Piano 2023 2024 Grade 1
Piano 2023 2024 Grade 1
Piano 2023 2024 Grade 1
GRADE 1
THREE PIECES: one chosen by the candidate from each of the three Lists, A, B and C; for further details see
pages 13–14.
Candidates may perform a duet for one of their three pieces.
COMPOSER PIECE / WORK / ARRANGER PUBLICATION (PUBLISHER)
A 1 Diabelli Allegretto in C (No. 3 from Die ersten 12 Piano Exam Pieces 2023 & 2024, Grade 1 (ABRSM)
Lectionen, Op. 125)
2 M. Helyer Dragonflies (from The Greenwood Tree) Piano Exam Pieces 2023 & 2024, Grade 1 (ABRSM)
3 A. Reinagle Minuet in C (No. 10 from 24 Short and Easy Piano Exam Pieces 2023 & 2024, Grade 1 (ABRSM)
Pieces, Op. 1)
4 Dennis Sonatina primo part DUET Dennis Alexander: Alfred’s Basic Piano Library, Duet
Alexander Book 2 (Alfred)
5 attrib. Choral ‘Deal with Me, Lord’, BWV 514 My First Bach (Schott)
J. S. Bach
6 Gurlitt The Chase/The Hunt (No. 15 from First Lessons Music Pathways: Repertoire, Level 3B (Carl Fischer) or
for the Piano, Op. 117) Classics to Moderns, Book 1 (Yorktown Music Press) or
Studio 21 (1st Series), Vol. 1 (Universal)
7 Handel Gavotte in C ornaments optional My First Concert for Piano (Schott) or
Classics to Moderns, Book 1 (Yorktown Music Press) or
Studio 21 (1st Series), Vol. 1 (Universal)
8 M. Helyer Haymaking (from The Greenwood Tree) M. Helyer: The Greenwood Tree (Stainer & Bell)
9 Türk Arioso in F (No. 1 from 12 Handstücke) Clavierstücke für Anfänger (Schott) or
Music Pathways: Repertoire, Level 3A (Carl Fischer) or
Pianissimo: Piano Piccolo (Schott)
10 Elsie Wells Courante primo part DUET Mixed Doubles: Piano Time Duets, Book 2 (OUP)
11 Hook Gavotte in C (No. 3 from 24 Progressive Lessons, Encore, Book 1 (ABRSM) or
Op. 81) Music Through Time, Piano Book 1 (OUP)
12 Mozart Allegro (No. 8 from 12 Duos, K. 487), Piano Star: Grade 1 (ABRSM)
arr. Blackwell
13 Purcell Minuet in A minor, Z. 649 Music Through Time, Piano Book 1 (OUP)
B 1 Andrew Eales Fresh Air Piano Exam Pieces 2023 & 2024, Grade 1 (ABRSM)
2 F. Price A Morning Sunbeam (No. 3 from Three Sketches Piano Exam Pieces 2023 & 2024, Grade 1 (ABRSM)
for Little Pianists)
3 Head The Quiet Wood Piano Exam Pieces 2023 & 2024, Grade 1 (ABRSM)
4 Dennis Reflections (from Just for You and Me, Book 1) Dennis Alexander: Just for You and Me, Book 1 (Alfred)
Alexander primo part DUET
5 Alwyn The Trees are Heavy with Snow Five by Ten, Grade 1 (Lengnick)
6 R. R. Bennett Friday (from Seven Days a Week) R. R. Bennett: Seven Days a Week (Alfred) or
The Young Pianist’s Repertoire, Book 1 (Faber)
7 Jessie Blake The Little White Cloud Grade by Grade, Piano Grade 1 (Boosey & Hawkes)
8 Grechaninov Fairy Tale (No. 1 from Children’s Album, Op. 98) Grechaninov: Children’s Book, Op. 98 (ABRSM) or
More Romantic Pieces for Piano, Book 1 (ABRSM) or
My First Concert for Piano (Schott)
9 Helen Madden The Forgotten Forest primo part DUET Piano Star: Grade 1 (ABRSM)
10 Borislava Small Valse with repeat Mosaic, Vol. 2 (Editions Musica Ferrum)
Taneva
11 Agnieszka Fountain (from Little Stories) Agnieszka Lasko: Little Stories (Euterpe)
Lasko
12 Alan Menken Beauty and the Beast (from Beauty and the Gradebusters Grade 1 Piano (Hal Leonard)
Beast), arr. Hussey
