International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

DRUMS
Syllabus Guide
2012 - 2018

www.rockschool.co.uk
© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 1
 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

Table of Contents

3 Introduction
4 Debut
6 Grade 1
8 Grade 2
10 Grade 3
12 Grade 4
14 Grade 5
16 Grade 6
18 Grade 7
20 Grade 8
22 Technical Work
25 Sight Reading
26 Quick Study Piece
26 Ear Tests
28 Assessment Criteria
30 Exam Regulations

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

INTRODUCTION

W Examination Structure
elcome to the Rockschool 2012-2018 syllabus for
Drums. This syllabus guide is designed to give The examination structure for the grade
teachers, learners and candidates practical infor- examinations is shown below:
mation on the graded examinations run by Rockschool. › 1st - pieces or technical exercises
› 2nd - technical exercises or pieces
The Rockschool website, www.rockschool.co.uk has detailed › 3rd - Sight Reading or Improvisation &
information on all aspects of our examinations, including Interpretation or Quick Study Piece
examination regulations, detailed marking schemes and › 4th - Ear Tests
assessment criteria as well as notated and audio examples › 5th - General Musicianship Questions
to help you prepare for the examination.

This Syllabus Guide covers the following examinations:

Examination Timings
Examination Timings for Grade Exams
› Graded Examinations Debut – Grade 8 & Performance Certificates
› Performance Certificates Debut – Grade 8 › Debut: 15 minutes
› Band Exams Grades 3, 5 and 8 › Grade 1: 20 minutes
› Grade 2: 20 minutes
Examinations › Grade 3: 25 minutes
Rockschool offers two types of graded music examina- › Grade 4: 25 minutes
tion, Grade Examinations and Performance Certificate. › Grade 5: 25 minutes
› Grade 6: 30 minutes
GRADE EXAMINATIONS › Grade 7: 30 minutes
Grade Examinations are available at every grade › Grade 8: 30 minutes
Debut - Grade 8 and consist of the following elements:
› 3 Performance Pieces: Debut - Grade 8 Examination Timings for Band Exams
› Technical Exercises: Debut - Grade 8 › Grade 3: 40 minutes
› Sight Reading: Debut to Grade 5 or Improvisation › Grade 5: 40 minutes
& Interpretation: Grade 1 – Grade 5 › Grade 8: 45 minutes
› Quick Study Piece: Grade 6 - 8
› Ear Tests: Debut - Grade 8
› General Musicianship Questions: Debut - Grade 8
Free Choice Pieces
Candidates are able to play a number of free
choice pieces in the examination:
These elements fall into two categories: Prepared work › Grade Examinations: 2 free choice pieces
and Unprepared work. Prepared work consists of the › Performance Certificates: 3 free choice pieces
three pieces and technical exercises. Unprepared work
consists of Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpreta- Visit www.rockschool.co.uk for grade specific criteria. For
tion, (Quick Study Piece at Grades 6 - 8), Ear Tests and guitar and drums, ‘Hot Rock’ offer examination graded
General Musicianship Questions. pieces with specially tailored backing tracks in specific
graded books.
PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES
Performance Certificates are available at every grade
Debut - Grade 8 and consist of the following elements:
Notation
All notated work is to be played as written. There should
› 5 performance Pieces: Debut – Grade 8 be no changes or arrangement (unless previously agreed
with Rockschool). Each piece is specifically written for
BAND EXAMS the grade to assess key notation issues regarding, pitch,
Band Exams are available for Guitar, Bass and Drums rhythm or technique. n
at grades 3, 5 and 8 and consist of the following elements:
› 5 Performance Pieces: Grades 3, 5 and 8

© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 3

 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

DEBUT

T
he Debut Bass exam is for candidates who have to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
been learning a short time and have learnt the correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
basic skills. There are two types of exam availa- again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
ble at Debut, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. done for the first piece.
Please see the Examinations section for an explana-
tion of the differences. TECHNICAL WORK
At Debut there are four groups of technical work.
Grade Exam The examiner will ask a selection from each group and
Prepared work: candidates play 3 pieces that last a before you start the section you will be asked whether
maximum of 1 minute and Technical Exercises cover you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
the preliminary areas. hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
Unprepared work: candidates are required to use the
drums for a simple sight reading test and two ear tests Tempo: 70 bpm
that begin to develop fill playback and groove recall. Group A: Single Strokes
The final part of the exam is a set of 5 simple ques- In eighth notes
tions based on the candidate’s choice of piece. These
are designed to explore simple theory and instrument Group B: Double Strokes
knowledge. In eighth notes

Exam Structure Group C: Paradiddles

The Debut exam lasts 15 minutes and will In eighth notes
be taken in the following structure.  
› 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Group D: Fill
The candidate chooses to play either their In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise
pieces or their technical exercises first. from the Grade Debut book to a backing track. The
› 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. groove is shown in bars 1-3 and the examiner will
The candidate will perform the element not choose one fill from a set of four to be played in bar 4.
chosen above.
› 3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given a SIGHT READING
simple previously unseen test to practice and play. Tempo: 80 bpm
› 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to At Debut you will be offered a previously unseen Sight
two simple tests. Fill playback and Groove recall. Reading test that is in the form of a four bar rhythm
› 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. played on the snare drum. This is a previously unseen
The candidate answers 5 questions related to test and an example is shown in the Debut grade book.
a piece of their choice. The test is 4 bars long made up of half and quarter
notes and quarter note rests. The examiner will allow 90
PIECES seconds preparation and practice time and will offer the
At Debut the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 minute. option of practising with or without a metronome. The
This is to enable the candidate to remain focused and candidate will then perform the test for the examination.
concentrate on the basic requirements of notation and
control. Simple groove work and coordination EAR TESTS
and sync. There are two tests which are Fill Playback
and Recognition and Groove Recall.
Setting the Level of the Backing Track
Before playing the first piece all the way through, the Fill Playback and Recognition
examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track Tempo 70 bpm
is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the

© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 4

 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
the test twice. The test is made up of quarter and eighth ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
notes. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to piece, you can email it to [email protected] and a
practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n
then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The
candidate will then be required to identify the test from
two printed examples.

Groove Recall
Tempo 80 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is
repeated played on the hi hat, snare and bass drum with
a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each
time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-
in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next
you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the
groove back with the metronome backing.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge ques-
tions based on a piece of music that you have played in
the exam. You will nominate the piece of music about
which the questions will be asked.

In Debut you will be asked to identify:

› Drum voices on the stave
› Quarter note and eighth note values

Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding
your instrument.

In Debut you will be asked to identify:

› The following parts of the drum kit – bass drum,
snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat,
ride cymbal and crash cymbal

Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting
a maximum of 1 minute each.

