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GUITARBASS
DRUMSSyllabus Guide
2006-2012
Europes No. 1 rock music exam board
Syllabus Guide
2006-2012
DRUMS
Published by Rockschool Ltd 2006
Unauthorised reproduction of any part of this publication by any
means including photocopying is an infringement of copyright
Compiled and edited by: Jeremy Ward & Simon Pitt
Cover design: Chris Davis
Text layout: Bet Ayer
Printed and bound in the United Kingdom
Visit the Rockschool website atwww.rockschool.co.uk
Phone: 020 8332 6303Fax: 020 8332 6297
rockschool, the rockschool logo and all other rockschool product or service names are trademarks of rockschool Ltd. 2010 Rock School Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Phone: 08454604747Fax: 08454601960
rockschool, the rockschool logo and all other rockschool product or service names are trademarks of rockschool Ltd. 2010 Rock School Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Contents page
Welcome to the Drums Syllabus 3
Examinations 4
Performance Pieces 5
Technical exercises 6
Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation (Grades 1-5) 9
Quick Study Piece (Grades 6-8) 10
Ear Tests (Grades 1-8) 11
General Musicianship Questions 12
Exam Regulations 13
Assessment Requirements 14
Sample Music 20
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Welcome to the Drums Syllabus
Welcome to the Rockschool 2006 syllabus for Drums. This Syllabus Guide is designed to give teachers, learners and candidates practical information on the graded examinations run byRockschool.
If you have any queries about the syllabus for Guitar, Bass and Drums, PopularPiano, and Vocals or any of the Awards, Certificates and Diplomas for Music Practitioners and forMusic Educators, or our instrumental and teaching diplomas, then please do not hesitate to call uson 08454604747 or email us at [email protected].
The Rockschool website,www.rockschool.co.uk, has detailed information on all aspects of our examinations, including examination regulations, detailed marking schemes and marking criteriaas well as notated and audio examples of all the types of tests used in the exams and handy tips onhow to get the most out of the performance pieces. Companion Guides are also available for Vocals,Guitar, Bass and Drums.
This Syllabus Guide covers the following examinations:
Grade examinations offered by Rockschool at Grades 1-8 Performance Certificates offered by Rockschool at Debut and Grades 1-8 Band exams at Grades 3, 5, 8
In the Guide, the examination requirements for each grade are shown in italics.
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Examinations
Grade Examinations
Rockschools graded examinations are made up of the following elements:
Performance pieces (Debut and Grades 1-8)
Technical exercises (Grades 1-8)
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Grades 1-5 only) Quick study piece (Grades 6-8 only)
Ear tests (Grades 1-8)
General musicianship questions (Grades 1-8)
Performance Certificates
Rockschools performance certificates are available at every grade and consist of the following
elements:
Debut: 5 pieces to be selected from the debut pack. No own choice is allowable at this level. Grades 1-8: 5 performance pieces to be selected from the appropriate grade book or 3
pieces from the appropriate grade book and 2 own choice. For information on criteria for own
choice please visit the website at: www.rockschool.co.uk
Band Exams
Rockschools band exams are available at grades 3, 5 & 8 for guitar, bass and drums and consist of
the following elements:
Grades 3, 5 and 8: 5 performance pieces to be selected from the appropriate grade book or 3 pieces from the appropriate grade book and 2 own choice. For information on criteria for own
choice please visit the website at: www.rockschool.co.uk
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Syllabus Guide for Drums
Performance Pieces
Rockschools drum grades are designed to showcase instrumental performance across a range of
popular styles. The performances are the benchmark by which the grades are measured and the
printed performance repertoire reflects the general standards which players should be able to
attain if they are successfully to complete the exam. All the repertoire pieces performed in the
exam should be played to a CD backing track.
The performance characteristics of each grade are printed in the relevant grade books and are
reproduced below. The grade descriptions assume competence in the areas described in grades
lower down the sequence.
Debut: in Debut Drums you will be concentrating on playing tunes. A player of Debut standardshould be able to play up to 20 bars of music in 4/4 time, using simple grooves composed of
quarter and eighth notes and associated rests. The hi hat remains closed at all times during the
pieces. There are simple fills notated and can be found at the ends of each four bar pattern. These
pieces will only consist hi hat, snare and bass drum.
Grade 1: A player of Grade 1 standard should be able to play up to 32 bars of music composed ofquarter and eighth notes and associated rests. There are simple notated fills usually played at the
end of a four or eight bar section as well as some variations in the basic groove. Some hi hats are
played open and crash and ride cymbals are also played.
Grade 2: in this grade you are beginning to develop your groove playing while building a solidtechnical foundation for the future. Grooves feature development and variation and you may be
asked to show this in your playing. Notated fills feature at the end of four or eight bar sections. In
this grade you will also begin to work on your stylistic appreciation. Basic dynamics will be used.
Grade 3: this grade continues the foundation work started in Grade 2. As a player you will beencountering syncopated eighth and sixteenth note grooves and a greater degree of hand-foot
co-ordination around the kit. The pieces of music are now longer, covering two pages, giving you
opportunities for inventive fills (with the use of toms) which feature at the end of four or eight
bar sections as well as the start of some pieces. Graduated dynamics will be used in the pieces.
Grade 4: in this grade you will use a range of physical and expressive techniques with confidenceincluding those drawn from the technical exercise section of the exam. The rhythms are more
complex with sixteenth and dotted notes and the syncopations are now also more complex. You
will be experimenting with a range of dynamics from very quiet to very loud. It is at this grade
that you are continuing to develop your ability to play with stylistic sensitivity and authority.
Grade 5: as a player you will be confident in a range of physical and expressive techniques. Youwill be able to demonstrate your abilities across a number of styles and have control over sound
and volume adjustments to suit the playing styles of your choice.
Grade 6: in this grade you are developing the confidence of the advanced player across the rangeof physical and expressive techniques. You will start experimenting with a range of techniques
across a number of musical styles. There is a greater emphasis on personal expression and you
will display your own musical personality through ad libbing and soloing.
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S Grade 7: in this grade you are now confident in your abilities across the range of physical andexpressive techniques. You will be experimenting with a range of these techniques across a
number of styles. You will also be comfortable with a range of rhythms and time signatures other
than common time. Your solos will be musically expressive and you will have the confidence to
apply varied rhythmic ideas around the kit in a number of soloing contexts.
Grade 8: you will play effortlessly with a wide range of physical and expressive techniques at yourcommand. You will be able to use these at will across a range of styles and musical contexts. You
will be comfortable playing pieces employing a number of different time signatures (including
changes from bar to bar) and you will display mastery of a number of musical styles. Your solos
will be highly musical and employ techniques across the range. You will also be highly sensitive
to all aspects of musical presentation.
Exam RequirementsDebut: candidates are asked to perform five out of the six pieces printed in the Debutexamination pack. No free choice option is allowed.
Grades 1-8: candidates are asked to perform either three out of the six pieces printed in the gradepacks, or two pieces from the grade pack and one brought into the exam by the candidate. Thismay be either a self-composed piece or a piece of established popular repertoire. If a backing track
is used it must be a music minus version (without the drum part).
Candidates taking Grade 2 and above can adapt the performance pieces to suit their playing style.
This is permitted so long as these adaptations keep within the style of the piece. Candidates are
required, in any case, to include improvisation passages in addition to those indicated by the score
from Grade 3.
Guidelines are published by Rockschool for those candidates who wish either to write a piece of
their own for performance in the exam or to use as a guide when choosing a piece of established
repertoire.
