Pieces (66 marks)
Technical work (14 marks)
Supporting tests (20 marks)
Pieces
Candidates can express their musical identity by choosing three pieces from our varied repertoire lists. At Initial to Grade 5, pieces are selected from a single list, with no restrictions on choice, while at Grades 6-8 at least one piece must be chosen from each of the two groups. Candidates can perform an own composition in place of one of the listed pieces, and can choose to include up to two duets at Initial to Grade 5.
Technical work
This section of the exam supports the development of technical skills by assessing candidates’ performance in a range of technical work options. All candidates begin with a technical exercise — a short musical passage based on scale, arpeggio or chord patterns. At Initial to Grade 7 they then choose either scales & arpeggios or studies — specially composed short pieces designed to develop and demonstrate a range of specific guitar techniques. At Grade 8, candidates can select scales & arpeggios or concerto extracts.
Supporting tests
Trinity’s supporting tests encourage the development of the broader musical skills of sight reading, aural, improvisation and musical knowledge. The choice offered to candidates in this part of the exam allows them to demonstrate their own musical skills in different ways. Find out more about our supporting tests.
Further information
Full details (including our procedures, syllabus requirements, what to expect, and what to bring with you) can be found in our Information & Regulations.
Exam report forms are released typically within 2 weeks for face-to-face exams, or after your submission is uploaded for digital grades. Certificates usually follow 4 weeks later. Occasionally, we may not be able to release the exam result straight away. Further details about this can be found on our release of results page. For any other questions, please see our music exam help pages.
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