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

There is an option of playing free choice pieces
in the examination.
› Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
› Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

GRADE 1

T
he Grade 1 Drum exam is for candidates who Setting the Level of the Backing Track
have been learning for a relatively short period Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
and have mastered the key basic skills. There examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
are two types of exam available at Grade 1, Grade is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
Examinations section for an explanation of the correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
differences. again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
done for the first piece.
Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a TECHNICAL WORK
maximum of 1 minute 15 seconds and demonstrate a At Grade 1 there are four groups of technical work.
selection of Technical Exercises. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either before you start the section you will be asked whether
a 4 bar sight reading test, or a 4 bar Improvisation and you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
Interpretation test. There are also two ear tests that be- hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
gin to develop fill playback and groove recall and the fi-
nal part of the exam is a set of 5 simple questions based Tempo: 70 bpm
on the candidate’s choice of piece. These are designed Group A: Single and Double Strokes
to explore theory and instrument knowledge. In eighth notes alternate bars

Exam Structure Group B: Single and Double Strokes

The Grade 1 exam lasts 20 minutes and will be taken In sixteenth notes alternate bars
in the following structure.
› 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Group C: Paradiddles
The candidate chooses to play either their pieces Single paradiddle in sixteenth notes
or their technical exercises first.
› 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. Group D: Fill
The candidate will perform the element not In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise
chosen above. from the Grade 1 book to a backing track. The groove is
› 3rd item - Sight Reading or Improvisation and shown in bars 1-3 and the examiner will choose one fill
Interpretation. The candidate is given a simple from a set of four to be played in bar 4.
previously unseen test to practice and play.
› 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION
two simple tests. Fill playback and recognition
and Groove recall
& INTERPRETATION
At Grade 1 you have the choice between Sight Read-
› 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. ing or Improvisation and Interpretation. The tests are
The candidate answers 5 questions related to previously unseen and an example can be found in the
a piece of their choice. Grade 1 book.

PIECES Sight Reading

At Grade 1 the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 Tempo: 80 bpm
minute 15 seconds. Pieces are over two pages and the At Grade 1 you will be offered a Sight Reading test that
length of piece is designed to enable the candidate to is in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the snare
remain focused on the requirements of notation, techni- drum. The test is made up of half and quarter notes and
cal control, coordination, balance and sync. quarter note rests. The examiner will allow 90 seconds
preparation and practice time and will offer the option
of practising with or without a metronome. The candi-
date will then perform the test for the examination.

© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 6

 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

Improvisation & Interpretation Instrument Knowledge

Tempo: 70-80 bpm The examiner will also ask you one question regarding
At Grade 1 the test is four bars long and the candidate your instrument.
will have 30 seconds preparation time. The test is in
the form of a notated one bar groove that should be In Grade 1 you will be asked to identify:
developed and a one bar fill. The examiner will offer the › The following parts of the drum kit – bass drum,
metronome as a guide or throughout this time. The can- snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat, ride
didate will then have a complete practice run through cymbal and crash cymbal
with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test › Two main drum kit makes
will be examined.
Performance Certificate
EAR TESTS The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting
There are two tests which are Fill Playback a maximum of 1 minute 15 seconds each.
and Recognition and Groove Recall.
Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
Fill Playback and Recognition There is an option of playing free choice pieces
Tempo: 70 bpm n the examination.
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the › Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear › Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces
the test twice. The test is made up of quarter and eighth
notes and quarter note rests. Each time the test is Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from
played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be the Hot Rock Drums Grade 1.
a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vo-
cal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
metronome backing. The candidate will then be required ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
to identify the test from two printed examples. or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
piece, you can email it to [email protected] and a
Groove Recall member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n
Tempo: 80 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is
repeated played on the hi hat, snare and bass drum with
a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each
time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-
in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next
you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the
groove back with the metronome backing.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge ques-
tions based on a piece of music that you have played in
the exam. You will nominate the piece of music about
which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 1 you will be asked to identify:

› Drum voices on the stave
› Quarter note and eighth note values
› A rest in the piece
 

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

GRADE 2

T
he Grade 2 Drum exam is for candidates who Setting the Level of the Backing Track
have been learning approximately one year Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
to eighteen months and have established the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
key basic skills along with solid basic techniques. is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
There are two types of exam available at Grade 2, to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
the Examinations section for an explanation of the again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
differences. done for the first piece.

Grade Exam TECHNICAL WORK

Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a At Grade 2 there are five groups of technical work.
maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds and demonstrate a The examiner will ask a selection from each group and
selection of Technical Exercises. before you start the section you will be asked whether
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
a 4 bar sight reading test, or a 4 bar Improvisation and hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
Interpretation test. There are also two ear tests that
develop fill playback and groove recall and the final part Tempo: 70 bpm
of the exam is a set of 5 questions based on the can- Group A: Single and Double Strokes
didate’s choice of piece. These are designed to explore In eighth and sixteenth notes alternate bars
theory and instrument knowledge.
Group B: Paradiddles
Exam Structure Single paradiddles in sixteenth notes
The Grade 2 exam lasts 20 minutes and will be taken using the whole kit
in the following structure.
› 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Group C: Flams
The candidate chooses to play either their pieces In quarter notes
or their technical exercises first.
› 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. Group D: Triplets
The candidate will perform the element not In eighth notes with alternate sticking
chosen above.
› 3rd item - Sight Reading or Improvisation and Group E: Fill
qInterpretation. The candidate is given a simple In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise
previously unseen test to practice and play. from the Grade 2 book to a backing track. The groove is
› 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to shown in bars 1-3 and the examiner will choose one fill
two simple tests. Fill playback and recognition from a set of four to be played in bar 4.
and Groove recall.
› 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION
The candidate answers 5 questions related to & INTERPRETATION
a piece of their choice. At Grade 2 you have the choice between Sight Read-
ing or Improvisation and Interpretation. The tests are
PIECES previously unseen and an example can be found in the
At Grade 2 the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 Grade 2 book.
minute 30 seconds. Pieces are over two pages and the
length of piece is designed to the candidate to remain
focused on the requirements of notation accuracy, tech-
nical control, coordination, balance and sync.

© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 8

 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

Sight Reading
Tempo: 70 bpm
GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS
At Grade 2 you will be offered a Sight Reading test
Music Knowledge
that is in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge ques-
snare drum. The test is made up of quarter, eighth and
tions based on a piece of music that you have played in
sixteenth notes and quarter and eighth note rests. The
the exam. You will nominate the piece of music about
examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and practise
which the questions will be asked.
time and will offer the option of practising with or with-
 
out a metronome. The candidate will then perform the
In Grade 2 you will be asked to identify:
test for the examination.
› Drum voices on the stave
› The meaning of time signature marking
Improvisation and Interpretation
› Quarter, dotted eighth note, eighth note
Tempo: 70-80 bpm
and 16th note values
At Grade 2 the test is four bars long and the candidate
› Rest values
will have 30 seconds preparation time. The test is in
› Repeat markings including first and
the form of a notated one bar groove that should be
second time bars
developed and a one bar fill. The examiner will offer the
metronome as a guide or throughout this time. The can-
Instrument Knowledge
didate will then have a complete practice run through
The examiner will also ask you one question
with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test
regarding your instrument.
will be examined.

