For clapping tests entrants may count aloud using any recognised system. A steady pulse at a moderate speed is expected. Interval recognition is by number only.
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 recognize written combined step/skip movements over 3 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 2nds and 3rds within the compass of a fifth in the keys of C or G major. 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 G 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:
Grade Three
To visually recognize written intervals within the 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 F 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:
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.
To play a given melody in the keys of E♭ or B♭ major. Entrants will be given half a minute to sight the melody during which time they may try parts of the test. Examples:
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.
To play a given melody in the keys of A♭ major or E♭ major. Entrants will be given half a minute to sight the melody during which time they may try parts of the test. Saxophonists are required to name the letter names for both triads in the perfect cadence as marked *. Examples:
To transpose the melody from concert pitch, for alto up a major sixth and for tenor up a major second.
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.
To play the same rhythm pattern as a given melody 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. Saxophonists are required to name the final cadence as perfect or plagal and to name the letter names for both triads as marked *. Examples:
To transpose the melody from concert pitch, for alto up a major sixth and for tenor up a major second.
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.
To play given melody in the keys of D major or B major/minor. Entrants will be given half a minute to sight the melody during which time they may try parts of the test. Saxophonists are required to name the an imperfect or interrupted cadence at the end of the first phrase and a perfect or plagal cadence for the final cadence, and to name the letter names for both triads as marked *. Examples:
To transpose the melody from concert pitch, for alto up a major sixth and for tenor up a major second.
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. Examples:
