Grade 1 Classical Piano
Grade 1 Classical Piano
Grade 1 Classical Piano
Classical Piano
Grade 1
Length of examination: 20 minutes
Examination Fee: Please consult our website for the schedule of fees: www.conservatorycanada.ca
Corequisite: There is no written examination corequisite for the completion of Grade 1.
REQUIREMENTS & MARKING
Requirements Total Marks
Group 1 Piece 12
Repertoire Group 1 o
r Group 2 Piece 12
4 pieces of varying
styles Group 2 Piece 12
Own Choice Piece 12
Memory Two marks for each piece memorized 8
Technique Scales/Triads 16
Sight Reading Rhythm (3) Piano Passage (7) 10
Aural Tests Clap Back (4) Triads (3) Chord Tones (3) 10
Background Information 8
Total Possible Marks 100
*One bonus mark will be awarded for including a repertoire piece by a Canadian composer
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REPERTOIRE
● Repertoire pieces are divided into two groups:
● Group 1 pieces are Baroque and Classical in style
● Group 2 pieces are from the Romantic era and the 20th/21st century
● Candidates must be prepared to play f our pieces varying in style, with at least three different composers
being represented to receive full marks:
● One Group 1 piece
● One Group 1 o r Group 2 piece
● One Group 2 piece
● One Own Choice piece:
● This piece may be chosen from the repertoire list (Classical or Contemporary Idioms) or
may be a free choice (not chosen from the repertoire list).
● Free choice pieces do not require approval.
● Must be at or above the Grade 1 level (can be more than one level above).
● Approval is required for Group pieces chosen from outside the repertoire list. The score must be provided
to the Registrar (registrar@conservatorycanada.ca) with the requested Grade level and Group. Approvals
are free of charge and candidates will be furnished with an approval letter to present to the examiner at
the examination.
● Two marks per piece will be awarded for memorizing each of the four repertoire pieces (8 marks in total).
● Repeats are optional for Baroque pieces, from Grades 1–6 only. All other repeats must be disregarded,
with the exception of repeats that are integral to the form of the music (Da Capo and Dal Segno
indications).
● Repertoire written by Canadian composers is encouraged, although not required. One bonus mark will be
awarded for including a Group piece or Own Choice piece by a Canadian composer. Canadian
composers are indicated in the repertoire lists with an asterisk (*).
● Contemporary Idioms repertoire selections:
● Longer pop stylings should be edited to condense the length by omitting excessive repeats on
similar verses, repetitive choruses or extended solo sections that are not idiomatic to the
instrument.
● Editing the notation and rhythm of pop stylings is allowed to bring the performance closer to a
more realistic representation of the original recorded version or live performance version, or to
make the music more accessible and level appropriate for the candidate.
● In some cases, the publication and/or publisher has been indicated in the repertoire list to facilitate
locating the score; however, any standard edition may be used for this examination.
TECHNICAL TESTS
● All technical tests must be played ascending and descending from memory with a steady pulse, even tone
and logical fingering. These are fingerings that result in the best possible sound and performance for the
candidate.
● Metronome markings should be regarded as recommended speeds, with accuracy and tone quality being
assessed with more importance than speed.
● Do not repeat the upper tonic when playing scales.
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Scales
Natural &
A, E Separate 2 octaves 69 Legato in eighth notes
Harmonic Minor
Triads
C, G major
Broken Separate 1 octave 52 Triplet 8th notes
A, E minor
C Blues Example:
*Blues scale to be played over two octaves
SIGHT READING
Candidates will be given a brief period to scan the score for the following two tests:
Rhythm
Tap, clap or play on one note (at the candidate’s choice) a rhythm, 4 bars in length.
● Time signature may be either 2/4 or 3/4.
● Note values may include eighth, quarter, half and dotted half.
Example:
Piano Passage
Play at sight a simple melody, in a five‐finger pattern, within the limits of the grand staff.
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● The melody will be divided between the hands.
● Appropriate fingering will be given.
● The piece may be in the keys of C and G major with a time signature of either 2/4 or 3/4.
● Note values may include eighth, quarter, half and dotted half.