EAR TESTS In Grade 2 you will be asked to identify:

› The following parts of the drum kit - bass drum,
There are two tests which are Fill Playback
snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat, ride
and Recognition and Groove Recall.
cymbal and crash cymbal
› The following parts of the drumstick - tip, neck,
Fill Playback and Recognition
shaft and butt
Tempo: 70 bpm
› Two main drum kit makes
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the
snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear
the test twice. The test is made up of quarter, eighth and
Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting
sixteenth notes and quarter note rests. Each time the
a maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds each.
test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There
will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will
hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back
Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
There is an option of playing free choice pieces
with the metronome backing. The candidate will then be
in the examination.
required to identify the test from two printed examples.
› Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
› Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces
Groove Recall
Tempo: 80 bpm
Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is
the Hot Rock Drums Grade 2.
repeated played on the hi hat (open and closed), snare
and bass drum with a metronome backing.You will hear
Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded
ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to
or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will
piece, you can email it to [email protected] and a
then play the groove back with the metronome backing.
member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n

© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 9

 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

GRADE 3

T
he Grade 3 Drum exam is for candidates who Setting the Level of the Backing Track
have been learning approximately eighteen Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
months to two years and have established the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
basic skills and the beginnings of stylistic awareness is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
through controlled balance, technique and coordina- to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
tion of the kit and the introduction of solo and devel- correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
opment work. There are two types of exam available again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
at Grade 3, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. done for the first piece.
Please see the Examinations section for an explana-
tion of the differences. TECHNICAL WORK
At Grade 3 there are six groups of technical work.
Grade Exam The examiner will ask a selection from each group and
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a before you start the section you will be asked whether
maximum of 2 minutes and demonstrate a selection of you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
Technical Exercises. hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either
a 4 bar sight reading test, or a 4 bar Improvisation and Tempo: 75 bpm
Interpretation test. There are also two ear tests that Group A: Single Strokes
develop fill playback and groove recall and the final part In eighth, eighth note triplets and sixteenth notes
of the exam is a set of 5 questions based on the can-
didate’s choice of piece. These are designed to explore Group B: Double Strokes
theory and instrument knowledge. In eighth and sixteenth notes using snare and toms

Exam Structure Group C: Paradiddles

The Grade 1 exam lasts 25 minutes and will be taken Single paradiddles in sixteenth notes using
in the following structure. the whole kit
› 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises.
The candidate chooses to play either their Group D: Flams and Drags
pieces or their technical exercises first. In quarter notes
› 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces.
The candidate will perform the element Group E: Triplets
not chosen above. In eighth notes with accents on snare and toms
› 3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given
a previously unseen test to practice and play. Group F: Fill
› 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to Tempo: 80 bpm
two tests. Fill playback and groove recall. In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise
› 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. from the Grade 3 book to a backing track. The groove is
The candidate answers 5 questions related to shown in bars 1-3 and the examiner will choose one fill
a piece of their choice. from a set of four to be played in bar 4.

PIECES SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION

At Grade 3 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 min- & INTERPRETATION
utes. Pieces are over two pages and the length of piece At Grade 3 you have the choice between Sight Read-
is designed to enable the candidate to remain focused ing or Improvisation and Interpretation. The tests are
on the requirements of notation, technical control, previously unseen and an example can be found in the
balance of kit, coordination, solo and improvisation work Grade 3 book.
and sync.

© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 10

 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

Sight Reading
Tempo: 70-80 bpm
GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS
At Grade 3 you will be offered a Sight Reading test that
Music Knowledge
is in the form of a four bar rhythm played on the snare
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge ques-
drum and is made up of quarter, eighth and sixteenth
tions based on a piece of music that you have played in
notes and quarter and eighth note rests. The examiner
the exam. You will nominate the piece of music about
will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice time
which the questions will be asked.
and will offer the option of practising with or without a
metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for
In Grade 3 you will be asked to identify:
the examination.
› Drum voices on the stave
› The meaning of time signature marking
Improvisation & Interpretation
› Quarter, dotted eighth note, eighth note, triplet
Tempo: 80-100 bpm
eight notes and 16th note values
At Grade 3 the test is four bars long and the candidate
› Rest values
will have 30 seconds preparation time. The test is in
› Repeat markings including first and second
the form of a notated one bar groove that should be
time bars
developed and a one bar fill. The examiner will offer the
metronome as a guide or throughout this time. The can-
Instrument Knowledge
didate will then have a complete practice run through
The examiner will also ask you one
with the backing track and then on the repeat, the test
question regarding your instrument.
will be examined.

EAR TESTS In Grade 3 you will be asked to identify:

› The following parts of the drum kit – bass drum,
There are two tests which are Fill Playback
snare, high tom, medium tom, floor tom, hi-hat,
and Recognition and Groove Recall.
ride cymbal and crash cymbal
› The following parts of the drumstick – tip, neck,
Fill Playback and Recognition
shaft and butt
Tempo: 70 bpm
› Two main drum kit makes
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the
› Two main cymbal makes
snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear
the test twice. The test is made up of quarter, eighth,
eighth note triplets and sixteenth notes and quarter
Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces
note rests. Each time the test is played it is preceded by
lasting a maximum of 2 minutes each.
a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to
practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will
then play the fill back with the metronome backing. The
Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
There is an option of playing free choice
candidate will then be required to identify the test from
pieces in the examination.
two printed examples.
› Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
› Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces
Groove Recall
Tempo: 80 bpm
Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is
the Hot Rock Drums Grade 3.
repeated played on the crash, hi hat (open and closed),
snare and bass drum with a metronome backing. You
Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is
ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short
or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vocal
piece, you can email it to [email protected] and a
count-in and you will then play the groove back with the
member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n
metronome backing.

© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 11

 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

GRADE 4

T
he Grade 4 Drum exam is for candidates who have Setting the Level of the Backing Track
been learning approximately two - two and half Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
years and have mastered the basic skills, prelim- examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
inary techniques and have acquired the beginnings of is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
stylistic awareness. Grade 4 develops further stylistic con- to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
viction and understanding through developed solo and correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
improvisation work and more complex groove patterns. again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
There are two types of exam available at Grade 4, Grade done for the first piece.
Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examina-
tions section for an explanation of the differences. TECHNICAL WORK
At Grade 4 level there are five groups of
Grade Exam technical work.
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a The examiner will ask a selection from each group and
maximum of 2 minutes 15 seconds and demonstrate a before you start the section you will be asked whether
selection of Technical Exercises. you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
an 8 bar sight reading test, or an 8 bar Improvisation
and Interpretation test. There are also two ear tests that Tempo: 75 bpm
develop fill playback and groove recall and the final part Group A: Single and Double Strokes
of the exam is a set of 5 questions based on the can- Eighth, eighth note triplets and sixteenth notes.To be played
didate’s choice of piece. These are designed to explore first time with singles and with doubles on the repeat
theory and instrument knowledge.  
Group B: Paradiddles
Exam Structure Sixteenth notes using the whole kit Triple Paradiddle.
The Grade 1 exam lasts 25 minutes and will Sixteenth notes using the whole kit
be taken in the following structure.
› 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Group C: Flams and Ruffs
The candidate chooses to play either their Flam tap and ruffs in quarter notes
pieces or their technical exercises first.
› 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. Group D: Hands and Feet Patterns
The candidate will perform the element not Four patterns
chosen above.
› 3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given Group E: Fill
a previously unseen test to practice and play. Tempo: 80 bpm
› 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise
tests. Fill playback recognition and Groove recall. from the Grade 4 book to a backing track. The groove is
› 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. shown in bars 1-3 and the examiner will choose one fill
The candidate answers 5 questions related to from a set of four to be played in bar 4. The candidate is
a piece of their choice. to play the repeat.

