ABRSM Grade 2 Keyboard Percussion
General Info
- Glockenspiel / Xylophone / Vibraphone / Marimba may be used in exam.
- Candidates must not alter a piece at any grade to suit the range of an instrument (unless indicated in the music).
- Scales and Arpeggios must be played on a single instrument. Sight reading may be played on the same or a different instrument.
- Candidates must choose three pieces from the repertoire list, including at least one piece marked with #.
- Candidates must play the upper part when pieces that are published as duets.
- Candidates must provide their own accompanist(s).
- Pieces accompanied by percussion must be played on a separate instrument from the candidates'.
Song List
Technical Requirements
Playing scales and arpeggios is important for building strong technical skills such as reliable hand movement and position, co-ordination and fluency. It also helps to develop pitch and interval awareness, and familiarity with keys and their related patterns. This leads to greater confidence and security when sight-reading, learning new pieces and performing- from a score or from memory, as a solo musician or with others.
Memory: All requirements should be played from memory.
Ranges: Candidates are free to start at any octave, provided the required ranges are covered.
Patterns: Arpeggios and Dominant Sevenths are required in root position only.
Instruments: Requirements may be played on Glockenspiel / Xylophone / Vibraphone / Marimba. Scales played on the vibraphone should be played without pedal.
Scales: F / G / Bb / D Major (One Octave) and D / E / G / B Minor (One Octave)
Arpeggios: F / G / Bb / D Major (One Octave) and D / E / G / B Minor (One Octave)
Sticking: All requirements should be played by hand to hand. Candidates may lead with either hand.
Supporting Publications: Percussion Scales & Arpeggios, ABRSM Grades 1-5
Demonstration Video: