New requirements for
Bowed Strings 2012–2015
In July 2011, we will publish our new Bowed Strings syllabus containing new set pieces for Violin candidates and revised scale and sight-reading requirements for all bowed string instruments. This guide offers a brief introduction to the changes we’ve made and the support materials available.
New set pieces Violin The 2012–2015 Violin syllabus offers a wealth of appealing and engaging repertoire choices to inspire teachers and candidates. As before, the syllabus stretches across a wide period, from the 13th century (‘Estampie royal’, from medieval France in Grade 4) right up to the present day (‘Joshi’s Dance’ by Michael Zev Gordon in Grade 3, written in 2009). The great classical composers for violin are well represented, from Bach and Vivaldi to Brahms and Sibelius. On the lighter side, the syllabus also features plenty of pieces in jazz style, as well as arrangements from musical theatre (Irving Berlin’s foot-tapping ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ at Grade 3) and some Caribbean sunshine (the cheery ‘Mango Walk’ at Grade 2). The Violin syllabus 2012–2015 takes effect from 1 January 2012.
Overlap information Candidates may continue to play set pieces from the 2008–2011 Violin syllabus for a limited overlap period as follows: UK and Republic of Ireland – until end of Period A (spring exams) 2012 All other countries – until 31 December 2012
All pieces must be from the same syllabus – candidates may not perform a mixture of pieces from old and new syllabuses.
Grade
1 with
CD
Violin Exam Pieces 2012–2015 Score, Part & CD
Violin
Exam Pieces ABRSM Grade 1 Selected from the
2012–2015 syllabus
Violin Exam Pieces ABRSM has produced new volumes of Violin Exam Pieces for Grades 1–7, each containing nine pieces selected from the 2012–2015 Violin syllabus. The following formats are available from 7 July 2011: Score, part & CD for Grades 1–7 Score & part for Grades 1–7 Violin part for Grades 1–5 Recordings of the complete syllabus available as
individual audio downloads, with Grade 8 also available on 3CDs Selected pieces from the syllabus will also be available via our PureSolo website, www.abrsm.org/puresolo, which allows pupils to practise and record themselves with full accompaniment, and share their performances.
New sight-reading requirements Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass
Grades
1–5
Cello Specimen Sight-Reading Tests
Cello
Specimen Sight-Reading Tests ABRSM Grades 1–5 from 2012
From January 2012, revised sight-reading requirements come into effect for all bowed string instruments. Some 900 new tests were commissioned for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass, composed by instrument specialists, incorporating the following revisions: A wider variety of musical genres included from
Baroque and Classical styles through to more playful pieces in jazz, folk, Latin and Caribbean styles.
Pieces are shorter than the current set, especially
at earlier grades, allowing candidates to focus more closely on the musical detail. All tests for bowed strings at Grade 1 will now be either four or six bars in length (as opposed to the current range of eight to 16 bars).
Key signatures relate to the keys of the scale
requirements in lower grades, while at Grades 5–7 the key signatures never exceed four flats or sharps. This provides a familiar foundation for candidates, allowing them to concentrate on other elements of the tests. Descriptive titles will be used for all the tests
at Grades 6–8 to help candidates connect with the mood and style of the pieces. In response to teachers’ feedback, from the middle grades onwards we are also providing optional fingering and bowing indications in places to help candidates orient themselves (although these elements are not assessed by the examiner). Eight sight-reading tests (one per grade) are available to download free at www.abrsm.org/strings2012.
Overlap information There is no overlap period for the new sight-reading requirements, which take effect for all candidates worldwide from 1 January 2012.
Specimen Sight-Reading Tests New editions of Specimen Sight-Reading Tests are available in two volumes (Grades 1–5 and 6–8) for each bowed string instrument from July 2011.
Grades
6–8
New scale requirements
Double Bass Scales & Arpeggios
Double Bass
Scales & Arpeggios
Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass
ABRSM Grades 6–8 from 2012
In January 2012, revised scale requirements come into effect for all bowed string instruments. Scales were reviewed jointly across all four subjects rather than considering each bowed string instrument separately. While many of the grades have changed very little, a number of important new approaches have been adopted: Minor-key scale introduced for all four instruments
Scales & Arpeggios New editions of Scales & Arpeggios are available in eight volumes (one per grade) for Violin and two volumes (Grades 1–5 and 6–8) for Viola, Cello and Double Bass, from July 2011. These new publications are clearly presented and arranged by grade for ease of use.
at Grade 1. The scale is the natural minor and so sits comfortably under the hand, compared to the finger stretches involved in the harmonic and melodic forms. The natural minor will also be retained (as an option)
for minor scales at Grade 2. More information on this scale can be found at www.abrsm.org/naturalminor. A choice of rhythm patterns is available for candidates
at all grade levels, choosing either even notes or the long-tonic pattern familiar from the current syllabus.
At Grades 6–8, the starting notes of the chromatic
scales and dominant and diminished sevenths will always match those of the scales and arpeggios in each of these three grades.
We are now presenting recommended minimum
speeds for the various requirements in the bowed strings scale books for the first time. These metronome marks and the suggested fingering indications are featured only as a guide.
Overlap information There is no overlap period for the new scale requirements, which take effect for all candidates worldwide from 1 January 2012.
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