PIECES SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION

At Grade 4 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 & INTERPRETATION
minutes 15 seconds. The pieces are over two pages At Grade 4 you have the choice between Sight Reading or
and are designed so the candidate can retain focus and Improvisation & Interpretation.The tests are previously un-
concentration. Emphasis is on notation accuracy, stylistic seen and an example can be found in the Grade 4 book.
sense of groove, technical control including execution of
stylistic drum techniques, developing solo and improvisa-
tion elements and sync.

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

Sight Reading
Tempo: 70-80 bpm
GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS
At Grade 4 there is an element of improvisation. This
Music Knowledge
is in the form of a two bar development. At Grade 4
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge
the notation consists of quarter, dotted quarter, eighth,
questions based on a piece of music that you have
dotted eighth and sixteenth notes and quarter note and
played in the exam. You will nominate the piece of music
eighth note rests in 4/4. The test is 8 bars long and is on
about which the questions will be asked.
the whole kit. The examiner will allow 90 seconds prepa-
ration and practice time and will offer the option of
In Grade 4 you will be asked to identify:
practising with or without a metronome. The candidate
› Drum voices on the stave
will then perform the test for the examination.
› The meaning of the time signature marking
› The meaning of bpm markings
Improvisation & Interpretation
› Repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C.,
Tempo: 80-120 bpm
D.S., al Coda and al fine markings
In Grade 4, the improvisation and interpretation test
› All note values used in the chosen piece
contains a small amount of sight reading. This consists of
› Equivalent rests
a two bar groove at the beginning of the test. You will be
› One type of rudiment that can be used stylistically
asked to play the notation as indicated and complete the
in the solo or development section of the piece
test developing the groove and ending with a two bar
› Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques in
drum solo. This is played to a backing track of eight bars.
drum solo sections
EAR TESTS Instrument Knowledge
There are two tests which are Fill Playback
The examiner will also ask you one question
and Recognition and Groove Recall.
regarding your instrument.
Fill Playback and Recognition
In Grade 4 you will be asked to identify/explain:
Tempo: 70 bpm
› Any part of the drum kit and drumstick
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the
› How to tune the drum kit
snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear the
› Cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride and accent
test twice. The test is made up of quarter, eighth, eighth
note triplets and dotted eighth and sixteenth notes. Each
time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-
Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting
in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next
a maximum of 2 minutes 15 seconds each.
you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the
fill back with the metronome backing. The candidate will
then be required to identify the test from three printed
Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
There is an option of playing free choice pieces
examples.
in the examination.
› Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
Groove Recall
› Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces
Tempo: 80-120 bpm
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is
Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from
repeated played on the crash, hi hat (open and closed),
the Hot Rock Drums Grade 4.
ride, bell of ride, cross stick, snare and bass drum with
a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each
Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-
ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next
or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the
piece, you can email it to [email protected] and a
groove back with the metronome backing. You will then
member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n
be required to identify the style of the groove from
asset of three listed by the examiner.

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

GRADE 5

T
he Grade 5 Drum exam is for candidates who developing solo and improvisation elements, sync and the
have the intermediate skills and techniques and communication of the music through performance.
have developed an increasing sense of stylistic
conviction. This is demonstrated through instrumen- Setting the Level of the Backing Track
tal techniques, rhythmic complexity, coordination Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
and balance of the kit and maturing solo and improv- examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
isation work. There are two types of exam available is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
at Grade 5, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
Please see the Examinations section for an explana- correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
tion of the differences. again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
done for the first piece
Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a TECHNICAL WORK
maximum of 2 minutes 30 seconds and demonstrate a At Grade 5 there are six groups of technical work.
selection of Technical Exercises. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either before you start the section you will be asked whether
an 8 bar sight reading test, or an 8 bar Improvisation you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
and Interpretation test. There are also two ear tests that hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
develop fill playback and groove recall and the final part
of the exam is a set of 5 questions based on the can- Tempo: 80 bpm
didate’s choice of piece. These are designed to explore Group A: Single and Double Strokes
theory and instrument knowledge. Eighth, eighth note triplets and sixteenth notes.
To be played first time with singles and with
Exam Structure doubles on the repeat
The Grade 5 exam lasts 25 minutes and will be  
taken in the following structure. Group B: Paradiddles
› 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Single paradiddle in sixteenth notes using the whole kit
The candidate chooses to play either their pieces (bass drum follows the right hand)
or their technical exercises first. Triple Paradiddle Sixteenth notes using the whole kit
› 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. (bass drum follows the right hand)
The candidate will perform the element not
chosen above. Group C: Flams and Ruffs
› 3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given Flam accent and single drag tap
a previously unseen test to practice and play.
› 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds Group D: Rolls
to two tests. Fill playback and recognition Five stroke roll phrase (75bpm)
and Groove recall.
› 5th item - General Musicianship Questions. Group E: Hands and Feet patterns
The candidate answers 5 questions related to Four patterns
a piece of their choice.
Group F: Fill
PIECES Tempo: 90 bpm
At Grade 5 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 minutes In the exam you will be asked to play the Fill exercise
30 seconds. The pieces are over two pages and are de- from the Grade 5 book to a backing track. The groove is
signed so the candidate can retain focus and concentrate shown in bars 1-3 and the examiner will choose one fill
on notation accuracy, stylistic sense of groove, technical from a set of four to be played in bar 4. The candidate is
control including execution of stylistic drum techniques, to perform the repeat.

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

groove back with the metronome backing. You will then

SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION be required to identify the style of the groove from
& INTERPRETATION asset of three listed by the examiner.
At Grade 5 you have the choice between Sight Reading or
Improvisation & Interpretation.The tests are previously un- GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS
seen and an example can be found in the Grade 5 book.
Music Knowledge
Sight Reading The examiner will ask you four music knowledge ques-
Tempo: 80-120 bpm tions based on a piece of music that you have played in
At Grade 5 there is an element of improvisation. This the exam. You will nominate the piece of music about
is in the form of a two bar development. At Grade 5 which the questions will be asked.
the notation consists of quarter, dotted quarter, eighth,
dotted eighth and sixteenth notes and quarter note and In Grade 5 you will be asked to identify:
eighth note rests in 4/4. The test is 8 bars long and is on › Drum voices on the stave
the whole kit. The examiner will allow 90 seconds prepa- › The meaning of the time signature marking
ration and practice time and will offer the option of › The meaning of bpm markings
practising with or without a metronome. The candidate › Repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C., D.S.,
will then perform the test for the examination. al Coda and al fine markings
› Stylistic drum notation
Improvisation & Interpretation › All note values used in the chosen piece
Tempo: 80-120 bpm › Equivalent rests
In Grade 5, the improvisation and interpretation test › One type of rudiment that can be used stylistically
contains a small amount of sight reading. This consists of in the solo or development section of the piece
a two bar groove at the beginning of the test. You will be › Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques
asked to play the notation as indicated and complete the in drum solo sections
test developing the groove and ending with a two bar
drum solo. This is played to a backing track of eight bars. Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask you one
EAR TESTS question regarding your instrument.
There are two tests which are Fill Playback
and Recognition and Groove Recall. In Grade 5 you will be asked to identify/explain:
› Any part of the drum kit and drumstick
Fill Playback and Recognition › How to tune the drum kit
Tempo: 70 bpm › Cross stick, choke cymbal, bell of ride and accent
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the
snare drum with a metronome backing.You will hear the Performance Certificate
test twice.The test is made up of quarter, eighth, eighth The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting
note triplets, dotted eighth and sixteenth notes. Each time a maximum of 2 minutes 30 seconds each.
the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in.
There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back There is an option of playing free choice pieces
with the metronome backing.The candidate will then be in the examination.
required to identify the test from three printed examples. › Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
› Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces
Groove Recall
Tempo: 80-120 bpm Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is the Hot Rock Drums Grade 5.
repeated played on the crash, hi hat (open and closed),
ride, bell of ride, cross stick, snare and bass drum with Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
a metronome backing. You will hear the test twice. Each ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count- or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
in. There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next piece, you can email it to [email protected] and a
you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n

© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 15

 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

GRADE 6

T
he Grade 6 Drum exam is for candidates who techniques, technical control, maturing solo and
have begun to develop advanced technical improvisation elements and a clear sense of ownership
control and have a competent grasp of stylistic and communication of the music.
techniques. At Grade 6 this is shown through mature
stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, Setting the Level of the Backing Track
creative and stylistic solo and improvisation work Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
as well as a secure sense of communication and examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
performance. There are two types of exam available is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
at Grade 6, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
Please see the Examinations section for an explana- correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
tion of the differences. again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
done for the first piece.
Grade Exam
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a TECHNICAL WORK
maximum of 2 minutes 45 seconds and demonstrate a At Grade 6 there are five groups of technical work.
selection of Technical Exercises. The examiner will ask a selection from each group and
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play a before you start the section you will be asked whether
previously unseen Quick Study Piece. There are also you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
two ear tests that continue to develop fill playback and hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
recognition and groove recall and the final part of the
exam is a set of 5 questions based on the candidate’s Tempo: 80 bpm
choice of piece. These explore theory and instrument Group A: Single and Double Strokes
knowledge. Single and double strokes in triplet eighth notes, 16th
notes and 16th note sextuplets played alternately as a
Exam Structure continuous exercise. To be played first time with singles
The Grade 6 exam lasts 30 minutes and will be taken and with doubles on the repeat.
in the following structure.
› 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Group B: Paradiddles
The candidate chooses to play either their pieces Flam paradiddle in 16th notes and paradiddle-diddle
or their technical exercises first. in sextuplets
› 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces.
The candidate will perform the element not Group C: Ratamacues
chosen above. Single ratamacue.
› 3rd item - Quick Study Piece. The candidate is
given a previously unseen test to practice and play. Group D: Rolls
› 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds Five stroke roll phrase with accents on toms.
to two tests. Fill playback and recognition and Nine stoke roll phrase.
groove recall.
› 5th item - General Musicianship Questions.
The candidate answers 5 questions related to a
piece of their choice.

PIECES
At Grade 6 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2
minutes 45 seconds. The pieces are over four pages.
Emphasis is on notation accuracy, execution of stylistic

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

Group E: Stylistic Studies be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear
You will prepare a technical study from one group of a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back
styles from the list below. Your choice of style will with the metronome backing. You will then be required
determine the style of the Quick Study Piece. Each study to identify the style of the groove from a set of four
concentrates on two stylistic techniques. listed by the examiner.
› Rock/Metal: half open hi-hat, busy 16th-note
bass drum pattern GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS
› Funk: snare drum ghost notes, quick open/closed
hi-hats Music Knowledge
› Jazz/Latin/Blues: polyrhythm, advanced The examiner will ask you four music knowledge ques-
co-ordination tions based on a piece of music that you have played in
the exam. You will nominate the piece of music about
QUICK STUDY PIECE which the questions will be asked.
At Grade 6 you will be asked to prepare and play
a short Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is In Grade 6 you will be asked to explain:
determined by the stylistic study you selected in the › Any notation used in the chosen piece
technical exercise section. You will be shown the test and › Any dynamic marking found in the piece
played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars › What makes the drum groove stylistically
that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. appropriate
You will then have three minutes to study the test. The › Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques
backing track will be played twice more. You are allowed in drum solo sections
to practise during the first run through of the backing
track, with the notated parts now absent, before playing Instrument Knowledge
it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing The examiner will also ask you one question
track. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up regarding your instrument.
to you to create your own interpretation of the music in
the parts marked for improvisation. In Grade 6 you will be asked to explain and
demonstrate:
EAR TESTS › Care and maintenance of drums
There are two tests which are Fill Playback › How to tune the drum kit according to the
and Recognition and Groove Recall. style of one of the pieces played
› How to convincingly produce: cross stick, choke
Fill Playback and Recognition cymbal, bell of ride, rim-shots, ghost notes, half
Tempo: 70 bpm open hi-hat, accents
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the
snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear Performance Certificate
the test twice. The test will be made up of all values and The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting
combinations from quarter note to 16th note sextuplet a maximum of 2 minutes 45 seconds each.
and quarter and eighth note rests. Each time the test is
played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a vo- There is an option of playing free choice pieces
cal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the in the examination.
metronome backing. The candidate will then be required › Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
to identify the test from three printed examples. › Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces

Groove Recall Tempo Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
Tempo: 80-120 bpm ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
repeated played on the whole kit with a metronome piece, you can email it to [email protected] and a
backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n
is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will

© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 17

 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

GRADE 7

T
he Grade 7 Drum exam is for candidates who sense of ownership and communication of the music
have developed advanced technical control and through performance.
have a thorough grasp of extended stylistic
techniques. At Grade 7 this is shown through mature Setting the Level of the Backing Track
stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
work as well as a commanding sense of communica- is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
tion and performance. There are two types of exam to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
available at Grade 7, Grade Exam or Performance correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
explanation of the differences. done for the first piece.

Grade Exam TECHNICAL WORK

Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a At Grade 7 there are seven groups of technical work.
maximum of 3 minutes 10 seconds and demonstrate a The examiner will ask a selection from each group and
selection of Technical Exercises. before you start the section you will be asked whether
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play a you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
previously unseen Quick Study Piece. There are also hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
two ear tests that continue to develop fill playback and
recognition and groove recall and the final part of the Group A: Single and Double Strokes
exam is a set of 5 questions based on the candidate’s (65bpm) Single strokes in quarter notes, eighth notes,
choice of piece. These explore theory and instrument eighth-note triplets, 16th notes, quintuplet 16th notes,
knowledge. sextuplet 16th notes, septuplet 16th notes and
32nd notes.
Exam Structure
The Grade 7 exam lasts 30 minutes and will be taken Group B: Paradiddles
in the following structure. (80bpm) Flam paradiddle in 16th notes and
› 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. paradiddle-diddle in sextuplets with accents on toms.
The candidate chooses to play either their pieces
or their technical exercises first. Group C: Flams
› 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. (80bpm) Pataflafla
The candidate will perform the element not
chosen above. Group D: Ratamacues
› 3rd item - Quick Study Piece. The candidate is (80bpm) Single and double ratamacue
given a previously unseen test to practice and play.
› 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds Group E: Rolls
to two tests. Fill playback and recognition (85bpm) Seven stroke roll phrase. Nine stoke
and groove recall. roll phrase with accents on toms.
› 5th item - General Musicianship Questions.
The candidate answers 5 questions related to Group F: Stylistic Studies
a piece of their choice. You will prepare a technical study from one group of
styles from the list below. Your choice of style will deter-
PIECES mine the style of the Quick Study Piece.
At Grade 7 the pieces last up to a maximum of 3
minutes 10 seconds. The pieces are over four pages. › Rock/Metal: bell of ride 7/8 pattern, five stroke roll
Emphasis is on notation accuracy, commanding execu- › Funk: linear funk, nine stroke roll
tion of stylistic techniques and technical control, mature › Jazz/Latin/Blues: bell of ride 6/8 pattern,
and creative solo and improvisation elements and a clear splashed hi-hats

© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 18

 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

In Grade 7 you will be asked to explain:

QUICK STUDY PIECE › Any notation used in the chosen piece
At grade 7 you will be asked to prepare and play a
› Any dynamic marking found in the piece
Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is deter-
› What makes the drum groove stylistically
mined by the stylistic study you selected in the technical
appropriate
exercise section. You will be shown the test and played
› Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques
the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that
in drum solo sections
require improvisation will not be demonstrated. You will
then have three minutes to study the test. The backing
Instrument Knowledge
track will be played twice more. You are allowed to
The examiner will also ask you one question
practise during the first run through of the backing track,
regarding your instrument.
with the notated parts now absent, before playing it to
the examiner on the second playing of the backing track.
In Grade 7 you will be asked to explain
The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up to
and demonstrate:
you to create your own interpretation of the music in
› Care and maintenance of drums
the parts marked for improvisation.
› How to tune the drum kit according to the style
of one of the pieces played
EAR TESTS › How to convincingly produce: cross stick, choke
There are two tests which are Fill Playback
cymbal, bell of ride, rim-shots, ghost notes, half
and Recognition and Groove Recall.
open hi-hat, accents
Fill Playback and Recognition
Tempo: 70 bpm
Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the
a maximum of 3 minutes 10 seconds each.
snare drum with a metronome backing.You will hear the
test twice. The test will be made up of all values and com-
binations from quarter note to 16th note sextuplet and
Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
There is an option of playing free choice
quarter, eighth and sixteenth note rests. Each time the test
pieces in the examination.
is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will
› Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear a
› Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces
vocal count-in and you will then play the fill back with the
metronome backing. The candidate will then be required
Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
to identify the test from three printed examples.
ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
Groove Recall
piece, you can email it to [email protected] and a
Tempo: 80-140 bpm
member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is
repeated played on the whole kit with a metronome
backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test
is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will
be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear
a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back
with the metronome backing. You will then be required
to identify the style of the groove from a set of four
listed by the examiner.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge ques-
tions based on a piece of music that you have played in
the exam. You will nominate the piece of music about
which the questions will be asked.

© Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Drums Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 19

 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

GRADE 8

T
he Grade 8 Drum exam is for candidates who and a clear sense of ownership and communication of
have mastered advanced technical control and the music through performance.
have a thorough grasp of extended stylistic
techniques. At Grade 8 this is shown through mature Setting the Level of the Backing Track
stylistic conviction, consummate execution of rhyth- Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
mic complexity, mature and creative stylistic solo and examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
improvisation work as well as a commanding sense is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
of communication and performance. There are two to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
types of exam available at Grade 8, Grade Exam or correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
section for an explanation of the differences. done for the first piece.

Grade Exam TECHNICAL WORK

Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a At Grade 8 there are six groups of technical work.
maximum of 3 minutes 45 seconds and demonstrate a The examiner will ask a selection from each group and
selection of Technical Exercises. before you start the section you will be asked whether
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play a you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
previously unseen Quick Study Piece. There are also hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
two ear tests that continue to develop fill playback and
recognition and groove recall and the final part of the Group A: Single Strokes
exam is a set of 5 questions based on the candidate’s (65bpm): Single strokes in quarter notes, eighth notes,
choice of piece. These explore theory and instrument eighth-note triplets, 16th notes, quintuplet 16th notes,
knowledge. sextuplet 16th notes, septuplet 16th notes, 32nd notes,
nontuplet 32nd notes and double quintuplet 32nd notes
Exam Structure
The Grade 8 exam lasts 30 minutes and will be taken Group B: Paradiddles
in the following structure. (90bpm) Paradiddle-diddle and alternative paradid-
› 1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. dle-diddle in sextuplets around the kit.
The candidate chooses to play either their pieces
or their technical exercises first. Group C: Triplets
› 2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. (85bpm) Swiss Army Triplet and Pataflafla
The candidate will perform the element not
chosen above. Group D: Ratamacues
› 3rd item - Quick Study Piece. The candidate is (85bpm) Triple ratamacue
given a previously unseen test to practice and play.
› 4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds Group E: Rolls
to two tests. Fill playback and recognition and (90bpm) Seven stroke roll phrase with accent on the
groove recall toms. Combined rolls.
› 5th item - General Musicianship Questions.
The candidate answers 5 questions related to Group F: Stylistic Studies
a piece of their choice. You will prepare a technical study from one group of
styles from the list below. Your choice of style will deter-
PIECES mine the style of the Quick Study Piece.
At Grade 8 the pieces last up to a maximum of 3 › Rock/Metal: rhythmic displacement, 5/4
minutes 45 seconds. The pieces are over four pages. coordination
Emphasis is on command of complex notation accuracy, › Funk: linear funk with 32nd notes, stepped hi hat
execution of stylistic techniques and technical control, › Jazz/Latin/Blues: 3-2 and 2-3 clave
mature and creative solo and improvisation elements

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

the exam. You will nominate the piece of music about

QUICK STUDY PIECE which the questions will be asked.
At grade 8 you will be asked to prepare and play a
Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is deter-
In Grade 8 you will be asked to explain:
mined by the stylistic study you selected in the technical
› Any notation used in the chosen piece
exercise section. You will be shown the test and played
› Any dynamic marking found in the piece
the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that
› What makes the drum groove stylistically
require improvisation will not be demonstrated. You will
appropriate
then have three minutes to study the test. The backing
› Use of drum voices, rhythms and techniques
track will be played twice more. You are allowed to
in drum solo sections
practise during the first run through of the backing track,
with the notated parts now absent, before playing it to
Instrument Knowledge
the examiner on the second playing of the backing track.
The examiner will also ask you one question regarding
The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up to
your instrument.
you to create your own interpretation of the music in
the parts marked for improvisation.
In Grade 8 you will be asked to explain and
demonstrate:
EAR TESTS › Care and maintenance of drums
There are two tests which are Fill Playback
› How to tune the drum kit according to the style
and Recognition and Groove Recall.
of one of the pieces played
› How to convincingly produce: cross stick, choke
Fill Playback and Recognition
cymbal, bell of ride, rim-shots, ghost notes, half
Tempo: 70 bpm
open hi-hat, accents
The examiner will play you a one bar fill played on the
snare drum with a metronome backing. You will hear
the test twice. The test will be made up of all values and
Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting
combinations from quarter note to 16th note sextuplet
a maximum of 3 minutes 45 seconds each.
and quarter, eighth and sixteenth note rests. Each time
the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in.
There will be a short gap for you to practise. Next you
Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
There is an option of playing free choice pieces
will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the fill
in the examination.
back with the metronome backing. The candidate will
› Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
then be required to identify the test from three printed
› Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces
examples.
Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
Groove Recall
ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
Tempo: 80-160 bpm
or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
The examiner will play you a two bar groove that is
piece, you can email it to [email protected] and a
repeated played on the whole kit with a metronome
backing. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n
is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will
be a short gap for you to practise. Next you will hear
a vocal count-in and you will then play the groove back
with the metronome backing. You will then be required
to identify the style of the groove from a set of four
listed by the examiner.

