- Should repeats be played?
- Music in the syllabus is not available. What can RIAM do to help?
- Must the edition specified in the syllabus be used?
- Are there any samples available of Aural Tests apart from the sample book published by the RIAM?
- Will candidates be asked theory questions about pieces they have played for Gr 6 to Senior Cert?
- What advice is available about choice of programme for recital certificate?
- At what grade piano are candidates expected to use pedal?
- When are Electronic Keyboard candidates expected to be able to sight read the bass clef?
- What are the theory and aural test requirements for electronic keyboard?
- Alto horn and B flat tenor horn are not listed in the syllabus. Is it possible to take examinations
- What are the Aural and Sight-Singing requirements for Music Theatre?
Should repeats be played?
The regulation states that “Repeats are not expected but they should be played if there is a da capo or dal segno.” (Examination Regulations & Information no 16 (c)) In Recital Programmes, repeats may be played if they are judged to enhance the overall impact of the programme, but should not be included simply to fulfill the time requirements.
Music in the syllabus is not available. What can RIAM do to help?
When syllabi are published, every effort is made to confirm that all pieces are currently available. RIAM has no control over what happens regarding availability thereafter. You will find a comprehensive list of addresses, phone and fax numbers and website addresses of Music Retailers and Publishers both in Ireland and abroad.
Must the edition specified in the syllabus be used?
The regulation states that “Any edition of music or text cited in the Syllabi is intended solely as a means of identification; other recognised authoritative editions will be accepted”. It should be noted that numbering can vary from one edition to another, For instance, Piano Grade VIII, List C, the Field Nocturne is no 8 in the suggested Peters edition, but is no 7 in the Schirmer edition.
Are there any samples available of Aural Tests apart from the sample book published by the RIAM?
The Music Workout series by Jean Archibald and Bernadette Marmion, published by RIAM, also contain further samples for each grade, particularly of sight-singing and rhythmic clapping.
Will candidates be asked theory questions about pieces they have played for Gr 6 to Senior Cert?
No. The combined Aural and Theoretical Tests are described in full detail in each syllabus.
What advice is available about choice of programme for recital certificate?
The syllabus is deliberately vague on this matter. The intention is to encourage imagination in programme building. It is not essential to have a stylistically balanced programme (eg one each from baroque, classical, romantic and modern composers), but pieces should contrast in tempi, key and mood and should showcase the particular musical abilities of the candidate.
At what grade piano are candidates expected to use pedal?
The regulation states that “the use of pedals will be expected where appropriate” (Examination Regulations & Information no 16(g)). The higher the grade, the more candidates are expected to use pedals appropriately, whether pedal is marked on music or not. When it is marked, discretion is advised, as this is frequently inserted by an editor and not by the composer. When pedal is marked in pieces at lowest grades, this may be ignored.
When are Electronic Keyboard candidates expected to be able to sight read the bass clef?
For Grade I the candidate is required to read treble clef only. For Grades II to V the candidate is required to read treble clef notation, with chord symbols for the left hand. For Grades VI to VIII the candidate is required to read both treble and bass clef notation (hands together).
What are the theory and aural test requirements for electronic keyboard?
Theory and aural rest requirements are the same as for all other instruments. For Electronic Keyboard Preparatory Grade, aural tests are as prescribed for Preliminary Grade.
Alto horn and B flat tenor horn are not listed in the syllabus. Is it possible to take examinations?
Yes. Alto horn requirements are the same as E flat tenor: B flat tenor requirements are the same as Baritone & Euphonium.
What are the Aural and Sight-Singing requirements for Music Theatre?
Candidates for Music Theatre have a choice between Aural Tests and Sight-Singing, which they must state to the examiner at the time of the examination. It should be noted that the Aural Tests include a short sight-singing test