Overview of Grade 1
- elements of Baroque and early Classical style through binary and ternary forms are introduced
- character pieces to encourage pianists to develop creativity and imagination
- inventions to develop hand independence
- technique continues to build with more scales and triads
Books you need to prepare for Grade 1 Piano Exam
- Celebration Series Perspectives: Piano Repertoire 1
- Celebration Series Perspectives: Piano Studies/Etudes 1
- Technical Requirements for Piano 1
- Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests: Book 1
| Grade 1 Requirements |
Points |
| Repertoire | 50 |
| One selection from List A: Baroque and Classical Repertoire | 18 |
| One selection from List B: Romantic, 20th/21st century Repertoire | 18 |
| One selection from List C: Inventions | 14 |
| Memory (2 points awarded for memory, per selection) |
6 |
| Technical Requirements | 24 |
| 1. Studies/Etudes: one study or etude from Syllabus list | 12 |
| 2. Technical Tests | 12 |
| Major keys: C, G, F Minor keys: A, E, DScales, staccato scales, contrary motion scale, chromatic scale and triads |
|
| Ear Tests Clapback/Playback | 10 |
| Sight Reading Playing/Clapping | 10 |
| Total possible points (pass=60) | 100 |
Achievements:
Depending on how you score in the piano exam, you will be awarded various achievements:
| 90-100 points | First Class Honors with Distinction |
| 80-89 points | First Class Honors |
| 70-79 points | Honors |
| 60-69 points | Pass |
.
Your Choice: At the exam, you may choose to begin with either the Repertoire or the Technical Requirements; the Ear Test and Sight Reading will be conducted at the end of the exam
Theory Co-requisite: none
A full list of examination pieces can be found in the 2008 Edition, Piano Syllabus which you can purchase by clicking this link. It’s a resource every piano teacher should have!
