for both triads of the perfect cadence as marked.
To aurally identify by quality and number major and perfect intervals up to and including a perfect octave, played twice by the examiner. Entrants may sing or hum the notes before answering.
To aurally identify root position triads as major or minor (notes sounded together) played twice by the examiner.
To echo clap a four bar rhythmic pattern clapped once by the examiner. A second attempt will be allowed if necessary. Example:
LEVEL THREE
Grade Six
To clap or tap at sight, a written eight bar rhythm, in simple or compound time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades, syncopation may be added. Examples:
To name the tonic key and play a given melody in the keys of B major, D major or C minor. Entrants will be given half a minute to sight the melody during which time they may try parts of the test.
To name the final cadence as perfect or plagal and to name the letter names for both triads. Examples:
To aurally identify by quality and number, all major and perfect intervals up to and including a perfect octave, played twice by the examiner. Entrants may sing or hum the notes before answering. To aurally identify root position triads as major, minor, or augmented (notes sounded together) played twice by the examiner.
LEVEL FOUR
Grade Seven
To clap or tap at sight, a written rhythm in simple or compound time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades, syncopation may be added. Examples:
To name the tonic key and play a given melody in the keys of A♭ major, E♭ major, G minor or F minor, on bass and tenor clefs. Entrants will be given half a minute to sight the melody during which time they may try parts of the test.
To identify the first cadence as imperfect or interrupted and the second cadence as perfect or plagal and give the letter names of all triads forming the cadences. Examples:
To aurally identify by quality and number all major and perfect intervals, and minor thirds, up to and including a perfect octave, played twice by the examiner. Entrants may sing or hum the notes before answering.
To aurally identify root position triads as major, minor, augmented or diminished (notes sounded together) played twice by the examiner.
Grade Eight
To clap or tap at sight, a written eight bar rhythm, in any time signature. Examples:
Entrants will be given one minute to sight an orchestral excerpt during which time they may try parts of the test, and then play it from the score.
To aurally identify by quality and number all major and perfect intervals, minor thirds and sixths, up to and including a perfect octave, played twice by the examiner. Entrants may sing or hum the notes before answering.
To aurally identify root position triads as major, minor, augmented or diminished (notes sounded together) played twice by the examiner.
To play a simple melody in keys of up to three flats (major/minor) or three sharps (major) or one sharp (minor), on treble, tenor and bass clefs.
