Component 1: Technical Work (15 marks)

Candidates can prepare either Option 1: Scales and arpeggios, or Option 2: Study.

Option 1: Scales and arpeggios

The examiner will ask for a selection of the scales below. All are to be performed ascending and descending, from memory. Tempo markings reflect the capabilities expected at this level.

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Requirements                                                                   Range    

Scales                                                                                                                                        

D, A, F, B♭ and E♭ major;                                                      2 octaves                                                         
E, G and C minor (harmonic or melodic, candidate’s choice)

Contrary motion scale

E, and E♭ major                                                                     2 octaves

Chromatic scale

Beginning on A and F#                                                            2 octave                                                                                                   

Broken chords

G major;                                                                                 2 octave                                                           

E and D minor

Arpeggios

D and A major;                                                                        2 octave                                                           

G and C minor 

 

Option 2: Study 

Carl Czerny             Study in D                                                Piano Handbook 2021–2024: Grade 3 (LCM)

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Component 2: Performance (60 marks)

Performance of three pieces, one from each list, A, B and C. At least one piece performed in the exam must be taken from LCM Piano Handbook 2021-2024.

List A

Composer                                                                                  

Friedrich Burgmüller

Ahmet A. Saygun

Georg P. Telemann

Glenda Austin

C. P. E. Bach

Charles Dieupart

Aleksandr Goedicke

Hugo Reinhold

Teresa Richert

 

List B

Composer                                                                          

Yoshinao Nakada
Carl Reinecke
Edmund Parlow
Béla Bartók
Joanne Bender

Aleksandr Grechanínov

Aram Khachaturian

Igor Stravinsky

Hugo Reinhold

Béla Bartók

Béla Bartók
Walter Carroll
Walter Carroll
José Ferrer

Cornelius Gurlitt

James Hook
Trad. Czech arr. Eben

Pam Wedgwood

Peter Wild

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List C

Composer                                                                        

Tan Dun
Eugénie Rocherolle

Sonny Chua
Brian Chapple

Margaret Goldston

Naoko Ikeda
Pál Kadosa
Elvina Pearce
Errollyn Wallen
Carol Barratt
Brian Chapple
Brian Chapple
William Christopherson

Gerard Hengeveld

Michael Rose
Mátyás Seiber
Mátyás Seiber
Michel Jacques
Pam Wedgwood

Martyn Williams

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Component 3: Discussion (7 marks)

Grade 3

This component of the exam consists of a short discussion with the examiner. The piano may be used to demonstrate where necessary. In addition to requirements to previous grades, candidates should be able to:

• identify intervals up to and including a fifth by numerical value only (‘second’,‘fourth’ etc.)

• describe the mood or character of pieces using appropriate descriptive words (‘fast and lively’, ‘gentle and ‘flowing’, ‘like a dance’, etc.)

• be able to explain or demonstrate the difference between legato and staccato touch

• describe ways a piano player can perform within an ensemble (accompanying, duet, chamber ensemble, concerto, jazz band, etc)

• explain how to move smoothly and securely between two notes two octaves apart

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Component 4: Sight Reading (10 marks)

Candidates will perform a short, previously unseen piece of music. Up to one minute’s preparation time will be allowed to study the test before playing, during which the candidate may try parts of the test if they wish. Sight reading parameters for each grade are listed. 

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Component 5: Aural Tests (8 marks)

Grade 3
Test 1 (Rhythm)  

A short harmonised passage, approximately 8 bars in length, will be played. The passage will be in 6/8 time. Candidates will be asked the following:

     1a. To beat (conduct) time, with a clear beat shape (conducting pattern), 2 beats in the bar, in time with the examiner as the passage is repeated (1 mark) 

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Candidates will be shown a line of music containing four individual bars of music in 6/8 time. One of the bars on that line will be played, twice. Candidates will be asked the following:

     1b. To indicate which bar has been played (1 mark)
The test will be repeated, using a different example (1 mark)

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Test 2 (Pitch)

An interval will be played twice, once with the pitches sounded successively, and once with the pitches sounded together. The intervals will be restricted to the following: major 2nd, major 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th. Candidates will be asked the following:

     2a. To identify the interval, by numerical value only (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) (1 mark)

The test will be repeated, using a different interval (1 mark)

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The key-chord of a major or minor key (C, G, D, F and Bb majors; A and E minors only) will be played, and the key stated. A short, unharmonised melody in the same key (approximately 3 bars in length) will be played, twice. Rhythms will be limited to crotchets, quavers, minims, dotted minims and semibreves. Candidates will be asked the following:

     2b. To sing back the melody (3 marks)

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