Choosing Exam Pieces, Songs & Diploma Programmes

Need help choosing what to play? This guide breaks down Trinity’s options in one place – how to pick pieces for Classical & Jazz and Rock & Pop grades, add own-choice or original works where allowed, shape a three- or four-song digital exam, and build a balanced, time-correct recital for ATCL, LTCL or FTCL diplomas. Follow the checklists below to create a programme that meets every rule and still feels uniquely yours.

Classical & Jazz Grades (Initial–8) – building your programme

• Face-to-face & Digital – Technical Pathway: 3 pieces/songs (4 for Singing Grades 6–8).

• Digital – Repertoire Pathway: 4 pieces/songs (5 for Singing Grades 6–8). The “extra” piece may come from any list or group.

Choosing pieces/songs

Some syllabuses use a single list from which you may select freely; others split into Groups A/B, where items from each group must be included.

• Piano (Initial–Grade 5), Classical Guitar (Initial–Grade 5), Strings (Initial–Grade 5), Acoustic Guitar (all grades), Harp (all grades): choose any pieces from the repertoire list.

• Piano (Grades 6–8), Classical Guitar (Grades 6–8), Strings (Grades 6–8): choose at least one piece from each group.

• Scottish Traditional Fiddle:

  • Initial–Grade 1: choose one piece from each group

  • Grades 2–8: choose one set from each group

• Singing:

  • Initial–Grade 5: no more than two songs from any one group

  • Grades 6–8: at least one song from Group A, and no more than two from any one group. Programmes must include songs in at least two living languages (not Latin). These rules also apply to the “extra” piece in the Digital Repertoire Pathway.

• Woodwind, Jazz Woodwind, Brass: two accompanied Group A pieces and one unaccompanied Group B piece.

• Drum Kit: two backing-track pieces (Group A) and one unaccompanied study (Group B).

Music and copies

While Trinity specifies a recommended publication in the repertoire list, any reliable edition may be used, as long as it has not been shortened or simplified. Arrangements (marked “arr.” or “transc.”) must be performed from the edition listed.

Candidates must ensure music is from a legitimate source. See the UK Music Publishers Association’s Code of Fair Practice for copyright guidelines.

Own composition

All graded exams allow one listed piece to be replaced with an own composition of equal standard.

• Instrument-specific rules apply (e.g. Woodwind own-composition must match the group it replaces; Singing own-compositions must follow language requirements at upper grades).

• Other own-choice repertoire is not permitted in Classical & Jazz graded exams.

Accompaniment options

• Accompanied pieces must not be played unaccompanied.

• Candidates must provide their own accompanist.

• Backing tracks are permitted from Initial–Grade 3 in face-to-face exams, and at all grades in digital exams.

• Generally, only one unaccompanied item is allowed (see syllabus).

• Duets are available for most instruments (except percussion). The duet part must be on the same instrument or family. Maximum two duets for Classical Guitar; one for other instruments.

Performance practice

• Play short repeats (up to 2 bars); omit long exposition repeats unless specified.

• Observe da capo/dal segno markings.

• Singers should include all verses unless stated otherwise.

• Follow tempo markings, dynamics, and stylistic ornaments (encouraged from Grade 6 upwards).

• Metronomes or other timekeeping aids are not allowed.

• Performing from memory is optional; no extra marks are awarded.

Tip: Start by downloading the latest syllabus for your instrument and check the “Choosing pieces” section.

Rock & Pop Grades – song selection rules

Own-choice checklist

• Source can be sheet music, chart, original song, or cover.

• Some songs from previous syllabuses may be used; see current “own-choice” list.

• May be unaccompanied, performed to a backing track (solo line excluded), or with live accompaniment.

• A printed copy must be provided for the examiner (lead sheet, chord chart with lyrics and melody, or full score with staff notation/TAB).

Technical Focus song

• One song marked [TF] must be chosen.

• Carries additional marks for specific technical elements.

• If more than one TF song is chosen, state which will be assessed.

Performance Diplomas (ATCL, LTCL, FTCL)

Performance duration

• ATCL: 32–38 minutes

• LTCL: 37–43 minutes

• FTCL: 42–48 minutes

Programmes must fall within these timings (excluding breaks between works). Aim for the middle of the range to allow for tempo variations.

Written programme

• ATCL/LTCL: candidate + accompanist names, date/place, running order with timings, song translations (for singing).

• FTCL: as above, plus 1,200–1,600 word programme notes.

Programme construction

• At least two works (three for singing or percussion).

• If all items are from Trinity’s repertoire list, no approval is required.

• Programmes including own-choice items must be submitted in full via the online Programme Approvals Portal. Approval considers technical/musical demand only (not length or balance).

• Approval is valid for two years.

Performance practice

• Items must be performed complete (all movements unless stated otherwise).

• Da capo/dal segno observed; repeats longer than two bars must not be played.

• Long introductions/endings should be shortened appropriately, including tutti passages in concertos.

Diploma planning checklist

• Read the syllabus and repertoire list.

• Construct programme, observing timings.

• Submit for approval if own-choice repertoire is included.

• Book the exam only once approval is confirmed (if required).

• Prepare written programme (and programme notes if FTCL).

• Provide copies of all music (hand to examiner in face-to-face exams or upload for digital).

See also:

Exam Formats (Face-to-Face / Digital)

Music Grade Exam Requirements

Music Diploma Exam Requirements