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask you four music knowledge ques-
tions based on a piece of music that you have played in

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

TECHNICAL
Technical WORK
Work
Debut, Grade 1, 2 & 3
DEBUT GRADE 1, 2 & 3
Debut 1 2 3
Tempo q= 70 q= 70 q= 70 q= 75
Single Strokes Single & Double Single & Double Strokes Single Strokes
Group A e Strokes
s n § y
e 3

Group B Double Strokes Single & Double Single Paradiddle with Double Strokes

e Strokes Accent
e s
s s
Group C Paradiddles Paradiddles Flams Single Paradiddle

e s q Accents on Snare &

Tom

s
Group D Fill Fill Triplets Flams & Drags

§ q
3
Group E û û Fill Triplets. Accents on
Snare & Toms

§
3
Group F û û û Fill

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

Grade 4 & 5
GRADE 4&5
4 5
Tempo q= 75-80 q= 80
Single & Double Single & Double
Strokes Strokes
Group A
n § y n § y
3 3
Group B Paradiddles: Single & Paradiddles: Single &
Triplet Triplet

s s
Group C Flams: Flam Tap & Flams: Flam Accent &
Ruffs Single Drag Tap

n q § n
3
Group D Hands & Feet Pattern Rolls: 5 Stroke Roll

§ y Phrase
3
Group E Fill Hands & Feet Pattern

§ y
3
Group F û Fill

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

Grade 6, 7 & 8
GRADE 6, 7 & 8
6 7 8
Tempo q= 80 q= 65-85 q= 65-90
Single & Double Single Single

Group A
Strokes
q- q-
§ y 5 5
3 6
Group B Paradiddles: Flam Paradiddles: Flam Paradiddles: Paradiddle-
Paradiddle, Paradiddle, diddle, Alternative
Paradiddle-diddle Paradiddle-diddle Paradiddle-diddle

Y y
Group C Ratamacue Single Flams Pataflafla Triplets: Swiss Army

§ s Triplet & Pataflafla

3
§ y
3
Group D Rolls: 5 & 9 Stroke Ratamacue: Double & Ratamacue: Triple
Roll Phrase Single
Group E Stylistic Study Rolls: 7 & 9 Stroke Roll Rolls: 7 Stroke Roll
Rock/Metal Phrase Phrase With Accent on
Funk Toms, Combined Rolls
Jazz/Latin/Blues
Group F Stylistic Study Stylistic Study
Rock/Metal Rock/Metal
Funk Funk
Jazz/Latin/Blues Jazz/Latin/Blues

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

SightREADING
SIGHT ReadingANDand Improvisation
IMPROVISATION & Interpretation
& INTERPRETATION
Debut, Grade 1, 2 & 3
DEBUT GRADE 1, 2 & 3
Debut 1 2 3
Sight Reading
Tempo q= 80 q= 80 q= 70 q= 70-80
Notation
qnQ qnQ qes Q E qes Q E
Length (Bars) 4 4 4 4
Drums used Snare Snare Snare Snare
Improvisation & Interpretation
Tempo û q= 80 q= 80 q= 80-100
Notation û
qe qe Q E qeis Q E
Length û 4 4 4
Drums used û Hi-hat, Hi-hat, Crash,
Snare, Snare, Hi-hat,
Bass Bass Snare,
Bass

QUICK STUDY
Quick StudyPIECE
Piece
Grade 6,6,77&&88
GRADE
6 7 8
Tempo q= 80-120 q= 80-120 q= 80-120
Styles Rock/Metal Rock/Metal Rock/Metal
Funk Funk Funk
Jazz/Latin/Blues Jazz/Latin/Blues Jazz/Latin/Blues
Length (Bars) 12 12 12
Sight reading (Bars) 6 6 6
Solo/Improvisation (Bars) 6 6 6
Preparation/Practice 1 listen with Bass + 1 listen with Bass + 1 listen with Bass +
3 minutes practice + 3 minutes practice + 3 minutes practice +
1 run through 1 run through 1 run through

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

EAR
Ear TESTS
Ear Tests
Tests
Debut, Grade 1, 2 & 3
DEBUT GRADE1,1,22&&33
Debut, Grade
Debut 1 2 3
Test 1 - Fill Playback
Debut 1 2 3
Test 1 - Fill Playback
Tempo q= 70 q= 70 q= 70 q= 70
Tempo
Notation
q= 70 q= 70 q= 70 q= 70
Notation qe qe Q qes Q qes™ Q
qe qe Q qes Q qes™
3 Q
3
Length (Bars) 1 1 1 1
Length (Bars) 1 1 1 1
Drums used Snare Snare Snare Snare
Drums used Snare Snare Snare Snare
Test 2 - Groove Recall
Test 2 - Groove Recall
Tempo q= 80 q= 80 q= 80 q= 80
Tempo
Notation
q= 80 q= 80 q= 80 q= 80
Notation qe qe qe qe E
Length (Bars)
qe
2 repeated
qe
2 repeated
qe
2 repeated
qe E
2 repeated
Length (Bars) 2 repeated 2 repeated 2 repeated 2 repeated
Drums used Hi-hat, Hi-hat, Hi-hat (open/closed), Crash,
Drums used Hi-hat,
Snare, Hi-hat,
Snare, Hi-hat (open/closed),
Snare, Crash, (open/closed),
Hi-hat
Snare,
Drums Snare,
Drums Snare,
Drums Hi-hat (open/closed),
Snare,
Drums Drums Drums Snare,
Drums
Drums

Grade 4 & 5
Grade 4 & 5
GRADE 4 & 5
4 5
Test 1 - Fill Playback
4 5
Test 1 - Fill Playback
Tempo q= 70 q= 70
Tempo
Notation
q= 70 q= 70
Notation qeis™ Q E qeis™ Q E
qeis™
3 QE qeis™
3 QE
3 3
Length (Bars) 1 1
Length (Bars) 1 1
Drums used Snare Snare
Drums used Snare Snare
Test 2 - Groove Recall
Test 2 - Groove Recall
Tempo q= 80-120 q= 80-120
Tempo
Notation
q= 80-120 q= 80-120
Notation qes Q qes™
qes Q qes™
3
Length (Bars) 2 repeated 2 repeated3
Length (Bars) 2 repeated 2 repeated
Drums used Crash, Crash,
Drums used Crash, (open/closed),
Hi-hat Crash, (open/closed),
Hi-hat
Hi-hat (open/closed),
Ride, Hi-hat (open/closed),
Ride,
Ride,of ride,
Bell Ride,of ride,
Bell
Bell ofstick
Cross ride, Bell ofstick
Cross ride,
Cross
Snare, stick Cross
Snare, stick
Snare,
Drums Snare,
Toms,
Drums Toms,
Drums
Drums

