Contemporary Piano Grade 2

CONTEMPORARY PIANO GRADE 2

What’s Involved?

Up To 75 Marks For
You are required to play THREE pieces (each one attracts 25 marks)

You can elect to play:
– all three pieces from those listed within our syllabus
– OR you can opt for three pieces of your own choice (*please find guidance in ‘Own Choice’ Zone)
– OR you can mix repertoire featuring in our syllabus list combined with pieces of your own choice (*again please visit ‘Own Choice’ Zone for guidance)

Up To 15 Marks For
KEYBOARD HARMONY OR PLAYING A PIECE FROM MEMORY (either of these elements qualifies for 15 marks)

KEYBOARD HARMONY

  1. Play the tonic, subdominant and dominant triads in root and first inversion, right hand only, from any two of the examination pieces – different keys should be used
  2. Play four of the following chords as requested by the examiner: C, F and G major and A, D and E minor – these should be played in root, first and second inversions, three notes in the right hand, root in the left

OR instead

PLAYING A PIECE FROM MEMORY
You can play one of your chosen listed or ‘own choice’ piece from memory

Up To 10 Marks For
MUSICAL UNDERSTANDING
You will be asked to explain any symbol, musical term or sign and to answer questions relating to the notation that occurs in any of your chosen exam pieces
Playing Skills Guide For This Grade
RIGHT HAND
Broken chords

LEFT HAND
Broken chords / descending chromatic bass line / easy Bossa Nova bass line

IN ADDITION
Six-eight time / dotted crotchet, crotchet, minim and quaver rests / use of two bass and treble clefs / key changes within a piece / dotted crotchet and quaver timing between beats 2 and 3 / use of sustain pedal /   ledger lines

CORE SYLLABUS PIECES FOR CONTEMPORARY PIANO GRADE 2
 PIECE(S)
 BOOK
 ISBN NUMBER
MEMORY FROM CATS
A WINTER’S TALE
It’s never too late TO PLAY PIANO
New Edition
0-571-52070-7
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
MOON RIVER
WHAT ELSE CAN I PLAY?
GRADE 2 PIANO
10: 0-571-53044-3
BEYOND THE SEA
SPEAK SOFLY, LOVE (LOVE THEME)
EASY PIANO SOLOS
FILM SONGS
978-1-61774-204-0
Click here for ‘OWN CHOICE’ ZONE

© Nationwide Music Examinations 2014