Exam Formats (Face-to-Face / Digital) – Rock & Pop Exams

Face-to-face Rock & Pop Exams

Core format

• Three songs are performed:

  • Song 1 – chosen from the current Trinity Rock & Pop syllabus/songbook.

  • Song 2 – syllabus song or own-choice song.

  • Song 3 – a Trinity song marked [TF] (Technical Focus).

Backing tracks

• Songs 1 and 3 (Technical focus) must use the official Trinity backing tracks provided in the Rock & Pop books.

• Song 2 (own-choice) may be:

  • Performed unaccompanied (unless another Trinity book song is chosen)

  • Performed with a backing track (excluding the solo part; self-created tracks are acceptable if high quality)

  • Performed with added live vocals by the candidate

  • Performed with live accompaniment (musician present for Song 2 only)

• Own-choice backing tracks must be MP3 on USB stick or audio CD.

• Only official Trinity tracks may be used for songs from Trinity Rock & Pop books — edited or adapted versions are not permitted.

• Examiners operate playback equipment in all face-to-face Rock & Pop exams.

Session Skills (face-to-face only)

• Candidates also complete one Session Skill test (Playback or Improvisation), chosen at booking.

  • Playback: repeat short phrases heard over a backing track, reading from a chart if desired.

  • Improvisation: improvise over a short unseen chord chart with a backing track.

Marking

• Songs are marked individually, with the Technical Focus song carrying additional marks for specified skills.

• Session Skills carry their own mark allocation, contributing to the total of 100.

Digital Rock & Pop Exams

Core format

• Candidates record and upload video performances of the same three-song structure:

  • Song 1 – syllabus song

  • Song 2 – syllabus or own-choice song

  • Song 3 – Technical Focus song (from the syllabus, marked [TF])

Backing tracks

• Must follow the same rules as for face-to-face exams.

• For digital submissions, Rock & Pop backing tracks can be merged with the candidate’s performance using a DAW, but no post-production effects may be applied.

• The solo part must not be present in the track unless written that way.

Assessment

• Technical Focus marking is applied in the same way as face-to-face exams.

• No Session Skills are required in digital Rock & Pop exams.

• Overall performance is assessed across all three songs.

Choosing the format that suits you

Face-to-face Rock & Pop exams may suit candidates who:

• Value live examiner interaction.

• Want to include a Session Skills test.

• Enjoy the live exam environment.

Digital Rock & Pop exams may suit candidates who:

• Prefer to record when performance-ready.

• Do not wish to include Session Skills.

• Have travel, venue, or scheduling challenges.