Graded Solo

 
General Regulations


Categories of Examinations
. There are three categories of examination:

A. Accordion Playing- Solo  D. Accordion Playing –Duet    T. Theory of Music

Categories A and T are in eight grades (plus a Preliminary Grade), and Category B in five grades, as follows:

Category A - Solo Category D - Duet Category T - Music Theory
Grade Pre Preliminary     Grade Pre Preliminary
Grade 1 Primary Grade 1 Primary Grade 1 Primary
Grade 2 Secondary Grade 2 Secondary Grade 2 Secondary
Grade 3 Elementary     Grade 3 Elementary
Grade 4 Transitional Grade 4 Transitional Grade 4 Transitional
Grade 5 Intermediate     Grade 5 Intermediate
Grade 6 Senior Grade 6 Senior Grade 6 Senior
Grade 7 Advanced     Grade 7 Advanced
Grade 8 Final Grade 8 Final Grade 8 Final

Qualifications to Category A - Solo Examinations:

Grades Pr, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: No entry qualification.
Grade 6: To be awarded the grade a “pass” in Theory of Music Grade 5 (BCA only)
Grade 7 & 8: To be awarded the grade a “pass” in Theory of Music Grade 6 (BCA only)

In every case a “Pass” in a higher BCA Theoretical Examination grade than that specified will be accepted.

Qualifications to Category D - Duet and Category T - Theory of Music Examinations:
No entry qualification is required. Candidates may enter these categories without previously having passed any other examination.

Entry.
  Examination entries will only be accepted in accordance with these Regulations, and on the understanding that in all matters the decision of the Governing Council is final. The Governing Council reserves the right to refuse or cancel the entry of any candidate, in which case the entry-fee will be refunded. There is no age limit for grade examinations.

Entry Forms.
  Entry for any examination must be made on the official Examination Entry Form. The Entry Forms must be completed and sent, together with the appropriate fee, direct to the College. Entry Forms are obtainable from the College. The Fees are as per current Entry Form, and should be remitted by cheque or Bank Transfer, made payable to “British College of Accordionists”. .

Closing Dates for Entry.  All Entry Forms must reach the College at least FIVE WEEKS before the advertised date of examination.

Late Entries.  Late Entries will be accepted up to FOUR WEEKS before the advertised date of the examination, on payment of a Late Entry Fee.

Examination Appointments.  A Notification Card with details of the examination date, time and place will be sent . This card must be produced at the examination:

Absence. Candidates who do not present themselves for examinations at the appointed times will automatically forfeit the Examination Fee. In the case of illness a doctor’s certificate must be forwarded to the College within TWO WEEKS. The candidate may re-enter for the same examination within twelve months on payment of a Re-Registration Fee.

Re-Registration. Any candidate may re-register by payment of the Re-Registration Fee because of illness or incapacitation or withdrawal . When applying for Re-Registration a new entry form must be submitted.

Examination. Every candidate must be prepared to carry out ALL the requirements contained in the syllabus for the examination for which he or she has been entered. The examiner is empowered to ask any reasonable questions bearing on the subject of the examination, and may also stop the performance of any item when sufficient has been heard on which to judge the candidate’s ability.

Marks.   The total mark obtainable is 100.  70% of this total is required to Pass, 80% to pass with Merit, and 90% to pass with Distinction. Certificates specifying the grade and manner of passing will be awarded to all successful candidates.

Report and Mark Sheets. As soon as possible following the examination, a report and mark sheet - with the examiners remarks (of which no duplicate is retained by the college) and the marks obtained, will be sent to the person indicated on the appropriate section on the Entry Form. The college cannot accept any responsibility for the non-receipts of any reports or mark sheets after their dispatch. On application, the detailed marks (but NOT the examiners remarks) can where necessary be re-issued by the college.

Disability or learning difficulty.  If a candidate has a physical disability which requires some modification of performing technique or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, a letter should be attached to the entry form so that the examiner may be advised. It should be understood, however, that although the examiner will be sympathetic to the candidate, no special allowance in marking will be made and the candidate’s performance will be judged according to the standard normally expected for the grade.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES. The BCA is committed to providing equality of opportunity and treatment for all, and will not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly on the basis of age, ethnic origin, gender or disability in all matters.

CHILD PROTECTION.  As many of the Candidates for the BCA examinations are children, the BCA accepts it has a responsibility for the welfare and safety of children undertaking its examinations, or otherwise under its temporary care. All persons working on behalf of the BCA are required to accept this responsibility and are committed to practises which protect children from harm.

N.B. Teachers and candidates are reminded that the Copyright Act 1988 forbids the making or use of photo-copies or manuscript copies of Copyright Works, and that all College Examination Representatives are under explicit instruction to debar all such copies from entering the examination Room, in order to protect themselves, the Examiner and the College from possible prosecution as Accessories to an infringement of the above Act

Category A - Solo

Additional Regulations

Scales and Arpeggios
A musical performance of scales is required. To be played from memory in all grades.
Touch : See appropriate Grade.
Bellows Control:  Each scale or arpeggio should be played ascending with the bellows opening and descending with the bellows closing.
Tempo:  The metronome - mark indicated is the approximate tempo acceptable for each particular grade.

Pieces:
The pieces contained in the syllabus for the grade are the only pieces accepted for the examination. Repeats are not required unless they are essential to the form of the pieces. An alternative piece/s maybe used if submitted at the time of Entry and approved by the Board of Administration.

Playing at Sight:
During the short preparation time you may try out parts or sections of the test. Blind candidates should request special tests in lieu of sight-playing at the time of submitting entry. These tests will require them to repeat on the instrument short passages appropriate to the grade, played twice by the examiner. Large print versions of tests can be made available for partially- sighted candidates if requested at time of submitting entry.

Aural Tests:
These may be played by the examiner on the Accordion, Piano or Keyboard.  Deaf and hearing impaired candidates may opt to respond to special tests in place of the standard aural tests if a written request is made at the time of submitting entry.

N.B. A 48 bass accordion with 26 or less piano-keys is regarded as unsuitable for Examinations beyond Grade 2.  A   72 bass accordion with 34 piano-keys is regarded as unsuitable for Examinations beyond Grade 5. 


A.Pre
Preliminary
 

Scales and Arpeggios.  (5 marks)
To play on the treble keyboard, the major scales of C and G one octave ascending and descending.   (approx. tempo MM=50, two notes per beat). Touch Legato.

Pieces (25 marks)
Candidates must select ONE set of exercises and TWO pieces from the following list.
The pieces should have different Time Signatures .
Exercises 
Any two right hand studies from p3 and No 4 & 5, p5 (Left hand) F Wright  Charnwood
Eight Studies for the Beginner Accordionist (Nos 1, 2, 3 & 4) R Wright  Charnwood
     
Pieces    
Ally the Alligator - Animal Farm (either version) * G Laurie  Musical Pages 
Cleo the Cat - Animal Farm (either version) * G Laurie  Musical Pages 
Eight Studies for the Beginner Accordionist No 5 R Wright  Charnwood
Eight Studies for the Beginner Accordionist No 7 R Wright  Charnwood
Hot and Cold H Hinchcliffe  Charnwood
Light and Dark H Hinchcliffe  Charnwood
Lo  - Preliminary Accordion H Hinchcliffe  Charnwood
Nemo - Primary Course for Accordion  F Wright  Charnwood
Oranges and Lemons - Primary Course for Accordion F Wright  Charnwood
Polly Put the Kettle On - Primary Course for Accordion    F Wright  Charnwood
Push N Bucks  - Preliminary Accordion H Hinchcliffe  Charnwood
Rosies Waltz - Preliminary Accordion H Hinchcliffe  Charnwood
Sur Le Pont- Primary Course for Accordion F Wright  Charnwood
The Small Snowman G Laurie  Musical Pages 
When the Saints  - Preliminary Accordion H Hinchcliffe  Charnwood
* These pieces are suitable for Free Bass Accordion    
Sight Reading (10 marks)
To locate single notes on the treble keyboard, written as semibreves, natural notes only, ranging from middle C to G above the stave.
To play a rhythm-pattern on one note, treble keyboard only, containing crotchet, minim and semibreve notes in 4/4 time only.

Aural Tests (10 marks)
To state which is the higher in pitch of two notes sounded in succession.
To state which is the longer in value of two notes sounded in succession.
To clap a time-pattern after it has been given twice.
To sing, hum or whistle a note played twice by the examiner (range - middle C up to clef-line G)


A. 1
Grade 1
Primary

Sight Reading and Arpeggios (20 marks)
To play two octaves, ascending and descending, on the treble keyboard:.
The major scales and arpeggios of C.
To play one octave, ascending and descending, on the treble keyboard
The major scales and arpeggios of G, D and F.
(Approx. tempo: MM = 66, two notes per beat). Touch: legato or staccato, as requested by the examiner.

Pieces (20 marks each piece)
Candidates must select THREE pieces from the following List.
Candidates must present a balanced programme of their choice of the three pieces.
The programme must show a range of contrast in Style, Character and Tempo

A Little Game H Benton  Charnwood
A Pleasant Memory  - Young Player Bk 1* E Harris Charnwood
Applecore D Ward Charnwood
Avenues - Musical Routes D Ward Charnwood
Banana Split H Benton Charnwood
Chit Chat * G Brannelli Charnwood
Crab Cakes D Ward Charnwood
Crackpot D Ward Charnwood
Dandy Waltz D Ward Charnwood
Evensong at St Andrew's - Musical Moments from the Yorkshire Dale's * H Hinchcliffe Charnwood
Gay Galop - Little Dance Suite G Romani  Charnwood
Lullaby - Two selected pieces L A Grace  Charnwood
Mini Mo * H Benton Charnwood
Musette - Accordion Progression Book 1 J Draeger Helbling
Picking Edelweiss - Tyrolean Sketches K Broadhead  Charnwood
Puffing Billy  R Wright  Charnwood
Romantic Moon- Mainly Under the Fingers f. Parnell Charnwood
Scoobie T Fraser Charnwood
Sleigh Bells G. Laurie Musical pages
Spring Cuckoo - Mainly under the Fingers f. Parnell Charnwood
The Cracoe Waltz - Musical Moments from the Yorkshire Dale's H Hinchcliffe Charnwood
The Dancing Bear * G Brannelli Charnwood
The Hellifield Polka  - Musical Moments from the Yorkshire Dale's H Hinchcliffe Charnwood
The Princess Waltz H Benton  Charnwood
Withybrook Waltz  * L A Grace  Charnwood
Windmill Waltz R.Wright Charnwood
* These pieces are suitable for Free Bass Accordion    

Sight Reading. (10 marks)
To play on both keyboards - with hands moving separately simple passages of approximately 8 bars in 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 time, using semibreve, dotted minim, minim and crotchet notes only. These will use the first five notes of the major scales of C & G (treble) and C, G, and F bass notes and major chords written without chord symbols.

Aural Tests. (10 marks)
To state which is the higher in pitch of two notes sounded in succession.
To sing, hum or whistle a note played twice by the examiner (range Middle C up to Treble Clef line G)
To clap or tap a time-pattern of a simple melody of four bars in length after it has been played twice by the examiner, and to state whether it is in Simple Duple or Simple Triple time.
To recognise a rhythmic change in a two-bar phrase played twice by the examiner, with the change being made in the second playing. Candidates will be required to recognise and tap or describe the change.


A.2
Grade 2
Secondary
Scales and Arpeggios. (20 marks)
To play two octaves, ascending and descending, on the treble keyboard:
The major scale and arpeggio of C.
To play one octave, ascending and descending, on the treble keyboard:
The major scales and arpeggios of D, F and Bb.
The minor scales and arpeggios of A, E and D (harmonic or melodic at candidates choice).
To play one octave, ascending and descending, on the bass keyboard
The major scales and arpeggios of C, G and F.
(App. tempo: MM = 76, two notes per beat). Touch: legato or staccato, as requested by the examiner.

Pieces (20 marks each piece)
Candidates must select THREE pieces from the following List.
Candidates must present a balanced programme of their choice of the three pieces.
The programme must show a range of contrast in Style, Character and Tempo


A Cool Thing D Ward Charnwood
A Merry March -Young Player Vol 2 E Harris  Charnwood
Abbadabba One D Ward Charnwood
Alpine Yodel - Young Player Vol 2 E Harris  Charnwood
Autumn Evensong - Mainly under the Fingers * F Parnell  Charnwood
Bolton by Bowland Reel - Musical Moments from the Yorkshire Dale's H Hinchcliffe Charnwood
Carribean Holiday F Da Caprio Charnwood
Chucky Ducky Polka K Broadhead  Charnwood
Doubly Bubbly D Ward Charnwood
Easdale Waltz J F MacIntyre  Charnwood
Gateway to the Dales - Musical Moments from the Yorkshire Dale's H Hinchcliffe Charnwood
Joy - Mainly under the Fingers F Parnell  Charnwood
Jumping Bean Polka K Broadhead  Charnwood
Miniature March  L A Grace  Charnwood
Minuet * Bach /  Benton Charnwood
Minuet and Trio - Mainly under the Fingers F Parnell  Charnwood
Petite Concert - Accordion Progression Bk 1 J Draeger Helbling
Petite Blue Waltz F Parnell  Charnwood
Pony Trot * F Parnell  Charnwood
Royal Gavotte G Romani Charnwood
Springtime March G Romani Charnwood
String of Pearls * F Da Caprio Charnwood
Sweet Lavender Waltz D Smith  Charnwood
Swiss Miss  F. Dunn Charnwood
Tartan Ribbons K Broadhead  Charnwood
Up and down the Stairs G. Laurie Musical Pages
* these pieces are suitable for Free Bass accordion    

Sight Reading. (10 marks)
To play on both keyboards, with hands moving separately simple passages in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time, using accidentals F#, C#, and Bb (treble) in five finger position and C, G, D and F (bass) notes and major chords written without chord symbols.

Aural Tests. (10 marks)
To sing, hum or whistle a sequence of three diatonic notes played twice by the examiner in a major key, the tonic chord first having been sounded
To identify the interval sounded above the tonic of the major scale as the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th degree. The tonic chord will be sounded first.
To clap or tap a time-pattern of a simple melody of four bars in length after it has been played twice by the examiner, and to state whether it is in Simple Duple or Simple Triple time.
To recognise a rhythmic change in a two-bar phrase played twice by the examiner, with the change being made in the second playing. Candidates will be required to recognise and tap or describe the change.


A.3
Grade 3
Elementary

Scales and Arpeggios. (20 marks)
To play two octaves, ascending and descending, on the treble keyboard:
The major scales and arpeggios of G, A, Bb and Eb.
The minor scales and arpeggios of A, E and D (harmonic or melodic at candidates choice).
To play two octaves, ascending and descending, on the bass keyboard:
The major scales and arpeggios of G and D.
To play one octave, ascending and descending, on both keyboards together
The major scale and arpeggio of C.
(App. tempo: MM = 88, two notes per beat). Touch: legato or staccato, as requested by the examiner.

Pieces (20 marks each piece)
Candidates must select THREE pieces from the following List.
Candidates must present a balanced programme of their choice of the three pieces.
The programme must show a range of contrast in Style, Character and Tempo

Cargen Lodge G Laurie  Charnwood
Cher Amis K Broadhead  Charnwood
Clog Dance K Broadhead  Charnwood
Evening Calm - The Young Player Vol 2 * E Harris Charnwood
Gallant Gavotte D. Smith Charnwood
Greensleeves  H. Hinchcliffe Charnwood
Gruss Aus Wien G Crossman  Charnwood
Heidi W Farran Charnwood
Kevana K Harling Charnwood
Kindermarsch F Wright  Charnwood
Miss Yvonne Laurie G Laurie  Charnwood
Musette Musicale K. Harling Charnwood
Naughty Monkey D Ward Charnwood
Petite Suite *      G Vasco Kestrel
Ragamuffin F Parnell Charnwood
Romance - Accordion Progression Book 1 J Draeger Helbling
Song without Words - Young Player Vol 2 E. Harris Charnwood
Strathspey – Glenlogan   E Lusk  Charnwood
Sweet Coffee Samba E Lusk  Charnwood
Swinging Safari F. Parnell Charnwood
The Cuckoo Clock Polka  K Broadhead  Charnwood
Timeshare K Farran Charnwood
Tyrolean Breezes G. Romani Charnwood
Tyrolienne Masquerade K.Harling Charnwood
Valse Continentale G Romani Charnwood
* these pieces are suitable for Free Bass Accordion    

Sight Reading. (10 marks)
To play on both keyboards together Simple passages of about eight bars, in simple time, in C, G, D and F majors.

Aural Tests. (10 marks)
To sing, hum or whistle a sequence of four notes played twice by the examiner in a major key, the tonic chord first having been sounded.
To clap or tap a time-pattern of a melody of four bars in length after it has been played twice by the examiner, and to state whether it is in Simple Duple or Simple Triple time.
To identify the interval sounded above the tonic of the major scale as the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th Degree. The tonic chord will be sounded first.
To recognise a rhythmic or melodic change in a four-bar phrase played twice by the examiner, with the change being made in the second playing. Candidates will be required to recognise and tap, sing or describe the change.


A.4
Grade 4
Transitional

Scales and Arpeggios. (20 marks)
To play two octaves, ascending and descending, on both keyboards together: The major scales and arpeggios of C, D and Bb.
To play two octaves, ascending and descending, on the treble keyboard:
The minor scales and arpeggios of A, B and G (harmonic or melodic at candidates choice).
The chromatic scale beginning on C.
To play one octave, ascending and descending, on the bass keyboard: The minor scale and arpeggio of A (harmonic or melodic at candidates choice)
. (App. tempo: MM = 104, two notes per beat). Touch: legato or staccato, as requested by the examiner.

Pieces (20 marks each piece)
Candidates must select THREE pieces from the following List.
Candidates must present a balanced programme of their choice of the three pieces.
The programme must show a range of contrast in Style, Character and Tempo

Accordion Tarantella P Towse Charnwood
Alpine Swallows D Watson Charnwood
Asdfghjkl D Ward  Charnwood
Bella Maria - 5 Divertiment for Accordion F Wright Charnwood
Belle Sourire K Broadhead Charnwood
Cavalleta K Broadhead Charnwood
Exaggeration Waltz D Ward Charnwood
Fete Villegeois F Parnell Charnwood
Hochzeit Landler B Maroc  Charnwood 
La Vida Brava S Coppard Charnwood 
Louise (Valse Musette) H Hinchcliffe  Charnwood
Mazurka Capricco F Parnell Charnwood
Mon Petit Enfant G Laurie  Musical Pages 
Morgenrote - Album fur die Jugend * A Schmykow Schmulling
Musette Facile F. Wright Charnwood
Picnic Time in Bavaria G Romani Charnwood
Polka Italienne J. Blair Charnwood
Postlude - Work & Play Book 2  * G Romani Charnwood
Tango Di Eva-Lena G Laurie  Musical Pages 
Tanz der Engel - Album fur die Jugend *     A Schmykow Schmulling
The Helter Skelter W Farran Charnwood
The Merry Musicians G Romani  Charnwood
The Wizards' Waltz S Coppard Charnwood
Valse Folklorique J. Draeger Helbling
Waltz for Wendy K Farran Charnwood
You & I E Lusk Charnwood
* these pieces are suitable for Free Bass Accordion

Sight Reading. (10 marks)
To play on both keyboards together simple passages in Simple or Compound time (6/8 only) in major Keys ranging from two sharps to two flats.

Aural Tests. (10 marks)
To sing, hum or whistle a short melodic phrase played twice by the examiner in a major key, the tonic chord first having been sounded
To sing, hum or whistle the upper or lower note of a consonant interval played harmonically.
To state whether a melody played twice by the examiner is in Simple Duple, Simple Triple or Simple Quadruple time.
To identify the interval sounded above the tonic of the major or minor scale as the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th. Degree. The tonic chord will be sounded first.
To recognise a rhythmic or melodic change in a four-bar phrase played twice by the examiner, with the change being made in the second playing. Candidates will be required to recognise and tap, sing or describe the change.


A.5
Grade 5
Intermediate

Scales and Arpeggios. (20 marks)
To play two octaves, ascending and descending, on both keyboards together:
The major scales and arpeggios of C, G, A, E, F and Eb.
The minor scales and arpeggios of A, E and D (harmonic or melodic at candidates choice).
To play two octaves, ascending and descending, on either keyboard separately:
The chromatic scale beginning on C.(App. tempo: MM = 108, two notes per beat). Touch: legato or staccato, as requested by the examiner.

Pieces (20 marks each piece)
Candidates must select THREE pieces from the following List.
Candidates must present a balanced programme of their choice of the three pieces.
The programme must show a range of contrast in Style, Character and Tempo

Abend in der Puzta W.Bernau M Hohner 
Andantino * Kozeluh / Bishop Charnwood
Chevaux de Bois K Broadhead  Charnwood
Chiquita (Paso Doble) F. Wright Charnwood
Corinne C Camilleri MAP
El Choclo (Tango) Villodo / Romani Charnwood
Florita R. Willis Charnwood
Iain Crichton of Lewis - 7 original Scottish Compositions G Laurie Musical Pages 
Julie J Hangar  Charnwood
La Poupee de Valse F Caprio Charnwood 
Las Fallas G Crossman  charnwood
Lynnette C Pasby Charnwood
Marcha Espanola G Crossman  Charnwood
Moonshadow D Ward  Charnwood
Morris Minor D Ward Charnwood
Mrs Iris Laurie  - 7 original Scottish Compositions G Laurie  Musical Pages 
Nice N Easy E.Lusk Charnwood
Omaggio a Bach J. Oppenheimer Berben
Paris Accordeon A Delroy  Charnwood
Partita Piccola mvt 2* T Lundquist M Hohner 
Pavements of Paris K.Harling Charnwood 
Pink Panthers Brother - Album fur die Jugend * A Schmykov Schmulling
Seven over Eight D. Ward charnwood
House of Fun S Coppard Charnwood 
Upside Down Polka D Ward Charnwood
Valse Classique G Romani  Charnwood
* these pieces are suitable for Free Bass Accordion

Sight Reading. (10 marks)
To play on both keyboards together pieces in keys up to and including three sharps or three flats.

Aural Tests. (10 marks
To sing, hum or whistle one, or all in succession, of three notes played harmonically. These will form major or minor chords in root position.
To state whether a melody played twice by the examiner is in Simple Duple, Triple or Quadruple time
To identify any degree of the major or harmonic minor scale after the tonic chord and the tonic note have first been sounded.
To identify certain features of a piece played by the examiner. The features will be confined to contrasted dynamics, change in tone, articulation, recognition of tempo changes and recognition of major and minor tonality, of which the examiner will select one or two and advise the candidate accordingly before playing the piece. Candidates are encouraged to use Italian terms in their answers where appropriate.


A.6
Grade 6
Senior

Scales and Arpeggios. (20 marks)
To play two octaves, ascending and descending, on both keyboards together:
The major scales and arpeggios of D, E, Bb and Ab in similar motion and of C in contrary motion.
The harmonic minor scales and arpeggios of A, B and G.
The melodic minor scales and arpeggios of A, E and D.
The chromatic scales on C.
 (App. tempo: MM = 112, two notes per beat). Touch: legato or staccato, as requested.

Pieces (20 marks each piece)
Candidates must select THREE pieces from the following List.
Candidates must present a balanced programme of their choice of the three pieces.
The programme must show a range of contrast in Style, Character and Tempo

Abacus D Ward Charnwood
Anastasia Wendy J Farran Charnwood
Ballet of the Puppets - Album fur die Jugend * A Schmykov Schmulling
Brasileria G Crossman  Charnwood
Brief Prelude Graham Romani Charnwood
Caister Capers K Farran Charnwood
Cavalina Mia G Crossman  Charnwood
Czardas Roumaine Henry Minay Charnwood
Das Spiel Der Drehorgak * A Nagajew Schmulling
Festival March    F Wright  Charnwood
Into the Spice Market D Ward Charnwood
L’Arc en Ciel K Broadhead  Charnwood
Romance - Romance & Rondo * G Romani Bosworth
Rondo alla Zingarese F Parnell  Charnwood
Serenata Toselli / G. Romani Charnwood
Song of Rest * T Pitfield  Charnwood
Sunset Tango K Broadhead Charnwood
The Magic Carpet K Broadhead Charnwood
Valse Angelique G Romani Charnwood
Valse Romantique G Romani Charnwood
Zigeuner Suite Mvts 2 &3 W.Bernau M Hohner
* these pieces are suitable for Free Bass Accordion
   

Sight Reading. (10 marks)
To play on both keyboards together pieces in keys up to and including three sharps and three flats.

Aural Tests (10 marks)
To sing, hum or whistle one, or all in succession, of three notes played harmonically. These will form major or minor chords in root position or either inversion.
To state whether root position triads are major, minor, diminished or augmented.
To recognise root position cadences in major or minor keys as perfect or plagal.
To identify certain features of a piece played by the examiner. The features will be confined to contrasted dynamics, change in tone, articulation, recognition of tempo changes and recognition of major and minor tonality, of which the examiner will select one or two and advise the candidate accordingly before playing the piece. Candidates are encouraged to use Italian terms in their answers where appropriate.


A.7
Grade 7
Advanced

Scales and arpeggios. (20 marks)
To play two octaves, ascending and descending, on both keyboards together:
In similar and contrary motion, the major scales and arpeggios of A, B, F#, F, Ab and Db.
In similar motion, the harmonic minor scales and arpeggio of E, F#, D and C.
In similar motion, the melodic minor scales and arpeggio of B, C#, G and F.
In similar motion, the chromatic scales on C, D and Bb.
 (App. tempo: MM = 126, two notes per beat). Touch: legato or staccato, as requested by the examiner.

Pieces (20 marks each piece)
Candidates must select THREE pieces from the following List.
Candidates must present a balanced programme of their choice of the three pieces.
The programme must show a range of contrast in Style, Character and Tempo.

Allegro   Fiocco / Carter Charnwood
Bel Viso P Frosini MAP
Bouree Musette & Sombre Saraband - Work & Play 111 G Romani Charnwood
Czardas  F Fugazza MAP
Espana (Bellows shake optional) Waldteufel / Romani Charnwood
Fantasie in la Minore F Da Caprio Charnwood
Flight of the Bumblebee Korsakov / Romani Charnwood
Hellzapopping    L Fancelli Berben
Le Coucou Daquin / Romani Charnwood
Rhapsidium for a Rainy Day D Ward  Charnwood 
Romanesque A Delroy Charnwood
Russian Dance   G Schenderjow Schmulling
S’il Vous Plait - Album No 1 * A Piazzolla Universelles
Sonata in F minor, K69, L382 * D Scarlatti  Peters Edition 
Spanish Gypsy Dance Marquina / Crossman   Schauer & May
Subterfuge D Ward  Charnwood
Suite pour Enfants - No 1 Mvts 1, 2 & 5 * V Zolotaryov Schmulling
Suite pour Enfants - No 2 Mvts 1 & 3 * A Nagayev Schmulling
Summertime G Gershwin / J Emblow Cheltone Music
Valse Acrobatique G Crossman  Charnwood
Vive Musette A Delroy  Charnwood
* these pieces are suitable for Free Bass Accordion    

Sight Reading. (10 marks)
To play on both keyboards together pieces in keys up to and including four sharps and four flats.

AAural Tests. (10 marks)
To sing, hum or whistle one, or all in succession, of three notes played harmonically. These will form major or minor triads in root position or either inversion and to state the position of each chord played.
To state whether triads played on the treble keyboard are major, minor, diminished or augmented.
To state whether root position cadences in major or minor keys are perfect, plagal, imperfect (I-V, IV-V only) or interrupted. The tonic chord will be sounded before each cadence.
To answer questions on the features of a piece played by the examiner, including the general perception of form, texture and style, of which the examiner will select one or two and advise the candidate accordingly before playing the piece. Candidates will be expected to use Italian terms in their answers where appropriate.


A.8
Grade 8
Final

Scales and arpeggios. (20 marks)
To play two octaves, ascending and descending, on both keyboards together:
In similar and contrary motion, the major scales and arpeggios of G, E, F#, F, Ab and Db.
In similar motion, the harmonic minor scales and arpeggio of B, C#, G, F and Bb.
In similar motion, the melodic minor scales and arpeggio of E, F#, G#, D and C.
In similar motion, the chromatic scales on F, Ab and E.
(App. tempo: MM = 138, two notes per beat).
Touch: legato or staccato, as requested by the examiner.

Pieces (20 marks each piece)
Candidates must select THREE pieces from the following List.
Candidates must present a balanced programme of their choice of the three pieces.
The programme must show a range of contrast in Style, Character and Tempo

Acquarelli Cubani L Fancelli  Berben
Adios Nonino Piazzolla / Guzzini Berben
Bats at sunset P Frosini MAP
Boutique Overture  D Ward  Charnwood
Classical Sonatina Mvts 1 & 2 G Romani  Charnwood
Czardas V Monti Ricordi
Dance Orientale F Fugazza MAP
Danza Di Gnoma F Fugazza Berben
Impressions of Spain   (Zapeteado, Cumbia & Paso Doble only)  G Barton  Charnwood
Jota * W Jacobi  Charnwood
Largo al Factotum Rossini arr C. Bishop Charnwood
Pasacaglia (FB or SB) * Handel arr Tollefsen Kestrel
Prelude & Fugue In A minor G Barton Charnwood
Preludio A Volpi Berben
Sonata in D, K288, L57  * Scarlatti Peters Edition 
Sonatina Piccola * T Lundquist  M Hohner 
Suite for Accordion * A Hovhaness Peters Edition 
Toccata             A Repnikov Schmulling
Vivo J Gart MAP
Weeping Willow and Thistle - Botany Play *             T Lundquist  Waterloo
Wind in the Reeds & Chorale Meditato from Work & Play Vol 3 G Romani  Charnwood

* these pieces are suitable for Free Bass accordion

   

Sight Reading. (10 marks)
To play on both keyboards together, pieces in keys ranging from five sharps and five flats.

Aural Tests. (10 marks)
To sing, hum or whistle an answering -phrase of four bars after a fore-phrase has been given twice by the Examiner, preceded by the tonic chord.
To state whether triads played on the treble keyboard are major, minor, diminished or augmented.
To state whether root position cadences in major or minor keys are perfect (V-I, V7-I), plagal, imperfect (I-V, II-V, IV-V or VI-V) or interrupted. The tonic chord will be sounded before each cadence.
To answer questions on the features of a piece played by the examiner, including the general perception of form, texture and style, of which the examiner will select one or two and advise the candidate accordingly before playing the piece. Candidates will be expected to use Italian terms in their answers where appropriate.