what to expect

The Debut Keyboard exam is for candidates who have been learning for a short time and have developed elementary skills, techniques, coordination and musical understanding. At Keyboard Debut you will be examined on your choice of three performance pieces from artists such as John Lennon, Emeli Sande and Bill Withers, with some keyboard-specific techniques that could include single patch settings, layers and the basic use of effects/sound manipulation (eg. pitch bend).

Key Features at Debut:

• Performance Pieces
• Technical Exercises
• Supporting Tests

what to expect

The Grade 1 Keyboard exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for six months to one year. They have mastered the key basic debut level skills and have since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, coordination and musical understanding. At Keyboard Grade 1 you will be examined on your choice of three performance pieces from artists such as Taylor Swift, Bat For Lashes and Rag'n'Bone Man, with some keyboard-specific techniques that could include single patch settings, layers and the basic use of effects/sound manipulation (eg. pitch bend).

Key Features at Grade 1:

• Performance Pieces
• Technical Exercises
• Supporting Tests

what to expect

The Grade 2 Keys exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for one year to eighteen months. They have mastered the basic skills up to Grade 1 and have since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, coordination and musical understanding. There is also the continuing opportunity to develop improvisation skills. At Keyboard Grade 2 you will be examined on your choice of three performance pieces from artists such as Kate Bush, Nina Simone and Pharrell Williams, with some keyboard-specific techniques that could include single patch settings, layers and the basic use of effects/sound manipulation (eg. pitch bend).

Key Features at Grade 2:

• Performance Pieces
• Technical Exercises
• Supporting Tests

what to expect

The Grade 3 Keys exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for eighteen months to two years and who are ready to consolidate their final stage as a beginner player. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 2 and since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, coordination and musical understanding. Candidates have started to develop the beginnings of stylistic awareness. At Keyboard Grade 3 you will be examined on your choice of three performance pieces from artists such as Eurythmics, Adele and Marvin Gaye, with some keyboard-specific techniques that could include single patch settings, layers and the basic use of effects/sound manipulation (eg. pitch bend).

Key Features at Grade 3:

• Performance Pieces
• Technical Exercises
• Supporting Tests

what to expect

The Grade 4 Keyboard exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for two to three years and who are ready for intermediate level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 3 and since acquired greater use of technique, more complex rhythms, coordination and musical understanding, including; patch switching, solos, layers, splits and specialist styles. Candidates will be developing a sense of expression and continuing to broaden their stylistic awareness, and will be growing in assurance and articulation.

The Grade 4 exams will introduce you to a range of repertoire from Chvrches, Elton John and The Specials.

Key Features at Grade 4:

• Performance Pieces
• Technical Exercises
• Supporting Tests

what to expect

The Grade 5 Keyboard exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for three years or more and who have fully consolidated their intermediate level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 4 and since acquired a greater use of appropriate technique, more complex rhythms, coordination and musical understanding, including; patch switching, solos, layers, splits and specialist styles. Candidates will have developed a good sense of expression and have a strong grasp of stylistic awareness.

This grade features repertoire from Massive Attack, Michael Jackson and Vanessa Carlton.

Key Features at Grade 5:

• Performance Pieces
• Technical Exercises
• Supporting Tests

what to expect

The Grade 6 Keys exam is for candidates who have been typically learning in the region of four or more years and who have reached the first stage of advanced level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 5 and have since developed appropriate technique, expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, coordination and musical understanding. Candidates will have an increased extent of individuality and enhanced stylistic awareness. There will be good understanding of form and structure with clear musical communication. Grade 6 introduces multiple patch switching, solos, layers and multiple splits, advanced specialist styles and techniques.

At Keys Grade 6, you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as Peter Gabriel, Rufus & Chaka Khan, and Stevie Wonder.

Key Features at Grade 6:

• Performance Pieces
• Technical Exercises
• Supporting Tests

what to expect

The Grade 7 Keyboard exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for four to five years and have extended their advanced level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 6 and developed notable security of appropriate technique, use of expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, fluency and musical understanding. Candidates will be able to demonstrate strong musical form and structure. There will be mature and authentic stylistic awareness, with developing individuality and communication. Grade 7 introduces multiple patch switching, solos, layers and multiple splits, advanced specialist styles and techniques.

At Keys Grade 7, you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as Van Halen, Jamiroquai, and John Williams.

Key Features at Grade 7:

• Performance Pieces
• Technical Exercises
• Supporting Tests

what to expect

The Grade 8 Keyboard exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for five years or more and have now consolidated their playing to a high level. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 7 and developed heightened technique, use of expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, fluency, coordination and musical understanding. There will be an innate stylistic conviction and distinctive musicality with strong individuality.Communication will be commanding.

At Keys Grade 8, you will be examined on your choice of performance pieces from artists such as Chick Corea, Dirty Loops, and Snarky Puppy.

Key Features at Grade 8:

• Performance Pieces
• Technical Exercises
• Supporting Tests

what to expect

The Professional Diplomas recognise expertise in people who are already working in the creative arts industries. They provide acknowledgement for high level achievement in either performance, teaching, or creative enterprise. Level 4 is generally for new professionals looking for recognition in their practice as they enter the creative industries.

This qualification can be completed at your own pace and no specific form of training is required. However, it is recommended that you contact a suitable trainer or mentor who will be able to provide you with opportunities for learning and the practical application of skills.

Designed to allow opportunities for flexible progression routes through the choice of optional units, the pathways can be tailored to meet your own specific needs. Whether that's working within the creative industries or for progression to further training or education.

what to expect

The Professional Diplomas recognise expertise in people who are already working in the creative arts industries. They provide acknowledgement for high level achievement in either performance, teaching, or creative enterprise. Level 6 is typically for experienced professionals looking to enhance their career through the recognition of their current professional practice.

This qualification can be completed at your own pace and no specific form of training is required. However, it is recommended that you contact a suitable trainer or mentor who will be able to provide you with opportunities for learning and the practical application of skills.

Designed to allow opportunities for flexible progression routes through the choice of optional units, the pathways can be tailored to meet your own specific needs. Whether that's working within the creative industries or for progression to further training or education.