Music

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Graded Examination in Music is a unique syllabus designed to develop essential musicianship skills for performers, with a special focus on the relationship between music and dance. Students explore rhythm, melody, dynamics, and phrasing not just as abstract concepts, but as living elements that inform and inspire movement. Through a progressive structure from Pre-Primary to Grade 8, candidates build practical musical skills that directly enhance their dance and performing arts training, making it an ideal complement to RAD’s dance examinations.

At each grade, learners are guided through a broad musical curriculum that includes performance on an instrument or voice, aural perception, sight-reading, and improvisation. The repertoire is carefully selected to span classical, contemporary, and world music, often reflecting the rhythmic and stylistic demands of dance genres such as ballet, tap, and modern. This integrated approach ensures that students not only learn to play or sing accurately but also develop a keen sense of tempo, articulation, and expressive timing — vital for any dancer.

The specification is structured to be flexible and inclusive, accommodating a range of instruments and vocal styles. Assessment is rooted in practical music-making, with candidates demonstrating their skills through prepared pieces, technical exercises, and real-time responses to aural stimuli. As they advance, students gain deeper insights into musical form, historical context, and the collaborative nature of performance, preparing them for further study or professional pathways in the performing arts.