Exam Formats (Face-to-Face / Digital)

Modified on Fri, 11 Jul at 3:06 PM

Trinity music candidates can sit their graded assessments in person with an examiner or digitally by uploading a performance video. Digital exams offer two pathways – Technical Work or Repertoire-only – so candidates can showcase their musicianship in the format that suits them best.

Exam formats at a Glance

Exam option	Where it happens	Core components	Total marks
Face-to-face	Live with an examiner	• Three pieces (four for Singing 6-8)• Technical work (scales, arpeggios, etc.)• Two supporting tests (choice varies by grade)	100
Digital – Technical Work pathway	Video upload	• Three pieces (four for Singing 6-8)• Reduced technical work requirements• Overall Performance mark (musicianship assessed across entire performance)	100
Digital – Repertoire-only pathway	Video upload	• Four pieces (five for Singing 6-8)	100

Face-to-face graded exam format

Section	Detail	Marks
Performance pieces	Three pieces (four for Singing 6-8) chosen from your syllabus list	66 (68 for Singing 6-8)
Technical work	Technical work Scales & arpeggios, exercises, and (where applicable) orchestral extracts etc.	14 (12 for Singing 6-8)
Supporting tests	Two tests from sight-reading, aural, improvisation, musical knowledge (grade-specific options)	20
Total		100

Supporting-tests

Aural – comment on dynamics, articulation, texture, style (no singing required).
Sight-reading – unseen extract approximately two grades lower than the exam (compulsory from Grade 6).
Improvisation – respond to a stylistic, harmonic, or motivic prompt.
Musical knowledge – discuss notation, context, and instrument (Grades Initial-5).

Digital graded exam formats

Technical Work pathway

Section	Detail	Marks
Performance pieces	Three pieces (four for Singing 6-8)	66 (68 for Singing 6-8)
Technical work	Same options as face-to-face, but reduced requirements	14 (12 for Singing 6-8)
Overall performance	Assesses sustained musicianship across the whole video (delivery, focus, stylistic awareness)	20
Total		100

Repertoire-only pathway

Section	Detail	Marks
Performance pieces	Four pieces (five for Singing 6-8)	100
Total		100

Digital exam flexibility

Choose live accompanist or backing tracks.
Up to Grade 3, some instruments may include a duet performance.
Own compositions are welcome where the syllabus allows.

Choosing the format that suits you

Prefer face-to-face if…	Prefer digital if…
You thrive on in-person interaction and live feedback.	You want to record when you feel performance-ready.
Supporting tests help you showcase strengths.	You prefer to focus on pieces (Repertoire-only)
You enjoy the traditional exam experience, including spontaneous elements.	Venue access, travel, or scheduling are challenging.