● Whole rests may be used.
Example:
AURAL TESTS
Candidates will be required to complete the following three tests:
Clap Back
Clap back the rhythmic pattern of a short melody in 2/4 or 3/4 time after it has been played twice
by the examiner.
● Note values may include eighth, quarter, half and dotted half notes.
Example:
Triad Identification
Identify major and minor triads played once by the examiner. The triads will be in root position,
and will be played in broken form, ascending and descending.
Example:
Chord Tone Identification
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Identify one of the four notes that has been re-sounded after the examiner has played a major
four-note chord once. The chord will be in root position and played slowly, broken, ascending and
descending. The re-sounded note may be identified by:
● the interval number (1, 3, 5, 8) o r
● the tonic sol-fa name (do, mi, sol, upper do)
Example:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Candidates must be prepared to give verbal answers to the following questions pertaining to the Group pieces:
1. Without reference to the score, give the title, composer/arranger, and key of all three Group pieces.
Students will not be expected to identify keys of modern pieces that are non-diatonic (i.e. atonal, modal,
etc.).
2. Explain all signs (including clefs, time signatures, key signatures, accidentals, etc.), articulation markings
(legato, staccato, accents, phrase or slur markings, etc.), dynamic markings, tempo markings, and other
musical terms found in all three Group pieces.
3. Explain the meaning of the title of each Group piece.
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REPERTOIRE LIST
Group 1 Baroque & Classical Style Repertoire
ARNOLD, S.
● Gigue in C Major (Young Pianist's Repertoire); Faber HÄNDEL, G.F.
● Air in C Major ( Pianist’s 1st Masterpieces)
BEETHOVEN, L. ● Minuet in G Major ( Piano Classics, 1A); Harris
Variations for Violin & Piano, Op. 107 No. 3
● Theme (Russian Folk Song); NMS HASSLER, J.W.
● Menuet in C Major ( Piano Classics, 1A); Harris
BACH, J.S.
● Air in F Major, BWV Anh. 131 HAYDN, F.J.
● Angloise in A Major ● Capriccio, Hob. XVII: 1 (1765)
● Bourrée in A Minor, BWV 1002; NMS ● Country Dance (Danse Villageoise)
● Chorale in C Major, BWV 514; NMS ● German Dance in G Major, Hob IX: 22/3
● Menuet in G Minor, BWV 822; NMS ● Minuet in C Major, Hob. IX: 29; NMS
● Minuet in E Major; NMS
BERTINI, H. Minuet in G Major, Hob. XVI: 15
● Hop, Skip & Jump ( Technic is Fun, Elementary B); ● 2nd movement
Alfred
HOOK, J.
BUTTSTEDT, J.H. ● Allegretto in C Major ( A James Hook Album); Elkin
● Air in F Major ( Piano Classics, 1A); Harris ● Tempo di Minuetto in C Major ( A James Hook
Album); Elkin
CLARKE, J.
● A Trumpet Minuet; NMS KIRNBERGER, J.P.
● The Two Parrots; NMS
CLEMENTI, M.
Sonatina in C Major, Op. 36 No. 3 KÖHLER, L.
● 2nd movement; NMS ● Busy Street (Technic is Fun, Elementary B); Alfred
● Children's Song (Everybody’s Perfect Masterpieces,
D'ANGELBERT, J.H. 1); Alfred
● Minuet in F Major; NMS ● Theme and Variation ( Preparatory Piano Literature);
Faber
DUNCOMBE, W.
Sonatina in C Major KRIEGER, J.
● 1st movement; NMS ● Minuet in D Minor; NMS
GRAUPNER, C. LECOUPPEY, F.
● Bourrée in D Minor ● Musette ( Piano Literature, 1); Faber
● The Shepherd's Pipe (also known as Bagpipe
GURLITT, C. Dance)
● See-Saw ( Technic is Fun, Elementary B); Alfred
The First Lessons, Op. 117 LULLY, J.B.
● No. 6 (Rocking) ● Menuet in D Minor; NMS
● No. 15 (The Hunt); NMS
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MOZART, L. SCHUBERT, F.