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

Grade 6, 7 & 8
GRADE 6, 7 & 8
6 7 8
Test 1 - Fill Playback
Tempo q = 70 q = 70 q = 70
Notation
qes™ qes™ ³ qeis™ ³
3 3 3 3 3

QE QE QES
6 6 6

Length (Bars) 1 1 1
Drums used Snare Snare Snare
Test 2 - Groove Recall
Tempo q = 80-140 q = 80-140 q = 80-160
Notation
qeis Q E qeis Q qeis ™
3
Length (Bars) 2 repeated 2 repeated 2 repeated
Tempo Whole kit Whole kit Whole kit
Time Signatures
4 5 6 7
4 4 8 8

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

Assessment Criteria
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Prepared Work
PREPARED WORK
Debut - Grade 2 Grade 3 - Grade 5 Grade 8 - Grade 8
Distinction • Consistent and secure basic • Consistent and secure • Consistent and secure
Pieces 18-20 techniques techniques advanced techniques
Technical exercises 13-15 • Consistent rhythm / pulse • Consistent rhythm / pulse • Consistent rhythm / pulse
• Notation accuracy detailed • Notation / harmonic • Notation / harmonic
throughout accuracy detailed accuracy detailed
• Consistent sync throughout throughout
• Highly confident and • Stylistic direction detailed • Stylistic direction detailed
assured presentation throughout throughout
• Convincing and stylistic solo • Advanced solo / improv
/ improv with stylistic conviction
• Consistent sync • Consistent sync
• Highly confident and assured • Comprehensive
stylistic performance understanding of complete
musical structure
• Convincing communication
through stylistic
performance
Merit • Secure basic techniques • Secure techniques overall • Secure advanced
Pieces 15-17 overall • Secure rhythm / pulse overall techniques overall
Technical exercises 11-12 • Secure rhythm / pulse • Notation / harmonic • Secure rhythm / pulse
overall accuracy observed overall overall
• Notation accuracy observed • Stylistic direction observed • Detailed notation /
overall overall harmonic accuracy
• Mainly synchronised • Stylistic solo / improv overall observed overall
• Confident presentation • Mainly synchronised • Stylistic direction observed
overall • A sense of stylistic overall
performance overall • Convincing and stylistic
solo / improv overall
• Mainly synchronised
• Secure understanding of
complete musical structure
• Good sense of
communication through
stylistic performance
Pass • Basic techniques evident • Some secure techniques • Some advanced techniques
Pieces 12-14 • Rhythm / pulse evident evident shown
Technical exercises 9-10 • Notation accuracy evident • Generally secure rhythm / • Generally secure rhythm /
• Sync evident pulse pulse
• Some confidence in • Some notation / harmonic • Notation / harmonic
presentation accuracy evident accuracy observed
• Some stylistic direction • Some stylistic direction
evident observed
• Adequate solo / improv • Solo / improv with some
• Sync evident stylistic conviction
• Some sense of stylistic • Sync evident
performance • General understanding of
musical structure
• Some sense of
communication through
stylistic performance
Below Pass 1 • Basic techniques not shown • Techniques hesitant and/or • Advanced techniques
Pieces 6-11 • Rhythm/pulse largely incorrect hesitant and/or incorrect

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 International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

Technical exercises 4-8 inaccurate • Rhythm/pulse mostly • Rhythm/pulse mostly

Technical exercises 4-8 • Notation
inaccurateaccuracy largely inaccurate inaccurate
• Rhythm/pulse mostly • Rhythm/pulse mostly
inaccurate • Notation/harmonic work Notation/harmonic work
• inaccurate
• Notation accuracy largely inaccurate
• Sync not achieved
inaccurate hesitant and /or incorrect hesitant and /or incorrect
• Notation/harmonic work • Notation/harmonic work
•• Unsure
Sync notinachieved
presentation Stylistic direction
• hesitant hesitant
and /or incorrect • Stylistic
hesitantdirection hesitant
and /or incorrect
and/or incorrect and/or incorrect
• Unsure in presentation • Stylistic direction hesitant • Stylistic direction hesitant
Solo/improv
• and/or limited in
incorrect Solo/improv
• and/or limited in
incorrect
stylistic understanding stylistic understanding
• Solo/improv limited in • Solo/improv limited in
• Sync largely
stylistic not achieved
understanding Sync largely
• stylistic not achieved
understanding
•• Sense of stylistic
Sync largely not achieved •• Hesitant in understanding
Sync largely not achieved
performance not achieved of musical structure
• Sense of stylistic • Hesitant in understanding
performance not achieved • Communicating
of musical structureof stylistic
performance not achieved
• Communicating of stylistic
Below Pass 2 • Incomplete performance • Incomplete performance • Incomplete
performance performance
not achieved
Pieces 0-5 •• No attempt performance No attempt performance No attempt performance
Below Pass 2 Incomplete •• Incomplete •• Incomplete
Technical exercises 0-3
Pieces 0-5 • No attempt • No attempt • No attempt
Technical exercises 0-3

Unprepared Work
Unprepared Work
UNPREPARED WORK Debut - Grade 8
Distinction • Notation/pitch accuracy correct throughout
Debut - Grade 8
Sight/Improv Consistent rhythm/pulse
Distinction •• Notation/pitch accuracy correct throughout
QSP/Ear Tests 9-10 •• Convincing improv/solo throughout
Sight/Improv Consistent rhythm/pulse
GMQ 5 •• Consistent sync
QSP/Ear Tests 9-10 Convincing improv/solo throughout
GMQ 5 •• Accurate
Consistentresponses
sync
Merit •• Notation/pitch
Accurate correct overall
responses
Sight/Improv Secure rhythm/pulse
Merit •• Notation/pitch correctoverall
overall
QSP/Ear Tests 7-8 •• Improv/Solo convincing overall
Sight/Improv Secure rhythm/pulse overall
GMQ 4 •• Mainly synchronised
QSP/Ear Tests 7-8 Improv/Solo convincing overall
GMQ 4 •• Accurate responses overall
Mainly synchronised
Pass •• Notation/pitch accuracy
Accurate responses evident
overall
Sight/Improv •• Rhythm/pulse evident
Pass Notation/pitch accuracy evident
QSP/Ear Tests 6 •• Improv/solo evident and generally appropriate
Sight/Improv Rhythm/pulse evident
GMQ 3 Sync evident
QSP/Ear Tests 6 •• Improv/solo evident and generally appropriate
GMQ 3 •• Adequate Responses
Sync evident
Below Pass 1 •• Notation/pitch largely inaccurate
Adequate Responses
Sight/Improv Rhythm/pulse
Below Pass 1 •• Notation/pitch largelyinaccurate
largely inaccurate
QSP/Ear Tests 3-5 •• Improv/solo largely absent or inappropriate
Sight/Improv Rhythm/pulse largely inaccurate
GMQ 2 •• Sync largely absent
QSP/Ear Tests 3-5 Improv/solo largely absent or inappropriate
GMQ 2 •• Responses
Sync largelyvague
absentor incorrect
Below Pass 2 •• No attempt
Responses vague or incorrect
Sight/Improv Responses
Below Pass 2 •• No attemptnot offered
QSP/Ear Tests 0-2
Sight/Improv • Responses not offered
GMQ 0-1
QSP/Ear Tests 0-2
GMQ 0-1

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