Piano Grade 10-6

Grades 10-8

Free Selection
Sight Playing
Accompaniment
Hearing
Evaluation

Grades 7-6

Free Selection
Sight Playing
Improvisation
Hearing
Evaluation

Duration

Grades 10-8: 15 minutes, Grades 7-6: 20 minutes

*1. Chord inversions are included for Grade 7 and 6

*2. Does not include II1(II6) for Harmony Hearing.

Candidates prepare two pieces from Yamaha Music Education System’s textbooks or any pieces that are the same level of difficulty.

One of the pieces may be the candidates own original composition or arrangement.

Candidates will be asked to play both of two pieces.

Note:
Pieces should be chosen carefully from a variety of composers, eras, countries, styles, forms etc. to present a balanced program.
Etudes and exercise pieces are basically not suitable for Free Selection. However, etudes that have high musical value may be chosen. Candidates and teachers should use discretion when making their choices.
A suite, sonatina etc. will be counted as one piece even if the candidate plays one or all of the pieces (movements).
With regard to repeats, follow the guidelines as below;

a) Sonata, Sonatina etc. --- without repeat
b) Pieces in which the musical meaning can be expressed without repeat --- without repeat
c) Pieces in which the repeat is needed to be musical --- with repeat
　Follow the examiner’s instruction if you are not sure whether you should omit a repeat.

Candidates are recommended to bring scores of the pieces prepared. Examiners may use the scores when giving comments.
Performing from memory is optional but advisable.
Performances may be cut due to time constraints. This will not affect the evaluation.

Candidates play a piano piece at sight.

Procedure

1. Candidates look through the score for approximately 30 seconds.

2. Candidates play the piece at sight after the examiner’s cue. (Example: "Go ahead" or "You can start now.”)

Note:
Be sure to check the key and the time signature before playing.

Range of keys and time: refer to the chart.

Examples

The objective of this subject is to evaluate abilities to (1) recognize the key and provide chords to a given melody and (2) play an appropriate accompaniment that suits the melody.

Note:
Practice adding chords to simple melodies and then playing an accompaniment. It is good to practice such exercises repeatedly.

Range of keys, time and chords: refer to the chart.

Procedure

1. As the examiner plays the melody, candidates listen while looking at the score. The bass notes are given.

2. As the examiner plays the melody a second time, candidates play the most suitable chords with both hands based on the given bass notes.

3. Then, candidates play the chords again in an appropriate accompaniment style.

Note:
The accompaniment style presented here is just one example.
It is recommended that candidates practice playing various accompaniment patterns that fit the mood, tempo, etc. of melodies in different music styles.

Examples

The objective of this subject is to evaluate the candidate’s abilities to (1) provide an accompaniment that suits the melody and (2) make variations as an entire piece.

Note:
Try arranging simple melodies as practice.

Range of keys, time and chords: refer to the chart.

Procedure

1. Candidates look through the examination piece.

2. Candidates play the given melody. The examiners may offer support or give advice to the candidate if they didn’t play it correctly.

　　*Examples of support from examiners:

　　(a)The examiner reads the melody together with the candidate; (b) the examiner sings the melody; (c) the examiner plays the melody in phrases and the candidate imitates.

　*Playing the melody is not an evaluation point in this subject.

3. Examiner asks the candidate, "Would you like to practice for 20 seconds, or would you like to proceed with the evaluation?” If the candidate requests to practice, allow the candidate to practice.

　*This 20-second practice is not to be evaluated.

4. Candidates play the melody together with an appropriate accompaniment.

5. Then candidates play a variation.

Note:
Candidate should choose a bass line and accompaniment that is suitable for the mood and tempo of the piece

Examples

The objective of this subject is to evaluate the candidate's ability to play melodies and harmonies by-ear.

For Grades 10-8, candidates are required to listen to melodies and harmonies separately.

For Grades 7-6, candidates are required to listen to music with melodies and harmonies played simultaneously.

Note:
While it is important to practice hearing exercises, candidates should also practice listening carefully to the melody and harmony when performing any repertoire.

Range of keys, time and chords: refer to the chart.