● Bourrée in E Minor (Piano Classics, 1A); Harris ● Ecossaise in G Major; NMS
● Menuet in C Major (Piano Progress, 1); Faber
● Menuet in D Minor SPINDLER, F.
Notebook for Nannerl ● Lovely Roses ( Technic is Fun, Elementary B); Alfred
● Menuet in F Major (also known as Melody of Spring)
MOZART, W.A. TELEMANN, G.P.
● Allegro in F Major, K. 1C ( Piano Progress, 2); Faber ● Menuet in G Major (Piano Progress, I); F aber
● Menuet in C Major, K. 6; NMS Fantasias, TWV 33
● No. 17 (Andante in G Minor)
PURCELL, H. ● No. 18 (3rd section); NMS
● Air in D Minor; NMS
TÜRK, D.G.
SCHEIN, J.H. ● Arioso (Everybody's Perfect Masterpieces, II); Alfred
● Allemande in G Major; NMS ● Evening Song; NMS
● Little Dance ( Piano Literature, I); F
aber
SCHMITT, J.
● Sonatina in C Major; NMS VON WEBER, C.M.
● Ecossaise in G Major; NMS
Group 2 Romantic & 20th/21st Century Repertoire
NOTE: More repertoire is available on our Contemporary Idioms Repertoire List here
ADAIR, Y. *BERLIN, B.
Sketches from Hans C. Anderson; Oxford Elementary Piano Solos; Harris
● A Little Mermaid ● Hopscotch
● The Bronze Bear ● Oranges and Lemons
● The Elfin Hill ● The Merry-Go-Round
● Thumbelina; NMS ● The Sleeping Kitten
*ARCHER, V. BONIS, M.
● Small Steps ( Here and Now); Alberta Keys ● La Puce
*BADIAN, M. *BOUCHARD, R.
● Amusement; NMS ● Lullaby for a Baby Sister; Black Cat
● Presto Popcorn; Black Cat
BARTÓK, B.
For Children, 1 *BROWN, S.
● No. 2 ● Extremity No. 1 ( CFMTA Jubilee); Waterloo
● No. 3 (Children’s Song); NMS
● No. 6 *BRUCE, R.
● No. 7 ● A Friendly Dog
● No. 25 ● Black Cat
For Children, 2
● No. 9 *CHATMAN, S.
Amusements, 1; Harris
*BECKWITH, J. ● Silly Argument
● Twice as Fast, Half as Slow; NMS Amusements, 2; Harris
● Bozo's Flippity Flop; NMS
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Away! ● The Prowling Pussycat; NMS
● Spring Light
GOUD, S.
*COOK, D.F. ● Moon Through the Window ( CFMTA Jubilee);
● Barkey’s Boogie; NMS Waterloo
*COULTHARD, J. GRETCHANINOV, A.
● En Rêve; Alberta Keys Children’s Album, Op. 98
● First Little Dance (Music of Our Time, 1); W
aterloo ● No. 1 (A Little Fairy Tale)
*CROSBY GAUDET, S. *HANSEN, J.
● Angelfish ● Aeolian Lullaby; NMS
● Irish Jig ( Music of Our Time, 1); W
aterloo
DOLINSKY, A.
● Little Shepherd ( Russian Music for the Young *HARBRIDGE, A.
Pianist, 1); MCA ● East Side Boogie ( Pianozzazz, 1); WAN
● March of the WInd-Up Tin Soldier
*DONKIN, C. ● O Canada
● Crafty Card Tricks ● The Big Brown Bear Birthday…
● Dream Journey ● The Olympian ( Piano Styles, 1); WAN
● Time Travel
● Soaring HOPKINS, A.
● Thirds; NMS
*DUKE, D.
● Dreaming (Music of Our Time, 1); Waterloo KABALEVSKY, D.
● March ( Music of Our Time, 1); Waterloo 24 Pieces for Children, Op. 39
● Russian Spring Dance (Music of Our Time, 1); ● No. 12 (A Little Joke); NMS
Waterloo ● No. 13 (Waltz)
35 Easy Pieces, Op. 89
FOWKE/JOHNSTON (arr.) ● No. 2 (First Waltz)
● Citadel Hill; NMS/CCRS ● No. 6 (Jumping Champion)
● No. 8 (Porcupine Dance)
*GALLANT, P. ● No. 30 (Battle Song)
● This Old Man
● “Croc” the Curmudgeon *KASEMETS, U.