13 Siegmeister Song of the Dark Woods Music Pathways: Repertoire, Level 3B (Carl Fischer)
21
Piano 2023 & 2024 Grade 1 Practical Grades
C 1 Shruthi Virginia Hall Piano Exam Pieces 2023 & 2024, Grade 1 (ABRSM)
Rajasekar
2 Martha Mier Sneaky Business (from Jazz, Rags & Blues, Piano Exam Pieces 2023 & 2024, Grade 1 (ABRSM)
Book 1)
3 Caroline Tyler Little Whale Explores the Calm Sea Piano Exam Pieces 2023 & 2024, Grade 1 (ABRSM)
4 June Sunlight Through the Trees Piano Star: Grade 1 (ABRSM)
Armstrong
5 Elias The Frog (from The Gift of Music) Elias Davidsson: The Gift of Music (Spartan Press)
Davidsson
6 Alison Woodland Folk Song primo part DUET Piano Star Duets (ABRSM)
Mathews
7 Jane Sebba Latin Laughter primo part; play the 6ths in bb. 10 & 28 Piano Magic Duets, Book 2 (Collins Music)
DUET
8 Barbara Snow Jazzy Dragon (from Animal Jazz) Barbara Snow: Animal Jazz (Edition HH)
9 Trad. Ewe Tu tu Gbovi, arr. Chapman Nyaho Piano Star Duets (ABRSM)
(Ghanaian) primo part DUET
10 Trad. Jamaican Mango Walk, arr. Cornick Piano Repertoire, Level 1 (Universal)
11 Carol Barratt Cheesecake-Walk (from Get It Together!) Carol Barratt: Get It Together! (Chester)
12 Gillock Swinging Beat Gillock: Swinging Beat (Willis)
13 Chee-Hwa Tan At the Seaside (from A Child’s Garden of Verses) Chee-Hwa Tan: A Child’s Garden of Verses
(Piano Safari)
SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS: from memory; played legato and in even notes; for further details see pages 15–16
RANGE REQUIREMENTS
SCALES (SIMILAR MOTION)
C major 1 oct. hands together
G, F majors
A, D minors (natural or harmonic or melodic, at 2 oct. hands separately
candidate’s choice)
CONTRARY-MOTION SCALE
C major 1 oct. hands starting on the tonic (unison)
ARPEGGIOS
G major
1 oct. hands separately
A minor
SIGHT-READING: a short piece of previously unseen music; for further details see pages 17 & 18
AURAL TESTS: given by the examiner from the piano; for further details see pages 40 & 41
Instruments
ABRSM Public Venues provide a piano suitable for exam purposes. The piano will be upright
or grand. Practice before the exam cannot be arranged, but examiners will recognise that the
instrument may be one that candidates are unfamiliar with. When exams are held at Private Visits
(i.e. premises provided and overseen by the Visit Organiser and visited by the examiner), a suitable
piano must be provided. A digital piano may be used, provided it has a clearly recognisable piano
tone, a touch-sensitive keyboard with full-size weighted keys, and an action, range and facilities
that match those of a conventional acoustic piano, including a sustaining pedal.
Before beginning the exam: Candidates are welcome to adjust the piano stool height (the
examiner will be happy to help with this if necessary) and to play a few notes to try out and get
used to the piano.
12
Practical Grades 3. Piano Practical Grades Syllabus 2023 & 2024
Pieces
Musicians learn to play an instrument to explore and perform repertoire, which is why pieces
are at the core of the exam – candidates are asked to present three at each grade. The syllabus
repertoire is organised into three lists that explore different traditions and styles, dating from
the Renaissance period to the present day.
