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/songs (four for Singing Grades 6–8) • Technical work • Two supporting tests | 100 |
| Digital – Technical Work | Video upload | • Three pieces/songs (four for Singing Grades 6–8) • Technical work • Overall Performance | 100 |
| Digital – Repertoire-only | Video upload | • Four pieces/songs (five for Singing Grades 6–8) | 100 |
Face-to-face graded exam format and marking
Sections
Performance pieces: Three pieces/songs (four for Singing Grades 6–8) chosen from the syllabus list – 66 marks (68 for Singing Grades 6–8).
Technical work: Scales & arpeggios, exercises, studies, orchestral/brass band extracts (depending on instrument/grade) – 14 marks (12 for Singing Grades 6–8).
Supporting tests: Two tests from sight-reading, aural, improvisation, or musical knowledge (depending on grade) – 20 marks.
Total: 100 marks
Supporting tests
Aural – based on a single extract; comment on dynamics, articulation, texture, style (no singing required).
Sight-reading – unseen extract approx. two grades lower than the exam (compulsory from Grade 6).
Improvisation – respond to a stylistic, harmonic, or motivic prompt.
Musical knowledge – questions on performed pieces (Initial–Grade 5 only).
Digital graded exam formats
Technical Work pathway
Performance pieces: Three pieces/songs (four for Singing Grades 6–8) – 66 marks (68 for Singing Grades 6–8).
Technical work: Scales & arpeggios, exercises, studies, orchestral/brass band extracts – 14 marks (12 for Singing Grades 6–8).
Overall performance: Musicianship assessed across the whole video (delivery, focus, awareness) – 20 marks.
Total: 100 marks
Repertoire-only pathway
Performance pieces: Four pieces/songs (five for Singing Grades 6–8).
Total: 100 marks
Exam flexibility
Candidates may choose from Trinity’s repertoire lists covering a wide variety of styles.
Accompanied pieces must not be played unaccompanied. Live accompaniment is required except where the syllabus specifies otherwise.
Backing tracks are permitted for face-to-face exams up to Grade 3, and at all grades for digital exams.
One duet piece is permitted for most instruments (except percussion) up to Grade 3.
One own composition may replace a listed piece, following syllabus rules. Other own-choice repertoire is not permitted for Classical & Jazz graded exams.
Choosing the format that suits you
Face-to-face exams may suit candidates who:
Prefer the live exam experience and in-person interaction.
Want to include supporting tests.
Enjoy spontaneous exam elements.
Digital exams may suit candidates who:
Prefer recording when performance-ready.
Want to focus only on pieces (Repertoire-only pathway).
Have travel, venue, or scheduling constraints.
See also:
Music Grade Exam Requirements
Music Diploma Exam Requirements
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