Technical Exercises
The range of technical exercises to be played by candidates is published in each book. These are
played to a tempo set for the candidate by the examiner. From grade 1 to 3 candidates can choose
to play along with the metronome click or without it but from grade 4 playing with the metronomeis compulsory. Sticking is offered in the examples as a guide, but in some cases candidates may usetheir own sticking patterns when playing the exercises. The exercises should be played with sticks,the use of hot rods, brushes and other bitters is not allowed.
Candidates are asked to prepare all the exercises at the tempos indicated. The final exercise should
be played along to the backing track provided on the CD.
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Exam RequirementsGroups A-DGrade 1: Groups A-D played on the snare drumGroup A: Single Strokes in eighth notes and triplet eighth notes. 70 bpm.
Group B: Double Strokes in eighth notes. 70 bpm.
Group C: Paradiddles -standard paradiddle in sixteenth notes. 70 bpm.
Group D: Triplets standard triplet in eighth notes. 70 bpm.
Group E: Fill candidates are asked to play a one bar groove repeated consisting of three notated
bars (kick drum, snare and hi hat) in a rock style and one of the four notated fills nominated by
the examiner. This is played to a backing track. 80 bpm.
Grade 2: Group A: Single Strokes in eighth & sixteenth notes. 70 bpm
Group B: Double Strokes in eighth & sixteenth notes. 70 bpm
Group C: Paradiddles standard & inverted paradiddles in sixteenth notes. 70 bpm
Group D: Flams flams in quarter notes. 70 bpm
Group E: Triplets standard triplet in eighth notes incorporating toms. 70 bpm
Group F: Fill candidates are asked to play a one bar groove repeated consisting of three notated
bars (kick drum, snare and hi hat) in a rock style and one of the four notated fills nominated by
the examiner. This is played to a backing track. 75 bpm.
Grade 3Group A: Single Strokes in eighth, triplet eighth & sixteenth notes. Played as a continuous
sequence. 75 bpm.
Group B: Double Strokes in sixteenth notes. 70 bpm.
Group C: Paradiddles standard & inverted paradiddles in sixteenth notes, snare drum and
moving around the toms. 70 bpm.
Group D: Flams & Drags flams & drags in quarter notes. 70 bpm.
Group E: Triplets standard & reversed triplets in eighth notes incorporating toms. 70 bpm.
Group F: Fill candidates are asked to play a one bar groove repeated consisting of three notated
bars (kick drum, snare and hi hat) in a hip hop style and one of the four notated fills nominated
by the examiner. This is played to a backing track. 75 bpm.
Grade 4Group A: Single & Double Strokes in eighth, triplet eighth & sixteenth notes. Played as a
continuous sequence. The examiner will nominate stroke which should played. 75 bpm.
Group B: Paradiddles standard & inverted paradiddle using kick drum, snare and hi hat. 75 bpm.
Group C: Rolls five stroke roll. 70 bpm.
Group D: Flams, Drags & Ruffs flam taps in eighth notes, drags & ruffs in quarter notes. 75
bpm.
Group E: Hands & Feet Patterns four patterns around the kit, two in sixteenth notes and two
in triplet rhythm. 80 bpm.
Group F: Fill candidates are asked to play a one bar groove repeated consisting of three notated
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DRUMS
bars (kick drum, snare, hi hat and crash cymbal) in a funk style and one of the four notated hand
and feet patterns from Group E above nominated by the examiner. This is played to a backing
track. 80 bpm.
Grade 5Group A: Single & Double Strokes in eighth, triplet eighth & sixteenth notes. Played as a
continuous sequence. The examiner will nominate which should played. 80 bpm.
Group B: Paradiddles standard & inverted paradiddle using kick drum, snare and hi hat. 80 bpm
Group C: Rolls five & seven stroke rolls. 75 bpm.
Group D: Flams, Drags & Ruffs flams in triplet eighth notes, drags in eighth notes & ruffs in
quarter notes. 80 bpm.
Group E: Hands & Feet Patterns four patterns around the kit, two in sixteenth notes and two
in triplet rhythm. 90 bpm.
Group F: Fill candidates are asked to play a one bar groove repeated consisting of three notated
bars (kick drum, snare, hi hat and crash cymbal) in a metal style and one of the four notated
hand and feet patterns from Group E above nominated by the examiner. This is played to a
backing track. 90 bpm.
Grade 6Group A: Single & Double Strokes - in triplet eighth, sixteenth or sextuplet sixteenth notes. Played
as a continuous sequence. The examiner will nominate which stroke should be played. 80 bpm.
Group B: Paradiddles standard paradiddle in sixteenth notes with moving accent. 80 bpm.
Group C: Rolls nine stroke roll. 80 bpm.
Group D: Flam & Drags flamadiddle & dragadiddle in sixteenth notes. 80 bpm.
Group E: Technique Solos Candidates are asked to perform one of two printed techniques solos,
one in sixteenth notes (100 bpm) or sextuplet sixteenth notes (70 bpm). Both must be prepared.This is played to a backing track.
Grade 7Group A: Single Strokes in quarter, eighth, triplet eighth, sixteenth, quintuplet sixteenth,
sextuplet sixteenth, septuplet sixteenth and thirtysecond notes, one bar of each and played as a
continuous sequence. 65 bpm.
Group B: Paradiddles standard paradiddle in sixteenth notes with moving accent. 80 bpm.
Group C: Flams & Paradiddle-diddles standard & alternative paradiddle-diddle in sextuplet
sixteenth notes. Moving flams in triplet eighth notes. 90 bpm.
Group D: Technique Solos Candidates are asked to perform one of two printed techniques solos,
one in sixteenth notes (100 bpm) or sextuplet sixteenth notes (70 bpm). Both must be prepared.This is played to a backing track.
Grade 8Group A: Single Strokes in quarter, eighth, nontuplet, dixtuplet, sextuplet sixteenth, septuplet
sixteenth and thirtysecond, nonuplet thirtysecond and dixuplet thirtysecond notes, one bar of
each and played as a continuous sequence. 65 bpm.
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Group B: Paradiddles standard paradiddle in sixteenth notes with moving accent. 80 bpm.
Group C: Flams & Paradiddle-diddles standard & alternative paradiddle-diddle in sextuplet
sixteenth notes with moving accents and moving around the toms. Moving flams in triplet eighth
notes. 100 bpm.
Group D: Technique Solos Candidates are asked to perform one of two printed techniques solos,
one in sixteenth notes (100 bpm) or sextuplet sixteenth notes (70 bpm). Both must be prepared.This is played to a backing track.
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation (Grades 1-5 only)
Candidates attempting Grades 1-5 inclusive have a choice of taking either the sight reading or the
improvisation & interpretation test. Examples of the type of tests required in the exam are printed
in the grade packs. Further examples can be found in the Companion Guide.
Please note that at Grades 4 and 5, the sight reading and improvisation & interpretation testscontain a small amount of the other skill. The requirements are shown for each grade below.
Exam Requirements: Sight ReadingCandidates will be asked to prepare a sight reading test which is given to them by the examiner.
The test may be in one of the following styles: blues and rock (Grades 1-3) or blues, funk, rock or
jazz (Grades 4-5). The examiner will allow the candidate 90 seconds to prepare the test and will
set the tempo on a metronome. The candidate can choose to play with or without the metronome
for the duration of the test.
Grade 1: 4 bars, 60-80 bpm, common time, snare drum only.Grade 2: 4 bars, 60-80 bpm, common time, snare drum only.Grade 3: 8 bars, 60-90 bpm, 3/4 common time, snare drum only.Grade 4: At this Grade there is an element of improvisation. This is in the form of a two bar fill.The improvised ending will use chord patterns that have been used in the sight reading part of
the test. 12 bars, 60-90 bpm, time signatures as for Grade 3 above, full kit.Grade 5: At this Grade there is an element of improvisation. This is in the form of a two bar fill.The improvised ending will use chord patterns that have been used in the sight reading part of
the test. 12 bars, 60-90 bpm, time signatures as for Grade 3 above and also 12/8, full kit.
Exam Requirements: Improvisation & InterpretationCandidates will be asked to prepare an improvisation & interpretation test which is given to them
by the examiner. The test may be in one of the following styles: blues and rock (Grades 1-3) or
blues, funk, rock or jazz (Grades 4-5).
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Grades 1-2: the candidate will be asked to play an improvised drum groove to a backing track of4 bars. One bar of groove is notated at the beginning and a bar of fill is indicated at the end. The
candidate is allowed 30 seconds to prepare and is allowed to practise through on playing of the
backing track before playing it a second time in the exam. The test is continuous with a one bar
count in at the beginning and after the practice session.
Grade 3: the candidate will be asked to play an improvised drum groove to a backing track of 8bars. Two bars of groove are notated at the beginning. The candidate will be asked to the play
drum groove as indicated and to complete the test with a two bar fill at the end. The candidate is
allowed 30 seconds to prepare and is allowed to practise through on playing of the backing track
before playing it a second time in the exam. The test is continuous with a one bar count in at the
beginning and after the practice session.
Grade 4-5: the candidate will be asked to play an improvised drum groove to a backing track oftwelve (Grade 4) sixteen (Grade 5) bars. Two bars of groove are notated at the beginning. The
candidate will be asked to play drum groove as indicated and to complete the test with a four bar
solo at the end. This is played to a backing track. The candidate is allowed 30 seconds to prepare and
is allowed to practise through on playing of the backing track before playing it a second time in the
exam. The test is continuous with a one bar count in at the beginning and after the practice session.
Quick Study Piece (Grades 6-8 only)
Candidate attempting any of these grades will be asked to perform a Quick Study Piece (QSP).
This is given to the candidate 20 minutes before they enter the exam room and candidates entered
for these grades are asked to arrive at the exam centre at least ten minutes before they are given
their QSP to practise.
Candidates will be asked to perform from a paper outline and a CD given to them by the examiner.
The outline is in the form of a lead sheet or session chart and will contain information on style,
tempo and length, along with other musical information such as dynamics and marked solo
passages. Sticking indications are also included where appropriate. Examples of the type of tests
required in the exam are printed in the grade packs. Further examples can be found in the
Companion Guide.
The CD contains a backing track to be used for both practise and performance in the examination.
Each QSP will be in the style of rock, funk, blues, latin or jazz. The performance should reflect the
style of the piece and candidates should use the spaces in the music to develop their musical ideas.
Exam Requirements: Quick Study PieceGrade 6: the QSP will consist of up to 30 bars excluding repeats and DC, DS. The rhythms andchords will be indicated along with some written notation, dynamics and other musical notation
information. The note lengths and rhythms will reflect the standard of a Grade 4 performance.
Time signatures and Tempo: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8. 60-140 bpm. Keys: any major or minor
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Grade 7: the QSP will consist of up to 30 bars excluding repeats and DC, DS. The rhythms andchords will be indicated along with some written notation, dynamics and other musical notation
information. The note lengths and rhythms will reflect the standard of a Grade 5 performance.
Time signatures and Tempo: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8. 60-140 bpm. Keys: any major or minor
Grade 8: the QSP will consist of up to 30 bars excluding repeats and DC, DS. The rhythms andchords will be indicated along with some written notation, dynamics and other musical notation
information. The note lengths and rhythms will reflect the standard of a Grade 6 performance.
Time signatures and Tempo: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8. 60-140 bpm. Keys: any major or minor
Ear Tests (Grades 1-8)
Candidates will be asked to take two ear tests in the exam. The tests are played on CD and use real
instrument sounds. Each test is played to the candidate by the examiner twice. Candidates my use
their instrument while the CD is playing.
Exam Requirements: Test 1 Fill RecognitionGrade 1-3: The candidate will hear one bar of drum fill made up of four beat value combinationsall played on the snare drum in common time. The candidate will be asked to play the fill back
and then identify the correct fill from a pair printed on a sheet of paper. 70 bpm.
Grade 4-8: The candidate will hear one bar of drum fill made up of four beat value combinationsall played on the snare drum in common time. The candidate will be asked to play the fill back
and then identify the correct fill from three examples printed on a sheet of paper. 70 bpm.
Exam Requirements: Test 2 - Groove RecallGrades 1-3: Candidates will hear a four bar drum groove (two bars repeated) twice on a CD.This is played on the kick drum, hi hat and snare (and crash cymbal at Grade 3) in common time.
Candidates are required to play back what they have heard for four bars on the appropriate drum
voices. 80 bpm.
Grades 4-5: Candidates will hear a four bar drum groove (two bars repeated) twice on a CD.This is played on the kick drum, toms, snare (including rim shot) hi hat, crash and is in common
time. Candidates are required to play back what they have heard for four bars on the appropriate
drum voices. When they have completed this, they should identify the style from one of the
following: Latin, funk, jazz, blues or rock. They will be required to make their selection from a list
of three asked by the examiner. 80-120 bpm.
Grades 6-8: Candidates will hear a four bar drum groove (two bars repeated) twice on a CD.This is played on the kick drum, snare (rim shot and ghost snare) hi hat (open, closed and half
open at Grade 8) and snare in common time. Candidates are required to play back what they
have heard for four bars on the appropriate drum voices. When they have completed this, they
should identify the style from one of the following: Latin, funk, jazz, shuffle, blues, heavy metal,
hip hop, techno drum & bass or rock. They will be required to make their selection from four styles
asked by the examiner. 80-140 bpm.
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SGeneral Musicianship Questions
Each Rockschool grade finishes with five General Musicianship Questions. These questions are
asked of the candidate orally by the examiner, who uses a performance piece played by the
candidate as a starting point.
Exam RequirementsGrades 1-6: candidates will be asked questions in two main areas: (i) music notation and (ii)knowledge of the instrument.
Grade 7 and 8: in addition to the above candidates will also be asked a third category: historyand styles.
A complete list of the topics covered in the music notation and theory category is printed in each
book. Sample questions may be found on the Rockschool website and in the Companion Guide.
All questions concerning instrument knowledge will deal with the instrument played by the
candidate.
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Exam Regulations
1. Rockschool exams are open to all persons, irrespective of age and in accordance with our Equal
Opportunities policy.
2. Full payment and relevant documentation must reach the offices of Rockschool on or before the chosen
exam periods closing date. Rockschool cannot guarantee an exam for any applications received after this date.
3. Exam entries may not be transferred from one candidate to another.
4. Any changes to the examination will incur a fee.
5. Cancellation of an exam will result in loss of the exam fee unless as a result of illness or injury. Such cases
must be substantiated by a medical certificate. In this event, the exam will be re-scheduled on receipt of half
of the original exam entry fee.
6. Names on certificates will be as on candidates acknowledgement letter. Replacement certificates will incur
a charge of 5.
7. On application, candidates may state times within an exam period when they are unavailable. However,
Rockschool cannot guarantee to avoid all such dates.
8. Rockschool reserves the right to defer exams until the next available exam period. After one deferral, an
exam is guaranteed at an exam centre chosen by Rockschool. This may not be your local centre.
9. Candidates must use only the official Rockschool sheet music for their respective exam. Photocopying of any
material to facilitate page turns in the exams is allowable and the copies will be retained by the examiner. Sole
use of photocopying is prohibited and may result in disqualification.
10. No refunds are given.
11. No teacher, or other person, must be present during the preparation of a candidates Quick Study Piece.
Any assistance given to a candidate will result in disqualification from the examination.
12. Only the examiner and candidate are allowed to be present in the examination room with the exception of
moderators appointed by Rockschool.
13. Candidates must bring in two copies of music for the free choice piece. Players must use an original copy
of the tune to be performed, and must provide a second copy for the examiner, which may be a photocopy. If
there is no music available, a zero mark will be given for the piece. Any queries in writing should be addressed
to the Director of Operations at least two weeks prior to the exam date.
14. Any backing tracks provided by the candidate for use with free choice pieces must be capable of a music
minus 1 playback without the examination part being audible to the examiner. If an unacceptable backing
track is submitted, a zero mark will be given for the piece.
15. All band exams are the advertised instruments only. Backing tapes may not be used in the exam.
16. Any special needs candidates must notify the Rockschool office prior to the exam.
17. The examiners decision is final. Normally, an examiner will hear every component in full, but on occasion
an examiner may conclude an examination when a decision has been reached.
18. Replacement certificates may be obtained by successful candidates. All replacements certificates will be
marked as such and will incur a charge.
19. Rockschool operates a quality assured appeals process. All appeals must be made in writing no later than
14 days after the exam date. There are two criteria for formal appeals, these are:
Appeals in respect of errors in procedure
Appeals in respect of errors in matching comments to marks awarded.
Full details of Rockschool Ltds appeal process are available from the Rockschool office or website.
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te
chn
iqu
es3:
Secu
re r
hyth
m/p
uls
e/du
rati
on4:
Stro
ng
sen
se o
fsy
nc/
con
tin
uit
y5:
Mai
nly
con
fide
nt
pres
enta
tion
1:M
ain
ly s
ecu
re b
asic
tec
hn
iqu
es2:
Som
e ev
iden
ce o
fap
prop
riat
eex
pres
sive
tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Gen
eral
ly a
ccu
rate
rhy
thm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:M
ain
ly s
ynch
ron
ised
;occ
asio
nal
slip
sof
con
tin
uit
y5:
Gen
eral
ly c
onfi
den
t pr
esen
tati
onw
ith
min
or la
pses
1:In
secu
re b
asic
tec
hn
iqu
es2:
Inco
nsi
sten
t u
se o
fex
pres
sive
tech
niq
ues
.3:
Inco
nsi
sten
t rh
yth
mic
sen
se4:
Poor
syn
chro
nis
atio
n;u
naw
are
ofer
rors
5:H
esit
ant
pres
enta
tion
1:C
onsi
sten
t ba
sic
tech
nic
al e
rror
s2:
Failu
re t
o u
se a
ny e
xpre
ssiv
ete
chn
iqu
es3:
Way
war
d pu
lse;
inco
rrec
t rh
yth
m/
dura
tion
4:N
o sy
nc;
big
con
tin
uit
y ga
ps;f
alse
star
ts5:
Hig
hly
ner
vou
s pr
esen
tati
on
Gra
des
2 &
3
1:Fl
uen
t ba
sic
tech
niq
ues
2:Fl
uen
t us
e of
appr
opri
ate
inst
rum
enta
lte
chn
iqu
es.v
ib.,
stac
cato
etc
.3:
Mu
sica
l use
of
rhyt
hm/p
uls
e/du
rati
on4:
Seam
less
syn
c;se
cure
con
tin
uit
y5:
Hig
hly
con
fide
nt
& a
ssu
red
pres
enta
tion
6:H
igh
deg
ree
ofst
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
Con
vin
cin
g ap
prop
riat
eim
prov
isat
ion
(gr
ade
3)
1:Se
cure
bas
ic t
ech
niq
ues
2:C
orre
ct u
se o
fap
prop
riat
ete
chn
iqu
es3:
Secu
re r
hyth
m/p
uls
e/du
rati
on4:
Stro
ng
sen
se o
fsy
nc/
con
tin
uit
y5:
Con
fide
nt
pres
enta
tion
6:So
me
degr
ee o
fst
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
Som
e ap
prop
riat
e im
prov
isat
ion
(gra
de 3
)
1:M
ain
ly s
ecu
re b
asic
tec
hn
iqu
es2:
Som
e ev
iden
ce o
fap
prop
riat
e te
chn
iqu
es3:
Gen
eral
ly a
ccu
rate
rhy
thm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:M
ain
ly s
ynch
ron
ised
;occ
asio
nal
slip
sof
con
tin
uit
y5:
Gen
eral
ly c
onfi
den
t pr
esen
tati
on6:
Beg
inn
ings
of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
7:Im
prov
isat
ion
evi
den
t bu
t w
ith
oc
casi
onal
slip
s (g
rade
3)
1:In
secu
re b
asic
tec
hn
iqu
es2:
Inco
nsi
sten
t u
se o
fso
me
expr
essi
ve
tech
niq
ues
.3:
Som
e in
con
sist
ent
rhyt
hm
ic s
ense
4:Po
or s
ynch
ron
isat
ion
;un
awar
e of
erro
rs5:
Hes
itan
t pr
esen
tati
on6:
Inco
nsi
sten
t st
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
No
impr
ovis
atio
n (
grad
e 3)
1:C
onsi
sten
t ba
sic
tech
nic
al e
rror
s2:
Failu
re t
o ob
serv
e ex
pres
sive
mar
ks3:
Way
war
d pu
lse/
rhyt
hm
/du
rati
on4:
No
syn
c;bi
g co
nti
nu
ity
gaps
;fal
sest
arts
5:H
igh
ly n
ervo
us
pres
enta
tion
6:St
ylis
tica
lly u
naw
are
7:N
o im
prov
isat
ion
(gr
ade
3)
Gra
des
4 &
5
1:Fl
uen
t te
chn
iqu
es2:
Flue
nt
use
ofap
prop
riat
e in
stru
men
tal
tech
niq
ues
.vib
.,st
acca
to e
tc.
3:M
usi
cal u
se o
frh
ythm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:Se
amle
ss s
ync;
effo
rtle
ss c
onti
nu
ity
5:H
igh
ly c
onfi
den
t &
ass
ure
dpr
esen
tati
on6:
Hig
h d
egre
e of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
7:H
igh
leve
l of
appr
opri
ate
impr
ovis
atio
n
1:Se
cure
tec
hn
iqu
es2:
Mu
sica
l use
of
appr
opri
ate
tech
niq
ues
3:Se
cure
rhy
thm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:St
ron
g se
nse
of
syn
c/co
nti
nu
ity
5:C
onfi
den
t pr
esen
tati
on
6:So
me
degr
ee o
fst
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
Con
sist
ent
appr
opri
ate
impr
ovis
atio
n
1:M
ain
ly s
ecu
re t
ech
niq
ues
2:M
ainl
y co
rrec
t use
of
appr
opri
ate
tech
niqu
es3:
Gen
eral
ly a
ccu
rate
rhy
thm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:
Syn
chro
nis
ed w
ith
occ
asio
nal
slip
s of
con
tin
uit
y5:
Gen
eral
ly c
onfi
den
t pr
esen
tati
on6:
Evid
ence
of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
7:So
me
appr
opri
ate
impr
ovis
atio
n
1:In
secu
re t
ech
niq
ues
2:In
con
sist
ent
or in
corr
ect
use
of
inst
rum
enta
l tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Inco
nsi
sten
t rh
yth
mic
sen
se4:
Pro
blem
s of
syn
chro
nis
atio
n/
con
tin
uit
y5:
Hes
itan
t pr
esen
tati
on6:
Inco
nsi
sten
t st
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
Inap
prop
riat
e im
prov
isat
ion
1:C
onsi
sten
t te
chn
ical
err
ors
2:Fa
ilure
to
obse
rve
expr
essi
ve m
arks
3:Po
or p
uls
e;la
rgel
y in
corr
ect
rhyt
hm
/du
rati
on
4:L
ittl
e or
no
syn
chro
nis
atio
n;l
arge
gaps
in c
onti
nu
ity;
fals
e st
arts
5:H
igh
ly n
ervo
us
pres
enta
tion
6:St
ylis
tica
lly u
naw
are
7:N
o im
prov
isat
ion
Gra
des
6 -
8
1:E
ffor
tles
s te
chn
iqu
es
2:Fl
uen
t us
e of
appr
opri
ate
inst
rum
enta
lte
chn
iqu
es.
3:D
isti
nct
ivel
y m
usi
cal r
hyth
m/p
uls
e/du
r ati
on4:
Seam
less
syn
c;ef
fort
less
con
tin
uit
y5:
Hig
hly
ass
ure
d,pr
ofes
sion
alp
erfo
rman
ce
6:N
ativ
e le
vel o
fst
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
Ext
ensi
ve &
indi
vidu
al im
prov
isat
ion
s
1:Se
cure
tec
hn
iqu
es2:
Mu
sica
l use
of
appr
opri
ate
tech
niq
ues
3:Se
cure
use
of
rhyt
hm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:St
ron
g se
nse
of
syn
c/co
nti
nu
ity
5:C
onfi
den
t,as
sure
d pr
esen
tati
on6:
Hig
h d
egre
e of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
7:E
xten
sive
app
ropr
iate
impr
ovis
atio
n
1:M
ain
ly s
ecu
re t
ech
niq
ues
2:C
orre
ct u
se o
fin
stru
men
tal
tech
niq
ues
3:Se
cure
rhy
thm
/pu
lse/
du
rati
on4:
Syn
chro
nis
ed w
ith
occ
asio
nal
slip
s of
con
tin
uit
y5:
Gen
eral
ly c
onfi
den
t pr
esen
tati
on6:
Evid
ence
of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
7:So
me
appr
opri
ate
impr
ovis
atio
n
1:So
me
inse
curi
ty o
fte
chn
iqu
es2:
Inco
nsi
sten
t u
se o
fex
pres
sive
tec
hs.
3:So
me
inco
nsi
sten
cies
in r
hyth
mic
sen
se4:
Poor
syn
chro
nis
atio
n a
nd
con
tin
uit
y5:
Hes
itan
t pr
esen
tati
on6:
Inco
nsi
sten
t st
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
Inap
prop
riat
e im
prov
isat
ion
1:In
secu
re t
ech
niq
ues
2:In
con
sist
ent
use
of
expr
essi
ve t
ech
s.3:
Poor
sen
se o
fpu
lse;
ofte
n in
corr
ect
rhyt
hm
/du
rati
on
4:L
ittl
e or
no
syn
chro
nis
atio
n;l
arge
gaps
in c
onti
nu
ity;
fals
e st
arts
5:H
igh
ly n
ervo
us
pres
enta
tion
6:St
ylis
tica
lly u
naw
are
7:N
o im
prov
isat
ion
Assessment RequirementsA
ppen
dix
A:P
erfo
rman
ce P
iece
s
All
ref
eren
ces
to v
ibra
to a
nd
sta
ccat
o re
fer
to G
uit
ar a
nd
Bas
s ex
ams
only
.
rockschool, the rockschool logo and all other rockschool product or service names are trademarks of rockschool Ltd. 2010 Rock School Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
back to contents page 14
Gui
tar B
ass
and
Drum
s Sy
llabu
s G
uide
36
Mar
k B
and
Dis
tin
ctio
n18
+/2
0
Mer
it16
+/2
0
Pas
s14
+/2
0
Bel
ow P
ass
19-
13/2
0
Bel
ow P
ass
21-
8/20
Lev
el 3
(G
rad
es 6
-8)
1:E
ffor
tles
s te
chn
iqu
es
2:Fl
uen
t u
se o
fex
pres
sive
tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Dis
tin
ctiv
ely
mu
sica
l rhy
thm
/pu
lse/
du
rati
on4:
Seam
less
inte
rnal
syn
c;ef
fort
less
con
tin
uit
y5:
Hig
hly
ass
ure
d,pr
ofes
sion
al p
erfo
rman
ce
6:N
ativ
e le
vel o
fst
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
Ext
ensi
ve &
indi
vidu
al im
prov
isat
ion
s8:
Con
spic
uou
s se
nse
of
inte
rnal
ban
d co
mm
un
icat
ion
9:Su
cces
sfu
l com
m.o
fd
isti
nct
ive
colle
ctiv
e m
usi
cal i
.d.
1:V
ery
secu
re t
ech
niq
ues
2:M
usi
cal u
se o
fex
pres
sive
tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Mu
sica
l use
of
rhyt
hm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:N
ear-
seam
less
sen
se o
fin
tern
al s
ync/
con
tin
uit
y5:
Con
fide
nt,
assu
red
perf
orm
ance
s6:
Hig
h d
egre
e of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
7:E
xten
sive
app
ropr
iate
impr
ovis
atio
n8:
Stro
ng
sen
se o
fin
tern
al c
omm
un
icat
ion
wit
hin
th
eba
nd
9:Su
cces
sfu
l com
m.o
fco
llect
ive
mu
sica
l ide
nti
ty1:
Secu
re t
ech
niq
ues
2:C
orre
ct u
se o
fex
pres
sive
tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Secu
re r
hyth
m/p
uls
e/du
rati
on4:
Syn
chro
nis
ed in
tern
ally
wit
h 1
or
2 co
nti
nu
ity
erro
rs
5:O
ccas
ion
al h
esit
atio
n in
per
form
ance
s6:
Som
e de
gree
of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
7:So
me
appr
opri
ate
impr
ovis
atio
n8:
Som
e se
nse
of
inte
rnal
com
mu
nic
atio
n w
ith
in t
he
ban
d9:
Som
e ef
fort
to
com
mu
nic
ate
colle
ctiv
e m
usi
cal i
den
tity
1:So
me
inse
curi
ty o
fte
chn
iqu
es2:
Som
e er
rors
in u
se o
fex
pres
sive
tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Som
e in
con
sist
enci
es in
rhy
thm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:Po
or in
tern
al s
ynch
ron
isat
ion
an
d co
nti
nu
ity
5:H
esit
ant;
lack
ing
in c
onfi
den
ce6:
Beg
inn
ings
of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
7:In
appr
opri
ate
impr
ovis
atio
n8:
Min
imal
sen
se o
fin
tern
al c
omm
un
icat
ion
wit
hin
ban
d9:
Lit
tle
ackn
owle
dgem
ent
ofau
dien
ce p
rese
nce
1:In
secu
re t
ech
niq
ues
2:V
ery
inco
nsi
sten
t u
se o
fex
pres
sive
tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Poor
sen
se o
fpu
lse;
ofte
n in
corr
ect
rhyt
hm
/du
rati
on
4:L
ittl
e or
no
syn
c;la
rge
gaps
in c
onti
nu
ity;
fals
e st
arts
5:V
isib
ly n
ervo
us
pres
enta
tion
6:St
ylis
tica
lly u
naw
are
7:N
o im
prov
isat
ion
att
emp
ted
8:L
ack
ofu
nde
rsta
ndi
ng
betw
een
ban
d m
embe
rs9:
No
effo
rt t
o co
mm
un
icat
e co
llect
ive
mu
sica
l ide
nti
ty
Lev
el 2
(G
rad
es 4
& 5
)
1:Fl
uen
t te
chn
iqu
es2:
Flu
ent
use
of
expr
essi
ve t
ech
niq
ues
3:M
usi
cal u
se o
frh
yth
m/p
uls
e/du
rati
on4:
Seam
less
inte
rnal
syn
c;ef
fort
less
con
tin
uit
y5:
Hig
hly
con
fide
nt
& a
ssu
red
perf
orm
ance
s6:
Hig
h d
egre
e of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
7:H
igh
leve
l of
appr
opri
ate
impr
ovis
atio
n8:
Mu
sica
l sen
se o
fin
tern
al c
omm
un
icat
ion
wit
hin
ban
d9:
Succ
essf
ul c
omm
un
icat
ion
of
colle
ctiv
e m
usi
cal i
den
tity
1:Se
cure
tec
hn
iqu
es2:
Mu
sica
l use
of
expr
essi
ve t
ech
niq
ues
3:Se
cure
rhy
thm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:St
ron
g se
nse
of
inte
rnal
syn
c/co
nti
nu
ity
5:M
ain
ly c
onfi
den
t p
erfo
rman
ces
6:So
me
degr
ee o
fst
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
Ext
ensi
ve a
ppro
pria
te im
prov
isat
ion
8:St
ron
g se
nse
of
inte
rnal
com
mu
nic
atio
n w
ith
in t
he
ban
d9:
Som
e ef
fort
to
com
mu
nic
ate
colle
ctiv
e m
usi
cal i
den
tity
1:M
ain
ly s
ecu
re t
ech
niq
ues
2:M
ain
ly c
orre
ct u
se o
fex
pres
sive
tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Gen
eral
ly a
ccu
rate
rhy
thm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:
Syn
chro
nis
ed in
tern
ally
wit
h 1
or
2 co
nti
nu
ity
erro
rs
5:So
me
hes
itat
ion
in p
erfo
rman
ces
6:B
egin
nin
gs o
fst
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
Som
e ap
prop
riat
e im
prov
isat
ion
8:So
me
sen
se o
fin
tern
al c
omm
un
icat
ion
wit
hin
th
e ba
nd
9:So
me
effo
rt t
o co
mm
un
icat
e co
llect
ive
mu
sica
l ide
nti
ty
1:In
secu
re t
ech
niq
ues
2:So
me
use
of
expr
essi
ve t
ech
niq
ues
3:In
con
sist
ent
rhyt
hm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:P
robl
ems
ofin
tern
al s
ynch
ron
isat
ion
/con
tin
uit
y5:
Lac
k of
con
fide
nce
6:St
ylis
tica
lly u
naw
are
7:In
appr
opri
ate
impr
ovis
atio
n8:
Min
imal
sen
se o
fin
tern
al c
omm
un
icat
ion
wit
hin
ban
d9:
Lit
tle
ackn
owle
dgem
ent
ofau
dien
ce p
rese
nce
1:C
onsi
sten
t te
chn
ical
err
ors
2:Fa
ilure
to
obse
rve
expr
essi
ve m
arks
3:Po
or p
uls
e;la
rgel
y in
corr
ect
rhyt
hm
/du
rati
on
4:L
ittl
e or
no
syn
c;la
rge
gaps
in c
onti
nu
ity;
fals
e st
arts
5:V
isib
ly n
ervo
us
pres
enta
tion
6:St
ylis
tica
lly u
naw
are
7:N
o im
prov
isat
ion
att
empt
ed8:
Lac
k of
un
ders
tan
din
g be
twee
n b
and
mem
bers
9:N
o ef
fort
to
com
mu
nic
ate
colle
ctiv
e m
usi
cal i
den
tity
Lev
el 1
(G
rad
es 1
-3)
1:Fl
uen
t ba
sic
tech
niq
ues
2:Fl
uen
t u
se o
fex
pres
sive
tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Mu
sica
l use
of
rhyt
hm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:Se
amle
ss s
ync
wit
hin
th
e ba
nd;
secu
re c
onti
nu
ity
5:H
igh
ly c
onfi
den
t &
ass
ure
d pe
rfor
man
ces
6:H
igh
deg
ree
ofst
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
Ext
ensi
ve a
ppro
pria
te im
prov
isat
ion
8:St
ron
g se
nse
of
inte
rnal
com
mun
icat
ion
wit
hin
the
ban
d9:
Stro
ng
effo
rt t
o co
mm
un
icat
e co
llect
ive
mu
sica
l ide
nti
ty
1:Se
cure
bas
ic t
ech
niq
ues
2:C
orre
ct u
se o
fex
pres
sive
tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Secu
re r
hyth
m/p
uls
e/du
rati
on4:
Stro
ng
sen
se o
fin
tern
al s
ync/
con
tin
uit
y5:
Mai
nly
con
fide
nt
perf
orm
ance
s6:
Som
e de
gree
of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
7:So
me
appr
opri
ate
impr
ovis
atio
n8:
Som
e se
nse
of
inte
rnal
com
mu
nic
atio
n w
ith
in t
he
ban
d9:
Som
e ef
fort
to
com
mu
nic
ate
colle
ctiv
e m
usi
cal i
den
tity
1:M
ain
ly s
ecu
re b
asic
tec
hn
iqu
es2:
Som
e u
se o
fex
pres
sive
tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Gen
eral
ly a
ccu
rate
rhy
thm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:M
ain
ly s
ynch
ron
ised
inte
rnal
ly;1
or
2 co
nti
nu
ity
erro
rs
5:So
me
hes
itan
t p
erfo
rman
ces
6:B
egin
nin
gs o
fst
ylis
tic
awar
enes
s7:
Att
empt
ed b
ut
inco
nsi
sten
t im
prov
isat
ion
8:M
inim
al s
ense
of
inte
rnal
com
mu
nic
atio
n w
ith
in b
and
9:So
me
ackn
owle
dgem
ent
ofau
dien
ce p
rese
nce
1:In
secu
re b
asic
tec
hn
iqu
es2:
Inco
nsi
sten
t u
se o
fso
me
expr
essi
ve t
ech
niq
ues
3:In
con
sist
ent
rhyt
hm
/pu
lse/
dura
tion
4:Po
or in
tern
al s
ynch
ron
isat
ion
;un
awar
e of
erro
rs5:
Lac
k of
con
fide
nce
6:St
ylis
tica
lly u
naw
are
7:N
o im
prov
isat
ion
att
empt
ed8:
Lac
k of
un
ders
tan
din
g be
twee
n b
and
mem
bers
9:N
o ef
fort
to
com
mu
nic
ate
colle
ctiv
e m
usi
cal i
den
tity
1:C
onsi
sten
t ba
sic
tech
nic
al e
rror
s2:
Failu
re t
o ob
serv
e ex
pres
sive
mar
ks3:
Way
war
d pu
lse/
rhyt
hm
/du
rati
on4:
No
syn
c;bi
g co
nti
nu
ity
gaps
;fal
se s
tart
s5:
Hig
hly
ner
vou
s pr
esen
tati
on6:
Styl
isti
cally
un
awar
e7:
No
impr
ovis
atio
n a
ttem
pted
8:L
ack
ofu
nde
rsta
ndi
ng
betw
een
ban
d m
embe
rs9:
No
effo
rt t
o co
mm
un
icat
e co
llect
ive
mu
sica
l ide
nti
ty
App
endi
x B
:Ban
d P
iece
s (P
erfo
rman
ce C
erti
fica
te)
back to contents page 15rockschool, the rockschool logo and all other rockschool product or service names are trademarks of rockschool Ltd. 2010 Rock School Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Gui
tar B
ass
and
Drum
s Sy
llabu
s G
uide
Mar
k B
and
Dis
tin
ctio
n14
+/1
5
Mer
it12
+/1
5
Pas
s11
/15
Bel
ow P
ass
19-
10/1
5
Bel
ow P
ass
21-
8/15
Mar
k B
and
Dis
tin
ctio
n9+
/10
Mer
it7+
/10
Pas
s6/
10
Bel
ow P
ass
14-
5/10
Bel
ow P
ass
21-
3/10
Gra
des
1-5
(ou
t of
15)
1:Fl
uen
t,m
usi
cal l
evel
of
tech
nic
al a
ccu
racy
2:E
xact
sen
se o
fpu
lse
3:A
lway
s pr
ompt
res
pon
ses
1:C
orre
ct p
itch
es/r
hyth
ms
2:St
ron
g se
nse
of
puls
e3:
Gen
eral
ly p
rom
pt r
espo
nse
s
1:C
orre
ct p
itch
es/r
hyth
ms
wit
h o
ccas
ion
al m
ista
kes
2:C
onsi
sten
t if
eith
er s
low
er o
r fa
ster
th
an r
equ
este
d3:
Som
e pr
ompt
res
pon
ses
1:E
rror
s in
pit
ches
an
d rh
yth
ms
2:E
xces
sive
ly c
auti
ous/
hurr
ied
tem
pi; i
rreg
ula
r pu
lse
3:H
esit
ant
wit
h o
ccas
ion
al f
alse
sta
rts
1:In
corr
ect
test
s p
laye
d2:
A n
um
ber
ofsi
gnif
ican
t an
d/or
rep
eate
d er
rors
;n
o se
nse
of
puls
e3:
Freq
uen
t br
eakd
own
s
Gra
des
6 -
8 (
out
of10
)
1:Fl
uen
t,ef
fort
less
ly m
usi
cal t
ech
nic
al a
ccu
racy
2:
Exa
ct s
ense
of
puls
e3:
Alw
ays
nea
r-in
stan
t re
spon
ses
1:C
orre
ct p
itch
es/r
hyth
ms
wit
h s
ome
flu
ency
2:St
ron
g se
nse
of
puls
e w
ith
no
hes
itat
ion
3:G
ener
ally
nea
r-in
stan
t re
spon
ses
1:C
orre
ct p
itch
es/r
hyth
ms
wit
h o
ccas
ion
al m
ista
kes
2:C
onsi
sten
t if
eith
er s
low
er o
r fa
ster
th
an r
equ
este
d3:
Gen
eral
ly p
rom
pt r
espo
nse
s
1:E
rror
s in
pit
ches
an
d rh
yth
ms
2:So
me
cau
tiou
s/hu
rrie
d te
mpi
; irr
egu
lar
puls
e3:
Hes
itan
t w
ith
occ
asio
nal
fal
se s
tart
s
1:In
corr
ect
test
s p
laye
d2:
Som
e si
gnif
ican
t or
rep
eate
d er
rors
; lit
tle
or n
o se
nse
of
puls
e3:
Freq
uen
t br
eakd
own
s
App
endi
x C
: Tec
hnic
al E
xerc
ises
back to contents page 16rockschool, the rockschool logo and all other rockschool product or service names are trademarks of rockschool Ltd. 2010 Rock School Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Gui
tar B
ass
and
Drum
s Sy
llabu
s G
uide
38
App
endi
x D
:Sig
ht R
eadi
ng a
nd I
mpr
ovis
atio
n &
Int
erpr
etat
ion
Impr
ov &
Inte
rpre
tati
on G
rade
s 4-
5
1:Te
chn
ical
ly a
ssu
red
and
effo
rtle
ss2:
Wid
e ra
nge
of
expr
essi
ve t
ech
niq
ues
3:G
roov
ing
sen
se o
fpu
lse
4:St
ron
g se
nse
of
idio
m e
xpre
ssed
th
rou
ghu
se o
flic
ks/g
roov
es5:
Stro
ng
sen
se o
fdi
stin
ctiv
e m
usi
cal
com
mu
nic
atio
n w
ith
in s
tyle
6:C
onsi
sten
t an
d ex
act
sigh
t re
adin
g
1:Te
chn
ical
ly a
ccu
rate
an
d m
usi
cal
2:R
ange
of
expr
essi
ve t
ech
niq
ues
3:C
onsi
sten
t,ac
cura
te p
uls
e4:
Qu
ite
stro
ng
awar
enes
s of
clas
sic
feat
ure
sof
the
idio
m5:
Ver
y co
nfi
den
t p
erfo
rman
ce6:
Acc
ura
te s
igh
t re
adin
g
1:M
ain
ly t
ech
nic
ally
acc
ura
te w
ith
occa
sion
al e
rror
s2:
Som
e u
se o
fva
ried
tim
bre/
arti
cula
tion
/reg
iste
r/dy
nam
ics
3:L
arge
ly c
onsi
sten
t,ac
cura
te p
uls
e4:
Bas
ic s
tylis
tic
awar
enes
s5:
Ade
quat
ely
flu
ent
per
form
ance
6:A
dequ
ate
sigh
t re
adin
g
1:Se
vera
l err
ors
ofba
sic
tech
niq
ues
2:O
ccas
ion
ally
var
ied
tim
bre/
arti
cula
tion
/reg
iste
r/dy
nam
ics
3:P
uls
e sl
ow/f
ast/
inco
nsi
sten
t4:
Lit
tle
evid
ence
of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
5:N
ervo
us/
hes
itan
t/in
com
ple
te p
erf.
6:In
accu
rate
sig
ht
read
ing
1:L
arge
ly in
corr
ect
in a
ll pa
ram
eter
s 2:
Exp
ress
ive
mon
oton
y3:
Way
war
d se
nse
of
puls
e4:
No
evid
ence
of
styl
isti
c aw
aren
ess
5:E
xtre
mel
y h
esit
ant
per
form
ance
or
less
than
1/4
of
the
test
com
plet
ed6:
Lit
tle
or in
com
plet
e si
ght
read
ing
Impr
ov &
Inte
rpre
tati
on G
rade
s 1-
3
1:Te
chn
ical
ly a
ccu
rate
an
d m
usi
cal
2:W
ide
ran
ge o
fex
pres
sive
tec
hn
iqu
es3:
Con
sist
ent,
accu
rate
pu
lse
4:St
ron
g se
nse
of
idio
mat
ic im
prov
isat
ion
5:C
omm
un
icat
ive
perf
orm
ance
1:Te
chn
ical
ly a
ccu
rate
2:So
me
use
of
vari
ed t
imbr
e/ar
ticu
lati
on/r
egis
ter/
dyn
amic
s3:
Con
sist
ent,
accu
rate
pu
lse
4:A
ppro
pria
te s
tylis
tic
awar
enes
s in
impr
ovis
atio
n5:
Con
fide
nt
perf
orm
ance
1:M
ain
ly t
ech
nic
ally
acc
ura
te w
ith
som
eer
rors
2:O
ccas
ion
al u
se o
fva
ried
tim
bre/
arti
cula
tion
/reg
iste
r/dy
nam
ics
3:L
arge
ly c
onsi
sten
t pu
lse
(an
d y
e > e ee >
..m Buzz Snare
> e ee >
e > e J > y F
yy .
2 crash cymbals
> e ee >
e
> e ee >
..m > e ee >
e
> e ee > y
. > e ee >
e > e ee >
..m > e ee > jy e
> e ee >
jy e > e ee >
jy > e 4:4
> > > 3 y y e > e ee
3
y>
.H.H. foot ends
y . y e y e
>ey e y
>y e
>ey e
ad lib. around groove
Drum Solo
Jalapeo (extract)
Noam Lederman and Geoff Lai
2006 by Rockschool Ltd. This music is copyright. Photocopying is illegal
DRUMS Grade 7
rockschool, the rockschool logo and all other rockschool product or service names are trademarks of rockschool Ltd. 2010 Rock School Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
back to contents page 23
Gui
tar B
ass
and
Drum
s Sy
llabu
s G
uide
53
44q q = 3q qq=93 Jazz Funk
F . ry . R
% ad lib. on repeat jY y y y y y y y y y Y J . . jy y y y y y y y Yy . .
jy y y y 3y y y 3y y y y y Yy . .
jy y y Y^ . ryy . . R
jY y y y y y y y y Y J . .
jy y y y y y y y Yy . .
jy y y y y y y y Y J . . y y y Y .y yy .
f
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Yy y y y y y y y
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Yy y y y y y y
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Yy y y y y y y y
Y Y jY .jyy y y y
6
y> > y
> > y>
ycont. sim.
43 Fill
y y y y y jy
y y y y yy y y
43 44 43 44 jy y y y y y
3
y y> y Y y Y Y Y jy
y y y y y y y y
To Coda jy y y y y J y y
44 .Half time feel - Straight 8sBass Solo
Py y Y y y Y y y Y y y Y f y y Y y y Y y y Y y y Y. J f
Some You Win (extract)
Kit Morgan
2006 by Rockschool Ltd. This music is copyright. Photocopying is illegal
DRUMS Grade 8
rockschool, the rockschool logo and all other rockschool product or service names are trademarks of rockschool Ltd. 2010 Rock School Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
back to contents page 24
back to contents
/ColorImageDict > /JPEG2000ColorACSImageDict > /JPEG2000ColorImageDict > /AntiAliasGrayImages false /CropGrayImages true /GrayImageMinResolution 300 /GrayImageMinResolutionPolicy /OK /DownsampleGrayImages true /GrayImageDownsampleType /Bicubic /GrayImageResolution 300 /GrayImageDepth -1 /GrayImageMinDownsampleDepth 2 /GrayImageDownsampleThreshold 1.50000 /EncodeGrayImages true /GrayImageFilter /DCTEncode /AutoFilterGrayImages true /GrayImageAutoFilterStrategy /JPEG /GrayACSImageDict > /GrayImageDict > /JPEG2000GrayACSImageDict > /JPEG2000GrayImageDict > /AntiAliasMonoImages false /CropMonoImages true /MonoImageMinResolution 1200 /MonoImageMinResolutionPolicy /OK /DownsampleMonoImages true /MonoImageDownsampleType /Bicubic /MonoImageResolution 1200 /MonoImageDepth -1 /MonoImageDownsampleThreshold 1.50000 /EncodeMonoImages true /MonoImageFilter /CCITTFaxEncode /MonoImageDict > /AllowPSXObjects false /CheckCompliance [ /None ] /PDFX1aCheck false /PDFX3Check false /PDFXCompliantPDFOnly false /PDFXNoTrimBoxError true /PDFXTrimBoxToMediaBoxOffset [ 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 ] /PDFXSetBleedBoxToMediaBox true /PDFXBleedBoxToTrimBoxOffset [ 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 ] /PDFXOutputIntentProfile () /PDFXOutputConditionIdentifier () /PDFXOutputCondition () /PDFXRegistryName () /PDFXTrapped /False
/CreateJDFFile false /Description > /Namespace [ (Adobe) (Common) (1.0) ] /OtherNamespaces [ > /FormElements false /GenerateStructure false /IncludeBookmarks false /IncludeHyperlinks false /IncludeInteractive false /IncludeLayers false /IncludeProfiles false /MultimediaHandling /UseObjectSettings /Namespace [ (Adobe) (CreativeSuite) (2.0) ] /PDFXOutputIntentProfileSelector /DocumentCMYK /PreserveEditing true /UntaggedCMYKHandling /LeaveUntagged /UntaggedRGBHandling /UseDocumentProfile /UseDocumentBleed false >> ]>> setdistillerparams> setpagedevice
/ColorImageDict > /JPEG2000ColorACSImageDict > /JPEG2000ColorImageDict > /AntiAliasGrayImages false /CropGrayImages true /GrayImageMinResolution 300 /GrayImageMinResolutionPolicy /OK /DownsampleGrayImages true /GrayImageDownsampleType /Bicubic /GrayImageResolution 300 /GrayImageDepth -1 /GrayImageMinDownsampleDepth 2 /GrayImageDownsampleThreshold 1.50000 /EncodeGrayImages true /GrayImageFilter /DCTEncode /AutoFilterGrayImages true /GrayImageAutoFilterStrategy /JPEG /GrayACSImageDict > /GrayImageDict > /JPEG2000GrayACSImageDict > /JPEG2000GrayImageDict > /AntiAliasMonoImages false /CropMonoImages true /MonoImageMinResolution 1200 /MonoImageMinResolutionPolicy /OK /DownsampleMonoImages true /MonoImageDownsampleType /Bicubic /MonoImageResolution 1200 /MonoImageDepth -1 /MonoImageDownsampleThreshold 1.50000 /EncodeMonoImages true /MonoImageFilter /CCITTFaxEncode /MonoImageDict > /AllowPSXObjects false /CheckCompliance [ /None ] /PDFX1aCheck false /PDFX3Check false /PDFXCompliantPDFOnly false /PDFXNoTrimBoxError true /PDFXTrimBoxToMediaBoxOffset [ 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 ] /PDFXSetBleedBoxToMediaBox true /PDFXBleedBoxToTrimBoxOffset [ 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 ] /PDFXOutputIntentProfile () /PDFXOutputConditionIdentifier () /PDFXOutputCondition () /PDFXRegistryName () /PDFXTrapped /False
/CreateJDFFile false /Description > /Namespace [ (Adobe) (Common) (1.0) ] /OtherNamespaces [ > /FormElements false /GenerateStructure false /IncludeBookmarks false /IncludeHyperlinks false /IncludeInteractive false /IncludeLayers false /IncludeProfiles false /MultimediaHandling /UseObjectSettings /Namespace [ (Adobe) (CreativeSuite) (2.0) ] /PDFXOutputIntentProfileSelector /DocumentCMYK /PreserveEditing true /UntaggedCMYKHandling /LeaveUntagged /UntaggedRGBHandling /UseDocumentProfile /UseDocumentBleed false >> ]>> setdistillerparams> setpagedevice