Choosing one piece from each list gives candidates the opportunity to play a balanced selection
and demonstrate a range of skills. In this syllabus, the pieces are broadly grouped into lists by
the characteristics of the music:
• List A pieces are generally faster moving and require technical agility
• List B pieces are more lyrical and invite expressive playing
• List C pieces reflect a wide variety of musical traditions, styles and characters.
At Initial Grade to Grade 3, there are opportunities to play duets. This is an activity that often
occurs in lessons for beginners and helps build a strong sense of musical awareness as well as
secure rhythm and pulse.
We hope that by offering this variety in the syllabus, candidates will find inspiring music that
they enjoy learning and performing.
Programme planning: Candidates must choose one piece from each of the three lists (A, B and
C)*. In the exam, they should inform the examiner which pieces they are performing, and they
are welcome to use the form on page 64 for this purpose.
Every effort has been made to feature a broad range of repertoire to suit and appeal to candidates
of different ages, backgrounds and interests. Certain pieces may not be suitable for every candidate
for technical reasons, e.g. hand size, or effects that cannot be realised on a digital piano. Other
pieces may not be suitable because of wider context (historical, cultural, subject matter, lyrics if
an arrangement of a song, etc.). Pieces should be carefully considered for their appropriateness
to each individual, which may need consultation between teachers and parents/carers. Teachers
and parents/carers should also exercise caution when allowing younger candidates to research
pieces online: www.nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety.
The repertoire lists are the same as for ABRSM Performance Grades. Candidates intending on
taking both qualifications at the same grade may find their musical development benefits from
preparing different pieces for each.
Duets: At Initial Grade to Grade 3, candidates may perform a duet for one of their pieces. These
pieces are marked DUET in the repertoire list and the part the candidate must play is also specified
– primo part if the upper part and secondo part if the lower part. Pieces marked DUET/SOLO may
be played as a duet or as a solo.
Candidates must provide their own duet partner, who may only be in the exam room while playing.
The duet partner may be the candidate’s teacher (examiners will not play duets with candidates).
Recorded duet parts are not allowed.
Exam music & editions: Wherever the syllabus includes an arrangement or transcription
(appearing as ‘arr.’ or ‘trans.’ in the repertoire lists), the edition listed in the syllabus must be
used. For all other pieces, editions are listed for guidance only and candidates may use any edition
of their choice. This includes editions that are downloaded. Information on sourcing exam music
is given on page 14.
* At Initial Grade to Grade 3, candidates may choose only one duet (there are duets on all three lists). 13
3. Piano Practical Grades Syllabus 2023 & 2024 Practical Grades
Interpreting the score: Printed editorial suggestions such as fingering, metronome marks,
realisation of ornaments, etc. do not need to be strictly observed. Whether the piece contains
musical indications or not, candidates are encouraged to interpret the score in a musical and
stylistic way. Examiners’ marking will be determined by how control of pitch, time, tone, shape
and performance contributes to the overall musical outcome.
Pedalling: Examiners will take into account the use and control of pedalling, and its effect on tone
and shape. They will be assessing the overall musical outcome, rather than whether or not any
printed pedal indications are played as written (these may therefore be adapted or omitted, as
appropriate). Pieces that are heavily reliant on pedalling (whether marked in the music or not) for
their full musical effect should be avoided if appropriate pedalling cannot be managed.
For duets, the secondo player (lower part) is expected to take responsibility for any pedalling.
Hand stretch: Candidates should choose the most suitable pieces for their hand size from the
repertoire lists. If necessary, they may occasionally adapt the music by ‘spreading’ chords or
omitting notes at wide stretches, provided the result is musical.
Repeats: Unless the syllabus specifies differently, all da capo and dal segno indications must be
followed but other repeats (including first-time bars) should not be played unless they are very
short (i.e. a few bars).
Ossias: Where an ossia (alternative musical line or note) occurs in the music, candidates may
choose either option unless the repertoire list specifies differently.
Performing from memory: Candidates may perform any of their pieces from memory; if doing so,
they must make sure that a copy of the music is available for the examiner to refer to. No extra
marks are directly awarded for playing from memory.
Page-turns: Examiners will be understanding if a page-turn causes a lack of continuity during
a piece, and this will not affect the marking. Candidates may use an extra copy of the music or
a photocopy of a section of the piece (but see ‘Photocopies’ below) to help with page-turns.
