VALIDITY
Overview
A series of 9 graded examinations facilitates the compilation of written assessments by qualified assessors, of individual learners during one to one practical examinations at various stages of development from beginner (level 1),through to Grade 8 (level 3). The learner will be equipped with the ability to perform complex solo pieces, work sympathetically within an ensemble, read and create percussion pieces, converse confidently over matters of theory and offer a confident and engaging performance, thereby providing an outcome empowering learners to demonstrate to education establishments and other authorised parties, their suitability with regard to capability, to a particular position.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes are unit specific and are detailed in the unit specifications for each level (Debut to grade 8) and have an associated set of assessment requirements.
Assessment requirements
Candidates are required to produce evidence during the grade examination which demonstrates achievement of the learning outcomes associated with the unit of qualification to which they have been working. Evidence required of the candidate is detailed in the assessment requirements and is specific to each grade. Candidates must ensure successful completion of all of these required tasks in order for the minimum grade (pass) for the unit to be awarded.
Material for assessment
Assessment at each stage requires the learner to comprehensively study and prepare to a prescribed level, specially composed material (readily available to learners and users) comprising a selection of graded pieces covering all genres of contemporary music; technical exercises; various contemporary rhythmic patterns and techniques in common use; specifically composed pieces to aid and test sight reading capability; improvisation technique; aural perception; music theory and general knowledge of the instrument.
Aims
To provide learners of any age with the opportunity to attain accredited qualifications in music performance via a structured environment progressing in single unit stages, from beginner (Debut) to advanced level (Grade 8). Each stage (Grade) contains elements that will endow the learner with the knowledge and skills required to facilitate progression to the next stage.
Assessment Methodology
The underlying philosophy is one of encouraging all learners to achieve their full potential after a period of both guided and independent learning and at which point, they would be in a position to undertake the particular Grade examination for which they have studied. Assessments are external and are undertaken by impartial examiners appointed, trained and moderated by
Expectations of acquired skills, knowledge and understanding
The grade examination system is based on the principle of progression in incremental steps and success is achieved by displaying evidence of mastery of the fundamentals of playing and controlling the instrument, demonstrating the knowledge of and ability to perform various rudimental rhythmic and stylistic patterns, aural perception, knowledge of musical notation and theory appertaining to the drum kit and the ability to perform in an ensemble.
For some learners music grade exams represent personal goals and objectives.
For others they can also be used as a progression route towards:
diplomas in performing and teaching offered by awarding organisations;
music courses at conservatoires and universities, for which Grade 8 is often specified as an entry requirement;
employment opportunities in music.
Supporting evidence
Support by users, learners and various educational establishments in both the state and private sector over a number of years, has proven the value, veracity and rigour of the assessment process, resulting in learners achieving their desired goals, including gaining places for further studies in higher education, music conservatoires and universities, leading subsequently to employment. Testimonials and references to this effect are available.
Graded examination results are ‘banded’ as follows:
Pass: a pass grade is awarded where a candidate has demonstrated work of the required standard overall within the examination, where a basic understanding and performance of the repertoire with nominal attention to dynamics, tempo and technique, a basic understanding of music notation and theory appertaining to the drum kit, the knowledge of and ability to perform rudimental patterns but at a slower tempo than required and an acceptable ensemble performance, is evident.
Merit: a merit grade is awarded where a candidate has demonstrated work of a good standard overall within the examination, where a good understanding and performance of the repertoire with good attention to dynamics, tempo and technique, a good understanding of music notation and theory appertaining to the drum kit, the knowledge of and ability to perform rudimental patterns at the required tempo and a confident ensemble performance, is evident.
Distinction: a distinction grade is awarded where a candidate has demonstrated work of an excellent standard overall within the examination, where an excellent understanding and performance of the repertoire with strong attention to dynamics, tempo and technique, an in depth understanding of music notation and theory appertaining to the drum kit, the ability to react swiftly to a request by the assessor to perform rudimental patterns and at a higher than required tempo and an excellent stylistic ensemble performance, is evident.
Unclassified: an unclassified grade is awarded where a candidate has demonstrated work that does not meet the required standard overall within the examination, where a basic understanding and performance of the repertoire and attention to dynamics, tempo and technique, a basic understanding of music notation and theory appertaining to the drum kit, the knowledge of and ability to perform rudimental patterns and an acceptable ensemble performance, is not evident.
Learning outcomes per grade:
Debut Grade:
Students will learn:
to read basic drum kit notation; to play basic technical and rudimentary patterns incorporating bass drum at 88; to play from a choice of numerous contemporary pieces in different time signatures, incorporating various rhythmic patterns; the basics of reading; aural perception and recall; time signature recognition; to play in a band situation by accompanying backing tracks; general knowledge of the kit; basic music theory appertaining to the drum kit.