● Au Claire de la Lune ( One-Plus-One, 2); Berandol
GARSCIA, J.
● The Little Bell KRAEHENBUEHL, D.
● A Sad Tail ( Supplementary Solos, 1);
GEDIKE, A. Summy-Birchard
● Rigaudon ● Deck Rail Blues ( Supplementary Solos, 2);
● Danse No. 112 Summy-Birchard
● A Little Rabbit, Op. 36 No.4 (Piano Classics, 1B); ● Sleeping Beauty ( Contemporary Piano Literature, 1);
Harris Summy-Birchard
GEORGE, J. LAST, J.
● Distant Chimes; Summy-Birchard ● Druid's Circle; Oxford
● Drifting Clouds; NMS Cats; Oxford
● Snake Charmer; NMS ● Choose ONE
Gymnastics; Boosey & Hawkes
GILLOCK, W. ● Bend and Stretch
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● Balancing on the Beam ● Night Clouds ( Supplementary Solos, 1);
● March and Run Summy-Birchard
● Trampoline Menagerie; O
xford
● Deep Breathing and Relaxation ● Choose ONE
● Wandering Piper
PARSONS, M.
LUBARSKY, N. ● Hush-A-Bye/Dodo
● The Busy Hen (From Russia for Youth); Harris
*PATERSON, L.
LYAKHOVITSKAYA, S. ● Gremlins
● The Big Deer Pianimals; Harris
● Swinging Apes
MEDIN, Y.
● The Clock ( From Russia for Youth); H
arris *PEPIN, M.A.
Album for Youth; Editions Emma-P,
MILNE, E. www.marcandrepepin.com
● Lost ● First Steps
NAZAROVA, T. PERDEW, R.
● Hiker's March ( From Russia for Youth); H
arris ● Wallabies Waltzing; NMS
*NIAMATH, L. *POOLE, C.
All Year Round; Harris ● Mist; NMS
● Hallowe’en Night ● Spooks
Marching Mice; Harris
● On the Trampoline *PORTER, B.
● Picnic Time ● Chromatic Rag; NMS
● Robots
● Squirrels *RICHERT, T.
Soda Pop; Harris ● Far Away
● Big Teddy, Little Teddy
● Hide and Seek *RUDZIK, P.
● March of the Terrible Trolls ● The Mischievous Imp ( The Book of Easy Piano
● Monkey Mischief Magic); Red Leaf
● Soda Pop
● The Lonely Princess *RUMANCIK, M.
Watermelon and Friends; Harris Album for the Young; Prairie Sky
● Pineapple ● Butterly
● Inventing a Groove
NORTON, C. ● They’re Not Playing Nice
● Daytime Dreaming; NMS ● The Sad Doll Dances
● Duet for One
● Spider Blues; NMS SALUTRINSKAYA, T.
● Stairway; NMS ● Hop-Scotch ( From Russia for Youth); H
arris
● Water Lilies; NMS
SCHYTTE, L.
OESTEN, T. ● Melody for Left Hand, Op. 108 No. 12 ( Piano
● Hunting Horns (Piano Progress, 2); F
aber Literature, 2); Faber
OLSON, L.F. SHOSTAKOVICH, D.
● March, Op. 69 No. 1 ( Piano Classics, 1B); Harris
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● Waltz in A Minor; NMS ● Pirate Story; NMS
● Where go the Boats?
STRAVINSKY, S.
Piano Music for Children; Peters *TELFER, N.
● For the Kids Next Door ● A Great Big Sea; NMS
● Pagoda ● Monté sur un éléphant; Harris
● Stepping Stones
VOLKOV, V.
SUZUKI, S. ● Waltz
● Allegro in G Major; Zen-On Music
*WANLESS, D.
TAN, C. ● Pentastic! (Pianozzazz); WA
A Child’s Garden of Verses; Harris
● My Shadow
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