Candidates at Grades 6 to 8 may bring a page-turner to the exam if there is no solution to
a particularly awkward page-turn (prior permission is not required; the turner may be the
candidate’s teacher). Examiners are unable to help with page-turning.
Photocopies & downloads: Performing from unauthorised photocopies (or other kinds of copies)
or illegal downloads of copyright music is not allowed. In the UK, copies may be used in certain
limited circumstances – for full details, see the MPA’s Code of Fair Practice at www.mpaonline.
org.uk/mpa-guidelines. In all other cases, application should be made to the copyright holder
before any copy is made, and evidence of permission should be brought to the exam.
Candidates and Applicants are expected to act within the law with regard to copyright. ABRSM
may withhold the exam result where we have evidence of an illegal copy (or copies) being used.
Sourcing exam music: Exam music is available from music retailers and online, including at the
ABRSM music shop: www.abrsm.org/shop. Every effort has been made to make sure that the
publications listed will be available for the duration of the syllabus. We advise candidates to
get their music well before the exam in case items are not kept in stock by retailers. Non-exam
related questions about the music (e.g. editorial, availability) should be addressed to the relevant
publisher: contact details are listed at www.abrsm.org/publishers.
14
Practical Grades 3. Piano Practical Grades Syllabus 2023 & 2024
15
3. Piano Practical Grades Syllabus 2023 & 2024 Practical Grades
Grade/Speed *
Initial 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Scales
(including contrary-motion, q = 54 q = 60 q = 66 q = 80 q = 100 h = 60 h = 72 h = 80 h = 88
chromatic & whole-tone)
Arpeggios
(including dominant & q = 52 q = 58 q = 63 q = 72 q = 80 h = 44 h = 50 h = 56 h = 66
diminished 7ths)
16
Practical Grades 3. Piano Practical Grades Syllabus 2023 & 2024
Sight-reading
Sight-reading is a valuable skill with many benefits. Learning to sight-read helps to develop quick
recognition of keys, tonality and common rhythm patterns. Strong sight-reading skills make
learning new pieces quicker and easier, and also help when making music with others, so that
playing in an ensemble becomes more rewarding and enjoyable.
About the test: Candidates will be asked to play a short unaccompanied piece of music that they
have not seen before. They will be given half a minute to look through and, if they wish, try out all
or any part of the test before they are asked to play it for assessment.
Parameters: The table on page 18 shows the elements that are introduced at each grade.
Fingering: Any fingering shown on the test is for guidance only. Candidates are welcome to use
any fingering that produces a successful musical outcome.
Supporting publications: For practice purposes, sample sight-reading tests are published by
ABRSM. Purchasing these books is not a requirement.
Blind or partially-sighted candidates: Blind or partially-sighted candidates may choose an
alternative test (Braille memory or Aural repetition) in place of the standard test, if requested at
the time of booking the exam. Further information is available at www.abrsm.org/specificneeds.
Aural tests
Listening lies at the heart of music-making and the ability to hear how music works helps with
all aspects of musical development. Aural skills help with gauging the sound and balance of
playing, keeping in time and playing with a sense of rhythm and pulse. These skills also help to
develop a sense of pitch, musical memory and the ability to spot mistakes.
About the test: Full details of the Aural tests are given on pages 40–47.
Supporting publications: For practice purposes, sample Aural tests are published by ABRSM.
Examples of the tests are given in Specimen Aural Tests and Aural Training in Practice. Purchasing
these books is not a requirement.
Deaf or hearing-impaired candidates: Deaf or hearing-impaired candidates may choose
alternative tests in place of the standard tests, if requested at the time of booking the
exam. Further information, including the syllabus for the alternative tests, is available at
www.abrsm.org/specificneeds.
17
3. Piano Practical Grades Syllabus 2023 & 2024 Practical Grades
Sight-reading parameters
The table below shows the elements that are introduced at each grade. These parameters are
presented cumulatively, i.e. once introduced they apply for all later grades (gradually progressing
in difficulty). See also page 17.
(bars) included
Initial 4 4 ⁄4 C major Each hand: • h q iq
D minor • playing separately •
• in 5-finger position • legato phrases, staccato
6 2 ⁄4 (tonic to dominant) • f and p
Grade 1 3 ⁄4 G, F majors any 5-finger position • occasional accidentals
A minor (within minor keys only)
• h . iiiq
• Î
• slurs, accents
• mf and mp
• cresc. and dim. hairpins
Grade 2 D major playing together • w ; q . e patterns
E, G minors • tied notes
• pp
18
3. Piano Practical Grades Syllabus 2023 & 2024 Practical Grades
In the exam
Aural tests are an integral part of all Practical Music graded exams.
The tests are given by the examiner from the piano. For any test that requires a sung response,
pitch rather than vocal quality is being assessed. The examiner will be happy to adapt to the vocal
range of the candidate, whose responses may be sung to any vowel (or consonant followed by a
vowel), hummed or whistled (and at a different octave, if appropriate).
The information on pages 41–47 sets out the tasks that candidates will be asked to complete
in the exam.
Assessment
Some tests allow for a second attempt or for an additional playing by the examiner, if necessary.
The examiner will also be ready to prompt, where helpful, although this may affect the assessment.
Marks are not awarded for each individual test or deducted for mistakes; instead they reflect the
candidate’s overall response in this component. The marking criteria for the Aural tests are given
on page 55.
Supporting publications
For practice purposes, sample Aural tests are published by ABRSM. Examples of the tests for
Initial Grade to Grade 8 are given in Specimen Aural Tests. More examples for Grades 1 to 8 are
given in Aural Training in Practice. Purchasing these books is not a requirement.
40 * A different set of tests apply to Jazz and Singing for Musical Theatre exams
Practical Grades 3. Piano Practical Grades Syllabus 2023 & 2024
INITIAL GRADE
A To clap the pulse of a piece played by the examiner. The examiner will start playing the pas-
sage, and the candidate should join in as soon as possible, clapping in time.
B To clap as ‘echoes’ the rhythm of two phrases played by the examiner. The phrases will be
two bars long, in three or four time, and consist of a melody line only. The examiner will count
in two bars. After the examiner has played each phrase, the candidate should clap back the
rhythm as an ‘echo’ without a pause, keeping in time.
C To sing as ‘echoes’ two phrases played by the examiner. The phrases will be one bar long in
4/4 time. They will be in a major key, and within the range of tonic–mediant. First the examiner
will play the key-chord and the starting note (the tonic) and then count in two bars. After the
examiner has played each phrase, the candidate should sing back the echo without a pause,
keeping in time.
D To answer a question about one feature of a piece played by the examiner. Before playing,
the examiner will tell the candidate which feature the question will be about. It will be about
dynamics (loud/quiet) or articulation (smooth/detached).
GRADE 1
A To clap the pulse of a piece played by the examiner, and to identify whether it is in two time
or three time. The examiner will start playing the passage, and the candidate should join in as
soon as possible, clapping in time and giving a louder clap on the strong beats. The examiner
will then ask whether the music is in two time or three time. The candidate is not required to
state the time signature.
B To sing as ‘echoes’ three phrases played by the examiner. The phrases will be two bars long,
in a major key, and within the range of tonic–mediant. First the examiner will play the key-chord
and the starting note (the tonic) and then count in two bars. After the examiner has played
each phrase, the candidate should sing back the echo without a pause, keeping in time.
C To identify where a change in pitch occurs during a phrase played by the examiner. The
phrase will be two bars long, in a major key, and the change will affect only one of the notes.
First the examiner will play the key-chord and the tonic and then count in two bars. The
examiner will play the phrase twice, making the change in the second playing, after which
the candidate should state whether the change was near the beginning or near the end. If
necessary, the examiner will play both versions of the phrase again (although this may affect
the assessment).
D To answer questions about two features of a piece played by the examiner. Before playing,
the examiner will tell the candidate which two features the questions will be about. The first
will be: dynamics (loud/quiet, or sudden/gradual changes); the second will be articulation
(smooth/detached).
41
Exam programme & running order form