Complete Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Entry Level Dance & Performing Arts specification revision resources. Tailored syllabus coverage with topic breakdowns, quizzes, and practice questions.
Specification Topics
- Bass Trombone Grade 1
- Copper Music Medal
- Jazz Flute Grade 1
- Tenor Saxophone Bb Grade 1
- Horn Grade 1
- Trombone Grade 1
- Clarinet Grade 1
- Harp (Pedal) Grade 1
- Tuba Grade 1
- Jazz Trumpet Grade 1
- Jazz Piano Grade 1
- Guitar Grade 1
- Harp (Non-pedal) Grade 1
- Euphonium Grade 1
- Cello Grade 1
- Descant Recorder Grade 1
- Organ Grade 1
- Jazz Soprano Saxophone Bb Grade 1
- Jazz Tenor Saxophone Bb Grade 1
- Jazz Trombone Grade 1
- Alto Saxophone Eb Grade 1
- Harpsichord Grade 1
- Double Bass Grade 1
- Jazz Clarinet Grade 1
- Jazz Cornet Grade 1
- Oboe Grade 1
- Piano Grade 1
- Singing Grade 1
- Cornet Grade 1
- Flugelhorn Grade 1
- Jazz Baritone Saxophone Eb Grade 1
- Cornet Bb Grade 1
- Flute Grade 1
- Harp Grade 1
- Soprano Saxophone Bb Grade 1
- Baritone Saxophone Eb Grade 1
- Baritone Grade 1
- Tenor Horn Eb Grade 1
- Trumpet Grade 1
- Singing for Musical Theatre Grade 1
- Viola Grade 1
- Eb Horn Grade 1
- Treble Recorder Grade 1
- Jazz Flugelhorn Grade 1
- Percussion Grade 1
- Drum Kit Grade 1
- Bassoon Grade 1
- Violin Grade 1
- Jazz Alto Saxophone Eb Grade 1
Top Exam Board Tips
- Regularly practice scales and arpeggios with a metronome and drone to solidify intonation and rhythm, as these form the backbone of the technical tests.
- Use recording devices to self-evaluate tone quality and precision, comparing against professional recordings to develop a critical ear.
- In the exam, take a moment to breathe and mentally prepare before starting each piece or test, ensuring a calm and focused first impression.
- In the ensemble, prioritize blending and responsiveness; make eye contact with other players to coordinate entries and exits smoothly.
- For the solo piece, choose a piece that showcases your strengths and ensure you are comfortable with the technical demands to allow for a confident and expressive performance.
- Practice the Option tests regularly as part of your routine; for Call & Response, aim to echo exactly what is heard with clarity and rhythmic precision.
- Practice scales with a metronome, first straight, then with swung quavers to internalise the jazz feel and ensure rhythmic accuracy.
- Listen to professional jazz flute recordings of the set pieces to absorb stylistic nuances and phrasing ideas.
- In sight-reading, scan the music for key signature, time signature, and any tricky rhythms before starting, and aim to keep the swing feel consistent.
- Maintain a relaxed embouchure and steady air support to produce a consistent, centred jazz tone across all registers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misjudging slide positions, resulting in intonation issues, particularly in the lower register.
- Allowing tension in the embouchure or throat, producing a strained or thin sound.
- Inconsistent tempo, especially during technical passages or when nervous, often rushing the easier sections.
- Overlooking articulation markings, such as staccato or legato, leading to a monotonous performance.
- Neglecting to listen and adjust balance within the ensemble, leading to overpowering or being inaudible.
- Over-focusing on technical accuracy at the expense of musical expression in the solo piece, resulting in a rigid performance.
- Misunderstanding the structure of the Option test, such as failing to maintain a pulse in Call & Response or improvising out of key.
- Playing straight quavers instead of swinging them, resulting in a classical rather than jazz feel.
Key Terminology & Definitions
- Perform music in a variety of styles set for the grade, Demonstrate technical ability on an instrument/voice through responding to set technical demands, Respond to set musicianship tests
- Perform an individual line in an ensemble piece for two, three or four players which provides invaluable skills of interaction, listening and leading, Perform one piece from the solo repertoire lists for his or her instrument which underlines the importance of developing musical independence and individuality, Select one Option test from a choice of four to help build musicianship skills
- Tone production and breath control
- Articulation and phrasing
- Scale and arpeggio fluency
- Sight-reading fundamentals
- Aural awareness and response
- Jazz phrasing and articulation
- Swing feel and rhythmic accuracy
- Technical fluency (scales and arpeggios)
- Aural awareness and improvisation
- Performance presentation
- Breath management
- Pitch and intonation
- Vocal tone production