Booking the Correct Exam and Grade Level

When preparing to enter for a Trinity Music Performance exam, it’s important to choose the correct subject and level for the candidate. This guide helps clarify some key differences between subjects, instrument types, and the available qualification levels.

Understanding the Exam Levels

Trinity offers a wide range of graded music exams from Initial to Grade 8. It’s important to understand that:

• Initial Grade is Trinity’s entry-level qualification, designed to introduce candidates to the graded exam system. It is the first exam level of our graded format.
• Initial Grade may suit learners who are new to the Grade exam format, or who are early in their instrumental or vocal learning journey.
• Grade 1 follows Initial Grade and builds on its foundations with increased difficulty.

Choosing the Correct Instrument Type

Some instruments are available in more than one exam subject. It’s important to choose the version of the exam that best suits the candidate’s playing style, training, and musical interests. Below are examples where multiple exam options are available for the same broad instrument category:

Guitars

• Classical Guitar – assessed through the Classical and Jazz syllabus.
  
• Acoustic Guitar – offered via its own dedicated Acoustic Guitar syllabus, which is also part of the Classical and Jazz subject strand.
  
• Electric Guitar – offered via the Rock & Pop syllabus.

Keyboard instruments

• Piano – available under Classical and Jazz.
• Electronic Keyboard and Organ – available under the Classical and Jazz syllabus.
• Rock & Pop Keyboard – available via the Rock & Pop syllabus.

Singing

• Classical and Jazz Singing – traditional vocal training with a wide range of repertoire, including musical theatre.
• Rock & Pop Vocals – designed for contemporary singers, with a focus on stylistic authenticity and personal expression.

Woodwind

• Classical Woodwind – includes standard repertoire for instruments such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, etc.
• Jazz Woodwind – focuses on improvisation, stylistic awareness, and jazz-specific repertoire.

Drums and Percussion

• Classical and Jazz Drum Kit – includes technical studies and repertoire in a range of styles.
• Rock & Pop Drums – contemporary style pieces designed for drummers in modern genres.

Percussion Exam Options

Percussion candidates should be aware of the different exam formats available, depending on the instruments they play.

Orchestral Percussion

This exam requires candidates to perform one piece each on:

• A Tuned Percussion instrument (see below)
  
• Timpani
  
• Snare Drum

Tuned Percussion – covers:

• Glockenspiel
  
• Xylophone
  
• Vibraphone
  
• Marimba

Standalone Exams: Snare Drum or Timpani

• Both the Snare Drum and Timpani are also offered as independent subjects, allowing candidates to specialise in just one percussion instrument.

Need help choosing?

If you’re unsure which instrument or syllabus is right for you or your student, consider the following:

• Review the syllabus requirements for Classical and Jazz or Rock and Pop exams, and check the repertoire lists available on each exam type's page.
  
• Think about the candidate’s musical interests and which genre they are most comfortable performing in.
  
• Consult with a teacher or music tutor, where you are not already working with one, who can help guide the decision based on the candidate’s skills and goals.

See also:

How to Book Exams – My Trinity and Other Platforms