Grade 1:
Students will learn:
to read further drum kit notation; further basic technical and rudimentary patterns incorporating bass drum and Hi Hat at 100 bpm; to play from a choice of more complex pieces in various time signatures; sight reading; further aural perception and recall; time signature recognition; to play in a band situation by accompanyng backing tracks; more in depth knowledge of the kit; further music theory appertaining to the drum kit.
Grade 2:
Students will learn:
to improvise drum breaks; to read more complex drum kit notation; further technical and rudimentary patterns at various tempi; to play from a choice of more substantial pieces in various time signatures; sight reading; further aural perception and recall; time signature recognition; to play in a band situation by accompanying more demanding backing tracks; further knowledge of the kit; more in depth music theory appertaining to the drum kit.
Grade 3:
Students will learn:
to improvise more complex drum breaks; to read more complex drum kit notation; numerous technical and rudimentary patterns at various tempi; to play from a choice of more substantial and demanding pieces in various time signatures; intermediate level sight reading skills; intermediate level aural perception and recall; intermediate level time signature recognition; to play in a band situation by accompanying more demanding backing tracks requiring rhythms and improvisation of an intermediate level; greater in depth knowledge of the kit; further music theory appertaining to the drum kit to an intermediate level.
Grade 4:
Students will learn:
to improvise more complex drum breaks and improvise around given ‘real world’ rhythmic patterns; to read further complex drum kit notation; numerous, more demanding technical and rudimentary patterns at various tempi; to play from a choice of more substantial and demanding pieces in various time signatures; sight reading skills in a choice of genre; higher intermediate level aural perception and recall; further intermediate level time signature recognition; to play in a band situation by accompanying more demanding backing tracks requiring rhythms and improvisation of a higher intermediate level; greater in depth knowledge of the kit including basic maintenance; further music theory appertaining to the drum kit to a higher intermediate level.
Grade 5:
Students will learn:
to create and perform drum solos of substance and improvise around given ‘real world’ rhythmic patterns and breaks; to read ever more complex drum kit notation; numerous, more demanding technical and rudimentary patterns at ‘real world’ tempi; to play from a choice of more substantial and demanding pieces in various time signatures; sight reading skills in a choice of genre and time signature; high intermediate level aural perception and recall; High intermediate level time signature recognition; to play in a band situation by accompanying more demanding backing tracks requiring rhythms and improvisation of a higher intermediate level; greater in depth knowledge of the kit including basic maintenance; further music theory appertaining to the drum kit to a high intermediate level.
Grade 6:
Students will learn:
to create and perform drum solos of substantial length and improvise around given ‘real world’ rhythmic patterns and breaks; to read ever more complex drum kit notation; further technical and rudimentary patterns at ‘real world’ tempi; to play from a choice of more substantial and demanding pieces in various and varied time signatures; sight reading skills in a choice of genre and time signature; aural perception and recall of a high standard; further time signature recognition ; to play in a band situation by accompanying more demanding backing tracks requiring rhythms and improvisation of a high level; greater in depth knowledge of the kit; further music theory appertaining to the drum kit, to a high level.
Grade 7:
Students will learn:
to create and perform drum solos of substantial length in tempo and in free form and improvise around given ‘real world’ rhythmic patterns, breaks and phrasing; to read ever more complex drum kit notation; further technical and rudimentary patterns at ‘real world’ tempi around the kit; to play from a choice of more substantial and demanding pieces in various and varied time signatures; sight reading skills in a choice of genre and time signature; aural perception and recall of a high standard; further time signature recognition ; to play in a band situation by accompanying more demanding backing tracks requiring rhythms and improvisation of a high level; greater in depth knowledge of the kit; music theory appertaining to the drum kit, to a high level.
Grade 8:
Students will learn:
to create and perform drum solos of substantial length in tempo and in free form and improvise around advanced ‘real world’ rhythmic patterns, breaks and phrasing; to read complex drum kit notation to an advanced level; advanced technical and rudimentary patterns at ‘real world’ tempi around the kit; to play from a choice of more substantial and demanding pieces in various and varied time signatures and tempi; advanced sight reading skills in a choice of genre and time signature; aural perception and recall of a high standard; further time signature recognition ; to play in a band situation by accompanying more demanding backing tracks requiring rhythms and improvisation of an advanced level; greater in depth knowledge of the kit; music theory to an advanced level appertaining to the drum kit.