Trinity Guildhall Music Grade Examinations |
Hunterdon Academy of the Arts is one of very few officially recognized Trinity Guildhall Centres across the United States. Respected internationally, the Trinity Guildhall examination program is administered jointly by the Trinity College London and London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama..
Trinity Guildhall performs c. 500,000 assessments each year in over 60 countries around the globe, ranging from graded examinations and certificates to diplomas and higher-level vocational qualifications in English language and the performing arts.
Hunterdon Academy of the Arts offers training in preparation for Trinity Guildhall Music Grade Examinations on most instruments. However, students taking music lessons at Hunterdon Academy of the Arts are by no means required to follow Trinity Guildhall guidelines or take Trinity Guildhall grade exams. This program is made available to motivate those who like the extra challenge and wish to excel on their chosen instrument.
Trinity Guildhall Music Grade Exams are available for all instruments, voice, and music theory. They include nine levels, from Initial to Grade 8, which assess performance and technical skills from beginner to accomplished musician.
It should be noted that students who have successfully completed certain higher-level grade examinations may qualify for college credit.
According to the current Trinity Guildhall Information & Regulations, “Preparation for Trinity’s examinations encourages the development of Key Skills”—that is, “the transferable skills that assist candidates to perform successfully in the world of education and work. These skills are conveniently divided into six areas: Communication; Application of Number; IT; Working with Others; Improving own Learning and Performance; and Problem Solving. Each of these areas develop the candidate’s broader life skills.”
Entry Requirements for Grade Examinations:
Anyone may enter for Grade Examinations, regardless of age, gender, disability, or ethnicity.
Aims and Objectives:
The aim of grade music examinations is to provide a framework for developing musical skills and an assessment scheme against which an individual’s progress and development may be measured, whether they are studying as a leisure activity or with a view to a career as a teacher or performer. Candidates must show their musical ability by playing (or singing) three pieces, and must also take supporting tests to encourage the development of all-around musical skills that underpin performance, such as Technical Work, Sight Reading, Improvisation, and Aural Tests.
Trinity Guildhall’s eight practical examination grades are numbered from 1 to 8 in increasing order of difficulty. In many subjects, an Initial examination acts as an introduction to the examination system.
The performance objectives of practical examinations are as follows:
| Level |
Objectives
|
Initial |
Pieces and tests explore the basic ability to produce a restricted range of notes appropriate to the instrument. Pieces are brief, appropriate to the attention span of younger candidates, and feature only simple rhythms.
|
Grade 1 |
Immediately attractive and straightforward pieces, using a restricted range of notes in basic key(s) appropriate to the instrument; ability to sustain rhythmic fluency over a short time span. Supporting tests encourage the development of sound practice.
|
Grade 2 |
Extension of range of available notes, opening the way to new keys; ability to tackle more elaborate rhythmic patterns with some variety of pace. Gradually increasing complexity.
|
Grade 3 |
An increase in musical response to pieces, together with the development of instrumental techniques such as piano pedalling.
|
Grade 4 |
Fluency in performing pieces which are somewhat longer than in the earlier grades, and which might include interpretation of ornaments.
|
Grade 5 |
An increasing performance skill and sense of stylistic awareness are expected from this level onwards. An increased control over tone quality; fuller understanding of different patterns of articulation and phrasing, and how they are achieved technically.
|
Grade 6 |
More emphasis on interpretation to complement technical competence and accuracy in playing pieces of some sophistication.
|
Grade 7 |
Technical control covering all but the extremes of instrumental range, using a wide variety of keys; awareness of stylistic interpretation.
|
Grade 8 |
A fully integrated approach, combining technical assurance with a sense of style and creative flair in pieces drawn largely from the standard repertoire of the instrument.
|
For more information on syllabi for all instruments and grade levels, please visit:
To obtain syllabi and study materials for Trinity Guildhall Music Grade Examinations, please contact Hunterdon Academy of the Arts at (908) 782-4943 or email us at:
